Wuzhishan Mountain Range_Bailu Mountain_Kangle Mountain_Mingju Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Bailu River Mountain, Kangle Mountain, and Mingju Mountain are three mountains that, surrounded by Dahu Park and ancient trees, form a series of interconnected trails for mountain enthusiasts. These trails are popular places for residents in the Neihu District to exercise, socialize, and gather. Bailu River Mountain Trail: The Bailu River Mountain Trail is located next to Dahu Park in Neihu. This winding trail is also known as Wushiban Trail due to its numerous twists and turns. By the time you reach halfway, it's usually hard to distinguish East from West or South from North, so having a compass on hand is quite useful. The ancient ferns in the valley are rich and diverse, featuring species such as the Taiwan begonia and the sacred lotus. Other trees like Acacia and Ficus are also well-nourished, emitting refreshing phytoncides. Kangle Mountain Trail: The entrance to the Kangle Mountain Trail is located beside the Huangshi Temple on Section 5 of Chenggong Road in Neihu. The trail is shaded by trees and breezy, making it a common choice for morning exercisers. The highest point along the trail offers the best view of Dahu Park. Key landmarks along the way include olive trees and banyan trees, particularly the ancient banyan known locally as "Banyan Elder," which has a circumference of about 4 meters. Mingju Mountain Trail: The Mingju Mountain Trail retains much of its original forest landscape. It features three large-leaved banyan trees, which have a girth similar to Kangle Mountain's Banyan Elder; these trees are colloquially known as the "Three Giants." It is a narrow path rich in rustic charm. Hikers exploring the Mingju Mountain Trail often do so alongside the aforementioned Bailu River Mountain and Kangle Mountain trails. The exit of Mingju Mountain leads directly to the Neigou Ecology Exhibition Hall, making it an ideal weekend leisure activity. Exploring the Original Forest: How about an adventurous weekend on the trails? Start from Bailu River Mountain, where the trailhead is a small path. Perhaps due to its proximity to the urban area, it winds around abandoned land and vegetable fields, with mixed aromas lingering in the air, evoking a sense of nature's restorative phytoncides. The Bailu River Mountain Trail, also known as the Wushiban Trail, leisurely meanders upwards, but with its twists and turns, it can be challenging to determine directions midway. Nevertheless, you will certainly notice the various forms of dead trees along the path. Most common here are the native Ramie plants. Such a high quantity of Ramie in the residual forest near Taipei is quite rare. The ancient ferns in the valley, such as Taiwan begonia and the sacred lotus, can reach one to two stories high, which is not commonly seen in the Neihu area. On the southern slope, you can find robust Acacia and Ficus trees, with the tall trees emitting refreshing phytoncides, making you feel rejuvenated as if full of energy drawn from the mountains. Encountering Ancient Trees: Not to let Bailu River Mountain take the spotlight, Kangle Mountain and Mingju Mountain also host ancient trees, many of which are quite robust. Along the Kangle Mountain Trail is the largest olive tree in Taipei. This hundred-year-old tree, with a circumference of nearly 300 cm, stands along the uphill concrete path near the ruins of the Shanhai Temple, which is said to be at risk of demolition due to its unauthorized construction status. Despite enduring many storms over the years, this olive elder remains evergreen and sturdy. Continuing past the ancient olive tree, the concrete path disappears, replaced by simple tree roots and dirt trails. Along the serene forest path, you will pass a lush banyan tree which, as a significant landmark of Kangle Mountain Trail, is revered locally as a "sacred tree." Naturally, this banyan elder, with a circumference of approximately four meters, belongs to the long-lived species. At the latter section of Mingju Mountain, there is also a large-leaved banyan tree comparable in girth to the "sacred tree" of Kangle Mountain. This narrow path, rich in rustic charm, has two other large banyan trees near the entrance and midway through the trail. Although their exact ages are uncertain, these "Three Giants" are important scenic spots along the way. Scenery of Lake and Mountains: The Wuzhishan Mountain Range, located in the northeast of the Taipei Basin, connects distinct geographical and climatic features. It serves as an outlet for monsoons entering the plains through the Keelung River Valley and also marks the entry point for large surrounding mountains into the flatlands. This unique ecological compression results in a particularly rich diversity of species. This explains why the three hills, despite their modest heights, offer a tranquil environment and dense forests. Kangle Mountain is only half the height of Bailu River Mountain, but perhaps due to its scenic distance, the highest point on the Kangle Mountain Trail provides the best view of Dahu Park, which lies at the foot of Bailu River Mountain. Additionally, the observation platform at the summit of Bailu River Mountain not only overlooks Dahu Park and the Wuzhishan Mountain Range but also offers distant views of Xizhi and Keelung. Nearby, there's a humble shelter adjacent to a pebble path, with untamed earth beneath it, contrasting sharply with the neatly paved stone steps of the preceding and following trails. Yet, Bailu River Mountain showcases the first resting pavilion at the first turn of the Wushiban Trail. Unlike Kangle Mountain, which has the "Shanshui Pavilion" for resting at the end of the trail, both trail segments offer sufficient resting spots along their respective routes. As for the originally narrower Mingju Mountain Trail, walking to the exit brings you right to the banks of Neigou Creek, where you can listen to the babbling water and wash away fatigue, making for a delightful experience.
