Taipei Travel

The Pingding Ancient Canal and New Pingding Canal in Pingdeng Village are reminiscent of the village’s previous name of “Pingding”. Both canals were built more than 150 years ago to serve three purposes: transportation, irrigation and drinking-water supply. The Pingdeng Villagers remain highly dependent on these historic canals for their household water supply.

Old Pingding Canal Trail
The hiking trail starts from Lane 95 of Pingjing Street, Pingdeng Village, with its up-and down-hill stretches covered by moss. The first sight that greets hikers along the trail is Qingfeng Pavilion, and located near the canal entrance is a bright-red inscription saying “Old Pingding Canal” with a brief history of the canal provided. The hiking trail runs parallel to the canal until reaching a cave at the end of waterway. It offers a glimpse of an adverse waterfront aquatic ecosystem along the way.

Ecological phenomena along Old Pingding Canal Trail
The Old Pingding Canal Trail is located approximately 300-500 meters above sea level in Pingdeng Village, Shilin District, on a plateau sloping toward the south. A combination of meandering Neishuangxi River, Neiliao River, hills and creeks, the trail area is a cradle for various species of vegetation, mostly Giant Elephant Ears (Alocasia macrorrhizos), Red Nanmu (Machilus thunbergii), Chinese Soap Berry (Sapindus mukorossii), Kadsura Pepper (Piper kadsura) and bamboo. Boasting an aquatic ecosystem that nurtures insects and reptiles of all kinds, the trail ensures a surprise-packed hiking experience.