Lion's Head Mountain Trail Introduction
Shihgongjiwei Mountain, located at the intersection of Pingxi, Pinglin, and Shiding districts in New Taipei City, is the source of the Keelung River, Beishi River, and Xindian River. It is named for its resemblance to the hairstyle of a Taoist priest (in Taiwanese Hokkien: Shihgong) when viewed from a distance and is also known as Huoshaoliao Mountain. It is the highest peak in the Shiding Mountain Range. Most visitors start their hike from the historic Nanshan Temple (commonly known as Xian Gong Temple), where they can enjoy views of the sea of clouds, tea plantations, and Dashu Lake. By following the winding industry road, one can reach the trailhead and easily ascend Shihgongjiwei Mountain, which offers a 360-degree view of the stunning landscapes of Pinglin, Jiufen, Shuangxi peaks, and Beishi River; in the opposite direction, one can overlook the Emperor Palace, Qixing Mountain, Datun Mountain, Guanyin Mountain, and Taipei 101. It's suitable for all ages to hike, watch the sunrise, enjoy the night view, and admire the autumn reeds, making it a highly regarded scenic trail.
