Wuzhi Mountain Range_Bai Luhsi Mountain_Kangle Mountain_Mingju Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Bai Lu Si Mountain, Kang Le Mountain, and Ming Ju Mountain are three mountains located near Dahu Park and old trees, forming a series of connected mountain trails. These trails are popular places for residents of Neihu District to exercise, work out, and gather. The Bai Lu Si Mountain Trail, located next to Dahu Park in Neihu, is also known as the "Fifty Bends Trail" due to its winding path that twists and turns upwards, making it easy to lose sense of direction halfway through, so a compass can be very handy. The rich variety of ancient ferns in the valley includes species such as the pencil tree and the lotus plant. Other trees like the Acacia and the Jiangmou tree grow robustly, emitting refreshing phytoncides. The Kang Le Mountain Trail starts near the Huangshi Temple on Section 5 of Chenggong Road, Neihu. The trail is shaded by trees and is favored by early morning walkers. The highest point offers the best view of Dahu Park. The olive trees and banyan trees along the way are major landmarks, especially the large banyan tree with a trunk circumference of 4 meters, known locally as the "God Tree." The Ming Ju Mountain Trail retains much of its original forest appearance. It features three large monkey grass trees with similar trunk circumferences to the banyan tree at Kang Le Mountain, earning it the nickname "Three Giants." Hikers who explore the Ming Ju Mountain Trail typically also visit the aforementioned Bai Lu Si Mountain and Kang Le Mountain trails. Upon reaching the exit of Ming Ju Mountain, visitors can enter the Neigou Ecological Exhibition Hall for a relaxing outing. On weekends, why not embark on an adventure along the trails? Start with Bai Lu Si Mountain, where the trailhead is a small path that may have lingering mixed scents from the nearby urban area. The Bai Lu Si Mountain Trail, also known as the "Fifty Bends Trail," meanders leisurely along gently sloping steps. However, due to its twists and turns, it can be hard to tell east from west midway through. You'll still discover interesting dead trees along the path, mainly the common mountain ramie found frequently in the forest. In the remaining forest areas on the outskirts of Taipei, the common mountain ramie's abundance is rather rare. The ancient ferns, like the pencil tree and lotus plant, grow up to two stories high and are seldom seen in the Neihu region. On the southern slope, there are robust Acacia and Jiangmou trees, approximately the size of a person’s hug. The towering trees emit refreshing phytoncides, making one feel energized as if drawing energy from the mountains. Both Kang Le Mountain and Ming Ju Mountain also have ancient and sturdy trees. The trail at Kang Le Mountain features Taipei City's largest olive tree, which has a trunk circumference of nearly 300 cm. This century-old tree stands alongside the mountainside temple ruins, which is rumored to be difficult to avoid demolition due to being illegally built. Despite facing numerous storms over the past century, the old olive tree remains evergreen and sturdy. Continuing past the old olive tree, the cement path gives way to humble tree roots and dirt trails. In the tranquil and elegant forest, there is a large banyan tree with abundant foliage. This notable tree is also known as the "God Tree" and is about 4 meters in circumference, indicating its longevity. Towards the latter part of the Ming Ju Mountain Trail, there is a large leaf monkey grass tree comparable in size to the "God Tree" at Kang Le Mountain. This narrow trail, rich in rustic atmosphere, features two more large banyan trees not far from the entrance and midway, making them significant attractions along this less spacious route. The beauty of the lakes and mountains lies in the Five Finger Mountain Range located to the northeast of the Taipei Basin. The region serves as a transitional area regarding topography and climate, acting as an outlet for monsoons entering the plains via the Keelung River Valley and a forepost for the surrounding mountains leading into the flatlands. This compresses two ecological characteristics, resulting in rich biodiversity. This explains why these three hills, though not tall, possess a serene environment and dense forest cover. Kang Le Mountain is only half the height of Bai Lu Si Mountain, but perhaps the distance creates a scenic charm. Dahu Park lies at the foot of Bai Lu Si Mountain, while the highest point of the Kang Le Mountain Trail offers the best views of the park. The platform at the top of Bai Lu Si Mountain not only overlooks the nearby Dahu Park and the Five Finger Mountain Range but also offers views as far as Xizhi and Keelung. Nearby, there is a rudimentary shed next to a cobblestone path, where the ground is unrefined yellow soil, contrasting sharply with the neatly arranged stone steps of the other trails. The first rest pavilion appears at the first bend of Bai Lu Si Mountain’s "Fifty Bends," unlike the "Mountain Water Pavilion" at the end of Kang Le Mountain Trail, which is also a rest stop. Since the two trails are not far apart and both offer resting spots at their summits, there are enough places to take a break. As for the Ming Ju Mountain Trail, which is naturally narrower, going all the way to the exit leads directly to the Neigou River, allowing visitors to listen to the gentle stream and wash away their fatigue, creating a truly delightful experience.
