Syakaro Ancient Trail

The Syakaro National Trail is a path to ancestral lands that traverses history and mountains, hidden within the mountain forests at the border of Jianshi Township and Wufeng Township in Hsinchu County. The Syakaro National Trail is an in-depth hiking route that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. The trail is composed of two ancient sections: the 'Syakaro Guard Road' and the 'Sakaiyaji Guard Road'. Originally built during the Japanese colonial period as military guard roads, they traverse the living areas of the two major Atayal tribal groups, the 'Kinaji' and the 'Syakaro'. This route crosses the main ridge of Syakaro Mountain, which is over 2,000 meters above sea level. In earlier times, it was a vital thoroughfare for the Atayal people to visit relatives, hunt, and communicate. During the Japanese colonial period, for military control, Japanese police and soldiers widened the indigenous mountain paths into cross-ridge roads. They also established numerous police outposts, leaving behind ruins and historical traces that are still visible today. This makes the ancient trail not just a hiking path, but a living historical corridor. Strolling along the Syakaro Trail, one can see arrow-straight bamboo groves so dense they block out the sky, like stepping into an emerald time tunnel. In autumn and winter, maple leaves dye the mountains and fields red, spreading out like a poetic sea of forests. It becomes a hidden gem for maple leaf enthusiasts and photographers. The mountain paths along the way are winding, and the air is fresh. Occasional mists add to the tranquil atmosphere. Whether for historical and cultural exploration, nature and ecology experiences, or mountain hiking trips, the Syakaro National Trail is an ancestral secret realm that offers both intellectual and emotional enrichment, well worth a deep visit. ------Syakaro Ancient Trail------ Type: Mid-level mountain trail Difficulty: Moderate Length: Approximately 24 kilometers Trail conditions: Original mountain path, some sections require ropes