Qingtiangang System - Pingding Ancient Canal Trail

Pingding Ancient Canal: Tracing a Century-Old Water Trail The Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail is located in Pingdeng Village, Shilin District (formerly known as "Pingding"). It is a path where one can deeply experience a century of human history and rich natural ecology. At its core are two ancient aqueducts named after "Pingding"—the "Pingding Ancient Canal" and the "Pingding New Canal." Both canals have a history of over 150 years, originally serving three major functions: irrigation, drinking water, and water transport. To this day, they remain a crucial source of daily water for the residents of Pingdeng Village. The trail starts from Lane 95, Pingjing Street. Upon entering, it feels as if one steps into a time tunnel, with moss-covered stone steps flanked by bamboo groves, exuding an ancient charm. Along the way, you'll first pass Qingfeng Pavilion, which has a stamping station. Soon after, you'll reach the canal entrance inscribed with the large red characters "Pingding Ancient Canal," with a stone tablet nearby briefly outlining the canal's excavation history. The most captivating aspect of this trail is that it runs almost entirely alongside the aqueduct, eventually leading to a stone culvert at the end of the waterway, where the clear stream and abundant aquatic life are a feast for the eyes. Ecological Wonders Along the Aqueduct: A Rich Biological Treasure Trove The trail's elevation ranges between 300 and 500 meters. The Neishuang Stream and Neiliao Stream flow through, nurturing dense forest vegetation, with common species such as Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant taro), Machilus thunbergii (Red Nan tree), Gnetum formosanum (Formosan Gnetum), and bamboo. The abundant and clean aquatic environment is a paradise for diverse creatures, with stream shrimp and crabs swimming freely. It is also a frequent haunt of Taiwan's largest dragonfly, the "Great Skimmer" (Anax panybeus), and you might also spot species like the "Juniper Skimmer" (Orthetrum sabina) and damselflies. If you observe carefully while walking, you might encounter scarab beetles or stag beetles. It is also home to many protected animal species, such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, Taiwan Blue Magpie, Malayan Night Heron, and Taipei Tree Frog, all of which reside here. You can even find the droppings left by Taiwanese Leaf-nosed Bats resting upside down at night on the stone table in the pavilion next to Taozaijiao Bridge, demonstrating the pristine and rich ecology of this place, full of surprises at every turn.