Trail Introduction 【Qilai East Ridge trail signage and route itinerary】
The Qilai East Ridge collectively refers to the ridgeline stretching eastwards from Mt. Qilai North Peak. Including Mt. Qilai North Peak, mountaineers can summit four baiyue: Mt. Panshi, Mt. Taroko, Mt. Liwu, and Mt. Patuolu. There is cellular reception at the base of each baiyue and at major campgrounds along the entirety of the trail.
Qilai East Ridge requires a 6-day itinerary, starting at the Mt. Qilai trail entrance at the base of Mt. Hehuan East Peak and ending at Yuewang Pavilion at the Heliu Campground.
Stop 1: Mt. Panshi
Verdant grasslands cover the landscape between Mt. Qilai North Peak to Mt. Panshi. Between the two peaks, hikers can choose between many beautiful campgrounds to spend the night. During the daytime, Formosan sambar deer (水鹿; Rusa unicolor) can be sighted on the grassland slopes.
Stop 2: Mt. Taroko
In clear weather, the summit of Mt. Taroko commands a spectacular near-360 degree panorama of the Pacific Ocean, the East Rift Valley, and the Jade Mountain range.
Stop 3: Mt. Liwu (Main)
Upon summiting Mt. Liwu, hikers are presented with an endless view that stretches over the vast horizon, similar to that of Mt. Taroko.
Stop 4: 9 km Worker's Hut
The three worker's huts at the 0 km, 9 km, and 12 km markers on the Yanhai Logging Road are remnants of the Japanese Colonial Period. Currently, the worker's hut at the 12 km marker is dilapidated beyond use; hikers instead mostly choose to camp overnight at the worker's hut at the 9 km marker.
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