Mizhan Ancient Trail: Tracing Historical Footprints

When you visit Hualien, immerse yourself in the natural phytoncides. After ascending to a high vantage point and gazing into the distance, you'll feel as though all your worries fade away, allowing you to recharge and embark on a new chapter. The Mizhan Ancient Trail is situated at the 42-kilometer mark of County Road 193, adjacent to Mizhan Elementary School, which has been converted into a rest area after its closure. Originally 7 kilometers long, the Mizhan Ancient Trail served as a crucial route for transporting goods from the Shueilian area to Hualien between 1888 and 1979. Residents of Shueilian would hire porters to carry goods here for collection, from which they were then transported by ferry or oxcart along the Hualien River to Shoufeng and Hualien for sale. Since most of the goods were primarily rice, stacked 'one zhàn (stack) after another,' the name 'Mizhan' (rice stack) naturally emerged. **Abundant Original Natural Ecology, Many Surprises on the Ancient Trail** With the opening of County Road 193 and Provincial Highway 11, transportation became far more convenient than before, leading to the gradual decline and eventual oblivion of the Mizhan Ancient Trail after it had served its purpose. However, through the dedicated efforts of local community residents, it has been revitalized and transformed into a new hiking trail. The renovated Mizhan Ancient Trail spans 2.1 kilometers, boasting rich natural ecology and a tranquil environment. It's ideal for experienced hikers who wish to reflect on the bustling yet arduous scenes of the ancient trail in days gone by. Before entering the Mizhan Ancient Trail, visitors will first encounter an exhibit composed of eight pillars, along with a large decorative rice jar art installation. The rice jar is inscribed with 'Mizhan Ancient Trail,' and the years marked are 1888 to 2007; the former denotes the era when the trail flourished, and the latter signifies the year the Mizhan Ancient Trail landscape was revitalized. The Mizhan Ancient Trail retains its pristine appearance. Local community residents used bamboo and wood to construct a simple path in the initial section. Due to the rugged terrain, walking along it can create the illusion of having already covered a significant distance, only to realize, upon seeing a signpost, that you've advanced just a little bit. After 400 meters, there's a small viewing platform where you can admire distant mountains, blue skies, and lush green landscapes, offering a truly pleasant experience. **Ascending to Overlook Layered Ancient Landscapes** Continuing upwards, the path transitions into a stone staircase, becoming increasingly steep. The tree canopy grows denser, and sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, creating beautiful patterns of light and shadow on the ground, making one forget their weariness. After 1200 meters, the path narrows into a small trail. Due to its secluded nature, the natural landscape is well-preserved, with bees and butterflies fluttering around. The path can be slightly bumpy. When you encounter a fork in the road, remember to turn left; turning right might accidentally lead you into private residences. Upon reaching the main viewing platform, two century-old banyan trees stand sentinel. Beyond the mountain ridge, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean unfolds before your eyes, and you can also glimpse the distant Shueilian village. It makes one wonder if the porters of yesteryear, after their arduous journeys, also rested by these banyan trees, savoring the same breathtaking view we appreciate today.