Taichung｜Dakeng Scenic Area—See the breath of the entire Taichung Basin along Trail No. 9 ⛰️🌤️

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This is a walking route that stitches "city and mountain" together. Ascending from the Dakeng Scenic Area, the blue sky seems to be swept away by the wind. Below you lies the cityscape of Taichung, and in the distance, the rolling hills. Along the way, you'll find the shade of trees, the faint scent of earth, and finally, at the ridgeline, your heartbeat will be tuned to the rhythm of the mountains.

A Brief History of Dakeng's Background and Development | Taichung's "Backyard Garden"
• The Role of the City's Backyard: Dakeng, located in the hills east of Beitun District, has been a mountainous area used by nearby residents for logging and farming since the Japanese colonial period. In modern times, the city government designated it as a civic backyard, creating a dense network of trails and making it one of Taichung's most iconic hiking destinations. The official guidebook describes it as "long an ideal leisure destination for Taichung residents."
• The Birth of the Trail System: What is now known as the Dakeng Trail Group was first developed in the early 1980s. Trails 1 through 10 were laid out, following natural contours, streams, and ridgelines, forming the network we see today.
• Style Differences: Trails 1–5 often feature "rope-lined steps with logs on both sides," making them a highly recognizable feature of the Dakeng. Trails 6–10 primarily feature dirt paths, stone steps, and tree-lined walkways, making them more suitable for beginners.

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My Route and On-Site Experience | Trail 9 → 9-1 Ridgeline View of the City

Uphill Section: Starting from Trailhead 9, the light beneath the trees resembles a thin veil, and the dirt path is dry and easy to walk on. The bright orange landmark in your photo is one of my favorite spots—at this point, the view to the right suddenly opens, revealing Taichung's city center like a low, silver sea.
Ridgeline Section: The wind whistles in my ears, the gently undulating path beneath my feet, and the sky, a layered landscape of fine clouds, rises above me.
Downhill Section: Returning, I take the 9-1 branch trail. The knotty tree trunks resemble the texture of time. Along the way, birdsong and insects chirp intertwine, leaving the bustle of the city at the foot of the mountain.

My favorite moment of this trip was gazing back at the city through the gaps in the trees: you experience both near and far, stillness and movement.

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How to Enjoy the Best (Half-Day/Full-Day Options)

A. Half-Day Fast-Track (3–4 Hours)
• Arrive at 8:30 AM → Take Route 9 → Route 9-1 (approximately 1.5–2 hours one way) → Take photos at the viewpoint → Descend the mountain for dessert → Return to the city.

B. Full-Day Slow-Track (6–7 Hours)
• Start at 9:00 AM and take any two of Route 6, 8, or 9 → In the afternoon, stroll and have tea at Moncoeur (Romantic Manor in Beitun Mountain Area, No. 1, Fangting Road, Minzheng Village, Beitun District, Taichung City) → Return to the city in the evening.

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Recommendations (6 Things You'll Love)
1. Breathtaking Views: Route 9 offers a panoramic view of the Taichung Basin, and on clear days, the layers of scenery are breathtaking.
2. High Route Flexibility: Ten trails can be freely combined, allowing beginners, families, or those training in footing to find the perfect route.

3. Diverse Topography: Log steps, dirt paths, stone steps, and shaded forests intersperse, ensuring you never tire of the hike.
4. Close to the City: The hike takes 20–40 minutes to ascend from downtown (depending on transportation), and you can find food and drinks right after descending.
5. Suitable for all seasons: Cool spring and autumn, abundant shade in summer, and clear air in winter.
6. Stable Photography: Sharp horizons, seas of clouds, tree shadows, and landmarks—every photo is captured beautifully with your phone.

Safety and Equipment (Even for First-Timers)
• Shoes: Non-slip trail shoes/hiking shoes are best. After rain, the logs and muddy terrain can be slippery, so walk slowly.
• Water and Electrolytes: At least 600–1000 ml per person; add salt tablets in the summer. • Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent; light, long-sleeved clothing is recommended due to the many branches.
• Time: 8–11 AM and 3–5 PM are the most comfortable times; please exercise discretion during the midday sun.
• Etiquette: Leave no trace on the mountain; please take your own trash with you; and refrain from loud noises or loud music.

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Photography Tips📸
1. Cityscape: Place the horizon at 1/3 of the frame, allowing the clouds and mountain ridges to naturally become the focal points.
2. Landmark Installation: Use a person as a scale, leaving the trail and distant mountains visible to create a sense of story.
3. Forest Diorama: Focus on the texture of the tree trunks and create a bokeh effect for the city, creating a very Japanese-style texture.
4. Ridgeline Silhouette: In the afternoon, sidelight is used, position the person high up and turn the body 45° to create a clean, sharp silhouette.

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Food Review (Including Restaurant Address!) — A Hearty Walk Up the Mountain, a Refreshing Descent

1) Dongdong Taro Balls (Original Dakeng Branch)
• Address: No. 48-3, Section 2, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City (9:00 AM–10:00 PM)
• My order: Mixed taro balls + grass jelly jelly, hot ginger juice replaced with rock sugar syrup. The taro balls were springy but not hard, the sweet potato balls were fragrant, and the syrup wasn't sticky; a bowl after a hike was a refreshing treat.
• Why I recommend it: A long-established restaurant in Dakeng, with plenty of parking and fast turnover. It's always crowded on weekends, but the food is always on tap.

2) Dongshanzhan Crock Pot Chicken
• Address: No. 380, Section 1, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City (approximately 11:00 AM–9:30 PM)
• My order: Crock pot chicken + scallion oil noodles + two vegetables. The chicken skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, perfect for hand-tearing. For two or three people, ordering half a chicken is enough to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Why it's recommended: One of the famous set meals on the Dakeng Trail, with friendly parking and table turnover, perfect for families or friends sharing.

Both restaurants are located close to major trailheads, offering a seamless hike-dessert-meal experience that caters to both your physical and mental well-being.

Extra Attractions/Accommodation (Optional)
• Moncoeur (Beitun Mountain Manor, No. 1, Fangting Road, Minzheng Village, Beitun District, Taichung City): With its gardens, cafes, and small shops, it's a great place to take photos of the trails.

• National Taichung Opera House | Calligraphy Greenway Shopping District: If you're staying downtown (e.g., at the Millennium Sun Moon Hotel or the Splendor Hotel), returning to Calligraphy Greenway for an evening stroll is just the right pace.

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Practical Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls/Traffic/Weather) 💡
• Avoid Peak: The hottest hours are 9–11 AM and 2–4 PM on weekends; it's best to hike as early as possible or on weekdays.
• Parking: There are limited white lines around the trailhead. On weekends, you can park at paid parking lots along Dongshan Road and then walk into the mountain.
• Public Transportation: Buses run but are not frequent. If you're traveling with more than two people, it's recommended to share a taxi. It's easier to find a taxi down the mountain on Dongshan Road.
• Weather: Autumn brings clearer air and beautiful orange sunsets. In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so be sure to bring light rain gear.
• Families: Take routes 6–10; bring a walking stick and raincoat for added peace of mind.
• Budget: The trail is free; desserts cost NT$60–120 per person, and the jar chicken dish costs NT$250–450 per person (prices vary).

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Basic Information (Information Card)
• Attraction: Dakeng Scenic Area / Dakeng Trail
• Features: Ten trail systems, wooden stake ropes 1-5, family-friendly trails 6-10.
• History: Developed gradually since the 1980s, the trails were laid out according to the natural terrain.
• Restaurants:
• Dongdong Taro Balls (Original Dakeng Branch) | No. 48-3, Section 2, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City.
• Dongshan Zhan Clay Pot Chicken | No. 380, Section 1, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City.
• Nearby: Xinzhi Fangting | No. 1, Fangting Road, Minzheng Village, Beitun District, Taichung City.

Dakeng Scenic Area | Dakeng Trail 9 | Trail 9-1 | Dongdong Taro Balls (Original Dakeng Branch) | Dongshan Zhan Crock Chicken | Heart of the Garden
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