Salt Picking Ancient Trail

Located in Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township, and Nanhe Village, Tongxiao Township, this official road was constructed during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty to connect Yuanli, Tongxiao, and Tongluo. It gained the name 'Salt Picking Ancient Trail' because sea salt produced in Tongxiao was transported along it to Tongluo. Whenever it rained, the path, a mix of yellow earth and rainwater, became a slippery and muddy slope, making every step arduous and virtually impassable. In the fourth year of Tongzhi (1865) of the Qing Dynasty, thanks to donations and efforts from local benevolent individuals, the path was finally paved with cobblestone steps. This section, 1237 steps long, was named 'Longgouqi' (Rice Husking Hook Ridge) due to its curvature resembling a rice husking hook. From Kanting (崁頂) downwards, the trail descends steeply for over a thousand meters. The lush green mountain forests along this section are rich with an ancient charm, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia for times gone by. The Salt Picking Ancient Trail, stretching from Nanhe Village in Tongxiao Township to Jiuhu Village in Tongluo Township, is divided into two sections: upper and lower. The lower section's entrance is located at the 4.5 km mark of Miaoli County Highway 38, which connects Tongxiao Township to Tongluo Township. This section is approximately 300 meters long and exits at the 5.5 km mark of Miaoli County Highway 38. After proceeding another 100 meters, one can connect to the upper section of the 'Salt Picking Ancient Trail,' which spans approximately 700 meters. Additionally, Flying Cow Ranch also provides a small path leading to the ancient trail's entrance. As most of the trail meanders through tung tree and acacia forests, including a section with a cluster of sacred Bischofia trees, the path is well-shaded. With a total length of only about 1 kilometer and a relatively gentle slope, a one-way trip takes merely 30 minutes, making it ideal for families of all ages to hike together. Walking forward on smooth, rounded stones, one can follow the ancient footsteps and imagine the arduous pioneering efforts of early settlers, infusing this natural hiking and recreational journey with a sense of nostalgia. Upon reaching the saddle at the top of the stone steps, visitors can gaze upon the Dajia River and Tiezhen Mountain, with the expansive view leaving one feeling refreshed and invigorated. For the return journey, you can either take the original path or Miaoli County Highway 38. While Miaoli County Highway 38 is a longer route, its scenic views offer a different charm. Continuing further uphill, accompanied by lush green tea plantations, one can reach the renowned Jiuhua Mountain Daxingshan Temple. History of the Salt Picking Ancient Trail: The Salt Picking Ancient Trail served as a vital transportation route connecting Tongxiao and Tongluo during the Qing Dynasty. To facilitate the exchange of goods between coastal and mountainous regions, residents constructed the 'Hutoukan Ancient Trail,' which traversed Hutou Mountain. This trail, approximately four kilometers long, began at 'Yanguanpu' (a salt distribution center located near Neighborhood 3, Chengnan Village, Tongxiao Township) and extended to the vicinity of Jiuhua Mountain in Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township. At that time, coastal residents transported salt by boat to the Nanshi River, then transferred it by ox-cart to 'Yanguanpu.' From there, porters were hired to manually carry salt, one shoulder-pole load at a time, over Hutou Mountain (over 500 meters above sea level) into various inland townships. On their return journey, they would carry back goods like tea leaves and charcoal, which were not produced in coastal areas, for sale. Hence, it was also known as the 'Salt Picking Ancient Trail.' The Beauty of the Salt Picking Ancient Trail: The Salt Picking Ancient Trail is situated on the Tongluo Fault, marking the eastern boundary of the Miaoli Hills, atop a gravel terrace. The trail's vegetation features a low-altitude broadleaf mixed forest, predominantly comprising acacia, tung, and banyan trees, alongside abundant tree ferns and other ferns. Every year between April and May, the tung blossoms burst into full bloom, carpeting the trail with white flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle. It is a highly renowned tung blossom viewing trail.