Wuzhishan Mountain Range_Bai Luwei Mountain_Kangle Mountain_Mingju Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Bailu Mountain, Kangle Mountain, and Mingju Mountain are surrounded by Dahu Park and old trees, forming three connected mountain trails, which are popular spots for the residents of Neihu District to exercise, work out, and gather. Bailu Mountain Trail The Bailu Mountain Trail is located next to Dahu Park in Neihu. This trail is known for its winding path, making it also called the Fifty-Bend Trail; usually, by the time one reaches halfway, it's hard to tell directions. Therefore, a compass comes in handy at this point. The valley of the Bailu Mountain Trail is rich in ancient fern species, such as the elephant foot yam and the lotus of Guanyin, while trees like the acacia and Eugenia also grow robustly, exuding refreshing phytoncides. Kangle Mountain Trail The trailhead of Kangle Mountain Trail is located next to the Huangshi Temple on Section 5 of Chenggong Road in Neihu. The trail is shaded by trees and has a cool breeze, making it a favorite small mountain path for morning exercise enthusiasts. The highest point on the trail is also the best vantage point for enjoying Dahu Park. The olive and banyan trees along the way are undoubtedly significant landmarks of the trail, particularly the latter, the ancient banyan known locally as the "Banyan God Tree," with a trunk circumference of 4 meters, lush foliage, and vibrant greenery. Mingju Mountain Trail The Mingju Mountain Trail retains much of its forest nature, featuring three large Ficus macrophylla trees along the path, which have a trunk circumference similar to the Banyan God Tree on Kangle Mountain, earning them the nickname "Triple Kings." This narrow path is rich in rural atmosphere. Hikers on the Mingju Mountain Trail often pair their hike with those of the aforementioned Bailu Mountain and Kangle Mountain trails; the exit of Mingju Mountain leads directly to the Neigou Ecological Exhibition Hall, making it an ideal weekend activity to visit the hall after hiking. Experience the Fun of the Original Forest Why not embark on a trail adventure this weekend? Start from Bailu Mountain, where the trailhead is a small path, and perhaps due to its proximity to the city, you’ll pass through a wasteland and vegetable plots, with mixed scents still lingering in the air, along with an eagerness to embrace the phytoncides. The Bailu Mountain Trail, also known as the Fifty-Bend Trail, meanders leisurely up with gentle steps, but with all the twists and turns, halfway through, it is usually hard to tell east from west. Nonetheless, you will undoubtedly encounter various forms of dead trees adorning the trail, many of which are frequently found in the forest, including the mountain ramie. It is not common to see such a large number of mountain ramie trees in the remnants of the forest near Taipei. Ancient ferns like the elephant foot yam and the lotus of Guanyin soar to heights of 1 or 2 stories, and such forest types are relatively rare in the Neihu area. Heading towards the southern slope, you can also find robust acacia trees and Eugenia trees, with trunk circumferences that a person can hug. The tall trees emit refreshing phytoncides, bringing a sense of refreshment that feels like drawing energy from the mountains and forests. Discovering Old Trees Not to be outdone by Bailu Mountain, Kangle Mountain and Mingju Mountain also feature ancient trees, many of which are quite robust. On Kangle Mountain Trail, there is the largest olive tree in Taipei City. This venerable tree, with a trunk circumference of nearly 300 centimeters, stands along the uphill concrete path near the ruins of the Shanhai Temple, which is said to be facing demolition due to being illegal construction. Despite the passage of a century, the old olive tree remains evergreen and as sturdy as ever. Moving past the old olive tree, the concrete path gives way to rustic tree roots and earthy trails. In the elegant and tranquil forest, you will pass a large banyan tree with flourishing branches and leaves. Being so "respected," it is naturally a landmark of Kangle Mountain Trail, known as the "God Tree" by locals. As the name suggests, this banyan tree, with a trunk circumference of about 4 meters, belongs to the longevity category as well. Towards the end of the Mingju Mountain Trail, there is another Ficus macrophylla tree comparable in size to the "God Tree of Kangle Mountain." This narrow path, rich in rural atmosphere, features another two large banyan trees near the entrance and mid-way; although their age cannot be verified, these "Triple Kings" serve as important scenes along this less expansive segment. The Scenery of Lake and Mountains Located in the northeastern region of the Taipei Basin, the Wuzhishan Mountain Range is at a transitional position both in terrain and climate. It serves as an entrance for the monsoon flowing into the plains via the Keelung River Valley, as well as a frontier for the surrounding mountains entering the lowlands. This compresses two ecological characteristics, resulting in exceptional species richness. This explains why the three hills, though not high, have tranquil environments and dense forests. Kangle Mountain's height is only half that of Bailu Mountain, but perhaps due to the perspective created by distance, Dahu Park lies at the foot of Bailu Mountain, while the highest point of Kangle Mountain Trail is the best spot to appreciate Dahu Park. At the summit of Bailu Mountain, in addition to the nearby Dahu Park and Wuzhishan Mountain Range, one can also enjoy distant views of Xizhi and Keelung. Nearby, there is a modest shed with a pebble path next to it, and the ground is unrefined yellow earth, contrasting with the neatly paved stone steps of the surrounding trails. However, at the first bend of Bailu Mountain, one encounters the first resting pavilion. Unlike Kangle Mountain, which only features a pavilion called "Shanshui Pavilion" at the end of the trail for resting, due to the minimal differences in travel distance, both mountaintops offer ample resting spots. As for the Mingju Mountain Trail, which is originally narrower, reaching the exit takes you directly to Neigou Creek, where you can listen to the gentle flow of the stream, washing away all fatigue and enhancing your sense of comfort and pleasure.
