A Classic, Magnificent, and Dreamlike Route Through the Time-Transcending Ridge Ancient Trail

By MOOK Traveler Christopher | Compiled and Reported

The Engangli Trail is a historic mountain pass route, originally established by the Atayal and Seediq tribes and later developed into an official road during the Japanese colonial period. It stretches from Ren'ai Township in Nantou County, traversing the central section of the Central Mountain Range — including the Qilai Mountain Range and the Engangli Mountain Range — all the way to Tongmen Village in Xiulin Township, Hualien County. The trail winds through continuous mountain ranges, with approximately 90% of its entire length passing through the "Danda Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area."

Originally a hunting path used by the Seediq people, it later took on the role of connecting eastern and western parts of Taiwan. In the early post-war years, multiple electricity pylons were erected along the trail, completing a high-voltage transmission line that carried surplus electricity from the east to the west. Running parallel to the Taroko Valley Stream and winding through rugged valleys and towering mountains, the trail boasts spectacular scenery and rich flora and fauna.