Shitoushan Trail Introduction
Xindian has two Lion Head Mountains. One is located at the boundary between Xindian and Sanxia, at the source of the Huangku Stream, and is known as Lion's Head Mountain (獅仔頭山), which is a first-order triangulation point in southern Taipei. The other Lion Head Mountain is located next to Bitan, and is referred to as Little Lion Mountain (小獅山). Little Lion Mountain and Shilin's Zhishan Rock are among the few protected mountainous areas since the Qing Dynasty and Japanese rule, so tall trees can be seen everywhere, preserving the original forest scenery and tranquility. Nearby, there is a towering banyan tree with impressive aerial roots that is breathtaking; plants growing on Philippine banyans abound with various epiphytes and vines, resembling a painting of nature. Along the path to the left of the Meihua Lion Pavilion, one can see the unique sight of tree roots embracing rocks. Lion Head Mountain is situated between the Bitan Fault and the Xindian Fault, within the Nankang Formation, where the strata are steeply inclined or inverted. Walking along the Lion Head Mountain Trail, one can observe thick sandstone formations and giant boulders covered in moss. Lion Head Mountain consists of a series of five undulating peaks, three of which are connected by ridges, each equipped with a pavilion for visitors to rest.
