Datun Mountain Range - Zhongyi Mountain Trail Introduction
Zhongyi Mountain, also known as Xiaobali Fen Mountain, features stone steps for climbing and dense tree cover as its main characteristics. A leisurely climb allows visitors to enjoy the coolness of the forest, making it an excellent venue for aerobic exercise. The Zhongyi Mountain Qianshan Trail is located at the back of Taipei National University of the Arts, where the path is lined with dense trees, providing over 90% shade. This trail offers a tranquil and pristine hiking experience, making it the best choice for hikers who wish to avoid sun exposure; however, there are many stone steps along the way, especially the steep ones leading to the summit, which require decent leg strength and physical fitness. It is essential to adjust your breathing rhythm accordingly; otherwise, you may end up out of breath. As a popular spot for aerobic hiking, the Zhongyi Mountain Qianshan Trail is close to the city, attracting local residents who come here to build their endurance, regardless of whether it's morning or evening. Even on hot sunny weekends, the trail is bustling with people climbing up and down. The climb to the top consists mainly of uphill steps. Although the distance is not particularly long, the breathing becomes more rapid as the stone steps ascend, especially on the final, steep stretch of the trail, where managing your breath becomes crucial to avoid gasping for air. A short detour can lead to a pavilion near the back of Xingtian Temple, offering a nice resting spot. In the latter half of the climb, before reaching the markers, the stone railing becomes spacious enough to double as a bench for a quick break. When you see the green railings appear, the summit is not far away. At the wide platform on the top, there are long benches for resting, and if you want to fully energize your body while maximizing oxygen intake, you can step onto the pebble path under the shade of trees, stimulating your circulation system that may have been dormant. Afterward, you can tackle the steep trails with greater ease. A hike along the Zhongyi Mountain Trail feels like entering a natural aerobic classroom, rejuvenating your oxygen-starved cells without needing to pay membership fees or worry about sudden closures; you just need to take the first step up the mountain. Walking alongside the green path next to the MRT tracks towards Xingtian Temple, the beautiful mountain scenery unfolds before you, filling your heart with joy even before reaching the trailhead, and making your steps lighter. As you ascend, you frequently encounter towering trees, with pine forests and dense bamboo groves blocking much of the glaring sunlight, while the lively sounds of insects and birds welcome visitors with enthusiasm. Along the way, glimpses of Beitou’s urban landscape are visible, and from the summit, the view expands, providing a distant look at Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River. It is said that the shape of Guanyin Mountain viewed from Zhongyi Mountain is the most beautiful, making it a sight not to be missed. The expansive and flat summit occasionally attracts little egrets stopping to rest, contrasting nicely with the barren red earth. Upon reaching the “aha” moment, the trail descends, revealing an entirely different view. The shade of the forest increases, with almost no visibility of the outside landscape, emphasizing a sense of isolation. The transition from spacious areas to narrow paths may initially cause confusion about the direction ahead or whether one has taken a wrong turn. Guided by supportive ropes along the path, you arrive at a perfect lookout spot for appreciating Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River, where the serene scenery stands tall in front of you. As you step out of the wooded path, your view gradually opens up. The final stretch offers a sweeping view of the entire Guandu Plain, with the Beitou MRT station and the prominent incinerator towers clearly in sight, concluding today's journey perfectly.
