Datun Mountain Range - Guizikeng Trail Introduction
The Guizikeng Park, located in Beitou's Daoxiangli, covers an area of approximately 10,000 pings. Originally a clay mining site, it has been transformed into a recreational area, attracting visitors. The first urban trail planned by the city government is the Guizikeng Urban Trail, which connects to the MRT Fuxinggang Station, including the MRT Green Corridor leading directly to the Guizikeng Park. Guizikeng is a small valley featuring unique geological landscapes with ancient strata from the Wuzhi Mountain formation. In the past, due to over-extraction, it suffered from soil erosion, leading it to be nicknamed "Ghost Pit." After proper management and planning, Guizikeng now offers camping sites, a soil and water conservation educational park, and mountain trails, making it an excellent outdoor geological classroom. The Guizikeng Camping Area is free for use and includes two camping sites: "Platform 100" and "Platform 110." Among them, "Platform 100" is the only "car camping site", featuring a semi-circular pavilion that serves as an activity area. On regular days, it provides morning activities for community residents and serves as a venue for public outdoor events. The Soil and Water Conservation Educational Park houses Taipei's oldest geological strata, representing the physical observation area of the Wuzhi Mountain formation. The exposed rock walls contain rich deposits of clay and quartz sand. The upper layers consist of volcanic rocks erupted from the Datun Volcanic Group around 800,000 years ago, while the lower layers are folded rock strata formed from mountain-building movements. This unique geological landscape is rare and significant. The renovated Shuitou Stream is divided by a series of step-like pools facilitating the sedimentation of sand and silt while reducing water flow impact. Adjacent to the park is a forest bathing boardwalk that takes visitors through the ancient strata of Wuzhi Mountain and areas affected by treatments such as Maté trees and frame gully protection. If there are 20 or more observers for soil and water conservation, they can apply for volunteer explanations from the Construction Bureau. In Taipei, it's rare to find small streams, not to mention the merging of two rivers. On the way to the hiking trail entrance, the accompanying stream gradually leads into a lush environment, presenting a forest bathing atmosphere resembling a journey through a thriving forest filled with phytoncides. Crossing a faux pine wood bridge momentarily leaves Guizikeng Stream behind as you continue along the stone steps to the Zhen Gou Trail. This flat stone path follows the flowing water, making your steps feel lighter. Soon, in the distance, you can see Shezi Island surrounded by the Keelung River, along with the MRT Beitou Power Station and the Beitou landscape. Notably, you can clearly observe irrigation ditches traversing the Guandu Plain, creating a unique sight where this green area is divided in two, which is quite fascinating. Walking along the ridge, the path is gentle, with flowerbeds and vegetable gardens lining the sides, opening up the view gradually like strolling through highlands. Before descending, you'll reach a lookout pavilion to admire the surroundings, including the vibrant Guandu Plain, bare white hills, and the sprawling Datun Volcanic Group, with far-off views of National Taipei University nestled among the mountains. After pausing, you can descend the stone steps into another shaded forest path. The hill wearing the landmark "Wuzhi Mountain Stratum" is almost entirely bare, reflecting the area's rugged history, which is hard to imagine given its transformation from the original "Ghost Pit." After circling the mountain trail, be sure to visit the educational park to witness Taipei's oldest geological strata. If you'd like to get closer, you can climb the boardwalk for detailed observations. Alternatively, the garden viewing area with its water pools, greenery, and pavilions is also a lovely spot for a break. Missing the beautiful view you just saw? The park's observation deck is a great vantage point, offering sweeping views of the entire area, including the Tamsui River, Guandu Plain, Sanchong, Luzhou, and even Guanyin Mountain. Falling in love with this place, you might want to stay longer or visit again. The spacious recreational camping area welcomes groups for reservations. When utilizing the area, the maximum capacity can accommodate over 2,000 people for events. The "Platform 110" camping site is also Taipei's only "car camping site," making it easy for groups to picnic, camp, barbecue, and engage in outdoor recreation and activities like hiking and orientation sports. Nighttime activities allow for stargazing and firefly watching, with five hectares of space to explore and enjoy. If that's not enough, you can head over to Yangmingshan National Park!
