Wuzhishan Mountain Range, Bailu Mountain, Kangle Mountain, Mingju Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
The three mountains – Mount Bialu, Mount Kangle, and Mount Mingju – are nestled among the Dahu Park and ancient trees, creating a series of connected mountain trails. These trails are frequently used by residents of the Neihu District for exercise, fitness, and gatherings. **Mount Bialu Scenic Trail** The Mount Bialu Scenic Trail is located next to Dahu Park in Neihu. This winding trail, known as the Fifty Turns Trail, meanders with its twists and turns, making it easy to lose sense of direction midway, which makes a compass quite handy. The valley features a rich variety of ancient ferns, including the bamboo tree and the lotus flower, along with robust trees like the acacia and the banyan, emitting refreshing phytoncides that enhance one's mood. **Mount Kangle Scenic Trail** Starting at the Huangshi Temple beside the fifth section of Chenggong Road in Neihu, the Mount Kangle Trail, shaded by a lush canopy, is a favorite path for morning exercisers. The highest point of the trail offers the best views of Dahu Park. The trail landmarks include olive trees and grand banyan trees, with the latter being particularly notable – a banyan tree with a trunk circumference of about 4 meters, affectionately dubbed "Uncle Banyan" by locals. **Mount Mingju Scenic Trail** The Mount Mingju Scenic Trail maintains much of its original forest appearance. En route, three large leaf banyan trees can be found, similar in size to Uncle Banyan on Mount Kangle, earning them the nickname "the Three Giants." This narrow path retains a rustic ambiance, and hikers usually traverse Mount Mingju alongside the previously mentioned trails. The end of the Mount Mingju Trail leads directly to the Neigou Ecological Exhibition Hall, making a visit to the hall an excellent way to relax on the weekend. A trip through these original forests is filled with enjoyment. Why not embark on an adventure along these paths this weekend? Starting with Mount Bialu, the trailhead leads into a small path; perhaps due to its proximity to the city, one passes through abandoned lands and vegetable plots, where a mixed aroma still lingers, sparking anticipation for the refreshing phytoncides. The Mount Bialu Trail, also known as the Fifty Turns Trail, offers a leisurely ascent along gentle steps, but with so many turns, it’s easy to lose track of directions midway. Nevertheless, the trail reveals unique vistas of driftwood scattered along the path, with much of the driftwood being common in these forests. In the suburban natural remnants of Taipei, such a large number of specific trees like the mountain hemp is indeed uncommon. Ancient ferns in the valley, such as the bamboo tree and the lotus flower, rise up to several meters high, which is also a rare sight in the Neihu area. On the southern slope, one can find robust acacia and other trees with trunks thick enough to be embraced by a person. The towering trees exude invigorating phytoncides, leaving one feeling refreshed, as if drawing energy from the mountains. In addition to Mount Bialu, Mount Kangle and Mount Mingju also boast ancient trees, many of which are quite robust. The Mount Kangle Trail is home to the largest olive tree in Taipei, a century-old tree with a trunk circumference of nearly 300 centimeters, standing beside the remnants of a temple that is reportedly due for demolition due to building violations. Despite this, the old olive tree has stood through countless storms for a hundred years, remaining ever-green and vigorous. Ascending past the old olive tree, the paved path disappears, replaced by rustic tree roots and dirt trails. Within the tranquil, serene forest, there is a sprawling banyan tree, a revered landmark of the Mount Kangle Trail, referred to by locals as a "sacred tree." The tree, with a trunk circumference of around four meters, undoubtedly belongs to a long-lived stock. At the latter part of the Mount Mingju trail, there is another large-leaf banyan tree comparable in size to the "sacred tree" of Mount Kangle. This narrow path, rich with rustic charm, has two additional banyan trees not far from the entrance and midway along the route. Although their ages are uncertain, on this less broad stretch of path, these "Three Giants" are significant landscape features. **Lake and Mountain Scenery** The Wuzhishan Mountain Range, located in the northeast of the Taipei Basin, is positioned in a transitional zone in terms of topography and climate. It serves as an exit where seasonal winds enter the plains through the Keelung River Valley, and also as a front line where surrounding mountain ranges reach flatlands. This compression of two ecological features enriches the variety of species in the area. This explains why, despite their modest heights, the three hills boast a tranquil environment and dense forest coverage. Mount Kangle is only half the height of Mount Bialu, but perhaps distance lends beauty; Dahu Park lies at the foot of Mount Bialu, while the highest point of Mount Kangle Trail provides the best vantage point for appreciating the park. From the summit of Mount Bialu, alongside the nearby Dahu Park and the Wuzhishan Mountain Range, distant views stretch to Hsinchu and Keelung. There’s a humble shelter nearby next to a pebble path, with an unrefined yellow earth surface contrasting sharply with the neatly paved stone steps of the surrounding trails. The first rest pavilion appears at the first bend of the "Fifty Turns," in contrast to the "Shanshui Pavilion," which is just at the end of Mount Kangle Trail. Given that the distance on both segments is not extensive and both summits offer resting spots, there are ample places to pause. As for the relatively narrow Mount Mingju Trail, walking all the way to the exit brings you right to the Neigou Riverbanks, where you can hear the gentle flow of the stream, wash away your exhaustion, and find true relaxation and contentment.
