aeeble

In the mountainous area of Sanxing Township and Tongxiao Township in Miaoli County, there is an ancient trail with dense woods and lush greenery, where large cobblestone-paved paths exude an ancient charm. The trail offers a serene and natural atmosphere, and as you walk on it, the gentle breeze and rustling leaves create a soothing melody accompanied by the chirping of cicadas and birds. The scenery opens up, and your mood lifts with it. In April and May, when the oil tube flowers bloom, the area transforms into a breathtakingly beautiful white landscape. Delicate and pure white oil tube flowers adorn the treetops, dance in the wind, and blanket the ground, creating a dreamlike scene. This is the 'Tiao Tan Ancient Trail' in all its seasonal glory. Let's explore this charming green tunnel together. The Tiao Tan Ancient Trail, now known as the 'San Tong Ridge Ancient Trail,' is located in Shuanghu Village, Sanxing Township. It was an important route connecting Tongxiao Township and Sanxing Township in the early days. The trail stretches 5 kilometers, from the Fuxing mountain area of Tongxiao to San Tong Ridge, then to Dapitou and Shikeng, eventually leading to the Sanxing train station. The trail is lined with well-preserved trees, including Chinese fir, camphor, sandalwood, and oil tube trees, creating a stunning forest landscape with fresh air. Walking along the winding trail in the mountainous area provides an immersive experience of a forest bath filled with phytoncides. Upon reaching San Tong Ridge, you'll find an open platform offering a panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see the Taiwan Strait, Tongxiao Power Plant, Iron Drill Mountain, and more. Take a moment to rest, stretch, and breathe in the fresh air. The vast scenery, coupled with a leisurely atmosphere, is the epitome of relaxation. The Tiao Tan Ancient Trail is one of the areas in Sanxing with the most oil tube trees. Every April and May, the trail is adorned with vibrant white flowers, transforming it into a spring wonderland. As you walk on the rustic stone steps, surrounded by green waves and white flower tides, you'll experience a completely different yet equally captivating ambiance. It is recommended that you visit the ancient trail regularly to not only benefit your physical and mental well-being but also to appreciate the distinct beauty of Tiao Tan Ancient Trail across different seasons. If you've visited the 'Tiao Tan Ancient Trail,' you might recall the '挑夫印象雕刻' (an impressionistic sculpture of a charcoal porter) at the entrance of Dapitou Ancient Trail on the Miaoli County Route 48. This sculpture embodies the origin and spirit of Tiao Tan Ancient Trail. About 150 years ago, residents of Fuxing in Tongxiao opened a stone stairway through the rugged mountains to travel to Sanxing for necessities and agricultural products. During the Japanese colonial period, the charcoal industry thrived in the mountainous areas of Tongxiao and Sanxing. Numerous charcoal kilns were built, and the charcoal produced was transported via this trail to Sanxing train station for shipment. The countless porters who traversed this trail created the 'Tiao Tan Ancient Trail,' a testament to the prosperity of Miaoli's charcoal industry and the enduring spirit of hard work and perseverance left behind by our ancestors.