Yinghan Ridge Introduction
Yinghan Ridge, with an elevation of 616 meters, is the highest peak of Guanyin Mountain. It stands majestically on the left bank of the Tamsui River, spanning across the administrative districts of Wugu, Bali, and Linkou. Named for its shape resembling a reclining statue of Guanyin, the mountain is home to several ancient temples dedicated to Guanyin. Guanyin Mountain is part of the Datun Volcano Group and is characterized by its cone-shaped volcano. The maritime moisture brought by monsoon winds transforms into clouds and mist around Yinghan Ridge, creating a spectacular sea of clouds known for the famous saying “the ridge exhales mist,” and is listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Danshui in the Qing Dynasty. The hiking trail to Yinghan Ridge, formerly known as the Guanyin Ancient Path, derives its name from the "hard man spirit" taught at the Military Police School, which trained here in the 1960s. Yinghan Ridge has a gradient of 14.87%, making it a relatively steep secondary slope. The one-way distance is approximately 1563 meters, primarily consisting of stone steps, requiring about 60 minutes of leisurely walking to reach the summit of Yinghan Ridge, classifying it as a training-level trail. At the top of Yinghan Ridge stands an archway, with an inscription on the uphill side reading, "To walk, one must seek the difficult path; to carry a burden, one must choose the heavy load," and on the downhill side, a couplet stating, "Come to learn the hard man spirit; leave to become a hard man," which encourages the mental and physical fortitude of hikers. The first viewpoint at the estuary of the Tamsui River offers a panoramic view of Greater Taipei. From the Yinghan Ridge Viewing Platform, one can overlook the entire Greater Taipei area, enjoying distant vistas of Bali, the confluence of the Tamsui River and the ocean, historical sites in Tamsui, the Datun Volcano Group, Guandu Bridge, Taipei 101, New Taipei Bridge, and the beautiful Shiba Mountain Range surrounding Guanyin Mountain, encompassing mountains, seas, rivers, and cities. Guanyin Mountain is also an important migration stop for eagles and hawks, attracting numerous bird enthusiasts to witness the impressive raptors that come from afar.
