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Seven Star Mountain Range - Tianmu Ancient Trail Shin-kan Trail
Tianmu Ancient Path and Scenic Hiking Trail
The Tianmu Ancient Path and Hiking Trail crosses the northwest slope of the Shilin and Huagang areas, located in the saddle area of the northern part of Shaomao Mountain. It belongs to the latter part of the old Yolu Ancient Trail system, encompassing several hiking paths between Huagang and Tianmu, constructed along the existing water pipeline. The gentle stream, lush primitive forest, and walking experience along this trail create a sense of refreshing coolness. The trail also leads to the Cuifeng Trail, which connects through Cuifeng Waterfall to the Monkey Grotto industrial road, offering an especially shady and cool walk through the mountain valley shaded by dense tree cover.
The Tianmu Ancient Path once served as an essential connection route between Jinshan and Tianmu. After the opening of Yantai Highway, this old trail became a true ancient path. In recent years, it has risen to become a popular hiking route, bustling with visitors on weekends.
Ecological Landscape of the Tianmu Ancient Path
The entire Tianmu Ancient Path ranges in altitude from approximately 300 meters to 120 meters, belonging to the ecology of taiwan's low subtropical broadleaf forest. The northeast monsoon, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and low temperatures, creates a warm temperate broadleaf forest scene on the windward side of the trail near the mountain waist. In contrast, the sheltered valley side of the mountain waist with its humid environment supports the growth of tropical broadleaf tree species, showcasing tropical phenomena such as buttress roots, aerial flowers, and strangler figs. Despite its altitude of only 300 meters, the Tianmu Ancient Path presents a compressed ecological environment featuring tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate broadleaf forests, making it a rare and precious natural treasure.
※A special reminder to hikers: near the fork in the trail leading down to Cuifeng Waterfall, monkey troops are often encountered. If you see monkeys, please do not feed them. The monkeys might accidentally cause harm to you when competing for food!
Water Pipe Trail
The Water Pipe Trail has historically been a crucial water source location within the Shilin and Huagang conservation forest area. The trail features abundant original forest scenery and numerous plant life like ferns and philodendrons (Colocasias) along the water line. This trail was constructed to divert springwater from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. While the earlier part of this trail features a steep uphill path with no visible large pipes, the latter portion has pipes buried beneath the path.
From the 1930s, stone slabs and cement were laid on the pipes for protection, thus forming the "Water Pipe Trail." The trail and pipelines separate due to the gentler mountain slopes in the Tianmu area. The trail starts at the Sanjia埔 Power Plant at the trailhead, which marks the endpoint of the pipeline.
Warming up before entering the forest
Starting from the mountain trailhead, hikers first face a challenge of thousands of stone steps. Along the way, passers-by offer hot tea and soup for free tasting. As soon as a little warmth builds, a sunhat appears. If thirst strikes, refreshments such as juice, tea, and sweet sweet-potato broth await in the cool forest. Curiously, there are already lines of local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes displayed right at the trail’s beginning—even before reaching Yangmingshan.
Described as having over 1,000 stone steps, this stretch counts as the preparation for entering the forest. Upon entering, you're greeted by a grove of longan trees, with giant trunks so thick two people have to join hands to encircle them. Longans used to be the major local agricultural output. Further ahead, comes the famous black water pipeline, at which point the mountain path suddenly becomes steep.
Climbing uphill surely demands some physical effort, and for rest, both midpath and at the end, there are pavilions and resting areas for pauses. Standing by the midway pavilion and glancing back, the city of Tianmu lies already beneath the mountain—gratifying enough to continue hiking forward even if a bit weary. If the weather is clear at the trail's end, you can gaze distant to the LinKou terrace, offering a great view of Northern Taipei's night skyline as well.
After completing this steep trail section, refresh your face and wipe the sweat away at the reservoir area—you're just about to enter the shaded smooth path ahead.
A poetic hiking journey
Most who visit the Water Pipe Trail find themselves enchanted by it. The trail is rich with tree cover, offering a cool and comfortable environment for strolling in summer, while in winter, although the north wind howls through the valleys, no chill penetrates. With smooth, even paths ideal for pausing and appreciating the views, strolling along this forest trail offers a view transition from the city of Tianmu and Nantou to lush mountainscapes, with fields descending in neat lines and drifting mists painting a dreamlike landscape.
Despite its modest height of only 300 meters, the Water Pipe Trail has preserved a rich, original vegetation since the Japanese era due to its status as a "water conservation area" and "conservation forest". The trail features many indicator species such as ferns and philodendrons (Colocasias) thriving around the water, with over 300 plant species identified, reflecting well-protected ecological conditions.
The rocky walls along the path often have built-up stones. Spring water flows from the rock face down into canals, attracting plenty of stream shrimp and tadpoles to gather here. In the latter part of the trail, a small canal carries clear spring water from the mountain, home to many marsh crabs and frogs, as well as a breeding ground for various dragonflies. From autumn to the following spring, the bird-like calls of Schistocerca swinhoii frogs can often be heard. Morning or evening brings chances to spot sightings of the Taiwan Macaque, too.
Water flowing gently through channels
The Water Pipe Trail originated in the Japanese colonial era to divert springwater from the third water source to Tianmu and Shilin. Walking along the mountain-side paths, the large pipes from earlier sections are no longer visible, as the latter segments are actually embedded beneath the trails. In the 1930s, stone slabs and earth were laid successively on top of the pipes for protection, forming the so-called pipeline route. Approaching the Tianmu region, as the mountain slope becomes gentler, the pipe and trails part company.
Now, the irrigation ditch along the mountain trail mimics the past water conduit, offering a clear representation of this ancient water-redirection method; standing by the uphil pipe section, the rapid water sounds within the main conduit can still be heard.
The trail begins at the Sanjia埔 Power Plant and ends at the pipeline's terminal. Though having fulfilled its original purposes, it still remains as a historical witness to this water system’s evolution.
The Tianmu Ancient Path and Hiking Trail crosses the northwest slope of the Shilin and Huagang areas, located in the saddle area of the northern part of Shaomao Mountain. It belongs to the latter part of the old Yolu Ancient Trail system, encompassing several hiking paths between Huagang and Tianmu, constructed along the existing water pipeline. The gentle stream, lush primitive forest, and walking experience along this trail create a sense of refreshing coolness. The trail also leads to the Cuifeng Trail, which connects through Cuifeng Waterfall to the Monkey Grotto industrial road, offering an especially shady and cool walk through the mountain valley shaded by dense tree cover.
The Tianmu Ancient Path once served as an essential connection route between Jinshan and Tianmu. After the opening of Yantai Highway, this old trail became a true ancient path. In recent years, it has risen to become a popular hiking route, bustling with visitors on weekends.
Ecological Landscape of the Tianmu Ancient Path
The entire Tianmu Ancient Path ranges in altitude from approximately 300 meters to 120 meters, belonging to the ecology of taiwan's low subtropical broadleaf forest. The northeast monsoon, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and low temperatures, creates a warm temperate broadleaf forest scene on the windward side of the trail near the mountain waist. In contrast, the sheltered valley side of the mountain waist with its humid environment supports the growth of tropical broadleaf tree species, showcasing tropical phenomena such as buttress roots, aerial flowers, and strangler figs. Despite its altitude of only 300 meters, the Tianmu Ancient Path presents a compressed ecological environment featuring tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate broadleaf forests, making it a rare and precious natural treasure.
※A special reminder to hikers: near the fork in the trail leading down to Cuifeng Waterfall, monkey troops are often encountered. If you see monkeys, please do not feed them. The monkeys might accidentally cause harm to you when competing for food!
Water Pipe Trail
The Water Pipe Trail has historically been a crucial water source location within the Shilin and Huagang conservation forest area. The trail features abundant original forest scenery and numerous plant life like ferns and philodendrons (Colocasias) along the water line. This trail was constructed to divert springwater from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. While the earlier part of this trail features a steep uphill path with no visible large pipes, the latter portion has pipes buried beneath the path.
From the 1930s, stone slabs and cement were laid on the pipes for protection, thus forming the "Water Pipe Trail." The trail and pipelines separate due to the gentler mountain slopes in the Tianmu area. The trail starts at the Sanjia埔 Power Plant at the trailhead, which marks the endpoint of the pipeline.
Warming up before entering the forest
Starting from the mountain trailhead, hikers first face a challenge of thousands of stone steps. Along the way, passers-by offer hot tea and soup for free tasting. As soon as a little warmth builds, a sunhat appears. If thirst strikes, refreshments such as juice, tea, and sweet sweet-potato broth await in the cool forest. Curiously, there are already lines of local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes displayed right at the trail’s beginning—even before reaching Yangmingshan.
Described as having over 1,000 stone steps, this stretch counts as the preparation for entering the forest. Upon entering, you're greeted by a grove of longan trees, with giant trunks so thick two people have to join hands to encircle them. Longans used to be the major local agricultural output. Further ahead, comes the famous black water pipeline, at which point the mountain path suddenly becomes steep.
Climbing uphill surely demands some physical effort, and for rest, both midpath and at the end, there are pavilions and resting areas for pauses. Standing by the midway pavilion and glancing back, the city of Tianmu lies already beneath the mountain—gratifying enough to continue hiking forward even if a bit weary. If the weather is clear at the trail's end, you can gaze distant to the LinKou terrace, offering a great view of Northern Taipei's night skyline as well.
After completing this steep trail section, refresh your face and wipe the sweat away at the reservoir area—you're just about to enter the shaded smooth path ahead.
A poetic hiking journey
Most who visit the Water Pipe Trail find themselves enchanted by it. The trail is rich with tree cover, offering a cool and comfortable environment for strolling in summer, while in winter, although the north wind howls through the valleys, no chill penetrates. With smooth, even paths ideal for pausing and appreciating the views, strolling along this forest trail offers a view transition from the city of Tianmu and Nantou to lush mountainscapes, with fields descending in neat lines and drifting mists painting a dreamlike landscape.
Despite its modest height of only 300 meters, the Water Pipe Trail has preserved a rich, original vegetation since the Japanese era due to its status as a "water conservation area" and "conservation forest". The trail features many indicator species such as ferns and philodendrons (Colocasias) thriving around the water, with over 300 plant species identified, reflecting well-protected ecological conditions.
The rocky walls along the path often have built-up stones. Spring water flows from the rock face down into canals, attracting plenty of stream shrimp and tadpoles to gather here. In the latter part of the trail, a small canal carries clear spring water from the mountain, home to many marsh crabs and frogs, as well as a breeding ground for various dragonflies. From autumn to the following spring, the bird-like calls of Schistocerca swinhoii frogs can often be heard. Morning or evening brings chances to spot sightings of the Taiwan Macaque, too.
Water flowing gently through channels
The Water Pipe Trail originated in the Japanese colonial era to divert springwater from the third water source to Tianmu and Shilin. Walking along the mountain-side paths, the large pipes from earlier sections are no longer visible, as the latter segments are actually embedded beneath the trails. In the 1930s, stone slabs and earth were laid successively on top of the pipes for protection, forming the so-called pipeline route. Approaching the Tianmu region, as the mountain slope becomes gentler, the pipe and trails part company.
Now, the irrigation ditch along the mountain trail mimics the past water conduit, offering a clear representation of this ancient water-redirection method; standing by the uphil pipe section, the rapid water sounds within the main conduit can still be heard.
The trail begins at the Sanjia埔 Power Plant and ends at the pipeline's terminal. Though having fulfilled its original purposes, it still remains as a historical witness to this water system’s evolution.
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