aeeble

The Cao Ridge Ancient Trail is a section of the historic Danlan Ancient Trail opened by early settlers. The most well-known part today is the mountain path from Yuanwangkeng in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, to Dali in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, spanning 8.5 kilometers. The trail passes through Cao Ridge, the border between New Taipei City and Yilan County, and features two significant stone monuments that have made the "Cao Ridge Ancient Trail" renowned. The construction of the trail is based on Southern road-building techniques, widened by the Japanese during their rule, and later maintained and valued by various units after Taiwan's liberation. Every autumn, following the promotion of the Miscanthus Festival by the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration, the trail becomes a popular hiking path beloved by the public. The Cao Ridge Ancient Trail, stretching from Yuanwangkeng to the Dali Visitor Center, is primarily paved with bluestones. The highest point on the trail offers a distant view of the Fulong Beach and Gongliao Ao, where the weather is ever-changing, and one can witness different sceneries within minutes, leaving visitors in awe. The starting point of the trail at the Yuanwangkeng entrance features a waterside park where visitors can play in the water, though caution is advised. From the entrance, a 10-minute uphill walk leads to the "Die Ma Bridge." After crossing the bridge, the path becomes steeper, with more steps. Climbing the stairs for about an hour brings you to the highland of Cao Ridge, where you'll pass the "Shen Ji Rock" before arriving at the "Xiong Zhen Man Yan" monument. In autumn, the trail is covered with fallen leaves, adding a sense of antiquity to the walk. Fifteen minutes beyond the "Xiong Zhen Man Yan" monument, the tree line gradually thins, transitioning from tall trees to shrubs, and the "Hu Zi Monument" comes into view. Beyond the "Hu Zi Monument," the landscape is dominated by tall Miscanthus grass, living up to the name "Cao Ridge." From the viewing pavilion at the ridge, one can see the coastline and the Yilan railway line in the distance, as well as the turtle-shaped island of Guishan across the sea. Beyond the viewing pavilion, visitors can either return or continue for about an hour to reach the Dali Visitor Service Center, concluding their journey along the Cao Ridge Ancient Trail.