Yinghan Ridge Introduction
Ying Han Mountain has an elevation of 616 meters and is the highest peak of Guanyin Mountain. It is located on the left bank of the Tamsui River, spanning three administrative districts: Wugu, Bali, and Linkou. The mountain is named after its shape, which resembles a reclining Guanyin Bodhisattva, and within the mountain are several ancient temples dedicated to Guanyin. Guanyin Mountain is a stratovolcano belonging to the Datun Volcano Group. The moisture from the ocean brought by monsoons transforms into clouds and mist around the peak, creating a spectacular sea of clouds, known for the phenomenon of "mists rolling off the ridge", which is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Danshui during the Qing Dynasty. The hiking trail to Ying Han Mountain, formerly known as Guanyin Ancient Path, is named after the "tough guy spirit" fostered by the Military Police Academy that trained here in the 1960s. The slope of Ying Han Mountain reaches 14.87%, classified as a steep grade two slope. The one-way distance is approximately 1,563 meters, mostly comprised of stone steps, requiring 60 minutes of slow walking to reach the summit of Ying Han Mountain, making it a trail suited for strengthening one’s physical fitness. At the top of Ying Han Mountain stands an archway, inscribed on the uphill side with "Choose the difficult path when walking, and pick the heavy burdens when carrying," and on the downhill side with the couplet "Came to learn to be tough, left to become tough," motivating hikers in both mind and body. The first viewing platform at Tamsui River estuary offers breathtaking views of Greater Taipei. Ascending the Ying Han Mountain viewing platform, one can overlook the entire Greater Taipei area, catching distant views of Bali, the confluence of the Tamsui River and the ocean, historic sites in Tamsui, the Datun Volcano Group, Guandu Bridge, Taipei 101, New Taipei Bridge, and the beautiful Shijia Lian Mountain Range surrounding Guanyin Mountain. Guanyin Mountain is also an important migratory stopover for eagles and falcons, attracting many birdwatching enthusiasts to observe these magnificent raptors.
