Wuzhishan Range_Jiantan Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Jiantan Mountain has an elevation of 153 meters and is located in the Yangmingshan 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. Walking slowly along the ridge trail allows access to other mountains, making it a leisurely hike, with the added advantage of convenient 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, allowing for the preservation of natural forests and ecological plants. Along the trail, numerous artificially planted vegetation and economic plants add vibrant greenery to the path. This trail has become a popular place for citizens to exercise in the morning, with the "old place" located on the ridge being a well-known fitness spot. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the Grand Hotel and the Keelung River Riverside Park. The end of the trail is at Lane 165, Tongbei Street, and Beian Road in Dazhi, making it an easy-to-walk suburban hiking trail. The scenery becomes more beautiful at night, and the popularity of the Jiantan Mountain Trail at night is always high due to its unique features. At the high point, one can enjoy the splendid city lights and occasionally see planes flying low across the starry sky, exciting mountain enthusiasts. Combined with the delicious street food of Shilin Night Market, the number of people exploring the trails at night often exceeds that of the daytime. This undoubtedly adds to its charm and liveliness at night! In the heart of Taipei, hiking in the mountains is not difficult at all, especially when starting from Jiantan Mountain. Departing from Jiantan MRT Station, it is easy to find the trail entrance; for bus riders, the entrance is right next to the Jiantan bus stop. After climbing a few steps, one can reach the verdant forest. Along the way, one can see many resting spots or pavilions, making it easy to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the experience on the trail. Jiantan Mountain is the closest small mountain to the city center, and you must be familiar with it. Whether taking the Tamsui Line toward Tamsui or entering Taipei City via the highway, one can't miss the majestic Jiantan Mountain, where the rich green hills lie just behind the Grand Hotel. Due to its previous status as a military restricted area and protective forest, the natural forest remains intact, with dense woods encompassing the entire trail. Trees grow undisturbed, displaying their most beautiful forms, and the species inhabiting the area thrive comfortably. Looking up, one might even see squirrels jumping through the trees, as well as colorful Formosan blue magpies and small greenish-eyed birds native to this area. Although the military control has been lifted and the primitive forest has undergone some changes due to human development, the charm of the lush green trail remains. Jiantan Mountain has become an important spot for morning workouts among Taipei citizens, with the "old place" on the ridge familiar to many as a fitness location. Various jogging clubs, mountain friends groups, and badminton clubs line the trail's sides, creating a remarkable spectacle, akin to an urban park set in the mountains, or the "outdoor living room" for the public. Elderly people consider this place their KTV club, with some singing karaoke and others playing mahjong, while chatting and enjoying tea is also common. The experience of ascending Jiantan Mountain amid songs is unforgettable. Comparing it to the continuous sounds of cicadas along the path, it is uncertain whether the eastern group or the western group will triumph. Setting aside this marvel, don't forget to enjoy the wonderful scenery from high up. One of the delights of hiking Jiantan Mountain lies in the opportunity to watch planes take off and land while standing on the mountain. There is a viewing area near the direction of Shih Chien University, known to some hikers as the "plane watching platform," which offers unobstructed views. As you approach the wooden boardwalk near the mountain's peak, the scenery becomes even richer. The unique design of the Dazhi Bridge and the striking Taipei 101 skyscraper are visually captivating. The panoramic view of the Dajia Riverside Park showcases the green space formed after the Keelung River was straightened, the "Fountain of Hope" that shoots water every half hour on the hour, the first fishing rod-style cable-stayed bridge in Taipei, and the command center for the annual dragon boat race with its surrounding square, all of which provide a mood-lifting moment. Certainly, both day and night, the Grand Hotel remains a focal point of attention. It is also a perfect spot for sightseeing. Standing on the hills behind the hotel, one can gaze at the Taipei cityscape, see the fountain and green embankments of the riverside park to the left, and the glimmering ripples of the Keelung River further away. At the same time, enjoy the vibrant city lights and the tranquil night scenery, and if a plane happens to pass by under the starlit sky, it is indeed a private view unlike any other. After a short walk, one can behold such dazzling scenery—why not step outside and enjoy it?
