Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail

In the mountainous area bordering Sanyi Township and Tongxiao Township in Miaoli, there lies an ancient trail. Dense forests provide a canopy of green shade, and large cobblestones pave a path that exudes a tranquil ancient charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia and boundless nature. Walking along it, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves, while the symphony of cicadas and birdsong soothes the soul, making one's mood expand and lighten with the open vistas. Come April and May, during the tung blossom season, this place transforms into a beautiful world blanketed in white snow. Delicate, pristine tung blossoms adorn the treetops, dance in the wind, and carpet the ground, creating a dreamlike, ethereal scene. Have no doubt, these are the year-round charms of the 'Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail.' Now, join us in exploring this enchanting green tunnel! The Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail is located in Shuanghu Village, Sanyi Township, also known today as the 'Sanlongling Ancient Trail.' In earlier times, it served as a vital link between Tongxiao Township and Sanyi Township. The entire trail spans 5 kilometers, extending from Fuxing Mountain Area in Tongxiao to Sanlongling, and then via Dakeng and Shikeng in Sanyi to Sanyi Railway Station. Along the way, well-preserved acacia, camphor, nanmu, tung oil trees, and various indigenous tree species create a beautiful forest landscape with fresh air. A walk along this winding mountain trail is akin to taking a forest bath, rich in phytoncides. Upon reaching Sanlongling along the ancient trail, you'll discover an open platform offering excellent panoramic views. From here, the surrounding scenery is clearly visible, including the Taiwan Strait, Tongxiao Thermal Power Plant, and Tiezhanshan Mountain. Take a moment to rest, stretch your limbs in the breeze, and take a few deep breaths – nothing is more enjoyable than this combination of expansive views and a relaxed mood! As the Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail is also one of the areas in Sanyi with the most tung oil trees, when the tung blossoms are in full bloom in April and May, the trail dons a soft, beautiful spring attire. Walking step by step on the rustic cobblestone path, while admiring waves of white tung blossoms amidst a sea of green, offers a completely different experience. We encourage everyone to visit the ancient trail often for walks and hikes; it not only benefits physical and mental health but also allows you to appreciate the diverse beauty of the Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail throughout the four seasons! Those who have already visited the 'Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail' will surely be impressed by the 'Porter Impression Sculpture' at the entrance of the Dakeng Ancient Trail on Miaoli County Road 48 – depicting a figure wearing a bamboo hat and shorts, carrying charcoal on their shoulder, with a smile on their face. Those preparing to explore the trail should also take the time to appreciate it, as this sculpture conveys the origin and spirit of the Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail. 150 years ago, residents of the Fuxing area in Tongxiao, to trade daily necessities and agricultural products in Sanyi, carved a stone-step path through the rugged mountains, extending from Tongxiao to Sanlongling and then to Sanyi Railway Station. During the Japanese colonial period, the charcoal burning industry, using acacia trees, flourished in the mountainous areas of Tongxiao and Sanyi. Many charcoal kilns dotted the mountains, and the charcoal produced was carried along this trail to Sanyi Railway Station for shipment and export. Countless porters trod this 'Charcoal Carrier's Ancient Trail,' bearing witness to the prosperous history of Miaoli's charcoal industry and leaving behind an enduring mark of the pioneers' hard work and perseverance.