Dayuanshan Range_Guizikeng Mountain Trail Introduction
The Guizikeng Scenic Area in Beitou's Dajiaxiang covers an area of approximately 10,000 ping and was originally a clay mining site. Later, it was developed into a leisure activity area, attracting crowds. The first planned "Pine Mountain Trail" by the city government connects the Guizikeng Pine Mountain Trail to the MRT Fuxinggang Station, which also includes a green corridor trail directly leading to the Guizikeng Scenic Area. Guizikeng is a small valley with unique geological features and ancient strata of the Wuzhishan Formation. Due to over-extraction in the early days, the area was known as "Guizi Keng." After proper rehabilitation and planning, the Guizikeng area now houses a campsite, a soil and water conservation education park, and a mountain trail, making it an excellent outdoor geological classroom. The Guizikeng camping ground is free to use, and there are two campgrounds in the area: "Platform 100" and "Platform 110." The "Platform 100" camping area is the only "car camping ground" with a semi-circular tent area, providing a venue for community morning activities during weekdays, and also serving as a space for outdoor activities by civic groups. The Guizikeng Soil and Water Conservation Education Park has the oldest geological formation in Taipei, where visitors can observe the Wuzhishan geological strata. The exposed rock walls harbor rich reserves of clay and quartz sand. The upper layer consists of volcanic rocks ejected from the Datun Volcano Group 800,000 years ago, while the lower layer is the folded rock strata formed from the Wuzhishan Formation due to mountain building. This geological landscape is quite rare and special. Through exposed rock walls by the pond, one can glimpse the rehabilitated Shuinankeng Stream, divided into tiers of pools, which are part of the "waterfall engineering" in soil and water conservation aimed at reducing the impact of water flow downward and minimizing erosion on the streambed, while allowing sediment to settle to reduce accumulation upstream. Next to the park, a forest bathing boardwalk leads you through the ancient strata of the Wuzhishan Formation and areas dealing with slope protection. If there are more than 20 people interested in observing soil and water conservation, they can apply for volunteer explanations from the Construction Bureau. Exploring the mountains and waters is not far; 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 converging. On the way to the trailhead, the flowing water accompanies you, and upon entering the trail, greenery surrounds you. As you ascend, the stream enters the valley, where dense forests create an atmosphere of forest bathing, as if walking in a lush forest, with every breath filled with phytoncides. Crossing a simulated pine wood bridge, you temporarily bid farewell to Guizikeng Stream and follow stone steps to the Zhenchang Trail. The smooth streamside path accompanied by flowing water lightens your steps. Soon, you can see Shezi Island, surrounded by the Keelung River, the Beitou MRT Depot, and views of Beitou, along with a special sight of the water channel cutting through the Guandu Plain, seemingly dividing this green land in two, which is quite astonishing. Walking along the ridge is a gentle path, where flower gardens and vegetable fields line the way. As you approach the downhill path, you arrive at a scenic pavilion overlooking the surroundings, with the nearby lush Guandu Plain, exposed white soil hills, and the sprawling Datun Volcano Group, while the distant scene features Cultural University nestled in the mountains. After pausing here, you follow stone steps down to another shaded path. What you see before you is a beautiful landscape of mountains and waters. Were it not for the prominent landmark "Wuzhishan Formation" of the soil and water conservation education park being a nearly bald hill, you might find it difficult to imagine the once tumultuous past of this valley originally called "Guizikeng." After completing the mountain trail, be sure to visit the education park to see Taipei's oldest geological strata. If you want to get a closer look, you can climb up the boardwalk for detailed observation. Otherwise, the garden viewing area with its pond, green trees, and pavilion is also a good place to rest. Missing the beautiful scenery you just viewed? The observation deck in the park is also a great vantage point for a panoramic view, allowing you to overlook the entire park, as well as the Tamsui River, Guandu Plain, Sanchong, Luzhou, and even the scenery around Guanyin Mountain. If you fall in love with this place and want to stay a little longer or visit again, the spacious recreational camping area is open for group reservations. The capacity for activities in the entire area can accommodate over 2,000 visitors. Among them, "Platform 110" camping area is the only "car camping ground" in Taipei. Therefore, it is convenient not only for group picnics, camping, and barbecuing but also for hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor recreational activities. Night activities allow for stargazing and searching for firefly traces, as the area spans five hectares, providing ample space for all kinds of play and exploration. If that is still not enough, head on over to Yangmingshan National Park!
