Wuzhi Mountain Range_Daluntouwei Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Dàlúntóu Mountain and Dàlùnwěi Mountain are located on the main ridge extending westward from the Wuzhishan Mountain range, stretching from northeast to southwest. Dàlùnwěi Mountain stands at an altitude of 451 meters, with massive rocks arranged prominently as peaks. Dàlúntóu Mountain is the highest peak in the Neihu area at 475 meters. The summit platform offers a vast view, providing an excellent panoramic vista. The two mountains stand side by side, presenting an impressive sight, and they have become important landmarks for the Zhongzheng community in Shilin. The Dàlúntóu and Dàlùnwěi Mountain’s Qīnshān Trail leads into Dàlùnwěi Mountain, which, due to the passing of a fault and its steep terrain, has seen minimal development under the protection of the water source area. The natural ecological landscape and plant life are well-preserved. Entering from the central community trailhead, one is greeted by a wide, flat gravel path flanked by tall trees, creating a cool and comfortable walking experience. At the summit, there is a viewing platform where the scenery of the surrounding areas, including Waishuangxi and Yangmingshan, can be admired. Continuing along the trail toward Dàlúntóu Mountain, Dàlún Lake sits at the mountainside, its emerald waters reflecting the mountain scenery. Along Bìshān Road leading to Dàlúntóu Mountain, autumn grasses sway gently in the breeze, offering a refreshing ambiance. North of the mountains, a natural trail connects with the Wànxi Industrial Road, while the path meanders through lush forests in the Neishuangxi Forest Ecological Park. The paths in this area are spacious and comfortable wooden plank trails elevated above the forest floor, which not only prevents damage to surface rocks and plants but also allows visitors to observe nature easily. Informational signboards along the way help deepen our understanding of the geological and ecological environment around us. Sometimes, trees may appear to "emerge" from the trail; however, they originally grew there, and the trail is designed to accommodate them. This preservation of the original natural landscape allows for a comfortable path for visitors. The indigenous creatures of the forest can maintain their living spaces, leading to a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of insects and birds, with squirrels often seen frolicking among the trees. Despite the uphill climb, the rich ecology encourages visitors to take their time, either stopping to enjoy the scenery or referencing information on the signboards, leading to a pleasant and relaxed hike without breathlessness. If a break is desired, there are wooden platforms along the way for both enjoying the view and resting. It is a rare opportunity to find a natural wooden path about one kilometer long in the urban outskirts, where many seasoned hikers prefer to experience the comforting forest journey barefoot. Entering from the Qīnshān Trail to Dàlùnwěi Mountain, the welcoming sight is a wide, flat gravel path. The towering trees along the route sway in the wind, making rustling sounds that harmonize with the crunch of gravel underfoot, hinting that the beautiful experience of wandering through the forest will continue. Even though many sections of the trail consist mostly of stone steps, the lush mountain forest accompanies walkers throughout. Entering this ecological green corridor of nature, the mature forest exhibits rich biodiversity because the forest trail crosses the hidden and nearly undeveloped western foothills of Dàlúntóu Mountain. Although Dàlùnwěi Mountain lacks primary forests, its steep terrain makes development challenging, coupled with its location in a water source area, resulting in minimal human interference and better preservation of its natural ecology. On the windward side between Dàlúntóu and Dàlùnwěi Mountains, strong winds year-round lead to noticeably shorter trees, forming a "wind-swept dwarf forest" composed of species such as red nanmu, Morus alba, Camellia haematococca, and Chamaecyparis obtusa. The cold temperature effects caused by the Northeast Monsoon allow plants typically thriving at elevations of around 2000 meters to survive at this altitude of over 400 meters, creating a unique phenomenon of plants descending from their typical ranges. For instance, plants like the temperate zone species, such as the Maple-leaved Ash and Skyvine, thrive here too. The summit area features warm temperate broadleaf forests, while warmer valleys host tropical plants like buttressed roots and epiphytic orchids. Combined with the original subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem, this area essentially condenses tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate ecosystems into one, fostering a unique and rich compressed ecological system. The view from Dàlúntóu Mountain, being the highest peak in Neihu District, offers breathtaking landscapes. The summit platform provides expansive vistas with viewing spots on both sides. The left side showcases Dàlùnwěi Mountain and Shitou Mountain, while the small hill below on the right is Yuánzǎishān. From this point, Dàlùnwěi Mountain appears particularly majestic, not merely a mountain of over 400 meters. Looking north, the Dàyùn Mountain range, which serves as a natural barrier north of Taipei, and the volcanic shape of Shā Mào Mountain are clearly visible; across the valley, Píngdengli, formed by lava flows during volcanic eruptions, is seen. Walking toward the other end, the views of Wuzhishan and the nearby Neihu Lake Park create a picturesque reflection of water and trees, stretching over the Keelung River and beyond to the mountains in Xizhi extending to Pingxi, Shiding, and Keelung. Near the summit of Dàlùnwěi Mountain, there are plenty of rest pavilions and viewpoints. The summit platform is very spacious, featuring a simple observation deck that overlooks the scenery of Waishuangxi and Yangmingshan National Park. Descending the small staircase to the nearby platform by the tented houses offers a different experience. Close to the summit, a large observation deck along the trail provides a 360-degree panoramic view, encompassing the rolling Wuzhishan Mountain range and the peaks towards Xizhi, creating the feeling of being atop a ship, dominating the horizon with a sense of exhilaration.
