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 mountain behind the Grand Hotel Taipei and is the closest small mountain to the city center of Taipei. Strolling along the ridge trail leads to other peaks and is an easy walk, benefiting from convenient transportation. The trailhead of the Jiantan Mountain Hiking Trail is located next to the Jiantan bus stop on Section 4 of Zhongshan North Road. This area used to be a military control zone and a security forest, resulting in the preservation of natural forests and ecological vegetation. Numerous artificially planted greenery and economic plants line the trail, creating a lush green charm. The trail has become a popular spot for citizens' morning workouts, with the “Old Place” along the ridge being a well-known fitness location. Along the trail, one can enjoy views of the Grand Hotel Taipei and the Keelung River Riverside Park, with the trail ending at Alley 165 of Tongbei Street in Dazhi and the Beian Road intersection. It is an easy-going suburban mountain trail. As night falls, Jiantan Mountain becomes even more beautiful. The night views from the Jiantan Mountain Hiking Trail have consistently high popularity, thanks to the unique experience of enjoying the vibrant city lights from a high vantage point, where airplanes occasionally pass low under the starry sky, thrilling mountain hikers. Pairing a night hike here with food from the Shilin Night Market makes it a lively destination, with nighttime visitors sometimes surpassing those who come during the day or morning. This is likely why the mountain is increasingly beautiful and bustling at night! Nestled in the heart of Taipei, climbing is not difficult at all, especially from the entrance at Jiantan Mountain. Starting from Jiantan MRT Station, the trailhead is easily accessible; for bus users, the Jiantan bus stop is right beside the entrance, leading straight into the green mountain forest. Along the way, there are many resting areas or pavilions, making it easy to take breaks and soon complete the initial hiking experience. Jiantan Mountain is the closest small mountain to the city center, and you must be familiar with it. Whether you take the MRT Tamsui Line towards Tamsui or enter Taipei City via the highway, the majestic Grand Hotel sitting on the mountain peak is unmistakable, and the lush green hills of Jiantan Mountain stretch out before you. Due to its history as a military zone and security forest, the natural forest has remained intact, covered in dense greenery along the entire trail. The trees are free from human interference, displaying their most beautiful forms, allowing the species living among them to thrive. If you look up, you might even see squirrels leaping through the forest and colorful Formosan blue magpies or the small greenish-yellow Japanese white-eye, common birds in the area. After the military zoning was lifted, the native forest began to change due to human development, with many horticultural plants or economic crops planted along the trail, but the charm of the lush green pathways remains. Today, Jiantan Mountain has become one of the important venues for morning exercise for Taipei citizens, and the “Old Place” on the ridge is a well-known fitness area. Various early risers, hiking groups, and badminton clubs line both sides of the trail, creating a remarkable spectacle, resembling a city park situated in the mountains, and serving as the public's "outdoor living room." Elderly residents use this place as a KTV club, with some singing karaoke passionately and others enjoying a game of Mahjong, while chatting and having tea is also common. The lively Jiantan Mountain "after being community-friendly" is truly bustling. Moving forward amidst the cluster of song is an unforgettable hiking experience, and comparing the constant chirping of cicadas along the trail, will it be the East Army prevailing or the West Army skillfully winning? Setting aside such spectacles, don’t forget to take in the great views around. One of the delightful features of climbing Jiantan Mountain is standing on the summit to watch planes take off and land. Towards Shih Chien University, there is a viewpoint dubbed “the viewing terrace” by mountain friends, with unobstructed views that will surely be satisfying. As you approach the wooden plank road near the summit, the scenery becomes even richer, with the strikingly designed Dazhi Bridge and the iconic Taipei 101 building as focal points. The panorama of Dajia Riverside Park is laid out before you, showcasing the riverside park greenery formed after the Keelung River was straightened, featuring the fixed “Fountain of Hope” that sprays water for half an hour every hour, and the first strut bridge in Taipei, Dazhi Bridge, along with the platform for the annual dragon boat races and surrounding squares, providing a refreshing moment of serenity. Of course, the Grand Hotel, a focal point of attention both day and night, is also an unmissable spot for enjoying the views. Its popularity at night has remained consistently high due to its unique features. Standing on the hillside overlooking Taipei City, to the left you can see the fountain of the riverside park and green riverbanks, while to the right the shimmering Keelung River is faintly visible, along with Guanyin Mountain in the distance. Enjoying the hustle and bustle of city lights alongside the hazy tranquility of the night, if an airplane accidentally passes by the starry sky, that is an unparalleled private view. In just a short journey, you can indulge in such dazzling and rich scenery, leaving you wondering why you would want to stay at home!
