The Sword Well Hiking Trail in Dajia Iron Anvil Mountain Scenic Area, damaged by a typhoon last October, has seen improvement funding allocated by the Taichung City Government since the end of last year. Recently completed and unveiled with a brand-new look, the once old and worn-out Sword Well Hiking Trail has been transformed into a modern-style hiking path, offering visitors a fresh experience. Locals who come here to exercise every day exclaim, “The Sword Well Hiking Trail is completely renewed now.”
Lin Xiaoqi, Director of Taichung City Government Tourism Bureau, said the Sword Well Hiking Trail in Dajia Iron Anvil Mountain Scenic Area connects Sword Well to Guoxing Temple. The typhoon damaged the trail and related facilities such as retaining walls, affecting public safety. The city government promptly allocated a budget for improvements. The project was specially designed to protect the ecological environment, avoiding large-scale excavation and improving the existing stair-type trail, while using precast landscape retaining bricks for the walls.
Although the stair-format of the trail remains unchanged, modern black slate has been used—enhancing both aesthetics and surface friction to improve hiker safety. Six rest platforms have been set up along the trail for public use. Additionally, the square in front of Guoxing Temple and the rest area platform plaza retain existing vegetation, with benches placed under the trees, leading visitors to wonder, “How is there no sign of any construction after this new project?”
The Taichung City Scenic Area Management Office states that legend has it Sword Well got its name during the 16th year of the Yongli era in the Ming Dynasty when General Zheng Chenggong’s troops, surrounded by the Siraya Pingpu tribe with no access to water, prayed to the heavens and thrust their sword into the ground—causing springs to gush out from both sides of the blade, hence the name. It is said the water can cure all illnesses.
The revitalized Sword Well Hiking Trail incorporates modern elements, breaking away from its previous image of being old and dilapidated, while still preserving its original historic charm and beautiful scenery. On holidays, visitors can worship at the nearby Guoxing Temple along the Sword Well Trail and also explore the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall, Zheng Chenggong Statue, and the Martyrs’ Shrine for a historical and cultural journey.
(China Times)