Qixing Mountain Range_Tianmu Historic Nature Trail

The Tianmu Historic Nature Trail is not only a beloved hiking route for Taipei citizens but also a time corridor carrying a century of history. The trail spans the northwestern slopes of the Shilin Huagang area and the saddle south of Mt. Shamao. It was formerly the latter section of the "Yulu Historic Trail" (Fish Road Historic Trail), which connected Jinshan and Tianmu in earlier times. After the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this once vital economic artery gradually fell silent, transforming into today's popular nature trail teeming with visitors. **Ecological Landscape of Tianmu Historic Trail** The most valuable asset of the Tianmu Historic Trail lies in its unique "compressed ecosystem." Although the entire area is only between 120 and 300 meters above sea level, which should typically be a simple subtropical broadleaf forest environment, it remarkably harbors forest characteristics from various climatic zones. The key to this phenomenon is its direct exposure to the strong northeasterly monsoons from the Datun Mountain saddle. The windward slopes, directly hit by the monsoon, exhibit cool temperate features due to strong winds, abundant rainfall, and low temperatures. However, upon entering the sheltered, humid stream valleys, the damp environment surprisingly fosters tropical broadleaf species, allowing observations of phenomena such as buttress roots, cauliflory, and strangulation. This rare compression of tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate ecosystems at a low altitude makes the Tianmu Historic Trail an extremely valuable outdoor natural classroom. **◎ Special Reminder for Hikers:** Monkey troops are often seen near the trail's fork leading down to Cuifeng Waterfall. When you encounter monkeys, please do not feed them, as they might accidentally harm you while fighting over food! **Water Pipe Trail** This Water Pipe Trail dates back to the Japanese colonial period. It was specially constructed at that time to transport spring water from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. Since then, this area has been designated as a crucial water source within a protected forest zone, leading to its strict preservation. Consequently, it retains an extremely pristine and rich forest landscape, with abundant water-dependent plants like ferns and taro plants visible along the way. The trail's structure is also quite unique: you won't see the water pipes on the uphill section of the trail's beginning; it's only when you reach the gentler, later section that the massive pipes are actually laid directly beneath the path. Around 1930, to protect the pipelines, people began paving flagstones and cement over the pipes, thus forming this walkable "Water Pipe Trail." The pipe's route only separates from the trail when the terrain gradually flattens near the Tianmu area. Today, the Sanchiaopu Power Plant, located at the trail's entrance, marks the historical beginning of this trail and concurrently the end of this water pipe delivery system. **Warm-up Before Entering the Forest** Starting from the trailhead, hikers are first greeted with a challenging climb of over a thousand stone steps. Many consider this section the perfect "warm-up" before venturing into the forest. In the early part of the trail, the first sight is a grove of tall longan trees, some with trunks so thick they require two people to embrace, quietly hinting at the area's past as a major longan producer. As you ascend, the legendary black water pipes will appear, and the path will become steeper. This continuous uphill climb will inevitably consume energy, but fortunately, pavilions are provided midway and at the top of the steps for hikers to rest and catch their breath. Looking back from the midway pavilion, the Tianmu urban area stretches out below, offering a sense of accomplishment. On a clear day, reaching the summit provides panoramic views of the Linkou Plateau, and it's also said to be an excellent spot for enjoying Taipei's nightscape. After completing this long, steep ascent and arriving at the reservoir at the end, take a moment to wash your face and wipe away sweat, because what follows is the most scenic, comfortable, and cool shaded path of the Tianmu Historic Trail. **A Poetic Trail Journey** Most people who visit the Water Pipe Trail fall in love with this section. The path is flat and easy to walk, and dense shade throughout provides a refreshing coolness even on scorching summer days. In winter, although the northeasterly monsoon can be heard whistling through the valleys, the trail itself remains protected from biting winds. The level terrain allows visitors to relax and pause, enjoying the changing scenery: the view gradually shifts from distant urban landscapes of Tianmu and Beitou to the poetic beauty of mountain forests, streams, terraced fields, and mist-shrouded vistas. The preservation of this trail's rich ecology is attributed to its history of being designated a "crucial water source" and "protected forest area" since the Japanese colonial era. Despite an altitude of only about 300 meters, it maintains a pristine forest ecosystem due to excellent protection, nurturing over three hundred plant species. Abundant water-dependent ferns and taro plants are visible everywhere along the way. The rich water supply is the lifeblood of this ecosystem. Along the trail, early stone constructions on the cliffside can be seen, channeling spring water seeping from the rock face into irrigation ditches, attracting many river shrimp and tadpoles. The latter part of the trail also features a clear small ditch, also fed by spring water, serving as a breeding paradise for marsh shrimp, crabs, dragonflies, and various frog species. From autumn to the following spring, the distinct bird-like calls of Swinhoe's frog can often be heard in the forest. Visitors in the early morning or at dusk also have a valuable opportunity to spot Taiwanese macaques making an appearance.