Rice-Selling Ancient Trail

The character '糶' (tiào) in '糶米古道' (Tiào Mǐ Gǔdào) is pronounced 'tiào' and means 'to sell grain.' '糶米' (tiào mǐ) means 'to sell rice.' During the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, farmers in the Sanzhangli area, to save transportation time and preserve their physical strength, decided not to take the longer flatland roads. Instead, they opened up this mountain trail. The establishment of this trail, with its five hundred stone steps, allowed for the rapid transportation of rice from areas like Nangang, Muzha, Shenkeng, and Jingmei, and also facilitated trade. Because there is a 'Tiào Mǐ Gōng Temple' (Temple of the Rice-Selling Deity) on the ancient trail, it is called the 'Tiào Mǐ Gǔdào' (Rice-Selling Ancient Trail). Some also refer to it as 'Tiāo Mǐ Gǔdào' (Rice-Carrying Ancient Trail). Due to the steep steps, it is said that people carrying rice would often stop here to rest. To thank the Earth God for ensuring their journey's smooth passage, they would always leave a bowl of rice when they rested. Over time, residents built a simple stone temple to show their respect to the Earth God, which, after several renovations, became the present-day 'Tiào Mǐ Gōng Temple.' Nearby, there is also the 'Dexing Coal Mine Entrance.' The Dexing Coal Mine began operations around 1897, reaching its peak between 1946 and 1948. Later, the coal seam was depleted, and Songshan coal became extinct. Now, only the mine entrance remains for visitors to see. In 2011, the Tiào Mǐ Ancient Trail underwent renovation, with its stone steps repaved, an arch bridge and wooden boardwalks installed, and interpretive signs placed along the trail route. This is the appearance visitors see today.