Raknus Selu Trail
樟之細路（pronunciation: zhang zhi xi lu）
Distance: 220 km (main route only)
Duration: 8-14 days
The Raknus Selu Trail is a historical trail where many ethnic groups cross paths. Its name tells the story. The word “raknus” means “camphor” in the Taiwanese indigenous Atayal and Saisiyat language, a pungently aromatic plant that was massively harvested and exported in the 16th century; and “selu” means “a small path” in Hakka, a language spoken by a group of Han Chinese immigrants. It is a road of conflict and reconciliation among men, and between men and nature. Underneath the peaceful existence that is today, decades of conflicts, memories of a once thriving trade, are all sealed in the stones and remnants along the path.
Starting from Taoyuan and extending southward down to Taichung, the trail consists of three types of paths: historic trails, farm roads, and highway. The historic trails are ancestral paths connecting inner mountain settlements, transporting goods, as well as people for marriages and funerals. Farm roads include sections of low-traffic industrial roads and footpaths; winding around mountains, fruit farms, and bamboo forests, the roads are nestled in well-preserved natural landscape, some are even so offbeat that only the locals know the way. The highway refers to Provincial Highway No. 3 and other high-traffic roads with a sidewalk.
Xiaocukeng Trail: Xiaocukeng Trail had been used by early settlers as a cart road originally. It features remnants of early life now. Around the trail running along Cukeng Creek, there is a rich natural environment and diverse ecosystems, including ferns, shade-tolerant plants, Formosan blue magpies, skinks, fireflies, and so on. The trail is accessible year-round due to its lush greenery provides ample shade.
Dunan Ancient Trail & Feifeng Ancient Trail: Dunan Ancient Trail was a major travelling route for the residents of Shangnanpian to reach Guanxi. Today, it retains its natural forest landscape and is rich in local stories with over a century of history.
Shien Ancient Trail: Shien Ancient Trail once connected Emei and Beipu. Recently, it has been restored by eco-craft trail techniques, and showcases the locally cultural history (such as Fengluque and irrigation canals) and is rich ecology (including species like Reeves's muntjacs and soap-bark vine).
Mingfeng Ancient Trail: Mingfeng Ancient Trail had been a hunting path for the indigenous people- Saisiya tribe and subsequently as a crucial route for early settlers traveling between Shitan and Touwu. Notable spots include Lover’s Valley (情人谷), Zhuanghua Pavilion (妝話亭), Wangyou Valley (忘憂谷), Yiran Bend (怡然彎), Chunfeng Ridge (春來嶺), Fenglaiyi (Guangong Pavilion) (鳳來儀), and Volunteer's Shop (義工の店). There are diverse flora and fauna in the valleys and national forest areas around the trail. The trail has been established a friendship trail with Jeju Olle Trail since 2019.
Laoguandao: Laoguandao had been as an important official road. The scenery of it is pristine mountain forest. Hikers who enjoy mountain paths and bamboo forests can take the northern section, while those interested in rich cultural history can head south.
Chuguan Ancient Trail: Chuguan Ancient Trail had been an early defense line and a major travelling route to Dahu, Sanyi, Tongluo, and Gongguan. In spring and summer, hikers can enjoy the tung blossoms, while experiencing misty mountain views in autumn and winter. The popular section centers at Ginger Garden visitor center, dividing the trail into the north section-Shifendong Ancient Trail and the south section-Shengguan section of Chuguan Ancient Trail.
Raknus Selu Trail
樟之細路（pronunciation: zhang zhi xi lu）
The Raknus Selu Trail is a historical trail where many ethnic groups cross paths. Its name tells the story. The word “raknus” means “camphor” in the Taiwanese indigenous Atayal and Saisiyat language, a pungently aromatic plant that was massively harvested and exported in the 16th century; and “selu” means “a small path” in Hakka, a language spoken by a group of Han Chinese immigrants. It is a road of conflict and reconciliation among men, and between men and nature. Underneath the peaceful existence that is today, decades of conflicts, memories of a once thriving trade, are all sealed in the stones and remnants along the path.
Starting from Taoyuan and extending southward down to Taichung, the trail consists of three types of paths: historic trails, farm roads, and highway. The historic trails are ancestral paths connecting inner mountain settlements, transporting goods, as well as people for marriages and funerals. Farm roads include sections of low-traffic industrial roads and footpaths; winding around mountains, fruit farms, and bamboo forests, the roads are nestled in well-preserved natural landscape, some are even so offbeat that only the locals know the way. The highway refers to Provincial Highway No. 3 and other high-traffic roads with a sidewalk.
▶ Operational Map of Raknus Selu Trail here.
▶ GPX track with amenity spots of Raknus Selu Trail here.
▶ KML File with amenity spots of Raknus Selu Trail here.
▶ Hiking Notes-Raknus Selu Trail Section Website here.
▶ HAKKA TOUR-Raknus Selu Trail here.
▶ Overview of Raknus Selu Trail Commemorative Stamp Stations here.
▶ Raknus Selu Trail Commemorative Stamps—Ancient Trail and Stamp Design Introdcution here.
▶ Raknus Selu Trail Facebook Fanpage here.
▶ Raknus Selu Trail Facebook Group here.
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▶ Find more detailed information of Raknus Selu Trail (Hakka Affairs Council): HAKKA TOUR-Raknus Selu Trail