In August and September of last year, typhoons caused significant damage to several hiking trails in Taichung, including Tanzi District’s Xintian Hiking Trail (Main Trail and Trails No. 2 and No. 3), as well as the Zhigaozun Trail between Xinxing and Shejiao and the Ruijing Trail in Dadu District. To ensure the safety of tourists, the Tourism and Travel Bureau of the Taichung City Government immediately closed these trails, conducted damage assessments, and utilized about NT$18.42 million from the disaster reserve fund to launch two reconstruction projects. The Zhigaozun Trail between Xinxing and Shejiao in Dadu District and Xintian Hiking Trail No.3 in Tanzi District have already been repaired and reopened as of August this year, while the Ruijing Trail in Dadu District and Xintian Hiking Trail (Main Trail and Trail No. 2) in Tanzi District are scheduled for completion by the end of November.
Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Chen Mei-hsiu explained that the damage to Tanzi's Xintian Hiking Trail was mainly due to landslides and collapsing soil, which affected the trail's infrastructure. Restoration efforts included slope reinforcement measures such as slope netting, micropiles, and gabions, alongside repairing damaged trail sections. For the Ruijing Hiking Trail in Dadu, heavy rain had eroded the pavement, resulting in potholes. To mitigate future issues, an 11-meter bridge was planned to address rainwater erosion. The city government is dedicated to ensuring the trails remain safe and enjoyable for visitors.
According to the Tourism and Travel Bureau, the Xintian Hiking Trail system comprises five routes (Main trail and Trails No. 1, 2, 3, and 5), stretching a total of 3.6 kilometers. The trails feature multiple rest stops and scenic highlights, such as an eagle-watching platform and observation decks, making it a favored spot for leisure hiking among Tanzi and Fengyuan locals. Adventurous hikers can test their stamina on Trail No. 3, known for its seemingly endless staircase that presents a physical challenge. Meanwhile, the Ruijing Trail in Dadu is now connected to the Zhukeng-Nanliao Trail in Longjing, allowing visitors to traverse from Ruijing Trail in Dadu to Zhukeng-Nanliao Trail C. The Ruijing community is rich in cultural and natural features, including ancient wells, traditional red-brick houses, and vibrant flora and fauna, inviting visitors to explore its historic charm and serene landscapes.