Shih Tou Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
Xindian has two Shih-Tou Mountains. One is located at the junction of Xindian and Sanxia, in the mountainous area at the source of Huangku Creek, called Shizaitou Mountain, which is a first-class triangulation point in the southern part of Greater Taipei. The other Shih-Tou Mountain is located next to Bitan, known as Xiao Shishan. Xiao Shishan, along with Chishan Rock in Shilin, is one of the few protected mountainous areas since the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial period, allowing for the presence of tall trees and maintaining the appearance and tranquility of the primeval forest. Nearby, the towering banyan tree with large buttress roots is stunningly beautiful; the epiphytic plants on the Philippine banyan create a natural artwork; along the pathway on the left side of the Meihua Shiziting, one can see the unique sight of tree roots embracing stones. Shih-Tou Mountain is situated between the Bitan Fault and the Xindian Fault within the Nangang Formation, with the strata presenting steeply inclined or overturned conditions. Walking along the Shih-Tou Mountain Trail, one can observe the frequently occurring towering thick sandstone and moss-covered giant rocks. Shih-Tou Mountain consists of five undulating peaks, three of which are connected by ridges, with each peak setting up a pavilion for visitors to rest.
