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​​Lie Ren Trail aka Hunters Trail in Wangxiang ​Village

Posted by:  Anusha Lee
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Lie Ren Trail, aka Hunters Trail, is the most popular hike in Wangxiang Village in central Taiwan. Although Wangxiang is small, this village is surrounded by two major mountain ranges, Yushan Mountain Range and Alishan Mountain Range. For local people, seeing 100 Peaks is like seeing highrises for city dwellers, except that those mountains are ten times much better.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Village
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Village

Table of Contents:

About Wangxiang and Hunters Trail: Open the Door and You See the Mountains

There is a Chinese idiom 開門見山 (Kāi mén jiàn shān), and it literally means 'open the door and you see the mountains'. It actually means 'spit it out', 'cut to the chase', or 'let's talk turkey' in English. However, in Kalibuan, aka Wangxiang Village 望鄉部落, it really means you see the mountains when you open the door. Furthermore, what you see are not just mountains but the highest mountain in Taiwan, Mt. Yu (aka Mt. Jade), 3,952 meters (12,966 feet). So here in Wangxiang, you open the door, and you see Mt. Yu. This video was shot in November 2019 during my first visit. Please excuse my lousy video shooting skill.

Kalibuan aka Wangxiang Village

Wangxiang Village is located in Xinyi Township Nantou County 南投信義鄉, at an altitude of 900 meters. Bunun people, the main residents living here, call this place Kalibuan. Wangxiang is also in between Sun Moon Lake, Yushan National Park and Alishan National Scenic Area, but belongs to Alishan Mountain Range.
Mt. Data: Sister Pond in Alishan
Wangxiang Village is very close to Alishan.
The residents of Wangxiang were originally from Mt. Luanda (Luandashan) 巒大山 in the Central Mountain Range. During Japan Occupation, they were forced to relocate to the current location. Before they moved, the elders in the tribe kept reminding them never leave Mt. Yu out of sight. Mt. Yu is deemed as the sacred mountain for Bunun people. After moving here, Bunun people found Kalibu, Strawberry Trees 楊梅, all over the mountains. Therefore, they called this place Kalibuan, meaning lush trees.
During that time, a homesick Japanese soldier called this place Bukiu, meaning missing home in Japanese. Later, Wangxiang, literally meaning missing home in Chinese, became the official name.
Because of this unique location, you can see many mountains including several 100 Peaks in Wangxiang, Mt. Jyunda 郡大山 (3,263 meters), Mt. Batongguan 八通關山 (3,335 meters), Mt. Yu Main Peak 玉山主峰 (3,952 meters), and Mt. Yu North Peak 玉山北峰 (3,858 meters).
20191130_wangxiang-sunrise-mt-yu-text-b
You can see many 100 Peaks in Wangxiang Village

Christmas Torch Festival: Experience Different Christmas in Wangxiang Village

Most indigenous people in Taiwan are Christians and Christmas celebrations are big things in those villages, especially in Wangxiang. Everyone in the village would carry a torch, parade together, visit the next household, light up their torches and proceed to the next one to convey the blessings, which was also called Torch Festival 火把節. It has become very popular for hikers and tourists to celebrate Christmas in Wangxiang together, at least before Covid-19 pandemic. You can watch this video by MIT Taiwan Diary MIT 台灣誌, a popular hiking TV program in Taiwan, to see what the Christmas celebrations were like.
I'm not sure Torch Festival will still be there in 2021 because of Covid-19 outbreaks in Taiwan. At least, this can be something to look forward to in the future.

Hunters Trail, Mt. Wangmei and Wanggaoliao Lookout

Hunters Trail used to be called Manutusan Hunters Trail 馬奴多斯獵人古道, and it was Bunun people's hunting ground. This trail started from the back of the village and extended all the way up to Mt. Wangmei. The terrain looked like the contour of nose according to Bunun people, which was Manutusan in Bunun language.
There are several indigenous tribes in Taiwan that make slate houses, and Bunun people are one of them. On the way to Mt. Wangmei, you'll see a beautiful slate pavilion and you must stop here to enjoy the amazing view and this beautiful structure. This slate pavilion was made with Bunun's traditional construction techniques, and those slates were transported from Sandimen Township from Pingtung County 屏東三地門 in the south of Taiwan, because Wangxiang doesn't have mines to produce those slates. The purpose was to preserve Bunun's culture.
hunters-trail-07-slate-house-sandimen
The slate house I saw in Sandimen many years ago.
This trail is an out-and-back trail, starting from the trailhead at Wangxiang Village via Mt. Wangmei to Wanggaoliao Lookout. Although we can see Mt. Yu from this trail, this area belongs to Alishan Range, not Mt. Yu. This is very short and easy trail to hike, and the one-way distance is only 2.8 km (1.74 miles).
Wanggaoliao Lookout used to monitor forest fire during Japan Occupation, and it was remodeled as a 3-floor wooden structure. The views on the third floor are great when the weather is good.

Mt. Qiong

After reaching Wanggaoliao Lookout, you can turn back to the trailhead or continue your hike to Mt. Qiong, 1,846 meters (6,056 feet). Please note that the trail terrains and the grades of the slopes are much more difficult than the previous section, and there's no view on the peak.
But if you are super fit, you can continue your hike to Mt. Song 松山 (the exact Chinese of Songshan Airport in Taipei City), 2,557 meters (1,9869 feet). There's a junction on Mt. Song. One trail goes to famous hiking trail Mianyue Line 眠月線 (permits required) and Mt. Data, and the other goes to another famous trail, Shuiyang Forest or Shuiyang Lake 水漾森林, a post-quake lake.
Mt. Data: fork to 眠月線 Mianyue Xian Trail
Most parts of Mianyue Line are in Taiwan Pleione Conversation Area 台灣一葉蘭保護區. You'll get hefty fine without applying for permits hiking there.

How to Get There

You will have to transfer several buses to get there if you don't drive.

From Taichung to Shueili Nantou

Please check All Day Bus 總達客運 for those buses from Taichung to Shuili 水里: 6333, 6333A, 6333B, and 6322. Bus 6333B will stop at High Speed Rail Taichung Station, too.

From Shuili Train Station to Wangxiang Village

Take Yuanlin Bus 員林客運 6733 and get off at Tongfu Junior High School 同富國中.
Or take the Dongpu Route of Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 台灣好行 東埔線, get off at Tongfu Junior High School 同富國中.

From Bus Stop to the Trailhead

After getting off at Tongfu Junior High School stop, please use navigation in the Google Maps by checking the coordinates of the trailhead of Hunters Trail: 23.602417, 120.885642.
Please note that there will be less bus schedules or regulations due to Covid-19 pandemic. Check with the bus companies before you go.

Peaks and Places to Reach

Mt. Wangmei: 望美山, 1,427 meters (4,682 feet).
Wanggaoliao Lookout: 望高寮瞭望台, 1,517 meters (4,977 feet).
Mt. Qiong: 瓊山, 1,846 meters (6,056 feet).
See the map and itinerary first

An Easy Hike to Hunters Trail with the Highest Mountain by Your Side

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Brief itinerary: Trailhead of Hunter Trail (Height 900 meters) ➔ Pavilion ➔ Mt. Wangmei (Height 1,427 meters) ➔ Wanggaoliao Lookout (Height 1,517 meters) ➔ Mt. Qiong (Height 1,846 meters) ➔ Lookout ➔ Mt. Wangmei ➔ Pavilion ➔ Trailhead of Hunter Trail
GPS coordinates of Hunter Trailhead: 23.602417, 120.885642
Note: This is a two-day hike including a 100-Peaks mountain, Mt. Jyunda, but I think Hunters Trail can be a standalone trip because there are many other things to do in Wangxiang Village.
I've been to Wangxing Village to do my Mt. Zhizhong hike near Alishan in November 2019. I was very impressed by the mountains including Mt. Yu Main Peak, around us when we got up early to the trailhead.
You can see Mt. Yu peaks on the summit of Mt. Zhizhong. The pointed one in the middle is Mt. Yu Main Peak.
Looking at Mt. Yu (the pointed one in the center) from Mt. Zhizhong.
This time was no exception. Once we arrived at our B&B, our guides told us that we could see Mt. Yu Main Peak and Mt. Batongguan, 3,335 meters (10,942 ft) and other 100 Peaks from the second floor. It's really 'Kāi mén jiàn shān', open the door and you see the mountains. I was going to hike Mt. Batongguan and Mt. Yu Main Peak in August 2021, but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Taiwan. But I didn't know that when I saw those amazing mountains at our B&B and I believed I would be there soon.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
The view from our B&B. Mt. Yu and Mt. Batongguan were covered by clouds.
hunters-trail-wangxiang-gate
The famous Wangxiang Village gate

Took Photos with Our Guide Who Just 'Wanbai'

Soon, we arrived at the trailhead of Hunters Trail. It was very easy to recognize the trailhead, because there was a hand-made map with the details you need to know. We stayed here a little bit longer because we had to follow the photo taking routine.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
A cute hand-painted map in front of the trailhead
I took a photo with one of our guides for a very good reason. This petite lady, Rose, was a few years younger than me, but she was really tough. I've been hiking with her for several times, including my alpine lake hike: Qicai Lake. She once broke her foot on the trail but still managed to finish it on her own. After she visited the doctor, she realized that she got a broken ankle. She had a foot surgery, took a break for a few months, and got back to the trails later. Now, she's finished all the 100 Peaks in Taiwan! In Taiwan, we call this 'wanbai 完百', literally meaning finishing 100 Peaks.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Rose just finished hiking all the 100 Peaks before this hike.
The trail started with steps. Usually, the trails with steps are quite easy to hike in Taiwan. This one was no exception.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Hunters Trail is easy to hike.
Then we reached a junction, but it was obvious to take the left one without the need to read a map, because you can see the nurmerous plastic ribbons left by other hiking groups. We did the same thing in the following junctions.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Follow the ribbions.
We passed many plum trees, and those plums were ready to be harvested. I actually bought a jar of preserved plums made by the shop next to our B&B after this hike.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Imagine how stunning it would be during plum bloosom season.

The Beautiful Slate Pavilion with Stunning Views

Soon, we reached the slate pavilion that we had been waiting for. Those slates were neatly placed on the top of each other, with a painting depicting a fire roasting two boars.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
This was an important stop to see the epic views.
Although we didn't have a great weather on that day, this was still breath taking.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Mt. Yu was hidden in the clouds, which means I have to come back to do this hike again.
After this cute slate pavilion, we hiked on the ridge, passing farms and trees that looked like Acer serrulatum Hayata 青楓. If I am right, this is an endemic species in Taiwan.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Seeing this made me think about coming back for the fall foliage, too.
Before turning left at the junction, we stopped to check out trees with small ruby-like fruits. I was told those were Taiwan Cherry 山櫻花 or 緋寒櫻, and the blossom seasons were in January and February.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Taiwan Cherry, another incentive to see those blossoms in January and February.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Taiwan Cherry's fruits looked like ruby tear drops.
After several turns, we went into Moso bamboo woods.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Moso bamboo woods

Having Fun with the Rope Swing in the Woods

After another uphill with steps, we reached a flat resting area with a ROPE SWING! We had fun there. It was said this was also the BBQ area for people, but I hoped not, because this place was too good to do BBQ.
Our youngest hiking mate demonstrated how to play a rope swing like a pro.
While waiting for everyone to have fun, I checked out the trees around us, and the red leaves out of the green caught my attention. After Googling, some hikers said those were Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', Japanese Maple, 紫葉槭. Japanese Maple's leaves turn purplish red in summer, which was a great surprise to see them here. You can also see many Japanese Maple at Mt. Taiping or Taipingshan.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
I didn't know we could see red maple leaves in summer! Those Japanese Maples were amazing.
While enjoy the swing and the beautiful trees, please be aware of Stinging Nettle 咬人貓 hiding in the bush to kick your butt.
Hunters Trail
Sginging Nettle is very common on the trails in Taiwan.
After the fun time, we continued our hike and were flanked by Japanese Cedar Trees and other tall trees.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Very relaxing to walk under those tall trees
Then we went under Taiwan Acacia 相思樹 with their thick tree trunks stretching just slightly above our heads. The variety of plants here was amazing.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Taiwan Acacia

Excellent Views on Mt. Wangmei and Wanggaoliao Lookout

Then, I saw a stone pillar carved with 台大(國)923. Seeing this means you are very close to Mt. Wangmei, because this area is the experimental forest that belongs to National Taiwan University.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
We were in Ntaional Taiwan University's property now.
Within 5 minutes, we reached Mt. Wangmei.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Mt. Wangmei
It was a shame that we didn't have a good weather to see very far from Mt. Wangmei. At least, it wasn't raining. But during that period of time, Taiwan was experiencing the most severe droughts for years.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
It was pity that we got a cloudy day and we couldn't see those mountains.
We took the right trail and went uphill. According to other hikers, the left one will take you to Wanggaoliao Forest Road and back to Wangxiang Village, about 6.4 km (4 miles). The road terrain was like what you see in the photo, with the Japanese Cedar Trees on both sides. You can do a loop hike if you take this one.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Took the right one to Wanggaoliao Lookout.
It didn't take us long to reach Wanggaoliao Lookout, just around 15 minutes. The lookout was a 3-story wooden structure and was big enough for many hikers and tourists to take a break.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Wanggaoliao Lookout
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
This lookout was very big. Photo by our guide Mingshu 明樹.
You'll see signs telling you what mountains you are looking at, but it was cloudy when we got there.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
There were signs telling you what you could see in the distance.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Those were the peaks we might see according to my PeakFinder app if the weather was good.
While taking a break, our guides asked us whether anyone wanted to continue the hike to Mt. Qiong. I raised my hand right away. Of course, I would. I was planning to do several 100 Peaks hikes and I needed to do more training, although all of them got cancelled later thanks to the pandemic.

Very Challenging Hike to Mt. Qiong

The following hike was led by one of my favorite guides, Xiao Tsai. He knew I was the slowest one (or the second slowest), and I didn't let him down this time, either. He was very kind to check on me constantly to make sure I was ok. I reassured him through my huffing and puffing that I was fine.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Xiao Tsai took us to Mt. Qiong.
One thing worth mentioning is we had second grader in our group, a cute little boy who had extreme energy on this trail. According to his father, he had finished several 100 Peaks in Taiwan.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
My hero on this trip. This second grader has been to several 100 Peaks.
The trail was mostly on the ridge, but it was hidden in the thick woods without seeing any views, except for the tall and handsome trees. This whole area was the Experimental Forest of National Taiwan University.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
We didn't see much through the thick woods, but those trees were beautiful.
The one-way trip from the lookout was only 1 km with total ascent of 300 meters to Mt. Qiong. It took us around 30 minutes to get to the peak. I could hear the cute little boy's Baba (meaning father in Chinese) through my excessively loud breathing all the way to the top.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Those steep slopes weren't easy, either.
There wasn't much to see on the peak. We left around 3 pm, after taking enough photos. By the time we reached the trailhead, it was 6 pm sharp. We were tired and hungry and ready to devour the dinner.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Finally, Mt. Qiong.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
I always enjoy taking group photos because I can pratice my hiding skills.

Thoughts about This Hike: Enjoy Wangxiang's Slow Life and Blossoms

There are some places that will make you keep coming back, and this is one of them. Not just for Hunters Trail, but also for Wangxiang Village. Being surrounded by the high mountains and seeing Bunun's sacred mountain Mt. Yu whenever you open the door (or windows) is so mesmerizing.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
Wangxiang Village is a lovely place that is worth visiting whether you go hiking or not.
Moreover, after watching the video of how Wangxiang Village celebrated Christmas, I even consider to be part of the crowds to experience Bunun people's culture and hospitality, even though I'm pretty much a loner who doesn't celebrate most holidays.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
The other attractions that are worth paying a visit at Wangxiang Village
There are different ways to enjoy this hike, either an out-and-back one or taking Wanggaoliao Forest Road 望高寮林道 to make it a loop hike. Both are very easy to do. You can even arrange this hike in all seasons to see blossoms, fall foliage, or just enjoy the stunning views and Mt. Yu from the slate pavilion.
Hunters Trail
We passed to junctions where the left trail would take us to Wanggaoliao Forest Road and back to the village.
Most hikers in Taiwan will arrange a two-day trip at Wangxiang Village: do Hunters Trail on the first day and hike to Mt. Jyunda on the second day. This is also what our group did.
Hunters Trail in Wangxiang Nantou
This was the ridgeline of our next day's hike.
What do you think about Wangxiang Village and Hunters Trail? Please leave comments below. Don't forget to subscribe to newsletters for more amazing trails in Taiwan.

Map and Itinerary

Group Hike or Solo Hike: Group hike with LOHAS
Date of Hike: April 10, 2021

Based on my hike on April 10, 2021

07:00 Left Banqiao, New Taipei City
11:35 Arrived at B&B
12:20 Left B&B for Hunters Trail
12:33 Arrived at the trailhead of Hunters Trail
12:42 Reached the first junction and turned and right. Then turned right again.
12:45 Reached a slate pavilion with the amazing view
13:20 Arrived at a junction and turned left
13:26 Took a break in the bamboo woods
13:30 Arrived at an area with a rope swing hanging from the tree. We had fun there for about 20 minutes.
14:07 Passed a concrete pillar with words 台大(國)923
14:12 Reached Mt. Wangmei
14:18 Reached a junction and took the right to go up. Then, another junction and took the right with the sign Lookout
14:31 Arrived at Wanggaoliao lookout and took a break
14:53 Left the lookout and headed to Mt. Qiong
15:55 Arrived at Mt. Qiong
16:56 Back to the lookout
17:09 Back to Mt. Wangmei
17:25 Back to the swing
17:52 Back to the slate pavilion
18:00 Back to the trailhead
Total time: 5 hours 40 minutes, including long breaks

Recommended Blogs and Resources:

English post:
Taiwan Trails and Tales: ALISHAN SISTERS PONDS LOOP (阿里山:姐妹池O型)
Chinese only:
Hiking Biji: Hunters Trail, Mt. Wangmei 獵人古道、望美山
Hunters Trail, Mt. Wangmei, Mt. Qiong in Wangxiang Nantou 南投望鄉: 獵人古道, 登望美山, 順走瓊山
Mt. Chen 陳生: Wangxiang Village, Hunters Trail, Mt. Wangmei, Wanggaoliao and Mt. Qiong 望鄉部落、獵人古道、望美山、望高寮、瓊山

Related Posts about indigenous people and Alishan on Taiwan Hikes:

100 Peaks: Mt. Jyunda
Tefuye Trail and Mt. Zhizhong
Mt. Data, the highest peak of Alishan
Dali and Datong Villages
Smangus to Qilan
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