The town of 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 cache is located at a small rest pavilion located right next to the huge Yingge Rock, about 160 steps above the Sun Long Trail below (孫龍步道). You will notice some small grottoes carved into the rock facing the pavilion, with Buddhist figurines, incense, and votive candles there. The steps are steep, and you’ll enjoy a short rest here on the benches of the round pavilion, before making your way up the remaining 100 steps. After you’ve caught your breath, take a few moments to find the cache I have placed here!