交通部觀光署阿里山國家風景區 脊梁山脈主題網

Tefuye Historic Trail is located in Alishan Township, Chiayi County. The trail from Zizhong entrance on Xinzhongheng Highway to Tefuye is 6.32 kilometer. This trail takes 4 hours to walk one way, and it was an old hunting trail for the northern Tsou indigenous people in the early years. During the Japanese colonial era, Japanese built a railway (old Shuishan line railway) along this historic trail in order to transport Taiwan Red Cypress and Taiwan Cypress that were rich in the Alishan mountain region. Although there’s no more logging transportation nowadays, the old railway, plank trail and old cypress bridge remain to serve as a reminder of the lively scene in the old days as the little steam train traversed in the mountain forest.
In 2001 the Chiayi Forest District Office rebuilt the trail into a step trail paved with gravel and crosstie. The wooden bridge and part of the railway with crossties were kept, which are all unique features of this trail. The ecology along Tefuye Historic Trail is very diverse. The section from Zizhong entrance to the first half of the trail is smooth with willow and Chinese fir growing vigorously and upright all over the mountain valley. The balance half of the trail is a steep downhill slope full of dark green broad leaf plants. The beautiful and charming landscape changes throughout the year, and it’s a great place for weekend hiking and birdwatching.