Datun Mountain Range - Chongyi Mountain Trail Introduction
Zhongyi Mountain, also known as Little Bali Mountain, features stone steps for climbing and is densely covered with trees, making it a prime spot for aerobic exercise. The Zhongyi Mountain Follower Trail is located on the back mountain of Taipei University of the Arts, with thick woodland along the way and a shading rate of over 90%. This is a pristine and tranquil trail, making it the best choice for hikers worried about sun exposure. However, there are many stone steps along the way, especially before reaching the summit, which consists entirely of uphill stone stairs. Good leg strength and stamina are needed to conquer this trail, and the breathing rhythm should be adjusted accordingly; otherwise, hikers may find themselves out of breath. The beautiful Zhongyi Mountain Follower Trail is close to the urban area, so residents often come here to practice their endurance and strength during both morning and evening. Even on weekends, the trail is never without people, even in the hot sun. While the distance is not long, the ascent becomes steeper with each step on the stone stairs, making it essential to regulate breathing, especially on the straight and steep sections of the trail, to avoid fatigue. In the beginning, there is an option to take a detour to a pavilion in the backyard of Xingtian Temple to rest. In the latter half, there are wider stone railings near the indicator before the summit that can serve as makeshift benches for a break. As the green railings appear, the summit is just ahead. Upon reaching the wide platform at the top, there are long benches for resting. If you want to stimulate your body's circulatory system while well-oxygenated, you can step onto the pebble path under the shade, reviving your neglected circulation. Thus, challenging the steeper mountain paths will become much easier. Walking the Zhongyi Mountain Trail feels like entering a natural aerobic classroom, awakening oxygen-deprived cells, and the best part is that there are no membership fees, and there’s no need to worry about sudden closures; just take your steps up the mountain. The green path along the MRT line leads to Xingtian Temple, where beautiful mountain scenery unfolds before you. Before even reaching the trailhead, the lush mountains appear, evoking feelings of joy and lightening your steps. As you climb, tall trees, cedar forests, and thick bamboo groves block most of the glaring sunlight, while the lively chorus of insects and birds welcomes visitors. Along the way, you can catch glimpses of Beitou's cityscape, and once at the summit, the view is even better, allowing for distant sights of Guanyin Mountain and Tamsui River. It is said that the view of Guanyin Mountain from Zhongyi Mountain is the most beautiful, so make sure to take a good look. The flat and broad summit occasionally attracts little egrets to rest, contrasting with the barren red soil below. As you "gain clarity," the descent offers a completely different landscape. The thick forest cover makes it hard to see the scenery outside, giving a sense of seclusion. Transitioning from a spacious area to a narrow path may initially raise doubts about whether there's still a proper route ahead. Guided by ropes along the path, a great viewpoint is reached where you can stop on a rock and enjoy the views of Guanyin Mountain and Tamsui River, perfectly framed in front of you. Emerging from the shaded path, the view gradually expands. In the final stretch, the entire Guandu Plain comes into view, with the MRT Beitou Facility and the prominent incinerator tower clearly visible, perfectly concluding today’s journey.
