Guguan Shaolai Trail, situated in Heping District of Taichung City, is named after a local tribal chief ("Shaolai"). The 1,500-meter trail leads visitors directly to a viewing pavilion at the top. Built along the mountain, the trail is a steep climb, and some parts are much steeper than others. Visitors are advised to consider their physical condition before taking the trail.
Walking on the trail, hikers can enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful views of Guguan along the way. However, some parts of the trail are geologically weak and prone to crumbling. Though reinforced with wire mesh, visitors are still advised to speed up when passing the area.
There are two resting platforms along the way for visitors to rest and enjoy the views. The trail is open throughout the year, offering different scenes in varying seasons, with never-to-miss views such as cherry blossoms in early spring and color-changing maple leaves in autumn.
There is a viewing deck at the end of the trail for visitors to enjoy the scenery and take a rest. The return trip is a steep descent and requires strong legs. Next to the viewing deck is another trail, which leads to the entrance of Mt. Pojinjia Trail. Visitors should be aware that this trail is steeper and more difficult to hike on than the previous one; it takes at least 7 hours for a round trip.
The trail has two starting points, leading to Guguan Suspension Bridge and Shaolai Suspension Bridge, respectively, and visitors can see the spectacular Dajia River Valley from the bridges. Guguan Suspension Bridge leads to Guguan Bridge, while the other end of Shaolai Suspension Bridge leads to Guguan Hot Spring Park, where there is a free foot spa for visitors to sooth their tired feet and legs. Do remember to wash your feet clean before entering the foot spa. When the cuticles are softened after soaking for 10 minutes, visitors may then enter the "doctor fish spa"and let the fish nibble away at your cuticles. Move slowly and gently so as not to scare away the fish.
Next to the hot spring pool is the Guguan Visitors Center, which provides relevant tourist information and a series of guided tours on the theme of hot springs. Visitors can acquire new knowledge before and after hiking!