Datun Mountain Range - Guizikeng Trail Introduction
The Guizikeng Park, located in Beitou's Daoxiangli, covers an area of approximately 10,000 ping and was originally a ceramic clay mine. It later became a leisure activity area built on a hillside, attracting many visitors. The city's first mountain trail, the Guizikeng Mountain Trail, connects to the MRT Fuxinggang Station, including the MRT Green Corridor leading directly to the 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, over-extraction led to soil and water imbalance, earning it the name "Guizi Keng" (Ghost Pit). After planning and renovation, the Guizikeng area now offers a camping site, a soil and water conservation educational area, and a mountain trail, making it an excellent outdoor geological classroom. The Guizikeng Camping Site is free to use and has two camping areas: "Platform 100" and "Platform 110," with "Platform 100" being the only “car camping site” featuring a semi-circular activity plaza. Besides providing morning activities for community members, it also serves as a venue for outdoor activities for civic groups. The Guizikeng Soil and Water Conservation Educational Area houses Taipei's oldest strata, the observation area of the Wuzhi Mountain formation, where exposed rock walls harbor rich clay and quartz sand. The upper layer consists of igneous rock ejected by the Datun Volcano Group 800,000 years ago, while the lower layer is formed by folded strata resulting from orogeny in the Wuzhi Mountain formation, presenting a unique and rare geological landscape. Visitors can observe a section of exposed rock wall by the pool, where the renovated Shuimo Keng Creek has been divided into tiers, acting as "step water engineering" to slow down the downward flow of water, reducing erosive forces at the creek's bed. This tiered water structure also helps settle sand and silt carried by the water, reducing sedimentation downstream. A forest bathing wooden plank trail is constructed beside the park, guiding visitors through the ancient strata landscape of the Wuzhi Mountain formation and areas with slope stabilization measures. If the number of visitors for soil and water conservation observation exceeds 20, they can apply to the Construction Bureau for volunteer explanations. The natural landscapes are not far away; it's just that we have forgotten to get close to them. In Taipei, opportunities to see small streams are limited, let alone witness the convergence of two streams. On the way to the mountain entrance, the stream flows accompany you, and within the trail area, greenery surrounds your sight. As you ascend, the stream shifts into the valley, surrounded by dense forests creating a forest bathing atmosphere, reminiscent of walking in a lush forest, breathing in the aroma of phytoncides. Crossing a simulated pine wooden bridge, you temporarily leave Guizikeng Creek and follow stone steps to the Zhen Gou Trail. The flat zhen road is accompanied by flowing water, and your steps become lighter. Not long after, the view opens up, revealing Shiji Island surrounded by the Keelung River and the MRT Beitou machine room, along with the scenery of Beitou. More remarkably, you can clearly see the water channel dividing the Guandu Plain, resembling a unique sight of a green area split in two, which is intriguing. Walking along the ridge, the gentle mountain path is lined with flower beds and vegetable gardens, and the view gradually widens, feeling as if you are strolling across a plateau. Just before descending, you arrive at a viewing pavilion overlooking the surrounding scenery, with the lush Guandu Plain, exposed white clay hills, and the sprawling Datun Volcano Group nearby, while the distant view includes the cultural university nestled among the mountains. After pausing, descending the stone steps leads to another segment of shaded forest path. Looking at the current scenery, if it weren’t for the landmark of the soil and water conservation educational area, the "Wuzhi Mountain formation," which is nearly barren, you might find it hard to imagine the historical past of this valley formerly known as "Guizi Keng." After completing the mountain trail, be sure to swing by the educational area to see Taipei's oldest strata. If you want to see it up close, you can ascend the wooden plank path for detailed observation. Otherwise, the garden viewing area with its pools, greenery, and pavilions is also a good place to rest. Missed the beautiful scenery you just viewed? The park's viewing platform is also a great spot for panoramic views, where you can overlook the entire layout of the park as well as the Tamsui River, Guandu Plain, Sanchong, Luzhou, and the scenery around Guanyin Mountain. Fell in love with this place and want to stay longer or return? The spacious recreational camping area welcomes groups for reservations. When using the entire area, the capacity for participating tourists can exceed 2,000 people. Among them, "Platform 110" is also Taipei's only "car camping site." Therefore, not only is it convenient for groups to picnic, camp, and barbecue, but it also accommodates outdoor recreational activities like hiking and orienteering. Nighttime activities can include stargazing or searching for firefly traces; after all, with an area of five hectares, there are many ways to enjoy the park. If that’s not enough, then head over to Yangmingshan National Park!
