#November Destinations 2025
1|Where to go? How to get there?
· Destination: Xianshan Hiking Trail (Taiwan's No. 33 Little Peak)
· Altitude: 967 meters, located at the border of Shitan Township and Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County; formerly known as "Hongmaoguan Mountain".
· Main starting point: Xianshan Lingdong Palace / Lingdong Palace Parking Lot (the trail entrance is opposite the food court)
· Transportation: The most intuitive way to get to Lingdong Palace by car is along County Road 124; if taking public transportation, take the Miaoli Bus from Zhunan or Miaoli and get off at "Xianshan Lingdong Palace" (frequent buses are infrequent, so be sure to check the schedule before you go).
· Parking / Restrooms: Free parking is available in the square in front of Lingdong Palace, next to the food court, and in the multi-story parking garage below; restrooms are available in both the square and the parking garage. The multi-story parking garage is poorly lit at night, so it is recommended to park during the day for peace of mind. 
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2|How to get there? Route and time
The most classic route is the "Lingdong Palace ⟷ Xianshan ⟷ Xiandong Gate" loop. The official trail markings are as follows (round trip approximately 1.6 km / 90 minutes; depending on individual walking speed and photo stops):
· Lingdong Palace Parking Lot → Xieling Pavilion: 0.3K / approx. 15 minutes
· Xieling Pavilion → Xianshan Main Peak: 0.5K / approx. 30 minutes (steep steps, ropes required for the upper section)
· Xianshan → Xiandong Gate: 0.5K / approx. 30 minutes (fun section through a giant rock tunnel-shaped opening)
· Xiandong Gate → Parking Lot: 0.3K / approx. 15 minutes.
Mnemonic: First steps, then rocky section, then return through the cave. The red-railed stone steps in the photo represent the main feature of the first half of the climb. After passing the viewing platform, the slope becomes significantly steeper, and the last 50-100 meters require rope assistance; be sure to hold on firmly and keep your feet on the ground.
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3|Background Story and the Origin of the Name "Xian" (仙)
· Xianshan was formerly known as Hongmaoguan Mountain, named after its proximity to Penglai in Nanzhuang (formerly known as Hongmaoguan). Today, it is commonly known as "Xianshan," often attributed to the mountain's spring water, known as "Xianshui" (仙水), considered by believers to have healing properties. This led to the formation of religious activities and pilgrimage routes around the area, with Xieling Palace and Lingdong Palace becoming important bases at the foot of the mountain.
· The summit offers excellent views. On clear days, one can look back north along the "Shenxian Zongzou" (神仙纵走) ridgeline (Shenzhuo Mountain—Xianshan), while the south connects to the Baxian Ancient Trail to the Baguali area, becoming a multi-day route for hikers. —
4 | Cost and Opening Information
· Admission to the trail is free; parking around Lingdong Temple is free (subject to on-site announcements).
· Toilets and stalls are available for supplies in the temple area and food court; mountain weather changes rapidly, with fog or showers common in the afternoon, so please pay attention to the real-time weather forecast and return time.
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5 | Equipment and Safety (Super Practical Checklist)
· Shoes: Hiking shoes with non-slip treads; gloves and a lightweight raincoat are recommended for slippery stone steps after rain.
· Water and Electrolytes: At least 500–750 ml, add salt, sugar, or sports drinks in summer.
· Ropeways: Secure your camera/phone with a lanyard to keep your hands free.
· Family-Friendly: Suitable for upper elementary school students and those with regular hiking habits; for young children, it is recommended to only hike the first half to Xieling Pavilion/Wangyang Terrace and then turn back.
· Environmental Protection: Broadleaf forests and moss are commonly found along the trail; please do not stray off the path. Please take your trash down the mountain, and pilgrims should dispose of their incense and other offerings within the temple grounds.
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6|My True Impressions of the Trail
On the day of the photo, fog rolled in on the mountainside, covering the parking lot like a blanket. I climbed the red-railed stone steps, the treetops damp with fog, the leaves glistening as if oiled. After passing the viewing platform, the slope suddenly became steep—the rope section made my heart race. Reaching the main peak, the clouds receded like a tide, revealing a small sliver of blue in the distance. As I passed through the Fairy Cave Gate, the narrow strip of sky formed by the stone wall cut the light cleanly; returning to the trail entrance, I felt refreshed, as if washed by the wind, so comfortable I just wanted to sit on the steps and daydream.
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7|Nearby Extension: What to Eat, Where to Go?
· Fairy Mountain Grass Jelly (Fairy Mountain Food Shop): A local classic, offering grass jelly, grass jelly ice, and other grass jelly dishes.
Address: No. 62, Xindian, Shitan Township, Miaoli County (or No. 62, Neighborhood 7, Xindian Village); Tel: 037-931318 / 793-2318 (even-numbered numbers are commonly found on official websites and tourism platforms).
· Xianshan Lingdong Palace/Xieling Palace (Trail Entrance): Main location for pilgrim center, parking, and restrooms; water supply available.
Address: No. 24, Xiaodongshi, Xindian Village, Shitan Township, Miaoli County.
· Nanzhuang Old Street/Penglai Fish Protection Trail: Pick-up available 20-30 minutes after descending the mountain; the valley trail is accessible and perfect for a side trip.
If you want to stay by the lake for the next day's itinerary, you can combine Mingde Reservoir—Rixin Island—Shuiyang Yueming Resort into a two-day, one-night trip: the lake and suspension bridge are incredibly photogenic in the early morning. (For further information, see another post in this account: Watery Moonlit Resort Tourism)
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8 | 8 Reasons I Recommend Xianshan
1. Time-Friendly: Short distance (approx. 1.6 km) / Completed in about 90 minutes, can be done in half a day.
2. Varied Scenery: Stone steps, sea of clouds, broad-leaved forests, rock walls, and cave entrances all in one trip.
3. Simple Transportation: Starting from Lingdong Palace, free parking, and centralized supply points.
4. Moderate Challenge: The upper rope section is rewarding, but not too strenuous for beginners.
5. Dramatic Weather: Fog comes and goes, creating dramatic light and shadow effects; even on cloudy days, you can capture beautiful layers of light.
6. Rich Local Culture: Legends of Xianshui, temple incense paths, and glimpses into the mountain life history of Hakka settlements.
7. High Route Extension: Connects to the Shenxian Zongzou Trail or the Baxian Ancient Trail, allowing advanced hikers to upgrade directly. 8. Adjustable for families: Turn back after reaching Xieling Pavilion or Wangyang Terrace; the scenery is still beautiful, no pressure.
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9. Quick Itinerary (Simply copy)
• Early Bird Version (Avoid Sun and Traffic)
07:30 Depart from Lingdong Palace → 08:10 Wangyang Terrace → 08:30 Main Peak → 09:00 Xiandong Gate → 09:30 Return to Parking Lot → 10:00 Enjoy shaved ice/grass jelly at "Xianshan Xiancao" in Shitan.
• Afternoon Cloud Sea Version (Weather permitting)
14:00 Ascend the Mountain → 15:30 Main Peak Cloud Sea Photography → 16:30 Return → 17:30 Dinner at Nanzhuang Old Street. • Advanced Scouting Version: After reaching the main peak of the Immortal Mountain, do not descend. Continue along the Immortal Trail to the Divine Table Mountain (8-hour long-distance hike, requires hiking experience and a headlamp, food, and water). 
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10|Location Check-ins (Attractions, Restaurants, Accommodation)
· 📍Xianshan Hiking Trail / Lingdong Palace Trail Entrance|Shitan Township, Miaoli County (Navigate to "Xianshan Lingdong Palace")
· 📍Xianshan Herbal Tea (Xianshan Food Shop)|No. 62, Xindian, Shitan Township, Miaoli County (or No. 62, Neighborhood 7, Xindian Village)
· 📍Xianshan Lingdong Palace / Xieling Palace|No. 24, Xiaodongshi, Xindian Village, Shitan Township, Miaoli County
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