Wuzhishan Mountain Range - Jiantan Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Jiantan Mountain has an elevation of 153 meters and is located in the Yuanshan Scenic Area in Shilin District, Taipei City. It is the northern ridge behind the Grand Hotel and is the closest small mountain to the city center of Taipei. By following the ridge trail, you can easily reach other peaks, making for a leisurely hike with great transportation advantages. The entrance to the Jiantan Mountain Trail is located next to the Jiantan bus stop on Section 4 of Zhongshan North Road. This area was formerly a military restricted zone and security forest, thus preserving natural forest patterns and ecological plants quite well. The trail is lined with many artificially planted vegetation and economic plants, creating a vibrant green charm. This trail has become a popular place for citizens to exercise in the morning, and "the old place" along the ridge is a well-known fitness spot. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Grand Hotel and Keelung River Riverside Park. The trail ends at Lane 165, Tongbei Street in Dazhi, and it is an easy-access suburban mountain trail. The beauty of Jiantan Mountain increases at night, and the night view of the Jiantan Mountain Trail is very popular. Standing at the high point, you can appreciate the bustling city lights and occasionally see planes flying low across the starry sky, exciting mountain enthusiasts who come here to enjoy night hiking and often see more visitors than in the daytime. This contributes to its charm, becoming more beautiful and lively as night falls. "Taipei's Heart" – Hiking here is not difficult at all, especially entering from Jiantan Mountain. Starting from Jiantan MRT Station, you can easily find the trailhead; if you're taking the bus, the entrance is right next to Jiantan bus stop, and you only need to ascend a few steps to enter the green mountains. Along the way, you will see rest areas and pavilions, allowing for a leisurely pace as you explore. Jiantan Mountain is the closest small mountain to the city center, and you are surely familiar with it. Whether traveling on the Tamsui Line toward Tamsui or entering Taipei City via the highway, the majestic Grand Hotel atop the mountain is unmissable, rising amidst a sea of lush green peaks that is Jiantan Mountain. Because this area was previously a military restricted zone and security forest, the natural forest has been preserved, with dense forests lining the trail. The trees are unaffected by human interference and show off their most beautiful forms, allowing the species that inhabit the area to thrive. If you look up, you might see squirrels leaping through the trees, or the colorful Taiwan whistling thrush and the charming little green-backed tit, which are common birds in this area. Although the original mountain forest has changed due to human development after the military restrictions were lifted, the trail still features plenty of artificially planted horticultural plants and economic plants, and the charming green mountain path remains. Nowadays, Jiantan Mountain has become one of the important places for morning exercise for Taipei residents, with "the old place" along the ridge being a familiar fitness spot. Various early risers' clubs, hiking groups, and badminton societies are lined along the trail, creating a remarkable spectacle and turning it into an urban park nestled in the mountains, resembling a "living room" for the public. Seniors gather here like a KTV club, with some singing karaoke passionately, others playing Mahjong, and of course, chatting and enjoying tea is commonplace. After becoming "more accessible," Jiantan Mountain has become very lively. With a majestic view, hiking while being embraced by singing creates an unforgettable experience, contrasting with the continuous sound of cicadas on the trail—who will win, the eastern or western team? Setting aside such spectacles, don't forget to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you. One delightful aspect of hiking Jiantan Mountain is the ability to stand atop the mountain and watch planes take off and land. Toward Shih Chien University, there is a viewing area called the "Watching Area," offering an unobstructed view that is sure to satisfy you. If you head toward the wooden plank road close to the summit, the scenery becomes even richer. The striking design of Dazhi Bridge and the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper become focal points in your view. The full panorama of Dajia Riverside Park is visible here, with greenery created after the Keelung River was redirected, along with the "Wishing Fountain," which sprays every half hour, and the city's first fishing rod-style bridge, Dazhi Bridge, as well as the command station and surrounding square for the annual dragon boat races, all making you feel refreshed as you stop to admire the views. Of course, both day and night, the Grand Hotel is also an unmissable viewing point. Its nightlife remains popular, having its unique charm. Standing on the hillside, you can gaze toward the Taipei cityscape, see the fountain and green riverbanks to the left, and catch a glimpse of the shimmering Keelung River and the distant Guanyin Mountain on the right. Simultaneously enjoying the vibrant city lights and the serene night ambiance is incomparable, especially if a plane happens to fly through the starry sky—it's a viewing delight you won't find elsewhere. Just by taking a short walk, you can feast your eyes on such dazzling natural beauty—how could you possibly stay at home?
