The Dakeng area in Taichung City has long been known as the "Yangmingshan of Taichung," and the Dakeng hiking trails are among the most popular mountain destinations. In mid-May, the Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau completed the full renovation of Trail No. 5-1, significantly improving overall safety and walking comfort. Director Lin Hsiao-chi noted that it is currently the season when large yellow daylilies are in bloom, making it also the best time to observe cicadas and butterflies.
Director of Tourism and Travel Lin Hsiao-chi said that Trail No. 5-1 in Dakeng is a leisure-grade trail suitable for families and frequent hikers. The renovation of the Dakeng trails adopted a design philosophy of minimal intervention, low-impact development, and use of local materials. In addition to appropriately widening the existing Acacia wood boardwalk paths, adding rest benches, and renovating the two pavilions along the route — Er? Pavilion and Chengzhong Pavilion — some sections of the trail were restored to their natural forest path state by reducing unnecessary facilities while still meeting safety requirements.
Lin Hsiao-chi pointed out that the city government used locally sourced gravel to construct handcrafted stone steps and employed natural Acacia wood materials to build log stairs that align with the terrain. These natural-feeling, eco-friendly designs have been highly praised by hikers. While walking the trail, visitors can enjoy the fresh forest air and may also spot wildlife such as Taiwan blue magpies, yellow butterflies, and Formosan macaques.
Lin Hsiao-chi stated that with summer vacation approaching, families looking for a cool outdoor activity can choose to hike and escape the heat. Summer is also the best season to observe various species of cicadas and butterflies. The seasonal large yellow daylilies along Trail No. 5-1 are currently in full bloom, and the public is welcome to come and experience the forest’s liveliest summer party.
(China Times)