Wuzhishan Mountain Range - Jiantan Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Jiantan Mountain, with an elevation of 153 meters, is located in the Yuanshan Scenic Area of Shilin District, Taipei City. It is the northern ridge of the hill behind the Grand Hotel and the closest small mountain to the city center of Taipei. By walking slowly along the ridge trail, visitors can reach other peaks, making it an easy and relaxing hike. The area has great advantages in terms of transportation. The entrance to the Jiantan Mountain Trail is next to the Jiantan bus station on Section 4 of Zhongshan North Road. This area was once a military restricted zone and a protective forest, so the natural forest and ecological plants are well preserved. The trail is lined with various artificially planted vegetation and economic plants, adding a vibrant green charm to the pathway. This trail has become a popular spot for morning exercise among locals, with "Old Place" along the ridge being a well-known fitness spot. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy views of the Grand Hotel and Keelung River Riverside Park. The trail ends at Lane 165, Tongbei Street, and Beian Road in Dazhi, offering a gentle and accessible mountain path. As night falls, the views from Jiantan Mountain become even more beautiful. The popularity of the Jiantan Mountain Trail at night has always remained high due to its unique appeal; from the high vantage point, one can admire the bustling city lights and occasionally see airplanes flying low across the starry sky, evoking excitement and enjoyment among hikers. Coupling this with a visit to the Shilin Night Market for delicious food, it's common for more people to come here for nighttime walks than during the day or morning, adding to its allure as the city becomes more vibrant at night. Taipei, with its proximity to mountains, makes hiking quite easy, especially with Jiantan Mountain as an entry point. Starting from Jiantan MRT Station, it is easy to find the trail entrance; for bus riders, the Jiantan bus stop is right next to it. Climbing up the steps leads directly to greenery and forest. Along the way, numerous resting areas and pavilions are available, allowing for a leisurely walk and an enjoyable first experience on the trail. Jiantan Mountain, being the closest small mountain to the city center, is familiar to many. Whether traveling on the Tamsui Line toward Tamsui or entering Taipei from the expressway, the majestic Grand Hotel that stands atop the lush green hills can be seen, with the verdant Jiantan Mountain behind it. Due to its previous status as a military restricted zone and protective forest, the natural landscape has been preserved, with dense forests lining the entire trail. The trees grow without human interference, showcasing their most beautiful forms while providing a habitat for various species to thrive. Looking up, one might catch a glimpse of squirrels jumping between the trees, as well as colorful birds such as the Formosan Blue Magpie and the small, green Japanese White-eye frequently spotted in this area. Although the lifting of military restrictions has led to some changes in the primitive forests due to human development, the charm of the lush green mountain trails remains. Today, Jiantan Mountain has become one of the important venues for morning exercise among Taipei citizens, with the ridge's "Old Place" being a popular fitness hub. Various groups such as early risers groups, hiking clubs, and badminton societies can be seen along the trail, creating a remarkable spectacle and resembling an urban park set in the mountains, akin to a public "outdoor living room." Senior citizens consider this place as a karaoke club, singing heartfelt songs and enjoying games of Mahjong, while chatting and having tea is a common activity too. Walking forward amidst the warm embrace of songs creates an unforgettable hiking experience, while the constant sounds of cicadas can be heard competing between groups. Forgetting the crowds for a moment, one should not miss the beautiful vistas that emerge while climbing. One of the highlights of Jiantan Mountain is the opportunity to stand atop the mountain and observe airplanes taking off and landing. Near Shih Chien University, there is a viewpoint known among hikers as the "Observation Deck," which offers an unobstructed view for an exciting experience. Heading toward the wooden plank road closer to the mountain's peak unveils an even richer landscape. The strikingly designed Dazhi Bridge and the impressive Taipei 101 skyscraper create visual highlights, while the panoramic view of Dajia Riverside Park, the "Hope Fountain" which sprays water every half hour, and the first fishing rod-style cable-stayed bridge in Taipei, Dazhi Bridge, along with the podium for the annual dragon boat races and surrounding plaza, refresh the soul as one takes in the scenery. Of course, the prominent Grand Hotel, an iconic nighttime focus, should not be missed. The nighttime views from here are always popular, offering their own unique appeal. From the back hill, looking toward Taipei City, one can see the fountain and green embankment of the riverside park to the left, and the glistening Keelung River to the right, with Guanyin Mountain visible in the distance. Enjoying the dynamic city lights along with the tranquil nightscape is a unique experience, and if an airplane happens to fly across the starry sky, it provides a one-of-a-kind view hardly found elsewhere. With a short walk, visitors can enjoy such dazzling and rich scenery—how could anyone resist staying at home?
