Datun Mountain Range - Guizikeng Trail Introduction
The Guizikeng Park, located in Beitou District, covers an area of approximately 10,000 ping (about 33,000 square meters). It was originally a ceramic clay mining site, which later transformed into a recreational area attracting visitors. The first trail planned by the city government, the Guizikeng Trail, connects the MRT Fuxinggang Station to the park, including a green corridor leading directly to Guizikeng Park. The Guizikeng Camping Area features a small valley with unique geological landscapes and ancient strata from the Wuzhi Mountain formation. In the past, excessive mining led to soil and water imbalance, earning it the name "Guizi坑" (Ghost Pit). With restoration and planning, Guizikeng now boasts a camping area, an environmental education site, and scenic mountain trails, making it an excellent outdoor geological classroom. The Guizikeng Camping Area is free to use, with two designated camping sites, "Platform 100" and "Platform 110." Among them, "Platform 100" is the only "car camping site" with a semi-circular tent space that is also used for morning activities for community residents and serves as a venue for outdoor activities for citizen groups. The Guizikeng Soil and Water Conservation Education Area features Taipei's oldest geological layer, the Wuzhi Mountain formation, which offers a physical observation area. The exposed rock faces contain rich deposits of ceramic clay and quartz sand, with the upper layer composed of igneous rock erupted from the Tatun volcano group 800,000 years ago, and the lower layer consisting of folded rock layers formed during the mountain-building process. This unique geological landscape is quite rare. One can glimpse the restored water-milled creek, which has been segmented into tiers of water steps, showcasing a "waterfall engineering" component of soil and water conservation designed to reduce the impact of flowing water and diminish erosion at the creek's bed. These tiered pools also help to settle sediment carried by the water, reducing sediment accumulation downstream. Next to the park, a forest bathing boardwalk guides visitors through the ancient strata of the Wuzhi Mountain formation and treated slopes. If there are more than 20 participants for soil and water conservation observations, one can apply for a volunteer guide from the Bureau of Construction. Mountains and Water Revisited: Mountains and water are not far away; it's just that we have forgotten to get close to them. In Taipei, opportunities to see streams are rare, let alone witness two streams converge. On the way to the trailhead, the stream accompanies you, passing through lush greenery as you enter the trail area. As you ascend, the stream flows into the valley, and the dense forest creates an atmosphere of forest bathing, making it feel like walking in a lush woodland, inhaling the refreshing phytoncide-filled air. Crossing a bridge modeled after a pine tree, you temporarily bid farewell to Guizikeng Creek and follow the stone steps to the Zhen Waterway Trail. The flat trail is accompanied by flowing water, and your pace lightens. Not long after, the scenery opens up to reveal Shezi Island surrounded by the Keelung River, the MRT Beitou Station, and the Beitou landscape. Particularly noteworthy is the clear view of the waterway cutting through Guandu Plain, resembling a unique division of this green space, evoking awe. Walking along the ridge, the trail is gentle, lined with flowerbeds and vegetable gardens, and as your views widen, it feels like strolling across a plateau. Before heading downhill, you reach a viewing pavilion to gaze at the surroundings, where the lush Guandu Plain, exposed white soil hills, and the expanding Tatun Volcano Group are nearby, with far-off views of National Taipei University situated in the mountains. After taking a moment to appreciate the scenery, you descend along stone steps into another shaded woodland path. Speaking of past events, the beautiful mountain-water scenery before your eyes might make it hard to imagine that the valley, originally named "Guizikeng," has a tumultuous history. After completing the mountain trail, be sure to visit the education area to see Taipei's oldest geological layer. If you wish to get even closer, you can climb the boardwalk for detailed observation. Alternatively, the garden viewing area with its pool, green trees, and pavilions is also a good place to rest. Missing the beautiful views you just saw? The park's viewing platform is also a great spot for panoramic views, allowing you to overlook the entire park, the Tamsui River, Guandu Plain, Sanchong, Luzhou, and even Guanyin Mountain. If you fall in love with this place and want to stay longer or visit again, the spacious recreational camping area welcomes groups to make reservations. When using the entire site, the participant capacity for activities can reach over 2,000 people. Among them, "Platform 110" is also the only "car camping site" in Taipei. Therefore, it is convenient for groups to picnic, camp, and barbecue, as well as for hiking and other outdoor recreational activities. Nighttime activities allow for stargazing and searching for fireflies, as the area spans five hectares, providing ample space for play and exploration. If that’s still not enough, then head over to Yangmingshan National Park!
