Shimen Mountain Trail Introduction
In the concrete jungle replaced by skyscrapers and with mountains nearby, have you caught up with the trend of embracing nature? Located on the west side of Shimen Reservoir, Shimen Mountain (also known as Xiaozhukeng Mountain) is one of Taiwan's minor 100 peaks, soaring to an elevation of 551 meters. It offers breathtaking views of Shimen Reservoir, as well as the scenic streets of Longtan and Daxi, and you might even catch a glimpse of Taipei 101! The two popular trails will break your boundaries and broaden your perspectives! Enter the northern trailhead of Shimen Mountain from the entrance archway on Minzhi Road. The initial stretch is an unpaved dirt path, where many vendors gather on weekends, selling hiking poles, snacks, and mountain produce. The gentle slopes allow for a relaxed stroll, enjoying the natural feast of acacia trees, tung trees, and ferns, while also conserving energy to conquer the steep Hero Slope. The Hero Slope spans only 400 meters, but with a drop of nearly 200 meters, it is quite challenging, requiring the use of ropes to ascend. In contrast, the Jingchun Trail is much easier to navigate. Upon reaching the summit, the expansive views of the dam replace the fatigue from earlier with excitement. After a brief rest, head toward Taiping Mountain at an elevation of 535 meters, where a communication tower stands, fulfilling the goal of conquering two peaks in one day! Next to the Labor Education Center at Shimen Mountain, the Guanyin Statue Trail offers another hiking option. The flat asphalt path is adorned with artistic sculptures and dinosaur models, creating a striking contrast that draws the attention of travelers. The stone steps gradually ascend about 400 meters to a small viewing platform, with signs pointing out landmarks to the east, west, and north. A majestic 8-meter tall Guanyin statue stands beside the viewing platform, pure and elegant, quietly observing passersby. Continuing toward the Wonderland Platform leads to the intersection of the Hero Slope Trail and the Guanyin Statue Trail—the primary triangulation point. This spot is not only a popular summit goal for many hikers but also the best place to enjoy the vast scenery. Following the signs will guide you to the southern entrance of Shimen Mountain located on Taiwan Route 3 Branch.
