Datun Mountain Range - Zhongzheng Mountain Trail Introduction
Zhongzheng Mountain, originally known as Mitou Mountain, is also called Shibafen Mountain or Daganlin Mountain, and was later renamed Zhongzheng Mountain to commemorate former President Chiang Kai-shek. There are as many as seven trailheads for Zhongzheng Mountain, which connect a multitude of trails arranged in a radial pattern. The summit stands independently, offering an exceptional wide-angle view that is quite special. The Zhongzheng Mountain Trail starts off almost immediately with steep stone steps leading up, requiring climbers to be well-prepared physically, especially in terms of cardiovascular fitness. Despite the physically demanding uphill sections, climbers can enjoy views of the Beitou area and the Keelung River along the way, making the trail very appealing to many hikers. Upon reaching the summit viewing platform, the breathtaking scenery is awe-inspiring, offering a close view of the seldom-seen Qixing Mountain and Shamao Mountain, with distinctly layered mountain ridges that are rare and beautiful. The butterfly and flower sea along the Zhongzheng Mountain Trail belongs to Yangmingshan National Park, and hikers can often see clusters of butterflies flying around. According to surveys, there are over a hundred species of butterflies here, with nearly a quarter of Taiwan's butterfly species found in this area, so it's common to spot butterfly larvae—caterpillars—both on the ground and in the treetops, which is rare and interesting. During flower season, golden flowers of the Acacia pycnantha can often be seen blooming along the saddle of Zhongzheng Mountain, along with other flowers such as rhododendrons and cherry blossoms. While standing in Beitou District and looking far away, or gazing up from Longfeng Valley to the opposite side of the valley, the characters "Zhongzheng" can be clearly seen, intentionally pruned from the trees. Zhongzheng Mountain is home to Fahui Temple and Daci Temple. The trail from the base is almost entirely steep stone steps leading up to Zhongzheng Mountain, so mental preparation is necessary before ascending. This makes it a great place for those looking to train their stamina and leg strength for high-altitude hiking. It's inevitable to expend some energy uphill, so those not used to exercise can take breaks at resting pavilions along the way to enjoy views of Beitou City. Walking on the way up allows for a glance at the northern Beitou area and the Keelung River, with good vantage points near the railings and the old Dizang Wang Temple. With some extra effort, hikers can reach the observatory's benches to take a good rest. The summit itself is not wide, but the specially designed observatory is exhilarating and often causes surprised reactions. Aside from the refreshing mountain breeze, the panoramic view includes the close and previously distant Qixing Mountain and Shamao Mountain. The famed scenic area, Longfeng Valley, is right at the foot of the mountain, farther in the distance is the Keelung River winding toward the Tamsui River estuary, with the Tamsui River bordered by Guanyin Mountain, creating a layer upon layer of beautiful landscapes. On the return journey, hikers can enjoy a closer appreciation of the Beitou Airport, the colorful Beitou incinerator tower, the vast Guandu Plain green spaces, and Guanyin Mountain across the Tamsui River. If the trail hasn't satisfied your appetite for scenery, it’s recommended to mix the last downhill segment by sometimes following the bamboo forest path and at other times walking along the industrial road, creating a mix of road and trail, enhancing both the proximity to the beautiful surroundings and the variety of the journey. Roaming amid the butterfly and flower sea, although the trails are mostly bordered by bamboo forests and farmland, during the springtime, golden-flowered Acacia trees line the paths, creating a soft carpet of flowers for woodland visitors. Despite the flower season in Yangmingshan having passed, the pairing of golden acacia and green bamboo still provides a unique charm. Since Zhongzheng Mountain lies within the Yangmingshan National Park area, it’s not surprising to see butterflies flitting about as you walk. Here, over a hundred species of butterflies can be found, with a quarter of Taiwan's butterfly species appearing in the vicinity; consequently, it’s easy to spot caterpillars either on the ground or suspended in mid-air along the trail. Along the way, it’s common to see leisurely hanging caterpillars, which are quite interesting. The vitality of life here is not limited to caterpillars; upon pausing to observe, you'll also notice particularly robust ants and reptiles. On clear days, in more open sections, you might catch sight of a Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Drongo, White-throated Kingfisher, or a colorful bird; otherwise, the cheerful sounds of birds are often heard, making even solo hiking feel lively. In the summer, alongside the familiar sounds of cicadas, you'll also hear the low, resonant calls of crickets and lizards. As for winter to early spring, the Taipei tree frog takes the night shift, producing long and deep croaks, which are the male frogs' primal calls seeking to attract mates, creating a different symphony in the mountains.
