David on Formosa

I went for another great hike in Tucheng this morning. Earlier in the week I discovered a new trail leading to Danuanjian Shan (大暖尖山) where I saw a monkey. Today I followed the trail all the way to the end.

The trail begins on the summit of Huoyan Shan (火焰山). The main path here leads to Shanxi Temple (善息寺), while another two paths branch off to Cihui Temple (慈惠宮) and Danuanjian Shan. It is clearly signposted in Chinese.

While many of the trails in this area are especially busy on a Saturday morning there was hardly a soul on the path to Danuanjian Shan. The path meanders along a ridge. It goes up and down a bit and there are occassional views out to the city of Tucheng or in the other direction to the mountains around Sanxia.

Forest along the trail

The forest in this area really is beautiful. There are lots of little gullies filled with ferns. I didn't see a monkey this time, but I think I heard one.

Moss covered stones

As the path is little used it is slippery in places, especially where it is covered with moss. It might be a good idea to avoid this path in wet weather.

Cliffs on Danuanjian Shan

Approaching the summit of Danuanjian Shan the path goes along a thin ridge which drops sharply on both sides. It gives a great view of the cliffs pictured above.

David on the summit of Danuanjian Shan

The summit of Danuanjian Shan seems like many other places along the trail. There is no distinct peak. It was a good place to take a break before I started heading down to Miaojiao Chan Temple (妙覺禪寺).

Another view of the cliffs on Danuanjian Shan

On the way down to Miaojiao Chan Temple there was a view of the cliffs on the other side of the mountain. The path down was unmade in parts and should definitely be avoided if it is raining.

Qingshui Zushi Temple in Tucheng

From Miaojiao Temple I walked out under the freeway and arrived on Tucheng's Zhongyang Road Section 4. Here I discovered another beautiful temple. The Qingshui Zushi Temple (清水祖師廟) contains some beautiful stone carvings and it seems a little out of place in the midst of Tucheng's industrial area. From here I caught a bus to the Yongning MRT Station and then took the MRT home.

If you are interested in visiting the Qingshui Zushi Temple it is located at Zhongyang Road Section 4 Lane 67 (土城市中央路四段67巷). The name of the bus stop is Dingpu (頂埔) and the BL45 and the 306 or 307 bus to Sanxia will stop there. You could also start the hike from here. The path is clearly signposted (in Chinese) from the temple.