Yinghanling Trail

The Yinghanling Trail, built in 1961, is located adjacent to the Military Police School at the foot of Guanyinshan in Wugu. It was constructed along the remnants of the old "Guanyin Ancient Trail" to temper the spirit and perseverance of soldiers. An archway and a monument were erected at the summit of Yinghanling, becoming a spiritual symbol for the young generation of that time, who took pride in challenging Yinghanling. The Yinghanling Trail spans approximately 1,563 meters in length. It ascends from a point about 100 meters below the Kaishanyuan of Lingyun Chan Temple, next to Road (North 53-1), and is a popular route for hikers, climbing continuously in a zigzag pattern. Another entrance is located at the end of the "Fenguidouhu Trail," connecting with the Yinghanling Trail at the 940-meter mark, leading upwards to the summit monument and observation deck. Around the 300-meter mark of the trail stands a stone monument inscribed with "Yinghan Road" (Tough Guy Road), making it easy to imagine the rigorous training of the military police at that time. This section, leading to the "Weaklings' Club" on the ridge, is the most strenuous part. It's no wonder that those who consider themselves strong established a resting point called "Weaklings' Club" on the mountainside. Ostensibly, it's a jibe at "weak-kneed" individuals who can't make it to the top. However, from another perspective, it also serves as an encouragement for those with weaker physical strength, inspiring hikers to press forward, shed the "weakling" label, and become truly upright tough guys! In fact, once you endure the challenging section past the "Weaklings' Club," the subsequent gentler mountain path will offer the sweet reward after hardship. At the 940-meter mark, the trail merges with the Fenguidouhu Trail, becoming a wide and flat flagstone path that is very easy to walk. Along the way, there is a Guanyin Bodhisattva Teahouse. On a teapot, there is a poem titled "Du Mu" (Bathing/Crossing), which reads: "Upon reaching the peak, I arrive; Cultivate a good heart, and you shall have no sorrow; If you observe where life is headed, The world of water sounds will encounter Penglai." Beside it hangs a steel cup attached by a short chain, forcing you to lower your head to drink the refreshing water with a grateful heart. This clever design teaches one to remember the source of things and to reverently honor Guanyin's blessings. Upon reaching the 1,500-meter fork, a pavilion and restrooms are on the platform to the left. To the right, one immediately sees the towering, sharply peaked Yinghanling Archway. Engraved on both sides of the archway are couplets: "When walking, seek the difficult path; when carrying a burden, choose the heavy one," and "Coming to learn to be a tough guy, leaving as one." The essence of the tough guy spirit converges here. Continuing upwards, one will see the "Yinghanling" stone monument standing on the observation deck. The deck offers expansive views, allowing visitors to survey the Tamsui River Estuary, the North Coast, the Datun Mountains, and the Linkou Plateau.