Shifendong Trail

Dong (崠), in Hakka, means 'summit' or 'top.' The Shifendong Ancient Trail was a vital transportation route for early settlers developing the Dahu Basin, Daliao Village, and Nanhu Village. The original ancient trail began at Luhou in Xinlong Village, Tongluo Township, followed the upper reaches of the Xinjilong River, crossed Shifendong, passed through Nanhukeng and Caodong, reaching Zhugaowu and Dahu; alternatively, it could descend from Nanhukeng along the stream to the Nanhu area. As Shifendong is the lowest saddle in the Guandao Mountain Range, the ancient trail became a crucial path from Tongluo and Sanyi to Dahu. Today, it has been entirely replaced by paved roads. Shifendong is situated on a small hill along the Guandao Mountain ridge. Its name derives from the ten camphor stills (腦灶十份) established by settlers for camphor extraction. The eastern section of the Shifendong Ancient Trail belongs to Nanhukeng, providing access to Dahu or Nanhu. The flat areas in the valley are mostly cultivated with strawberries, and most residents sustain themselves through farming. Historical Background: Early settlement routes predominantly ran from west to east. Initially, settlers crossed the Guandao Mountain Range from Tongluo and Sanyi, expanding eastward. This led to the formation of multiple east-west ridge-crossing trails, with the Shifendong Ancient Trail becoming the most important for developing the Dahu area. After settlement in the 1870s, it gradually evolved into a key ridge-crossing route from the Guandao Mountain Range into Dahu. During the Dahu Township settlement period, the salt and postal routes, which entered the mountains from Tongluo along the Laojilong River to the Xinjilong area, were significant entryways for the Hakka community, helping to preserve traditional Hakka farmsteads and mountain lifestyles. Safety Status: Although the mountain trail is located on a ridge, it is not steep, and the gradient is gentle. Public facilities at the start and end points of the trail are well-equipped. Trail Length: 9 kilometers, Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes for a one-way trip.