Tianmu Old Trail (Qixing Mountains)

After Yangde Boulevard opened, this former economic route gradually fell quiet and became today's hiking trail. The trail's most valuable asset is its distinctive 'compressed ecosystem'. Although the whole area lies only 120 to 300 metres above sea level, where simple subtropical broadleaf forest would be expected, forest features of several climate zones exist side by side. The key is the direct effect of the strong north-east monsoon blowing through the Datun Mountain saddle. On the windward slopes, strong winds, heavy rain and low temperatures produce cool, warm-temperate scenery, while in sheltered, damp valleys the humid conditions support tropical broadleaf trees, so buttress roots, flowers growing from trunks and strangler plants can be seen. This compression of tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate ecology, rare at low altitude, makes the trail an outdoor nature classroom. Monkeys are often seen near the fork where the trail drops down to Cuifeng Waterfall; do not feed them, as they may accidentally hurt you while fighting over food. The Shuiguanlu ('water pipe road') Trail dates back to the Japanese colonial period, when this route was built to carry spring water from the Third Water Source to Tianmu and Shilin. Because the area has been designated since then as a key water source and protected forest, it has been strictly protected and keeps a very natural, rich forest, with ferns, Alocasia and other water-loving plants growing thickly along the way. On the gentler later section, the large pipe is buried directly under the path. Around 1930, stone slabs and concrete were laid over the pipe to protect it, forming this easy 'water pipe road'. Only where the slope eases near Tianmu does the pipe's route separate from the trail. The Sanjiaopu Power Plant at the trail entrance is the starting point of the trail and was historically the end point of the pipeline. From the trailhead, walkers first face a hard climb of more than a thousand stone steps, which many regard as a warm-up before entering the forest. Early on, the path passes a grove of tall longan trees, some so thick that it takes two people to reach around them, a sign that longan was once the main local industry. The path grows steeper as it climbs. There are pavilions midway and at the top of the steps for a rest. From the midway pavilion you look back over Tianmu at the foot of the hill, and on clear days you can see the Linkou Plateau from the top; it is also said to be a fine spot for Taipei's night view. The steep climb ends beside a reservoir, after which the trail becomes a flat, shaded path. The path is level and shaded throughout by dense trees, so it stays cool even in summer; in winter the north-east monsoon can be heard roaring through the valleys, but the path itself is sheltered from the cold wind. The views change from the cityscapes of Tianmu and Beitou to wooded valleys, terraced fields and drifting mist. Although only about 300 metres above sea level, the well-protected area keeps its original forest and more than 300 plant species. Water is the lifeline of its ecology. On the cliffs beside the path, old stonework channels spring water seeping from the rock into ditches, where freshwater shrimps and tadpoles gather. In the later section, a clear spring-fed channel is a breeding ground for prawns, crabs, dragonflies and several kinds of frogs. From autumn to the following spring the bird-like calls of Swinhoe's frog are often heard in the woods, and early in the morning or at dusk there is a chance of seeing Taiwanese macaques.

Translated and shortened by DealTaipei from Taiwan's national tourism database. Sources are on the terms page.