Liuliao Historic Trail. The "Liuliao Historic Trail" in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, within the Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area, is a natural trail featuring river potholes, the Seven Star Sacred Tree forest, and a romantic tung blossom path. The "Liuliao Historic Trail," featuring river potholes, the Seven Star Sacred Tree, and a romantic tung blossom path, is a tranquil trail located in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, within the Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area. It offers a blend of natural scenery and cultural history. This historic trail was once one of the "Thirty-Six Ailiao" (fortified settlements) established by the Jin-Guang-Fu Reclamation Company to defend against indigenous peoples. It was the sixth in the series, hence its name. With the passage of time, it has transformed into a hiking trail rich in pristine natural beauty and mountain atmosphere. The trailhead is located next to the Lion's Head Mountain Visitor Center. The initial section is a gentle asphalt industrial road, suitable for warming up. The trail then gradually enters the mountain path section, winding along the Liuliao River valley. The sound of flowing water accompanies hikers, and the path underfoot is made of natural rocks and stones. Traces of former Hakka settlements and abandoned coal mines are visible everywhere, creating an atmosphere of exploring old mountain village memories. The most striking features are the potholes in the river valley and the "Seven Star Sacred Tree," composed of a 400-year-old mother camphor tree and a 100-year-old child camphor tree. This sacred tree, with seven robust branches extending from the same root, is not only a magnificent spectacle but also a "Bo Gong" (earth god) tree worshipped by early settlers, embodying a rich cultural belief. After passing through the Liuliao settlement, the trail turns into a forest-skirting path, retaining the original appearance of the historic trail, making it the most essential section of the entire route. Along the way, the forest is lush and verdant. Every year from April to May, tung blossoms
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Hsinchu County