Nestled in the picturesque Ruifong Scenic Area in central Taiwan’s Chiayi County, the Zhukeng River Trail (竹坑溪步道) is referred to as a five-star hiking trail in Taiwan. It offers a captivating tapestry of natural beauty that has won the hearts of numerous adventurers and nature lovers.
For other interesting images of Zhukeng River Trail and its awe-inspiring waterfalls in Chiayi, Taiwan, please watch the following video.
Spanning approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles), this exceptional trail is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, including many spectacular waterfalls, suspension bridges, lush forests, and picturesque cliffs with stunning sedimentary rock formations.
History of the Zhukeng River Trail
The Zhukeng River Trail dates back to the Qing Dynasty. In ancient times, it was used by local people to carry charcoal and other agricultural products down the mountain with a pole to sell and exchange for daily necessities. Therefore, the Zhukeng River Trail is also known as the Charcoal Carrying Historical Trail (挑炭古道).
In 2004, the Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarters found that the trail surrounded by pristine forests is breathtakingly beautiful and full of phenylphenol. The administration thus decided to rebuild the trail as a tourist eco-trail.
In January 2021, the trail was closed for rehabilitation. A total of NT$85 million (US$2.8 million) was allocated for the construction of two suspension bridges (No. 8 and No. 9) and an open tunnel near the Longgong Waterfall. In June, 2023, the remarkable revitalization project breathed new life into this much-loved trail, and the Zhukeng River Trail was officially reopened to the public in July 2023.
Beauty of the Zhukeng River Trail
Winding through verdant forests, the trail offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a chance to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the soul. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature as they traverse the well-maintained trail and 12 unique suspension bridges. From the moment visitors set foot on the Zhukeng River Trail, they will be captivated by its untamed beauty. While the trail is replete with awe-inspiring waterfalls, there are three that stand out in particular.
Longgong (Dragon Palace) Waterfall (龍宮瀑布)
The Longgong Waterfall, with a drop of about 120 meters (400 feet), is the most spectacular waterfall in the Ruifeng Scenic Area. It is a “hanging valley waterfall,” which creates the illusion that the water hangs in the air before falling into the pool below.
As visitors approach this stunning natural wonder, they are greeted by the thunderous roar of cascading water. The powerful roar of the waterfall creates a spectacle that leaves visitors in awe. In particular, the Water Curtain Cave (水濂洞) at the top of the waterfall offers the best view of both the Longgong Waterfall and the Leiyin Waterfall below.
Although the waterfalls cascade down the same cliff, they each have their own pools, creating the rare phenomenon of double waterfall pools. For this reason, the waterfall used to be called Shuan-Shui-Tan (雙水潭 Double Waterfall Pools) by the local people. It is the only place in Taiwan with such a unique landscape. As a result, the Longong Waterfall was selected by the prestigious Smithsonian Magazine in the United States as one of the seven must-see waterfalls in Taiwan.
Leiyin Waterfall (雷音瀑布)
The Leiyin Waterfall is a multi-tiered waterfall on the north side of the Zhukeng River and is also one of the most famous waterfalls in the Ruifeng Scenic Area.
With its five successive tiers, this magnificent waterfall has a drop of nearly 200 meters (656 feet). The No. 10 Suspension Bridge spans under the fourth tier of the waterfall, allowing visitors to look up at the first four tiers of Leiyin Waterfall. The fifth tier of the waterfall is located at the confluence of the Zhukeng River, forming a double pool with the waterfall below the Longgong Waterfall on the Zhukeng River.
Across the river on the opposite side of the mountain is the Longgong Waterfall. At the top of the Leiyin Waterfall there is the Wanglong Bridge (望瀧橋), from where visitors can take in the beauty of the Longgong Waterfall.
Shengmaoshu Waterfall (生毛樹瀑布)
The Shengmoushu Waterfall, with its two-tiered cascades, creates a majestic spectacle that leaves an indelible mark on visitors. As sunlight filters through the surrounding foliage, it casts a shimmering glow on the cascading waters. However, only the third tier, with a drop of about 20 meters (65 feet), can be seen from the trail.
The waterfall was named after the former name of the village of Ruifeng (瑞峰村) where it is located. Because there are many ferns in this humid area, which look like fur growing on the trees, it has the interesting name of Shengmoushu (生毛樹), which literally means trees with fur bark.
Conclusion
The Zhukeng River Trail is more than just a hiking trail; it’s a journey through a natural wonderland. With its recent restoration and improvement project, this trail has been reborn, ready to enchant visitors with its breathtaking scenery, hanging valley waterfalls, and the atmosphere rich in negative ions.
