Wuzhishan Mountain Range - Daluntouwei Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Daluantou Mountain and Daluanwei Mountain are located on the main ridge extending westward from the Wuzhisan mountain range, stretching from the northeast to the southwest. Daluanwei Mountain has an elevation of 451 meters and features towering rock formations, while Daluantou Mountain, at 475 meters, is the highest peak in the Neihu area. The summit platform offers expansive views, making it an excellent spot for enjoying the scenery. The two mountains stand side by side, creating a magnificent sight and serving as an important landmark for the Shilin Central Community. The Daluantou and Daluanwei Mountain Hiking Trail provides access to Daluanwei Mountain, which has seen less development due to its steep terrain and protective water source area, allowing its natural ecosystem and plant life to remain intact. Entering from the Central Community’s trailhead, visitors are greeted by a wide, flat gravel path set alongside tall trees, creating a cool and comfortable walking experience. At the summit, there is an observation deck where one can admire the views of the surrounding areas, including the outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan regions. Continuing along the trail towards Daluantou Mountain, one encounters Daluan Lake situated at the mountainside, with its emerald waters reflecting the mountain scenery. Along the path towards Daluantou Mountain, the autumn grasses sway in the breeze, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The northern side of the mountain connects to natural trails and the Wankou Mountain Industry Road, with paths hidden within the forests, accompanied by the lush forest scenery of Neishuangxi Forest Nature Park. The pathways are pleasantly spacious, constructed of wooden planks elevated among the trees, preventing damage to the ground’s rocky surfaces and vegetation while also providing a convenient way for visitors to observe the natural surroundings. Informational signs along the route help visitors learn more about the geological and ecological environment. Along the way, one may see trees that “emerge” from the trail, as they originally grew there. The wooden path is arranged around them, preserving the natural appearance of the forest while providing a comfortable hiking experience. The rich biodiversity allows for a unique forest experience, and the Daluanwei Mountain trail entrances offer a welcoming, wide, and flat gravel path. The sound of trees rustling in the wind harmonizes with the crunch of gravel underfoot, promising a continuation of the delightful experience of strolling through the forest. Although many other segments consist of stone steps, the lush woodland consistently accompanies hikers. Venturing into this ecological green corridor, the mature and rich forest landscape features paths that wind through the initially undeveloped western slopes of Daluantou Mountain. While Daluanwei Mountain lacks primary forests, its steep terrain and status as a water source area have resulted in fewer human disruptions, thus preserving its natural ecosystem effectively. In between Daluantou Mountain and Daluanwei Mountain, the windward side is continuously battered by strong winds, resulting in a noticeable decrease in tree height, giving rise to a “wind-swept dwarf forest” composed of species such as red camphor trees, Sonneratia spp., tea plants, and small-leaved Red Nanmu. The cold temperature effect from the northeast monsoon allows for the survival of plants that would typically thrive at altitudes of around 2000 meters, creating a unique phenomenon of plant migration northward in this 400-meter environment. For example, deciduous plants typically found in temperate zones, like the black locust and various vines, thrive here too. The mountain top features warm temperate broadleaf forests, while the warmer valleys host tropical plants such as buttress roots and epiphytic orchids, alongside a subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem, effectively compiling tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate environments into a unique and rich compressed ecological system. Daluantou Mountain, being the highest peak in Neihu District, offers stunning panoramic views from the summit. The summit platform provides a spacious vista, with viewing areas on both sides. On the left, Daluanwei Mountain and Shitou Mountain come into view, while on the right, the lower hill is Yuanzai Mountain. From this vantage point, Daluanwei Mountain appears particularly majestic, despite being just over 400 meters high. Looking north, the Dadu Mountain Range and the volcanic-shaped Shamao Mountain form a scenic backdrop. Across the valley, Pingtung Village is situated on a platform formed from lava flows during volcanic eruptions. At the far end, the scenic lakes and reflections from Wuzhisan and Neihu Dahu Park are visible, extending over the Keelung River towards the mountains from Xizhi to Pingxi, Shiding, and Keelung. Near the top of Daluanwei Mountain, not only are there many pavilions for resting, but there are also numerous viewing spots. The summit platform is vast, featuring a simple viewing deck with wonderful views of the outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan National Park area. Descending a small staircase leads to a platform next to a covered shelter, providing a different perspective. Approaching the summit, large observation decks offer a 360-degree view of the undulating Wuzhisan mountain range and the peaks leading towards Xizhi, creating a feeling reminiscent of standing atop a ship, commanding the winds.
