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Guang Tian Highland Trail

2025-09-09
886-37-823115
苗栗縣南庄鄉向天湖部落
Located in the southwest of Xiangtianhu Tribe, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, Guangtian Gaoshan Mountain stands at an elevation of 1123 meters. Historically, it was a place where the Sakizaya people hunted and logged. Today, it is a reserved forest land, part of the 32nd forest class of the Nanzhuang Forest Area managed by the Forestry Bureau. The Guangtian Gaoshan Mountain hiking trail boasts an intact forest, with dense tree cover that provides ample shade. The ridge offers excellent views, allowing hikers to gaze at nearby villages, rolling hills, and stunning scenery. A visit to Xiangtianhu and the Miaoli Sakizaya Folk Museum can be conveniently combined, where one can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding landscape, savor local tea on the lakeside, stroll along the lakeside path, and learn about Sakizaya culture. This trail is highly popular among hiking enthusiasts. Starting from the trailhead, hikers are immediately greeted by a sea of purple flowers from the Lamium amplexicaule. The trail meanders through stands of kuihsiang (Dendrocalamus giganteus) and Chinese fir, gradually ascending. A fork in the path allows hikers to choose between Xiangtianhu Shan and Guangtian Gaoshan; both paths are interconnected, forming a loop. This means that, following signs and trail markers, hikers can explore both Guangtian Gaoshan and Xiangtianhu Shan in a single trip. Taking the right path towards Guangtian Gaoshan, a high platform on the left side of the ridge offers a perfect vantage point to admire Xiangtianhu Tribe. Nearby, Eguo Jishi Mountain, Luyacuo寮, and Xiangtianhu come into view. The trail is lined with dense forest, towering Chinese fir seemingly reaching the sky. Sunlight filters through, compelling hikers to pause and appreciate the beauty. Continuing on, hikers pass massive rocks and ascend, surrounded by lush ferns and wildflowers. Shortly after, they arrive at a relatively flat terrace, where a brief rest can be taken. A boundary marker for the plains is located to the left. Proceeding further, hikers reach the edge of a saddle, where a lush forest and a small path await. Following natural stairs formed by exposed tree roots, they climb onto the ridge and head west to the summit. At the summit, a fourth-order triangulation point is found to the northeast, marked by a towering oak tree. Although the surrounding forest partially obstructs the view, the northeast-facing cliff offers a glimpse of Eguo Jishi Mountain. To the west, the Taiwan Strait comes into view. Atop the mountain, hikers can enjoy the gentle breeze, stretch their limbs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Trail Information: 1. Starting and Ending Points: Xiangtianhu Tribe, Donghe Village ~ Guangtian Gaoshan Triangulation Point (Nanjiang Village) 2. Trailhead: Left side of 18號民宅, Xiangtianhu Tribe 3. Trail Length: 3 kilometers; Hiking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes one way 4. Trail Route: Guangtian Gaoshan Trailhead → High Platform by the Ridge → Massive Rock → Terrace of the “Ping Shan Jie” landmark → Guangtian Gaoshan Summit
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