Xianshan Hiking Trail

Xianshan is located on the east side of Shitan Township, Miaoli County, with an elevation of 967 meters. Its fame far surpasses that of Bajiaoli Mountain, the main peak of the Bajiaoli Mountain Range. Xianshan was originally named Hongmaoguan Mountain, deriving its name from its proximity to Penglai Village (formerly Hongmaoguan) in Nanzhuang Township. Xianshan's reputation in Miaoli is on par with Shitoushan; many Miaoli residents have visited it. Located in Xindian Village, Shitan Township, Miaoli County, the journey to Xianshan begins from the red archway of Lingdong Temple at the foot of the mountain. From the archway to Lingdong Temple halfway up the mountain, this mountain road spans six kilometers. Xianshan stands majestically, towering above the plains, resembling a solitary pillar reaching the sky from afar. The road winds its way up, flanked by green grass, while clouds and mist dance on the mountain, creating a sensation of "a mountain in the ethereal mist." Xianshan's widespread fame stems from its sweet and refreshing spring water, which comes with a legendary tale. Over sixty years ago, someone drank the spring water from Xianshan and discovered its healing properties. Furthermore, the local wet mud, when applied to wounds, also proved effective. Consequently, people believed divine miracles manifested on the mountain and named it Xianshan (Immortal Mountain). Currently, on holidays, the crowds are immense, and the incense offerings are plentiful. People continuously flock to the mountain to fetch the "immortal water," seek divine guidance, or simply hike. Special Landscape and Ecological Environment: Xian Dong Men (Immortal Cave Gate): Currently, there are two well-maintained stone-stair trails leading to Xieling Temple, but the true ancient path follows a stone-slab trail alongside the left stone-stair trail. Ascending the ancient path to a small platform at the mid-section, standing on the platform which accommodates only a few people, a towering rock face forms the backdrop, seemingly the end of the road. However, after climbing a few steps among the chaotic rocks alongside the cliff, a cave entrance, just wide enough for one person to pass, becomes visible on the left—this is the Xian Dong Men. Everyone must duck and suck in their stomach to pass through the cave, making for a fun experience. Xianshan Mountain Top: The summit of Xianshan offers expansive views. To the east are the peaks of the Jiali Mountain Range, one after another, creating layers of lush greenery. To the west lies the parallel Bajiaodong Mountain Range, distantly facing the Shitan Longitudinal Valley. On clear days, one can gaze far into the continuous ridges of Miaoli and Zhunan, stretching out and disappearing into the vast mist of the Taiwan Strait. Plant Resources: From Lingdong Temple at an elevation of 710 meters to the Xianshan triangulation point at 967 meters, nearly the entire journey passes through native broadleaf forests, except for the section between Lingdong Temple and Xieling Temple where most native plants have been removed. The surrounding flora is extremely complex. Near Lingdong Temple on Xianshan, there are many Formosan Machilus, large-leafed Schefflera, and camphor trees, interspersed with Taiwanese Machilus, Sapium sebiferum, and Schefflera octophylla. As the elevation increases, the variety of trees also grows. Along the way, in addition to Prunus campanulata, Litsea cubeba, and Diospyros kaki, near the summit appear Taiwanese Andromeda, Syzygium cumini, Murraya paniculata, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Pasania konishii, and Osmanthus heterophyllus. Near the triangulation point, there are many Syzygium buxifolium. The trail boasts diverse plant life, including many rare species such as Taiwanese Andromeda and Syzygium cumini, which hold significant ecological value. (Plant resource data provided by Mr. Chen Yun-zao, Associate Researcher at Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station)