Honestly, choosing Lake Cimin as my first exploration of the Hundred Peaks mountain range was somewhat reckless. On top of that, I was swamped with work at the time, had neglected exercise for over three years, and hadn’t actively trained before the trip — it was practically like taking on a challenge way above my level. Fortunately, my fellow hikers embodied the true spirit of mountaineering, taking on most of the camp setup, cooking, and other shared tasks. They also slowed their pace and waited for me during the climb, which helped me complete the entire journey. Though we finished, looking back on how grueling it was still brings tears to my eyes.
The reason Lake Cimin is so alluring isn’t just because of the beauty of the lake itself, but also because this hiking route allows you to experience a variety of terrains and forest landscapes, making the trek anything but boring. Starting from the Shyangyang Forest Recreation Area, the gently ascending service road serves as the perfect warm-up for adjusting to the altitude and slope. At the end of the road, after passing the checkpoint, you officially enter the forest trail. Although it’s still an uphill path, the route is clear, the elevation changes aren’t too steep, and the ground is covered with soft pine needles. As long as you regulate your breathing and find a pace that suits you, you can generally move forward at a leisurely stride.
As you continue, the surrounding vegetation gradually transitions from pine forests to hemlock forests as the altitude increases. When the slope becomes gentler and the faint sound of trickling water can be heard filtering through the hemlock leaves, it means you’re approaching the first mountain hut along the trail: the Shyangyang Mountain Hut. The wooden Shyangyang Mountain Hut exudes a simple and pleasant charm. After its renovation in 2013, the interior became even more comfortable. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s a great spot for a short rest.
After leaving the Shyangyang Mountain Hut, continue for about 1.7 kilometers uphill. On the right-hand side, there is a spacious resting area. Without stopping there, turn right from this point, and you’ll find a small alpine lake that resembles the shape of Taiwan. Because of its dark, inky water color, it’s called the “Black Water Pond.” The deep hue of Black Water Pond has a mysterious and enchanting aura, making it a great spot for photography.
After passing Sancha Mountain, Lake Cimin is not far away. Each time I approach it, I can’t help but marvel again at how God has given it such an enviable location in a valley. Its appearance is not sudden, but rather gradual — you catch a glimpse of the edge of the lake first, and then it slowly reveals itself in full, much like the moon slowly regaining its brightness after an eclipse. That’s why almost all hikers greet it with excited cheers and semi-run toward it.
In 2014, my fiancé and I, with the help of many photographer friends, carried our wedding dresses and suits up to Lake Cimin and took wedding photos with the lake as the backdrop. Since then, Lake Cimin has become my first love and also witnessed my union. It holds a uniquely special meaning in my life.
(Excerpted from pages 192–203 of this book)
(Excerpted from pages 192 to 203 of this book)