Wuzhishan Range_Bailu Mountain_Kangle Mountain_Mingju Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Bai Lu Si Mountain, Kang Le Mountain, and Ming Ju Mountain are embraced by Dahu Park and ancient trees, forming a series of connected hiking trails. These trails are frequently used by residents of Neihu District for exercise, fitness, and gatherings. Bai Lu Si Mountain Trail The Bai Lu Si Mountain Trail is located next to Dahu Park in Neihu. This trail meanders up with many twists and turns, which is why it is also called the Fifty-Bend Trail. Often, hikers find it challenging to discern directions halfway through, making a compass quite useful. The trail features a variety of ancient ferns in the valley, such as the umbrella plant and sacred lotus, alongside robust species like acacia and the riverbank tree, all of which emit refreshing phytoncides. Kang Le Mountain Trail The Kang Le Mountain Trail starts beside the Huangshi Temple on Section 5 of Chenggong Road in Neihu. The trail is shaded by trees and cooled by gentle breezes, making it a popular route for morning joggers. The high point of the trail provides the best view of Dahu Park. The olive trees and large banyan trees along the route serve as key landmarks, particularly the latter known as the "Grand Banyan Tree," which has a trunk circumference of 4 meters, lush foliage, and is a local favorite. Ming Ju Mountain Trail The Ming Ju Mountain Trail retains more original forest characteristics, with three large leaf fig trees that have a trunk circumference similar to the Grand Banyan Tree of Kang Le Mountain, earning it the title of "Three Kings." It is a narrow path rich in rural atmosphere. Hikers often combine the Ming Ju Mountain Trail with the aforementioned Bai Lu Si and Kang Le Mountain Trails; the exit leads directly to the Neigou Ecology Exhibition Hall, making it an excellent weekend recreational activity. Exploring the Original Forest Planning a journey along the trails this weekend sounds exciting. Starting from Bai Lu Si Mountain, the trailhead is a small path that may remind you of its proximity to the city, where you can pass through barren lands and fields, and catch a breath of mixed aromas, as the anticipation of phytoncides fills the air. The Bai Lu Si Mountain Trail, also known as the Fifty-Bend Trail, offers a leisurely winding ascent along the gentle slopes, though by the halfway mark, one usually loses sense of directions. However, you will surely encounter uniquely shaped dead trees along the way, most are the frequently found mountain ramie in the forest. In the natural remnants around the outskirts of Taipei, a high quantity of mountain ramie is uncommon. Ancient ferns, like the umbrella plant and sacred lotus, can reach one or two stories high, which is a rare sight in Neihu. Moving towards the southern slope, you may also find sturdy acacia trees and riverbank trees, which are robust with trunk circumferences that one person can embrace. The tall trees emit refreshing phytoncides, invigorating your spirit and making you feel energized. Not to be outdone by Bai Lu Si Mountain, both Kang Le Mountain and Ming Ju Mountain also boast ancient trees, with many robust specimens. On Kang Le Mountain Trail, there is even the largest olive tree in Taipei. This century-old tree, with a trunk circumference of nearly 300 cm, stands majestically on the concrete path uphill next to the remains of the temple, which is said to be facing demolition due to illegal construction. Despite facing harsh weather over the years, this century-old olive tree remains as resilient as ever. Continuing past the old olive tree, the concrete path gives way to primitive tree roots and dirt trails. In the serene and quiet forest, you will pass a large banyan tree with lush foliage, a beloved landmark of the Kang Le Mountain Trail, commonly referred to as the "Divine Tree" by locals. This banyan, with a circumference of about 4 meters, surely belongs to the longevity class. Ming Ju Mountain also has a large leaf fig tree at the later section of the trail, comparable to the "Divine Tree of Kang Le Mountain." The narrow path, rich in rural essence, features two large banyan trees not far from the entrance and in the middle, which although their age is uncertain, serve as important scenic views along the less spacious areas of the trail. Natural Beauty The Wuzhishan Mountain Range is located in the northeastern part of the Taipei Basin. Both its topography and climate serve as a transitional zone, as the monsoons flow into the plains through the Keelung River Valley. It is also an outpost for the larger surrounding mountains extending into the lowlands. The blending of these two ecological characteristics results in a particularly rich variety of species. This explains why these three hills, while not tall, possess tranquil environments and dense woodlands. Kang Le Mountain stands at only half the height of Bai Lu Si Mountain, but perhaps due to perspective, it offers the best vantage point of Dahu Park, which lies at the foot of Bai Lu Si Mountain. The platform at the top of Bai Lu Si Mountain provides views of Dahu Park, Wuzhishan Mountain Range, and the farther regions of Xizhi and Keelung. Nearby is a humble shed with a pebble path; its ground is an untouched yellow soil, contrasting greatly with the neatly paved stone steps of the adjacent trails. On Bai Lu Si Mountain, the first resting pavilion appears at the very first turn of the "Fifty-Bend" trail. In contrast, the resting pavilion named "Shanshui Pavilion" on Kang Le Mountain is found only at the end of the trail. As both sections don’t differ much in distance and the summits have adequate resting areas, there are plenty of spots to take a break. The Ming Ju Mountain Trail, which originally has a narrower path, leads directly to the banks of Neigou Creek where you can listen to the gentle flowing waters, washing away your fatigue, providing a truly refreshing and enjoyable experience.
