Explore Hidden Gems on a New Year Trip: Handmade "White Kiln Wood-Fired Bread" – Fragrant and Chewy

▲ Renowned author Liu Kexiang visits the "Paozi Hiking Trail" in Shenkeng. (Photo / Reporter Li Yukang, same as below)

Lifestyle News / Reported from New Taipei City

With the Spring Festival approaching—instead of staying at home playing games or scrolling through your phone, why not try the hottest trend: "hiking"!? Immerse yourself in the green mountains and small streams, leaving behind worldly distractions. This time, led by renowned author Liu Kexiang, the ETtoday EBC News Cloud team visitsthe "Paozi Hiking Trail"to appreciate the cultural scenery of century-old tea farms along the historic paths of the Shenkeng area, reach the summit for stunning views of the Greater Taipei metro area, and take in the sights of terraced rice paddies and tea plantations along the way, as well as thehighly popular "Paozi Waterfall." You’ll also get to taste the exclusive white kiln wood-fired European bread at "Banshan Farm" and enjoy the fun of making your own pizza.。

▲ Liu Kexiang explains that the trail was built by volunteers and locals using "natural engineering methods," mostly consisting of sleeper stone steps, with an emphasis on "thoughtful design for each step," making it easy and comfortable to walk.

Liu Kexiang explains that the Paozi Trail, known as the "Tea Mountain Ancient Path," was once the route between Shenkeng’s Paozi area and Taipei’s Muzha District.The trail was built by volunteers and locals using "natural engineering methods," mostly consisting of sleeper stone stepswith an emphasis on "thoughtful design for each step." Most steps are low, making them hiker- and local-friendly. He said the stone-paved paths have witnessed decades of history. In the past, locals mainly farmed here, maintaining a century-old lifestyle of "picking tea and planting rice." Today, they also grow crops like green bamboo shoots, mouse bamboo herb, and sweet potatoes.

▲ Locals still maintain a traditional lifestyle of "picking tea and planting rice," and today also cultivate green bamboo shoots, mouse bamboo herb, and sweet potatoes.

Along the path, you’ll seea few scattered households preserving the old "century-old mud-brick homes" tucked away in the lush mountain landscape of the "Shizi Tea House" area,which became famous after being restored by volunteers.Liu Kexiang explains that these homes were built using traditional methods of rammed earth, with straw-thatched roofs.He also participated in helping build modern bathroom facilities there. Hementioned that residents grow vegetables for self-sufficiency, and hikers follow an unspoken rule of carrying 2–3 gas tanks up the mountain weekly for their use.

▲ The "Lin Family Thatched Cottage" gained fame after being restored by volunteers. Liu Kexiang explains it was built using traditional rammed earth methods with a straw roof.

Arriving at Banshan Farm, Liu Kexiang explains that husband-and-wife designers Chen Yuda and Chen Huiying, inspired by the book "Poilâne: The Bakery Book," gave up high-paying jobs and spent a year creating Taiwan’s first white kiln, aiming to perfectly replicate the flavors of European bread. They refuse to use additives or leavening agents, instead using imported French flour, naturally cultivated yeast, and ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, and Australian lake salt. With wood-fired kiln baking techniques and handmade warmth, they offer the natural flavors of European bread to guests. There's also a "DIY Pizza" experience course. Combining their expertise in design and interior decoration, they’ve created a cozy and charming hidden paradise.

▲ A couple who worked in interior design gave up high-paying jobs and spent a year building Taiwan’s first white kiln to craft naturally delicious European bread.
 

Liu Kexiang further explains that every mountainous area in Taipei has its own unique character.The "Paozi Trail" features over 20 trails crisscrossing the village area and is also home to one of the earliest "farmers' markets." For example, resident Mr. Gao plants a field of mouse bamboo herb in spring, used to make "mouse bamboo herb rice" (a kind of porridge), and also completes his own "mountain rice." He occasionally brings friends up the mountain to enjoy nature, chat, and have meals together. The villagers warmly welcome all visitors and often treat them to local specialties. Though it may seem remote, it has a rich atmosphere, like visiting an old friend’s countryside home.

▲ Nature-loving travelers might enjoy a trip combining hiking, ecological exploration, and historical and cultural tours along the trails.

Finally, Liu Kexiang takes us to the famous "Paozi Waterfall" to witness its magnificent scenery. The waterfall drops about 10 stories from a vertical cliffside amid roaring waters. Normally, the water flow isn’t heavy, so the waterfall is modest—but after heavy rain, it becomes torrential, like four dragons descending, hence also called the "Four Dragons Waterfall." As spring arrives, the Yangmingshan Flower Season is about to begin. Nature enthusiasts should consider a trip combining hiking, ecological exploration, and historical-cultural tours—such as hiking the Paozi Trail and tasting Banshan Farm’s natural handmade bread and pizza.。

▲ The famous "Paozi Waterfall" cascades about 10 stories down a vertical cliff.