Datun Mountain Range - Junjian Rock Qingshan Trail Introduction
Junjian Rock is located in the mountainous area directly north of Shih-Pai Veterans General Hospital, with an elevation of 185.6 meters. The hiking trail is approximately 3 kilometers long and the entire route is about 5.7 kilometers, taking about 2 hours and 7 minutes to walk. It is a renowned peak in the Datun Mountain Range. The protruding massive rock on the ridge stands tall amidst the layers of mountains, resembling a naval vessel at first glance, hence its name Junjian Rock. During the Japanese occupation, it was commonly referred to as the Wujian Mountain Range alongside Qili’an Mountain, Danfeng Mountain, and Wujian Mountain. The rocky area at the summit serves as an ideal climbing practice site and is also a popular hiking route. The Junjian Rock Sacred Mountain Trail allows visitors to appreciate precious old trees and natural landscapes along the way. The view from the top is broad and open, where Academia Sinica has established a geological benchmark for recording and research purposes. From the summit, looking to the right, one can enjoy the ridge and landscape stretching from Shilin to Beitou, while glancing to the left offers a tranquil view of the modern Wellington Villa community, with its picturesque scenery. Danfeng Mountain has an elevation of 210 meters, with relatively flat terrain and a serene environment similar to that of Junjian Rock. The sandstone terrain results in a thinner soil layer and lower moisture retention, making the environment drier and consequently increasing the likelihood of wildfires. Wujian Mountain has an elevation of 282 meters, and during the Japanese occupation, it was classified with Qili’an Mountain, Danfeng Mountain, and Junjian Rock, collectively known as the Wujian Mountain Range. The peak features a wooden signpost, with the foundation stone marked as NO:2363, allowing for distant views of Junjian Rock, Qili’an Mountain, Beitou, and Shilin. Junjian Rock has become a popular leisure destination for weekends, with a short and easy trail. Nearby Danfeng Rock features a prominent "Danfeng" inscription carved in red on the rock face, which catches the eye when viewed from Beitou, making it hard to resist the temptation to explore. The trail to Junjian Rock is not long, and passing by stone steps and the natural sandstone landscape creates a unique experience. The sturdy, rugged rock formations gracefully frame the path, making the journey both comfortable and safe. A newly built scenic pavilion along the way seems to harmonize with the surrounding rocky landscape, appearing particularly spacious. Standing here, the bustling sights of Beitou below contrast with the peace of the Wellington Villa, highlighted by white walls and red tiles against the backdrop of the mountains. Continuing past the pavilion and up the stairs, the view gradually becomes clearer. Junjian Rock stands not far ahead, and looking back offers a wide vista of the Guandu Plain wetland and the winding Keelung River flowing into the Tamsui River. Still wanting more, Junjian Rock is now right in front of you, complemented by the beautiful scenery of Huagang in Yangmingshan and the cultural university nestled in the mountains. Embracing the exhilarating breeze, one cannot wait to ascend Junjian Rock and immerse in the surrounding beauty. The 360-degree panoramic view captures the entire Taipei Basin and its mountainous landscape, showcasing not just the nearby urban scenery of Shilin, Beitou, Shih-Pai, and Tianmu, but also the breathtaking views of Guandu Plain, Guanyin Mountain, the Datun Mountain range, Shamao Mountain, and Wuzhi Mountain. Atop the rock, it truly feels like standing on the "Titanic of the mountains"—the gusts of wind greet you with waves, offering an expansive vista that stretches endlessly. After indulging in the view, moving down to the large rocky surface near the peak, one can marvel at the smooth, white rock surface, reminiscent of a pristine coastline that invites you to remove your shoes and feel the cool rock beneath your bare feet. Upon closer inspection of Junjian Rock, the weathered sandstone bears a striking resemblance to the geology of the northeastern coastal area. This connection is not just imagination, as the area was originally coastal. The presence of white sandstone abundantly scattered about serves as the best evidence. The geological formation of Junjian Rock dates back over twenty million years, originating from the deposited Banshan formation, which was shaped by prolonged erosion from seawater into white sand particles. Accumulation over time, along with cementation, resulted in the formation of thick, solid sandstone, eventually uplifted by tectonic activity. Nature’s charm is present at Junjian Rock, which, at under 200 meters, features low-elevation flora abundant with ferns, along with some plants originally found at mid to high altitudes. This is due to its location at the entrance of the northeastern monsoon, where temperature variations occur along the ridge, leading to significant changes in plant ecology. Common coastal plants can also be found along the ridge, such as Myrtaceae and Rubus. Though Danfeng Mountain is not as steep as Junjian Rock, its natural environment is similar. Plants often seen at Junjian Rock, like Miscanthus, Rubus, and other varieties, are also abundant here, but with a wider distribution. However, perhaps due to past wildfires, much of the path is bordered by a rope barrier labeled as a “protected area” prohibiting entry. Similar to Junjian Rock's sandy terrain with thin soil layers, the environment here is also relatively dry, thus increasing fire risks, especially as oil-rich pine trees have a higher fire susceptibility. The Ryukyu pine is a dominant species on Danfeng Mountain, with isolated or clustered pine trees dotting the open ridges and slopes. Walking along the gentle trail, one may occasionally catch a whiff of the delicate scent of pine resin. Near the trail's end, three pavilions appear in close succession, some awkwardly positioned directly in the middle of the path, seemingly asserting their presence. These pavilions, with their traditional garden-style mushroom shapes and varying designs, offer a fun choice as the journey comes to an end.
