Shitan Mountain stands at 584 meters and is an important peak in Miaoli's Hakka religious landscape. The Lingdong Temple at the summit is dedicated to Xuantian Shangdi and is always busy with worshippers; on weekends large numbers of devotees make the pilgrimage hike. Massive boulders line the trail throughout, and the Xianshan Great Rock Wall is the most distinctive landscape feature. On clear days the view extends across the Houlong River basin.
Highlights of Shitan Mountain
The main trail from the trailhead to Lingdong Temple at the summit is about 2 to 3 kilometers long, with stone steps throughout and several steeper sections along the way. After passing through dense forest, the terrain opens into dramatic boulders; the Xianshan Great Rock Wall is a bare limestone cliff face and the most impressive feature at the mid-point of the trail. Lingdong Temple at the summit is built inside a natural cave, with the shrine structure integrated into the rock — a visually striking result.
Lingdong Temple attracts large numbers of worshippers each year, with the biggest crowds on lunar calendar first and fifteenth days and around Xuantian Shangdi's birthday (the third day of the third lunar month). On clear days the summit has a sweeping view over the Shitan Township basin and the Houlong River valley; misty days create a different kind of mountain atmosphere. Shitan Old Street below the mountain is a good place to find Hakka food after the descent.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car: Exit at Toufen Interchange or Sanyi Interchange on National Freeway 1 (or 3), take Provincial Highway 6 to Shitan Township, then head toward Xianshan Village — about 30 to 40 minutes. Parking is available at the trailhead.
- Public transport: Buses from Miaoli to Shitan are infrequent; driving or cycling is recommended.
- The hiking trail is accessible all day; no entrance fee. The temple is managed by the resident staff — follow proper etiquette when entering.
Nearby Connections
- Shitan Old Street: after descending, follow Provincial Highway 6 to Shitan Old Street, where a pedestrian area offers Hakka snacks and artisan goods.
- Mingde Reservoir: heading west reaches Touwu's Mingde Reservoir, about 20 minutes by car — combinable into a single day itinerary.
- Dahu Township: about 20 minutes south by car; during strawberry season this connects easily to a strawberry-picking itinerary.
Source: Miaoli County Shitan Township Office; on-site trail interpretation signs. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.