Datong Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
Datong Mountain, with an elevation of 237 meters, is a hill located on the southeastern ridge extending from Dadong Mountain, situated directly north of Shanjia Station. It is often referred to as the "back garden" of the Shulin area. The hiking trails up Datong Mountain comprise steps, primitive paths, and cement paths, with three main routes that converge at Qinglong Ridge. Two of the trailheads are located not far from Shulin Station and Shanjia Station, making it accessible by Taiwan Railways for hiking. The trails are shaded by dense forest, with gentle ascents and descents along the way. The observation platform at the summit offers excellent views, providing a panoramic view of the Taipei and New Taipei metropolitan areas. The observation platform at Datong Mountain features a viewing platform and a pavilion at the peak. On clear days, visitors can enjoy the spectacular skyline of the two cities as well as Keelung Mountain located far away in Ruifang. Trains on the High-Speed Rail can be seen speeding through the city like a long dragon. During sunset, visitors can take a break at the observation platform, enjoying the refreshing mountain breeze while waiting for the lights of thousands of homes to turn on. Archaeological Site of Dog's Hoof Mountain Datong Mountain, also known as Jiucha Mountain or Dog's Hoof Mountain, is named after the discovery of numerous Neolithic pottery and stone tools by archaeologists on the mountain, resulting in its designation as the Dog's Hoof Mountain archaeological site. Along the mid-slope, there are several temples, including Nanyang Fude Temple, Haiming Zen Temple, and Wangmu Temple, where hikers can rest, with Fude Temple featuring a stone slide and a cold mineral water swimming pool for visitors to enjoy.
