Datun Mountain Range - Guizikeng Trail Introduction
The Guizikeng Park, located in Beitou's Daoxiangli, covers approximately 10,000 ping and was originally a china clay mine, later developed into a recreational area that attracts visitors. The city's first mountain trail, the Guizikeng Mountain Trail, connects the MRT Fuxinggang Station to the park, which also includes a green corridor trail leading directly to Guizikeng Park. The Guizikeng camping area is situated in a small valley with unique geological features, part of the ancient Wuzhi Mountain formation. Due to excessive mining in the past, it was originally referred to as "Guizi Keng" (鬼子坑). After renovation and planning, the Guizikeng area now features camping sites, a soil and water conservation educational area, and a trail around the mountain, making it an excellent outdoor geological classroom. The Guizikeng camping area is free to use and has two camping sites: "Platform 100" and "Platform 110." The "Platform 100" camping site is the only "car camping site" with a semi-circular activity area, which is used not only for morning activities for local residents but also as a venue for community outdoor activities. The Soil and Water Conservation Educational Area at Guizikeng boasts Taipei's oldest geological layers, specifically the Wuzhi Mountain formation observation area. The exposed rock walls contain rich china clay and quartz sand, where the upper layer consists of igneous rocks erupted by the Tatun Volcano group 800,000 years ago, and the lower layer is the folded rock formations from the mountain-building movements of the Wuzhi Mountain formation, making this geological landscape very unique and rare. The area features a renovated stream with layered water steps, which is part of the soil and water conservation project designed to slow water flow and reduce erosion, allowing sediment to settle and minimizing sediment accumulation downstream. Next to the park, a forest bathing wooden walkway takes you through the ancient geological landscape of the Wuzhi Mountain formation and other treated areas such as slope planting and frame protection. If the number of observers at the soil and water conservation area reaches over 20, you can apply for a volunteer explanation from the Construction Bureau. The journey to the mountain entrance is accompanied by streams, and once you enter the trail area, lush greenery surrounds you. As you ascend, the streams flow through the valley, and the dense forest creates a beautiful atmosphere, resembling a walk in a lush forest filled with phytoncides. Crossing a bridge mimicking a pine tree, you temporarily leave the Guizikeng Stream and follow a stone path to the diversion canal trail. The flat diversion road is accompanied by flowing water, making your steps feel light. Soon, you’ll observe Shezi Island surrounded by the Keelung River, along with the MRT Beitou Depot and Beitou landscape. Notably, you can clearly see the water channel splitting the Guandu Plain, a unique sight that intrigues many. Walking along the ridge, the path is gentle, with flower beds and vegetable gardens alongside, and the views gradually open up, giving you the feeling of strolling on a plateau. Before descending, you arrive at a viewing pavilion with panoramic views, where you can see the lush Guandu Plain, exposed white hillside, and the sprawling Tatun Volcano group, with the distant Chung Yuan Christian University nestled among the mountains. After stopping for a while, you can continue down the stone steps to another verdant forest path. Standing amidst such beautiful mountain and water scenery, it’s hard to imagine the past of this valley, once known as "Guizikeng," especially with the landmark "Wuzhi Mountain formation" almost entirely bare. After completing the mountain circuit trail, be sure to visit the educational area to see Taipei's oldest geological layers. If you want to get even closer, you can climb the wooden walkway for a detailed observation. Alternatively, the garden viewing area with its pond, green trees, and pavilion is also a perfect spot for a break. If you miss the views you just saw, the park’s observation platform is a great vantage point, allowing you to overlook the entire park as well as the Tamsui River, Guandu Plain, San Chong, Lu Zhou, and even the scenery surrounding Guanyin Mountain. If you fall in love with this place and wish to stay longer or visit again, the spacious recreational camping area welcomes group reservations. The entire area can accommodate over 2,000 visitors for events. Among them, "Platform 110" is also Taipei’s only "car camping site." Therefore, it’s not only convenient for group picnics, camping, and barbecues but also for outdoor recreational activities like hiking and orienteering. Nighttime activities include stargazing and searching for fireflies, as this area spans five hectares, providing plenty of space for playful exploration. If that’s not enough, you can always head to Yangmingshan National Park!
