For travelers who don't often venture into nature, the Xiucai Mountain Trail with its elevation of under 400 meters offers an easy and gentle path, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy the pleasure of taking in distant views.
**Xiucai Mountain Trail: The Origin of Charity and the Legacy of History**
Jiangxian's Xiucai Neighborhood derives its name from three scholars who passed the imperial examinations during the Qing Dynasty. The Xiucai Mountain Trail, meanwhile, was made possible through generous land donations by several Huang family landowners, creating a beautiful retreat for the public to experience nature and connect with the land. The trail features various artistic installations reflecting local cultural identity—such as teapots, imperial examination cakes, and xiucai-themed figurines—perfectly blending art and scenery.
**Tea Terrace and Bamboo Sanctuary: Stroll Through Green Scenery and Experience Nature's Surprises**
The Xiucai Trail's most breathtaking feature lies in its harmonious blend of tea terraces and a peaceful bamboo forest. Entering the tea section from Alley 769 of Xiucai Road, you'll encounter row after row of neatly arranged tea fields. As you approach the end of this segment, a quiet bamboo grove emerges, with tall, slender bamboo swaying gently in the breeze. Sunlight filters through the gaps, casting a serene atmosphere upon visitors.
**City Views and the Legacy of Imperial Examination**
Continuing upward for about five minutes leads to Mose Ting (Dusk Pavilion), the ideal resting spot on the trail. Travelers can rest here while gazing at the scenic view of Yangmei City and absorbing the picturesque urban horizon. In front of the pavilion stands an interpretive sign explaining ancient imperial examination systems, allowing visitors to learn about the rigorous challenges of xiucai (scholars) exams and their cultural significance.
**Rich Ecosystem: Rare Chances to Encounter Endangered Birds**
Up to 50 bird species can be spotted along the Xiucai Trail. If lucky, you may even encounter the Black Kite or Japanese Sparrowhawk, both protected bird species in Taiwan. As travelers quietly walk through this tranquil forest, the songs of birds create a symphony around them, rendering every step an exploration full of delights—a must-visit for birdwatchers.
**Nearby Attractions: Pitang Pond Park and Bald Cypress Hideaway**
If you're not yet done exploring, don’t miss out on Xiucai Mountain’s 5B Pitang Pond Park. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the pond’s shoreline and bask in the serene beauty of landscape and water. Additionally, a less than 20-minute drive will bring you to the Bald Cypress Forest, where winter transforms the towering trees red. The dreamy red scenery is a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts.