Henglong Ancient Trail

1. Location: Qing'an Village, Tai'an Township 2. Start and End: Longshan Community, Tai'an Township ~ Henglongshan North Peak Triangulation Station 3. Trail Length: Approximately 2 kilometers, Walking Time: Approximately 90 minutes one way In early times, the Henglong Ancient Trail was a mountain path used by the Atayal people of the Siwasik (Longshan) community for hunting, thus it is also known as the Siwasik Ancient Trail. The Longshan community also used this route to travel to and from the Lutsang community in Nanzhuang. Along the ancient trail, visitors can see vine tunnels and bamboo-lined paths, with lush greenery enveloping them, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. Occasionally, pheasants might dart out from behind bamboo fences or bushes, offering a delightful surprise. From Miaoli County Road 62, pass through the Longshan community and the Henglongshan industrial road. At the end of the industrial road is the entrance to the Henglong Ancient Trail. A large stone pillar at the entrance is inscribed with the four characters 'Henglong Ancient Trail'. Following the stone steps, the path ascends in a zigzag pattern. Upon reaching a platform area of about a hundred ping (approximately 330 square meters), stone steps can be seen all around. This was the location of a guard post built by the Japanese to suppress the Atayal people, with its remaining foundations and low walls serving as a testament to history. Continuing north, the scenery becomes tranquil, allowing one to appreciate the dense growth of 'mu' (wood), camphor, and other trees on both sides. Further ahead, to the right, there is another platform area, similar in structure to the previous one, which is said to be the former site of a sentry post. Soon after, sandstone steps can be seen winding along the trail, leading to a lookout point. From here, one can gaze west towards Dahu, Zhuolan, and Tongluo, where a rolling sea of clouds intertwines with verdant mountains, creating a scene like a fairyland. Returning to the trail and continuing forward, the summit gradually comes into view ahead. At this point, the path narrows and steepens. Looking to the right, one can see the spectacular and perilous sheer rock face of the mountain. Afterwards, continuing uphill, there is a platform suitable for a brief rest. Ascending to the summit, one finds a triangulation station marked with a mountain character, known as Henglongshan North Peak, which marks the end of the Henglong Ancient Trail. The summit offers excellent views, with Tiger Mountain and Shei-Pa National Park visible in the distance. If one descends a gentle slope north from the summit, a stone-built foundation can be seen, which the Longshan community people call the 'White Station', also referred to as the former site of a sentry post, quietly recounting past history.