Datun Mountain Range - Warship Rock Qingshan Trail Introduction
Gunboat Rock is located in the mountains directly north of Taiwan's Shih-Pai Veterans Hospital, with an elevation of 185.6 meters. The hiking trail is about 3 kilometers long, with a total distance of approximately 5.7 kilometers, and takes about 2 hours and 7 minutes to walk. It is a well-known peak in the Datun Mountain Range. The prominent boulder on the summit stands tall amidst layers of mountains, resembling a naval vessel at a glance, hence the name Gunboat Rock. During the Japanese colonial period, it was collectively referred to as the Wu-Jian Lian Peaks along with Qilai Mountain, Danfeng Mountain, and Wujian Mountain. The rocky area at the summit is an ideal climbing practice location and a popular hiking route. The Gunboat Rock trail offers views of precious old trees and natural scenery. The panoramic view from the top is expansive, where the Academia Sinica has established a geological movement benchmark for monitoring and research. Looking to the right from the top, one can enjoy the ridge line and landscape from Shilin to Beitou, while the left view overlooks the peaceful and modern Wellington Villa community, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Danfeng Mountain, with an elevation of 210 meters, is relatively flat and offers a tranquil environment similar to that of Gunboat Rock. The sandstone terrain has a thinner soil layer and lower water retention, making the environment drier and at a higher risk for fires. Wu-Jian Lian Mountain, with an elevation of 282 meters, is collectively known with Qilai Mountain, Danfeng Mountain, and Gunboat Rock as the Wu-Jian Lian Peaks during the Japanese occupation. The summit has a wooden sign and a benchmark stone marked NO:2363, offering a distant view of Gunboat Rock, Qilai Mountain, and the regions of Beitou and Shilin. The peak can lead to Huangxi Mountain, connecting further to the Quan Yuan Road for the Phoenix Valley recreation area. Hiking to Gunboat Rock has been a popular leisure activity on holidays, with a short and easy trail. The nearby Danfeng Rock, with its prominent red "Danfeng" characters carved into the rock face, is particularly eye-catching when viewed from Beitou, prompting curiosity to explore further. The trail to Gunboat Rock is not long; the stone steps show a coexistence between visitors and the native sandstone environment, creating a unique experience. The sturdy and rugged rocks provide comfort and stability along the pathway. A newly built scenic pavilion seems to harmonize with the surrounding rock formations, appearing particularly spacious. Standing here, the crowded appearance of Beitou at the foot of the mountain contrasts sharply with the serene Wellington Villa, characterized by its white walls and red tiles, becoming even more prominent against the mountain backdrop. Continuing up the steps from the pavilion, the view gradually opens up. Gunboat Rock is now close at hand, and a glance back reveals a broad vista of the Guandu Wetlands and the winding Keelung River flowing into the Tamsui River. Not yet satisfied, Gunboat Rock rises before you, framed by the scenic Huagang and the cultural university nestled in the mountains. The thrill of climbing Gunboat Rock calls to the adventurer, inviting you to relish the refreshing breeze and fully appreciate the surrounding beauty. The 360-degree vista captures the entire Taipei Basin and mountain landscapes, showcasing not only the close-up views of Shilin, Beitou, Shih-Pai, and Tianmu but also distant sights of Guandu Plain, Guanyin Mountain, the Datun Mountain Peaks, Shamao Mountain, and Wuzhishan—truly a breathtaking spectacle. Standing atop the rock feels akin to being on "Titanic in the mountains"—energetic gusts greet you, and the vast world extends endlessly. Having enjoyed the scenery, proceed down to the expansive smooth rock surface near the summit, where the clean, white rock resembles a refreshing coastline, prompting thoughts of taking off shoes to feel the cool stone beneath bare feet. Up close, Gunboat Rock shares a sisterly resemblance with the weathered sandstones of the Northeast Coast. This association is not unfounded, as this area was originally a coastal region. The abundant white sandstone around serves as the best testimony. The geological makeup of Gunboat Rock consists of the Mukeng Formation deposited over 20 million years ago, transformed into snow-white sand grains by long-term marine erosion and sedimentation. Over time, these layers hardened and were uplifted through orogenic movements. Gunboat Rock, standing at under 200 meters, is not just home to low-elevation indicator plants like ferns but also some plants that typically inhabit mid-to-high elevations due to its location at the entrance of the northeast monsoon, experiencing wind pressure on the ridge that results in lower temperatures, significantly altering the plant ecology. Among the vegetation on the ridge, common seaside plants such as Myrtus and Vaccinium can be observed. Unlike the steep terrain of Gunboat Rock, Danfeng Mountain features a natural environment that is somewhat similar. Common plants on Gunboat Rock, such as Miscanthus, Vaccinium, and small-leaved plants, can also be found here, albeit in a broader scope. However, due to past forest fires, much of the trail is bordered by rope-marked "conservation areas" indicating restricted entry. Like Gunboat Rock's sandstone, the thinner soil layer here does not retain moisture well, increasing fire risks. Additionally, oil-rich pine trees are more prone to ignition, raising caution levels. The Ryukyu pine is a dominant species on Danfeng Mountain, and isolated pine trees or small clusters can often be seen on the open ridges and slopes. Walking along the gentle path, one may occasionally catch a whiff of the fragrant pine aroma. As the trail nears its end, three pavilions appear densely along the route; some stand firmly in the middle of the path, taking on an ironic "guest taking the lead" aspect. The traditional garden-style, mushroom-shaped pavilions differ in design, giving visitors a choice and adding a bit of fun before concluding the journey.
