Datun Mountain Range - Battleship Rock Qingshan Trail Introduction
The Junjian Rock is located in the mountainous area directly north of the Shihpai Veterans General Hospital, with an elevation of 185.6 meters. The hiking trail is approximately 3 kilometers long, while the entire route is about 5.7 kilometers, taking around 2 hours and 7 minutes to walk. It is a famous peak in the Datun Mountain Range. The towering boulders atop the ridge stand out among the layers of mountains and, at first glance, resemble warships at sea, thus earning the name "Junjian Rock." During the Japanese colonial period, it was collectively referred to as the Wujian Mountain Range along with Qilian Mountain, Danzhong Mountain, and Wujian Mountain. The rocky summit is an ideal place for rock climbing practice and is also a popular hiking route. The Junjian Rock Hiking Trail allows walkers to appreciate precious old trees and natural scenery along the way. The viewpoint at the top is wide-open, and the Academia Sinica has established a fundamental point for crustal movement research there. From the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the ridgeline stretching from Shilin to Beitou and the beautiful landscapes. To the left, one can overlook the quiet and serene modern community of Wellington Mansion, which stands in stark contrast to the busy setting below. Danfeng Mountain, with an elevation of 210 meters, features a relatively flat terrain and a tranquil environment, similar to Junjian Rock. The sandstone geology results in thinner soil layers and lower water retention, making it drier and increasing the risk of fires. Wujian Mountain, at an elevation of 282 meters, was categorized alongside Qilian Mountain, Danzhong Mountain, and Junjian Rock during the Japanese era as part of the Wujian Mountain Range. The peak has a wooden marker with the cornerstone labeled NO:2363, allowing for distant views of Junjian Rock, Qilian Mountain, Beitou, and Shilin. Junjian Rock has long been a popular spot for weekend leisure activities due to its short and manageable hiking distance, complemented by the nearby Danfeng Rock, where the prominent red characters “Danfeng” are etched onto a rock face, drawing interest from travelers ascending from Beitou. The trail to Junjian Rock is not long, and the coexistence of the stone steps and the indigenous sandstone provides a unique experience. The hard, rugged rocks securely flank the path, giving a reliable and comfortable hike. The newly built scenic pavilions along the route add to its charm, matching the imposing presence of the surrounding rocks. Standing here, in contrast to the crowded cityscape of Beitou below, the Wellington Mansion appears particularly serene, with its white walls and red tiles standing out against the mountain scenery. Continuing past the pavilion, the view gradually opens up, revealing Junjian Rock just ahead. A glance back along the path showcases the panoramic scenery of the Guandu Plain wetlands and the meandering Keelung River flowing into the Tamsui River. Eagerly anticipating reaching Junjian Rock, one can enjoy the refreshing mountain breeze and take in the stunning surroundings. The 360-degree view offers a breathtaking panorama of the Taipei Basin and surrounding mountains. In addition to the urban vistas of Shilin, Beitou, Shihpai, and Tianmu, far-reaching sights include the Guandu Plain, Guanyin Mountain, the Datun Mountain range, Shahao Mountain, and Wuzhishan, rendering a truly captivating landscape. Standing atop the rock feels like ascending the "Titanic of the mountains"—with strong gusts of wind greeting visitors and an expansive view stretching endlessly. After thoroughly enjoying the experience, one can descend to the large flat rock surface nearby, where the smooth, white rock resembles a pristine coastline, tempting one to remove their shoes and feel the cool stone beneath their feet. Viewing Junjian Rock up close, one can indeed find a resemblance to the weathered sandstone of the Northeast Coast. This association is not merely fanciful, as this area is originally a coastal region. The white sandstone evident everywhere stands as ample testimony. The geological composition of Junjian Rock comes from the Mushan Formation, which was deposited over 20 million years ago and has become the white sand grains we see today, thanks to prolonged erosion by seawater. Over time, these layers hardened into solid sandstone, ultimately lifted by tectonic forces. Natural Wildness: Junjian Rock, at just under 200 meters, not only hosts many low-elevation indicator plants like ferns but also some originally found in mid to high altitudes. This is due to its location at the entrance of the northeast monsoon, where the ridge line experiences wind pressure, resulting in lower temperatures and significantly reduced plant ecology zones. The ridge features coastal plants commonly found, such as Myrtus and Caragana. Danfeng Mountain, while not as steep as Junjian Rock, shares a similar natural environment. Plants commonly seen on Junjian Rock, such as Miscanthus, Caragana, and fine-leaved Malabar gourd, are also widespread here. However, due to past wildfires, most of the trail's areas are marked off with ropes delineating "protection zones" where entry is prohibited. Like the sandy terrain of Junjian Rock, the thinner soil layers here also struggle to retain moisture, further increasing fire risks. Additionally, the oil-rich pine trees contribute to a heightened combustible index in this area. The Ryukyu Pine is the dominant species on Danfeng Mountain, with solitary or clustered pines visible along the open ridge and slopes. Walking on the gentle path, one can occasionally catch a whiff of the elegant scent of pine resin. As the trail nears its end, three pavilions appear densely along the route, some even awkwardly positioned in the middle of the path, creating a bit of an "invader's" atmosphere. With varying mushroom-like and traditional garden styles, they offer travelers a choice and provide a final touch of interest before concluding their journey.
