Wuzhishan Mountain Range_Daluntouwei Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain are located on the main ridge extending westward from the Wuzhishan mountain range, stretching from the northeast to the southwest. Dalunwei Mountain has an elevation of 451 meters, characterized by towering boulders that rise sharply into peaks, while Dalun Mountain stands at 475 meters, making it the highest mountain in the Neihu area. The summit features a broad platform with a wide view, offering excellent scenery from above. The two mountains stand side by side, creating a magnificent presence, and have become important landmarks in the Shilin Central Community. The Dalun Mountain Trail leading to Dalunwei Mountain passes through an area with steep terrain due to geological faults, and development has been minimal due to the protection of the water source area, allowing the natural ecology and plant life to remain intact. Entering from the mountain trailhead in the Central Community, one is greeted by a wide and flat gravel road, complemented by the towering trees alongside, creating a cool and comfortable walking experience. At the summit, there is an observation deck that allows for views of the surrounding areas including the Danshui River and Yangmingshan. As the trail continues towards Dalun Mountain, the Dalun Lake, situated at the mountainside, reflects the green hues of the surrounding mountains. Along Bixian Road leading to Dalun Mountain, the autumn reeds sway gracefully in the breeze, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The northern side of the mountain connects to natural trails and the Wankeng Industrial Road, with paths hidden within the forest and the Neishuangxi Forest Nature Park offering lush surroundings. The path leading into the forest is a comfortable boardwalk elevated above the ground, preventing damage to the rocks and plants below and allowing visitors to observe nature closely. Interpretive signs appear along the way, enhancing our understanding of the geological and ecological environment. Occasionally, trees may appear to "pop out" from the path; these trees have been there all along, as we occupy their territory by building the boardwalk around them. This approach preserves the original natural landscape while providing a convenient and comfortable trail for users, creating a win-win situation that benefits all. The "indigenous" creatures of the forest retain their living space, allowing them to roam freely, and one can often hear the sounds of insects and birds, and even see squirrels jumping through the trees. Despite the uphill trek, the rich ecology encourages a leisurely pace, with opportunities to stop and admire the scenery or read the informative signs, making the journey feel relaxed and enjoyable, rather than exhausting. If one wishes to take a break, there are wooden platforms along the way that provide views and rest stops. In a rare find close to the urban outskirts, the natural wooden path stretches about a kilometer, and experienced hikers often go barefoot to enjoy the soothing experience of walking through the forest. The rich vegetation leads to the entrance of the free-access Dalun Mountain Trail towards Dalunwei Mountain, greeted by a wide, flat gravel road. The tall trees sway in the breeze, creating a harmonious sound with the crunch of gravel underfoot, promising that the delightful experience of wandering through the forest will continue. Even though many other sections are mainly stone steps, the lush mountain forest is ever-present. Entering this ecological green corridor of nature, the mature and rich forest vegetation is observed, as the forest trail intersects the secluded and minimally developed western foothills of Dalun Mountain. Dalunwei Mountain lacks original forests but, due to its steep terrain and its location in a water source area, human interference is lesser, allowing for better preservation of natural ecology. On the windward side between Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain, strong winds year-round cause the height of the trees to decrease notably, forming a "wind-swept shrubland" characterized by plants such as Taiwan Red Pine, Formosan Sweet Gum, and others. Additionally, the cold temperature effect caused by the northeast monsoon allows plant species typically found in mid-elevation environments of about 2,000 meters to survive at this elevation of around 400 meters, resulting in a unique plant migration phenomenon. For example, deciduous plants such as the Chinese tallow tree and kudzu vine, originally from temperate regions, thrive here as well. The summit area presents warm-temperate broadleaf forests, while the warmer valleys feature tropical plants such as buttress-rooted trees and epiphytic plants; combined with subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystems, a unique and rich compressed ecosystem is cultivated, encompassing tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate environments. As the highest mountain in the Neihu District, Dalun Mountain offers stunning views when ascending. The spacious summit platform provides wide-ranging vistas, with observation spots on both sides of the square. To the left, Dalunwei Mountain and Shitou Mountain are visible, while the small hill to the right below is Yuanzai Mountain. From here, the view of Dalunwei Mountain appears exceptionally grand, defying its height of just over 400 meters. Looking northward, the Datu Mountain range, serving as a barrier for northern Taipei, is clearly visible, along with the volcanic shape of Shamao Mountain; the opposite valley, conveniently located in Pingdengli, is a plateau formed by lava flows during volcanic eruptions. At the other end, the reflections of Wuzhishan and the Neihu Dah Lake Park complement the hues of the lake, extending mountains from Xizhi all the way to Pingxi, Shiding, and Keelung, creating an endless vista. Near the top of Dalunwei Mountain, there are many rest pavilions as well as various observation points. The expansive summit platform features a basic observation deck that provides views of the surrounding landscape, including the site of the Yangmingshan National Park and the areas along the Shuangxi River. Descending a small flight of stairs to a platform beside a simple shelter offers a different experience, while the lookout tower near the mountaintop provides a 360-degree panoramic view, encompassing thecontinuous rolling peaks of the Wuzhishan range towards Xizhi, bringing a sense of thrill akin to commanding a fleet from a ship.
