Overlooking terraced rice fields and a C-shaped railway curve – Miaoli’s hidden gem “Zhenghan Trail”!

The vast and boundless pastoral scenery always brings a sense of peace and joy, and gazing at the distant landscape from high above is truly one of life’s great pleasures. As the sunlight shines down, the rice fields ripple with varying shades of vibrant green, a living canvas painted by nature itself.

Zhenghan Trail is located near Tanwen Station in Zaobridge Township. On a clear and sunny day, head to this trail for a walk. Why is it called Zhenghan Trail? Because there is a Zhenghan Memorial on the trail. And why is there a Zhenghan Memorial? It was erected to honor a young man, Zhenghan, who sacrificed his own life to save others.

In 1964, Zhenghan, then just in his twenties, was working in the fields when he heard cries for help. Without hesitation, he dropped what he was doing and jumped into the river to rescue a child trapped in the rapid currents of the Zhonggang River. However, Zhenghan himself suffered a foot injury from barbed wire and was unable to get back to shore. Tragically, he lost his life. To commemorate his heroic act, a memorial was erected on a hill with an exceptional view. From this spot, you can gaze over the plains of the Zhonggang River and even the Taiwan Strait — the sweeping panoramic views are its most celebrated feature. It is also a hidden gem for train enthusiasts to capture trains rounding the C-shaped curve.

Now that we’ve covered the story behind its name, let’s explore the trail together. The entrance is marked with a sign indicating that this is Zhenghan Trail.

A short walk ahead, you’ll find an explanatory plaque about the Zhenghan Memorial.

Most parts of the trail are paved with artificial pathways or wooden steps.

These paths are shaded by trees, so the sunlight doesn’t shine directly down.

Plus, it’s autumn now, and a gentle breeze blows from time to time, making the walk cool and comfortable. In less than ten minutes, you’ll reach the end of the trail.
The memorial is getting closer.

▲ The Zhenghan Memorial bears the inscription “People Drowning as if I Myself Am Drowning.”

▲ Memorial plaque information

Once you reach the endpoint, the view is spectacular and the scenery is beautiful.

Especially the rice paddies full of seedlings paired with trains passing along the tracks — I took quite a few photos here. I even stayed for a while to capture the trains going by.

▲ In this photo, the sun peeks out slightly.

With the sunlight shining on the fields, the scenery changes completely, giving the paddies a layered look. Although there are many artificially designed rice field artworks that are quite eye-catching, this kind of natural “painting” touches the heart even more.

▲ True to the name “Zhenghan” Trail, the scenery is stunningly “breathtaking.”

▲ An electric commuter train appears.

The train glides smoothly along the tracks, carrying thoughts away and washing away worries and noise.

▲ A Chu-Kuang Express train appears.

This time, I didn’t get to see the Tze-Chiang Limited Express pass by, so I’ll have to wait for another chance in the future. If possible, I’d also love to see the golden waves of ripe rice ears. But honestly, the scenery here is really amazing — no wonder so many train enthusiasts come here to take photos.

The crisscrossing paths divide the rice fields into neat squares, like tatami mats laid out in a Japanese house. The unplanted fields in earthy yellow are scattered among them, adding different hues to the plain — like a mix of square crackers and mung bean cakes. The pastel-colored buildings and uneven houses look like toy models, incredibly cute.

The azure sky dotted with soft clouds, together with the undulating emerald-green mountains, creates a perfect backdrop for the vast green carpet, full of vitality.

The scenery along the way back is also quite lovely.

The green waves ripple and stir the heart. I think this kind of railway scenery is no less impressive than the one in Slam Dunk’s level crossing.

For those who love rice fields and trains, why not take a little trip during your break~

Transportation:

Take a train to Tanwen Station. After exiting, turn right.

Walk straight in this direction for about 12 minutes (you’ll pass by Tanwen Police Station and Tanwen Elementary School along the way).

When you see this intersection, turn right and then go straight (before reaching Yuda University of Science and Technology).

Follow the sign and walk for about five minutes to reach the trail entrance.

Alternatively, shortly after exiting Tanwen Station on the left, you’ll find a bus stop (Tanwenhu Station). You can take bus routes 5807 or 5811, get off at Jiangshan Ruyuan Station, and then walk to the trail entrance. This saves you about 10+ minutes of walking along Provincial Highway 1.