Mingfeng Historic Trail

The Mingfeng Historic Trail, spanning Touwu and Shitan, was originally a mountain path used by the Saisiyat indigenous people for hunting. Later, due to Huang Nan-qiu leading Cantonese militia to expand settlement in Miaoli, the Saisiyat people migrated deeper into the mountains, and the historic trail became an important thoroughfare for residents of Mingfeng Village in Touwu Township and Xindian Village in Shitan Township for goods transport. It once became overgrown with weeds due to the opening of County Road 22; however, thanks to the diligent efforts of local residents in restoration, it is now a popular spot for hiking and trekking. The Mingfeng Historic Trail can be accessed on foot from either Yimin Temple in Shitan Township or Yundong Temple in Touwu Township. Starting from Yundong Temple results in more downhill sections compared to starting from Yimin Temple. If you choose Yimin Temple in Shitan Township as your starting point to enter the Mingfeng Historic Trail, it is recommended to visit Yimin Temple first. It not only commemorates the pioneers who sacrificed their lives during the Qing Tongzhi period but also enshrines Huang Nan-qiu, known as "Huang Mantoujia," and preserves historical materials from the early settlement. From behind Yimin Temple, after crossing the Xindian Stream Suspension Bridge with its red steel cables, you will see signs for the Mingfeng Historic Trail. Ascending slowly on stone steps, shaded by dense foliage, camphor trees, bamboo groves, acacia trees, and tung oil trees grow interspersed. During April and May, when tung blossoms bloom, their snow-white petals fall from the branches to the ground, adding a touch of romance. With butterflies fluttering and birds chirping in the background, the summer heat seems to dissipate. As the slope gradually steepens, you will pass grapefruit and tangerine orchards, walking on old stone steps along the stream bank. After two wooden bridges, the serene Lover's Valley will appear before you, lined with green trees and scattered with large rocks on its western side, offering a beautiful view. Continuing along the Mingfeng Historic Trail, a 30-40 degree sloped flagstone path comes into view. Large trees provide shade along the way, and birds can be heard singing. At a bend, an elegant wooden pavilion offers a resting spot for travelers. Past the pavilion, you will successively pass large clusters of camphor trees and acacia forests, with century-old acacia trees standing silently. Soon after passing the century-old acacia trees, you will reach the summit of the Mingfeng Historic Trail. Due to its higher elevation, it's an excellent spot to overlook the layered mountains, and a pavilion is provided for rest. Descending the steps, you will arrive at Yundong Temple, the other entrance to the historic trail. Yundong Temple is renowned for its strong incense offerings, and its finely carved architecture is well worth admiring. Yundong Temple offers accommodation and meals for pilgrims and features a park for visitors, having developed into the Mingfeng Mountain Recreation Area. It is also an excellent spot for a panoramic view of Miaoli.