Shimen Mountain Trail Introduction
In the concrete jungle replaced by a skyline of high-rises, are you keeping up with the trend of outdoor living that brings you close to nature and mountains? Located on the western side of Shimen Reservoir, Shimen Mountain (also known as Xiao Zhukeng Mountain) is one of Taiwan's Minor 100 Peaks with an elevation of 551 meters. Not only does it offer stunning views of Shimen Reservoir and the urban landscapes of Longtan and Daxi, but you also have the chance to catch a glimpse of Taipei 101! The two popular trails will break your limits and expand your horizons! Entering the northern end of the Shimen Mountain Trail from the archway on Minzhi Road, the initial section consists of a primitive dirt path. On weekends, many vendors gather to sell hiking poles, snacks, and mountain products. The slope along the way is gentle, allowing you to savor the natural feast of Chinese parasol trees, oil trees, and ferns at a leisurely pace while building up stamina to conquer the challenging "Hero's Slope." The "Hero's Slope," a mere 400 meters, is quite a challenge due to its nearly 200-meter elevation drop, requiring the use of ropes to ascend. In contrast, the Jingchun Trail is much easier to navigate. Upon reaching the peak, the expansive view of the dam replaces the exhaustion from your hike with exhilaration. After a short rest, continue to Taiping Mountain at an elevation of 535 meters, where a communication tower stands, fulfilling the goal of conquering two mountains in one day—it's incredibly satisfying! Another hiking option is the Guanyin Statue Trail next to the Shimen Mountain Labor Recreation Center. The flat asphalt path is flanked by artistic sculptures and dinosaur models, creating a striking contrast that catches the attention of travelers. The stone steps ascend gradually for about 400 meters to a small viewing platform, with signs pointing out landmarks to the east, west, and north. The 8-meter tall Guanyin statue stands majestically next to the viewing platform, pure and elegant, silently observing passing visitors. Continuing on towards the "Peach Blossom Land" platform brings you to the junction of the Hero's Slope Trail and the Guanyin Statue Trail—an important triangulation point that serves as a common destination for many hikers and the best place to enjoy the vast vistas. Following the signs leads to the southern entrance of Shimen Mountain along Provincial Highway 3.
