Datong Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
Dadong Mountain, listed as one of Taiwan's minor peaks, has an elevation of 405 meters and is located at the highest point of Guishan Guilun Ridge, also known as the 405 Heights. It features a first-order triangulation station and offers excellent views, allowing visitors to enjoy the urban landscape of the Greater Taoyuan area. Due to its location at the intersection of Guishan, Shulin, Shanjia, and Yingge, one can also see New Taipei City and even Taipei 101. Therefore, both day and night, Dadong Mountain attracts many hikers and photography enthusiasts. There are multiple access points to the mountain. Starting from the Yuanguang Bridge, one can hike along the Fuyuan Mountain Trail to Dadong Mountain Road, reaching the 405 Heights in about 4.3 kilometers. An early fork in the trail leads to Shiyun Road, which goes to the over 100-year-old Shiyun Zen Temple; the exquisite Jianzi pottery, towering archway, and steep stone steps create a solemn atmosphere. The century-old trees in front of the temple, such as the Jiuqiang, camphor, and eggplant trees, provide ample shade, allowing travelers to find tranquility. Returning to Datong Road, the route passes by Xukong Zen Temple and the scattered Tuchiji City in the mountains, leading to the 405 Heights. An alternate route to the heights follows the Tukeng Industrial Road, passing by the Jichu Zhongshu Taoist Temple and Qianfo Temple, with a total length of about 3.2 kilometers, surrounded by rich, pristine forests. The 405 Heights not only features a viewing platform but also introduces a triangulation station and hydrological observation station. To the east, one can see the Xueshan Mountain Range and the Dahan River; to the west is Guanyin Mountain and Linkou; to the south are Zhongli and the Fuxing Mountain area; and to the north is the Tamsui River and the Yuanshan Hotel. The profound emotions of reaching the summit, along with the cleansing effect of phytoncides, make fatigue from hiking dissipate. The rich ecology of Dadong Mountain is also a highlight of the journey; in spring and summer, one can often see butterfly species like the Formosan Shuttlecock and the Purple Butterfly fluttering about, while the autumn pampas grass sways and winter brings romantic maple colors. The 405 Heights also connects to the Datong Mountain Hiking Trail to Qinglong Ridge and the Guankong Ridge Butterfly Trail, allowing visitors to admire over 30 species of wild butterflies.
