"The Home of Clouds"—Guanwu boasts an exceptionally endowed natural environment, including the magnificent Holy Ridge Trail landscape, the towering and majestic Kuaishan Big Trees, and the primary habitat of the precious endemic species "Taiwan lesser salamander." Therefore, it attracts a large number of visitors every year.

Visitors admire the beautiful scenery of the Holy Ridge of the 100 Peaks. (Provided by Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters)

The Zhenshan Trail of the Park has a total length of about 4 kilometers. Along the way, one can enjoy natural richness including coniferous forests, mushrooms, and rhododendrons. After ascending to a higher altitude, one can further overlook the rolling and continuous mountain view of the Holy Ridge. Fog often rises in the mountains in the afternoon. The white mist diffuses among the forest, adding a dreamlike atmosphere to the trail and displaying the unique and ever-changing appearance of Guanwu.

The mist-shrouded Zhenshan Trail is like a fairyland. (Provided by Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, photo by LIAO, GENG-YU)

Exploring the Zhenshan Trail takes about 4 hours round trip, usually starting from Guanwu Villa and walking along the Dalu Forest Road West Line to the trail entrance. This section of the forest road is flat and spacious, with a rock wall on one side and a Japanese cedar forest on the other. The morning sunlight penetrates the treetops, creating a serene and cozy alpine forest atmosphere.

Shortly after passing the entrance, one arrives at a small wooden bridge where one can take a brief rest and listen to the heavenly music composed jointly by the gurgling water of the tributary of Madala Creek and the croaking of Sauter's frog. Walking further forward, one will encounter a circular junction where the terrain gradually climbs upward. The recommended hiking route is to go up from the right and down from the left. It takes about 80 minutes to reach the best viewpoint.

Although the wooden viewing platform has been removed, it does not affect the expansive view of the viewpoint. When the weather is clear, the continuous Snow Mountain Holy Ridge, including Dabajian Mountain, Xiaobajian Mountain, Bashalayun Mountain, Pintian Mountain, and Mt. Snow Main Peak, can be seen at a glance. The verdant mountain tops sparkle under the bright sun, making it a must-visit magnificent view of the Zhenshan Trail.

View Dabajian Mountain and Xiaobajian Mountain from the viewpoint. (Provided by Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, photo by LIAO, GENG-YU)

If you wish to witness the magnificent scenery of the Snow Mountain Holy Ridge with your own eyes, you are advised to arrive at the viewpoint before noon to avoid missing the viewing opportunity due to afternoon fog. As the viewpoint is located in an open area with strong winds, be sure to prepare sufficient warm clothing when visiting in autumn or winter.

The Zhenshan Trail has undulating terrain, with soil and tree roots intertwined on the road surface, plus large height drops in some sections, making it suitable for people with hiking or exercise habits and better physical fitness to visit. There are no restrooms or drinking water supply points along the way, so be sure to make preparations at Guanwu Villa before departing.

When driving here, you can park your car in the parking lot in front of Guanwu Villa and then walk to the entrance of the Dalu Forest Road West Line. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters suggests that everyone take the "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Guanwu Route" bus to the terminus "Guanwu Villa Stop" to cherish nature in a more sustainable way.

Every year during the New Year's Day consecutive holidays, the Guanwu Salamander Ecological Center holds a Zhenshan Trail hiking activity, where senior volunteers guide visitors in an in-depth exploration of nature’s beauty. After completing the trail, do not forget to visit the Ecological Center to learn about the precious endemic species "Taiwan lesser salamander" for a rich, intellectual, and wonderful journey.