Datun Mountain Range - Battleship Rock Qingshan Trail Introduction
Junjiayan is located in the mountainous area directly north of the Shihpai Veteran’s General Hospital, with an elevation of 185.6 meters. The hiking trail is approximately 3 kilometers long, with a total distance of about 5.7 kilometers, taking around 2 hours and 7 minutes to walk. It is a famous peak in the Datun Mountain Range. The prominent giant rock on the ridge stands tall amidst the layers of mountains, resembling a naval vessel at first glance, hence the name Junjiayan. During the Japanese colonial era, it was collectively referred to as the Wujian Lian Peaks along with Qilai Mountain, Daanfeng Mountain, and Wujianshan. The rocky summit serves as an ideal practice area for rock climbing and is also a popular hiking route. The Junjiayan Trail allows hikers to appreciate precious old trees and natural landscapes along the way. The view from the top is open and broad. The Academia Sinica has established a geological movement reference point at the summit for recording and research purposes. From the top, a glance to the right reveals the ridgelines and scenic views from Shilin to Beitou, while looking to the left offers a view of the tranquil and peaceful Wellington Villa's modern community, which is striking against the mountain backdrop. Daanfengshan has an elevation of 210 meters and tends to be flat, with a serene environment similar to Junjiayan. The sandstone terrain results in thinner soil and lower water retention, making the environment drier and increasing the likelihood of wildfires. Wujianshan, standing at 282 meters, was historically part of the Wujian Lian Peaks along with Qilai Mountain, Daanfeng Mountain, and Junjiayan during Japanese rule. At the peak of Wujianshan, a wooden marker indicates the site number NO:2363, providing a wide view of Junjiayan, Qilai Mountain, Beitou, and Shilin area. From Wujianshan, one can access Huangxi Mountain and descend to the Spring Source Road to reach the Phoenix Valley Recreation Area. The nearly paved path up to Junjiayan has become a popular destination for leisure on weekends, being short and easy to climb. The nearby Daanfeng Rock, with its prominent "Daanfeng" red characters carved on the rock face, stands out and inevitably invites curiosity from those looking up from Beitou. The trail up to Junjiayan is short, where visitors from outside and indigenous people co-exist similarly, adding a unique flavor to the journey. The hard, rugged rocks stabilize both sides along the trail, resembling boulders that support the pathway, making the journey comfortable and secure. A newly built scenic pavilion along the way seems to echo the surrounding rock formations, looking particularly spacious. From here, contrasting with the crowded urban landscape of Beitou below, the Wellington Villa, built along the hillside in a quiet manner, is especially serene, with its white walls and red tiles highlighted against the mountain colors. Continuing past the pavilion and climbing further, the view gradually opens up. Junjiayan is now not far ahead, with the expansive view returning as well, showcasing the Guandu wetlands and the winding Keelung River flowing into the Tamsui River. With a lingering desire to explore, Junjiayan stands tall before you, with the spectacular backdrop of Huaguang on Yangming Mountain and the nestled National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University. Riding the winds, eager to reach the peak of Junjiayan, you can fully enjoy the sensation of the breeze and admire the beautiful surroundings. The 360-degree panoramic view encompasses the Taipei basin and surrounding mountain scenery, with close-up views of Shilin, Beitou, Shihpai, Tianmu, and beyond, presenting remarkable sights of Guandu plain, Guanyin Mountain, the Datun Mountain Range, Shamao Mountain, and Wuzhi Mountain. Standing atop the rocks, it truly feels like being on “Titanic in the mountains,” with waves of gusts hitting you and an endless expansive vista in all directions. After indulging, descend to the broad rocky area near the summit and look around at the smooth, white rocks, reminiscent of a clean and refreshing coastline, prompting a desire to take off your shoes and feel the cool granite underfoot. Upon closer inspection, Junjiayan shares sisterly traits with the eroded sandstone of the Northeast Coast. This idea is not mere imagination, for this area was originally a coastal region. Evidence is revealed everywhere, with the sight of white sands being the best testament. The geology of Junjiayan consists of layers from over 20 million years ago, deposited in the Wujian Formation, and after long-term erosion by seawater, transformed into white sand particles. With time's accumulation and cementation, they became thick, hard sandstone, eventually uplifted by tectonic movements. The natural charm of Junjiayan, with an elevation of less than 200 meters, is not only home to low-elevation indicator plants like ferns but also some plants originally found at medium to high altitudes. This is due to its location at the northeastern monsoon entry point, where the ridge line experiences wind pressure, leading to lower temperatures and hence a significant drop in plant ecological zones. Among the plants commonly seen on the ridge are coastal species such as Myrtaceae and Cerasus. Unlike the steep Junjiayan, Daanfeng Mountain has a similar natural environment. Common plants found at Junjiayan, such as Miscanthus, Cerasus, and small-leaved Calabash fruit, can also be found here, but in a wider range. However, due to past incidents of wildfires, much of the trail area is bordered off with ropes, indicating "conservation areas" where entry is prohibited. Similar to Junjiayan, the sandstone terrain results in thinner soil layers that make water retention difficult, leading to a drier environment, consequently raising the risk of wildfires. The oil-rich pine trees exacerbate the fire danger. The Ryukyu Pine is a dominant species on Daanfeng Mountain, often seen in solitary or small clusters along the open ridges and slopes. Walking along the gentle paths, you may occasionally catch a whiff of the subtle fragrance of pine. As the trail nears its end, three pavilions emerge densely along the way, some even standing directly in the middle of the path, suggesting a sense of "dominating the guests." Featuring flat-topped mushroom shapes and traditional garden styles, the pavilions vary in design, offering selection and a bit of fun before the journey concludes.
