Qixingshan Range_Tianmu Ancient Trail Hiking Trail. The Tianmu Ancient Trail Hiking Trail is not only a beloved hiking route for Taipei citizens but also a corridor of time carrying a century of history. The Tianmu Ancient Trail Hiking Trail is not only a beloved hiking route for Taipei citizens but also a corridor of time carrying a century of history. The trail spans the northwestern slopes of the Huagang area in Shilin and the saddle of Mount Shamao to the south. It was formerly the latter section of the "Yulu Ancient Trail," which connected Jinshan and Tianmu in earlier years. After the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this once vital economic route gradually fell into disuse and transformed into the popular hiking trail it is today. The ecological landscape of the Tianmu Ancient Trail The most precious asset of the Tianmu Ancient Trail lies in its unique "compressed ecosystem." Although the entire area is only between 120 and 300 meters above sea level, which should be a simple subtropical broadleaf forest environment, it coexists with forest characteristics of various climate zones. The key to all this is the direct influence of the strong northeast monsoon from the Datun Mountain saddle. The windward side, directly hit by the monsoon, exhibits a cool temperate climate due to strong winds, heavy rain, and low temperatures. However, once you enter the sheltered, humid stream valleys, the damp environment nurtures tropical broadleaf tree species, allowing for observations of phenomena such as buttress roots, cauliflory, and strangulation. This compression phenomenon, which rarely gathers tropical, subtropical, and temperate ecosystems at low altitudes, makes the Tianmu Ancient Trail an extremely valuable outdoor natural classroom. ◎Special reminder to hikers: The fork leading down to Cuifeng Waterfall is attached.
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