Shigong Mountain Trail Introduction
Shigong Jiwai Mountain, located at the junction of Pingxi, Pinglin, and Shiding districts in New Taipei City, is the source of the Keelung River, Beishi River, and Xindian River. The mountain gets its name due to its resemblance to a Taoist priest's topknot when viewed from a distance (in Taiwanese pronunciation, it sounds like "Shigong"). It is also known as Huoshaoliao Mountain and is the highest peak in the Shiding mountain range. Most visitors start their journey from the historic Nanshan Temple (commonly known as Xian Gong Temple), where they can enjoy the views of the sea of clouds, tea plantations, and Dashih Lake. By following the winding industrial road, one can easily reach the trailhead and ascend Shigong Jiwai Mountain, which offers a 360-degree panorama of the stunning landscapes including Pinglin, Jiufen, the Shuangxi peaks, and Beishi River. In another direction, it provides distant views of Huangdidian, Qixing Mountain, Datun Mountain, Guanyin Mountain, and Taipei 101. This trail is suitable for hiking, watching sunrises, viewing night scenes, and enjoying autumn scenery, making it an ideal scenic path for people of all ages.
