Datun Mountain Range - Zhongyi Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Zhongyi Mountain, also known as Xiaobali Fen Mountain, features stone steps and dense forests as its main characteristics. It is an excellent venue for aerobic exercise, where one can enjoy a refreshing climb through the cool woods. The Zhongyi Mountain Qingshan Trail is located at the back of Taipei National University of the Arts and is characterized by its dense greenery. With over 90% of the path shaded, it offers a tranquil and pristine trail, making it the best choice for hikers concerned about sun exposure. However, there are many stone steps along the way, especially uphill before reaching the summit, which requires good stamina and strength. Proper breathing is essential; otherwise, you may end up gasping for breath. The beautiful Zhongyi Mountain Qingshan Trail is close to the city, so nearby residents often come here to train their leg strength and endurance, even during the early morning or late evening. On weekends, the trail remains busy with people ascending and descending, regardless of the scorching sun. The uphill stone steps before reaching the summit may not be a long distance, but as you ascend, your breathing quickens, especially on the steep sections where regulating your breath becomes crucial to avoid feeling breathless. A little further along, you can take a detour to a pavilion in the backyard of Xingtian Temple to rest. In the latter half of the trail, if you wish to take a break, the stone railing near the signpost is spacious enough to serve as a makeshift bench. Once you see the green railing, the mountain peak is not far away. At the top, a spacious platform not only has long benches for resting but also provides an opportunity to invigorate your body by stepping onto the pebble path under the shade of trees, awakening your circulation system that may have been neglected. From there, you will be ready to tackle the steep trails ahead confidently. Walking along the Zhongyi Mountain Trail feels like entering a natural aerobic classroom, energizing your "oxygen-deficient" cells without any membership fees or worries about sudden closures of businesses. Just put one foot in front of the other and head up the mountain. Nature's Symphony: A Healthy Life Walking along the green pathway beside the MRT tracks toward Xingtian Temple, you can immediately see the beautiful mountain scenery. Before even reaching the trailhead, the lush green mountains come into view, bringing joy and making each step lighter. As you ascend, tall trees such as pines and thorny bamboos block much of the glaring sunlight, while the lively sounds of insects and birds greet visitors like a warm welcome. Along the way, you can catch a glimpse of Beitou City, and from the summit, the view expands to include Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River. It is said that the shape of Guanyin Mountain is most beautiful when viewed from Zhongyi Mountain, so be sure to take a good look. At the mountaintop, the flat and spacious plateau sometimes attracts little egrets to rest, contrasting beautifully with the sparse red earth. Once you make your way down, the scenery changes entirely. The forest becomes denser, and you can hardly see outside the wooded area, enhancing a sense of seclusion. Especially when transitioning from the broad space to a narrow path, one might wonder if there is still a way ahead or if they have taken a wrong turn. Guided by support ropes alongside the path, you eventually reach a vantage point with a great view. Perched on a rock, you can enjoy the stunning vistas of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River, with their beauty perfectly centered before you. Emerging from the shaded path, the view gradually opens up again. In the final stretch, you can see the entire Guandu Plain in all its splendor, with the MRT Beitou Depot and the prominent incinerator smokestack distinctly in sight, bringing a perfect conclusion to today's journey.
