The Dakan No. 10 Trail, located close to the city and interconnected with Trails No. 9 and No. 9-1, forms a circular hiking network. It is usually bustling with visitors and is an extremely popular hiking route. However, due to years of use and damage from natural disasters, some sections of the boardwalks have become old and deteriorated. Since taking office, Mayor Lu Xiuyan has consistently carried out inspections of hiking trails and organized trail-cleaning activities to maintain the surrounding environment. These efforts promote Leave No Trace principles, reducing the impact of hiking and walking activities on nature. The public is invited to connect with the mountains, care for them, help clean them, and work together to preserve a beautiful, clean, and sustainable mountain environment.
Lin Xiaoqi, Director of the Tourism Bureau, said that since construction began on the Dakan No. 10 Trail in mid-August this year, the municipal government team has successfully completed the renovation of the most severely damaged sections by the end of November. The renovated trail has significantly improved overall safety and walking comfort.
To promote mountain care and environmental protection, the Taichung City Scenic Area Administration recently organized a trail-cleaning event on Trails No. 9 and No. 10 in Dakan. Local hiking groups and enthusiastic volunteers joined in, and many hikers rolled up their sleeves to take part, treating the beautiful mountains in the healthiest and most eco-friendly way possible, working together to conserve the Dakan environment.
The Scenic Area Administration noted that the newly renovated No. 10 Trail is approximately 1,200 meters long and is classified as a leisure-level trail, suitable for outdoor education and family outings. The trail features ecological highlights such as bamboo forests and acacia tree-lined paths. It includes natural gravel paths, dirt trails, and wooden boardwalks. Due to the steep terrain in certain sections, construction equipment and materials were difficult to transport, requiring manual carrying up the mountain. The renovation process was indeed challenging. The project focused on minimalistic design, extending the trail's lifespan, and restoring old and damaged facilities. The main renovation areas covered the section from 0K+150m to 0K+600m and from 0K+800m to 1K+000m, including repairs to wooden boardwalks, reduced railing designs, and application of wood preservative paint to extend the life of existing facilities. These improvements have greatly enhanced the trail’s overall safety and service quality.
Lin Xiaoqi stated that the Dakan Scenic Area is known as the “back garden of Taichung.” The No. 10 hiking trail offers views of the greater Taichung area and sees a steady stream of hikers on holidays. It has long been a favorite spot for outdoor activities, photo opportunities, and exploring nature. Through the joint efforts of hiking groups, volunteers, and local residents, the trail-cleaning event promotes the environmental message “Don’t litter — keep Dakan beautiful,” raises awareness about protecting natural landscapes, and helps ensure the lasting beauty of Taichung’s back garden throughout the seasons.
Lin Xiaoqi emphasized that visitors to the Dakan trails can also explore nearby attractions such as the Dakan Ecological Park, Xindu Ecological Park, and the Dakan Lover’s Bridge. They can also experience hot spring baths and try delicious taro balls, creating a green, light-travel experience that connects with nature, breathes in phytoncides, and promotes both environmental health and carbon reduction.
(China Times)