Lion's Head Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
Xindian has two Lion Head Mountains. One, located at the junction of Xindian and Sanxia, is known as Shizaitou Mountain and is a first-class triangulation point in the southern Taipei area. The other Lion Head Mountain is situated beside Bitan and is referred to as Little Lion Mountain. Little Lion Mountain and Shilin Zhishan Rock are among the few mountain areas protected since the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial period, allowing for the presence of tall trees and maintaining the appearance and tranquility of the original forest. Nearby, the towering and beautifully shaped banyan tree roots are breathtaking; the plant apartment on the Philippine banyan is filled with various epiphytic or climbing plants, resembling a work of nature art. Along the trail beside the Plum Blossom Lion Pavilion, one can see the unique sight of tree roots embracing rocks. Lion Head Mountain is located between the Bitan Fault and the Xindian Fault within the Nangang Formation, presenting steep or inverted geological layers. Walking along the Lion Head Mountain trail, you can observe towering thick layers of sandstone and massive boulders covered with moss. Lion Head Mountain consists of five undulating hills, three of which are connected ridges, each equipped with a pavilion for visitors to rest.
