Yingge itself is famous for its production of pottery and porcelain, and for its many art studios, shops, and quaint, cobble-stoned “Old Street”. On the northern side of Yingge (literally “Warbler’s Song”), lies a strange rock formation called鶯歌石 (“Warbler’s Song Stone, although formerly known by other names such as 鷹哥石 “Eagle Brother’s Stone”) which, according to legend, produced a miasma (noxious gas) that disoriented, sickened, and sometimes killed passers-by. The miasma was only lifted when a General Koxinga, whose army had been caught in the miasma, ordered his cannons to fire upon the rock. Once the neck of the “stone eagle” was broken, the miasma was lifted, and the army could finally march past.
The hike is basically a large loop, which can be done in either direction, although the general route is clockwise. The loop takes about 2.5 hours to complete, and features some relatively steep (albeit brief) climbs and descents across forested hills and some nice views of Yingge, Sanxia and distant Taipei along the way. This is the first of two caches I’ve placed along the route. It is located at the viewing platform not far past the Yingge Rock itself. Once you’ve parked your scooter at the trailhead (if you’re in a car, you’ll have to park at the nearby temple, as the small alley only accommodates scooters), continue down the path about 5 minutes and you’ll come to a steep staircase on the left. That will bring you up to the Yingge Rock itself where there is a small viewing area. Continue up the steep climb until you reach the second viewing platform, which is where the cache is located.