A Journey Through Time: A Stroll on the Jianqing Nostalgia Trail in Yilan

Within the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area in Yilan, there is a hidden trail that allows you to travel through time and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the mountains and forests—the Jianqing Nostalgia Trail. This trail not only has a strong nostalgic atmosphere but also offers magnificent views of Taipingshan. On clear days, you can even see the Lanyang Plain and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Walking on this trail feels like stepping into an ancient and romantic mountain forest painting. 🚗 Reaching the Starting Point of Jianqing Nostalgia Trail Starting from Taipingshan Villa, it takes about a 15-minute drive to reach the entrance of the Jianqing Nostalgia Trail. What makes this trail special is that it was originally an old track of the Taipingshan Forest Railway, which was used to transport precious cypress wood in the past. Now, it has become a hiking trail full of nostalgic atmosphere. After parking, proceed along the wooden boardwalk at the entrance. The air is filled with the rich scent of the forest, surrounded by lush ferns and towering trees. The old railway tracks and sleeper remnants underfoot are still clearly visible, as if still telling the stories of the logging era. 🌲 A Forest Trail Surrounded by Greenery The trail is about 900 meters long. Although not long, every step makes you feel like you are entering a secret mountain forest. The forest along the way is rich, with tall cypress and fir trees interlacing their branches, forming a natural green tunnel. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting layers of shadows on the ground, creating a picturesque scene. Walking on the trail, the air is fresh and cool. Even in summer, you can feel the pleasant breeze from the mountains. Occasionally, you can hear the sounds of birds and insects in the distance, making you feel completely immersed in nature. 🚂 Old Railway and Relics—Marks of Time The most charming part of the Jianqing Nostalgia Trail is the remnants of the old forest railway. Although the railway has long been abandoned, the remaining tracks, sleepers, and roadbed are still clearly visible, as if witnessing the glorious days of the past. Walking on the old railway, images of logging trains shuttling through the mountains come to mind. The atmosphere of history intertwined with nature makes you want to stop and savor it. Many visitors take photos here, especially the scene where the railway bends and extends into the forest, like a time tunnel, becoming the most iconic spot on the trail. 🌄 Jianqing Platform—Overlooking the Lanyang Plain and the Pacific Ocean At the end of the trail, you reach a high point with a broad view—the Jianqing Platform. This is a natural viewing platform. From here, you can see the Lanyang Plain, Guishan Island, and even the distant Pacific Ocean. We were lucky that day; the weather was clear, and the entire Lanyang Plain unfolded at our feet. The distant Guishan Island was also clearly visible, and the sea and sky merged into one, creating a breathtaking view. Many people choose to rest here, quietly enjoying the tranquility and magnificence of the scenery. 💞 Recommended Reason: A Journey Through Time in the Mountains The Jianqing Nostalgia Trail is not only a hiking trail full of natural beauty but also a nostalgic path carrying historical memories. Walking along the old railway, traversing the lush forest, and finally overlooking the Lanyang Plain and the Pacific Ocean from the Jianqing Platform, this journey not only relaxes the body and mind but also deepens your understanding of the forestry history of the past. If you love nature and historical stories, don't miss this most sentimental hidden trail when you visit Taipingshan!