Wuzhi Mountain Range_Jinmian Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Jinmian Mountain is a southwestern ridge of the Wuzhi Mountain Range, dividing into Jinmian Mountain and Xiaojinmian Mountain. This mountain is composed of andesite sandstone containing quartz, which sparkles brightly when illuminated by the sun, earning it the name Jinmian Mountain from local residents. The hiking trail is approximately 2.3 kilometers long, with a total distance of about 3 kilometers, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk. The Jinmian Mountain Trail is located next to the National Taipei University of Business on Huan Mountain Road in Neihu. From the starting point of the trail, you will see nearly vertical rock faces, and along the way, there are primitive sandstone steps. As the slope gradually increases, the stairway is replaced by large rock walls with diameters exceeding 100 meters. Halfway up, there is a Qing Dynasty stone fortress lookout point from an old quarry, which serves as a distinct landmark. At the summit, between massive boulders, is the best viewpoint for overlooking Taipei City and the banks of the Keelung River. Continuing east along the trail, after passing Xiaojinmian Mountain, you will arrive near the Jinlong Zen Temple on Section 3 of Neihu Road, which is also the latter part of the trail. Jianzi Rock Mountain (Scissor Rock) is located on the west side of the Jinlong Industrial Road in Neihu. Viewed from Biyang Rock, the summit rocks resemble a bird's beak, which is why it is also called Jianzi Rock Mountain. Although its elevation is only 258 meters, it possesses a unique mountainous ambiance. The valley was historically a significant quarry for stone materials used during the Qing Dynasty's construction of Taipei. The jagged boulders create impressive profiles, and signs of past quarrying remain visible. From the summit, you can overlook the Neihu grand pond and the urban landscape of Taipei, offering a wide and beautiful view. The remains of the Qing Dynasty quarry are found at a resting area on the trail, which may appear inconspicuous and even worn, but it is a designated historical site and a witness to the city's founding. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, much of the stone used for the walls of Taipei City was sourced from the quartz sandstone here, extending from Jinmian Mountain eastward to Xiaojinmian Mountain. Nearby, you can still see drilling marks and neatly cut stones scattered around, which are remnants of the quarry. If you find hiking trails near Taipei uninteresting and lacking in challenges, you may not have visited the imposing Jinmian Mountain. Upon entering the trailhead, the steep rock walls rise almost vertically above the stream, creating a striking contrast with other suburban trails. The primitive sandstone steps narrow to allow passage for only one person at a time, and before long, large boulders appear on both sides of the path. As the slope ascends, the steps fade away, replaced by imposing rock walls of over 100 meters in diameter. The once upright boulders now take center stage, blocking the path ahead. Whether you're seeking adventure or testing your courage, stamina, and willpower, you must navigate this natural gym before reaching the summit. After overcoming nature's trials, take a short rest at the "Lunjian Pavilion," adorned with scenic photographs, then follow the right path at the fork, soon arriving at the summit, entering the territory of Jianzi Rock. Jinmian Mountain is also known as Jianzi Rock because from the direction of Biyang Rock in Neihu, the summit rocks bear a resemblance to a bird's beak. The undulating landscape of boulders is diverse in appearance, some standing tall while others resemble towering pillars, creating a rare spectacle at the mountaintop. Visiting Jianzi Rock is the highlight of the Jinmian Mountain experience; not only can you admire unique landscapes, but it also offers excellent panoramic views. Reaching halfway up the mountain, both the old quarry and the stone fortress lookout are great spots to view the Taipei Basin, especially the Keelung River bank. Among the massive boulders at the summit, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views: east toward Neihu Grand Pond (Bihu Park), north towards the Biyang Rock area and Wuzhi Mountain; south overlooks the Keelung River, Songshan Airport, Miramar Ferris Wheel, and Taipei 101. To the west, you can see the Taipei Basin and the Keelung River; from the top, the urban skyline of the northern city unfolds in all its glory, making it a worthwhile place for a vantage point. Here, find a massive boulder on a solitary cliff, stretch your arms in the wind, or lie back and relax, releasing the tension built up from climbing. If you're with a few friends, sharing your thoughts in this open space is an experience incomparable to sipping afternoon tea in a city corner. As you leave the Jianzi Rock area, you'll encounter another wonder: the ground glitters in sunlight, seemingly walking on a white sandstone ridge that resembles a shoreline. This is due to the andesitic sandstone in this area containing quartz, which amazed locals looking up at the sparkling summit, prompting them to name this mountain "Jinmian Mountain." The environment with towering boulders likely has poor soil quality, coupled with a dry climate and prevailing winds, leading to hardy plants that flourish here. The ridge is home to wind- and drought-resistant species such as Myrtus communis, Vaccinium species, and Southern Mistflower; near the quarry, you can find clusters of white-barked trees and a notable quantity of Acacia trees on Jinmian Mountain. On the trail, the first viewpoint overlooking the Neihu area and Keelung River is "Bai Jiao Ping," where the main feature is the Bai Jiao tree, alongside a rare thorny-leaved laurel that is only found north of the Keelung River. Along the trail from the mountain entrance to the top, tree species typically seen in other forests, which may not grow tall enough to be imposing, can now be observed up close. Along the way, there are several pavilions where you can rest while enjoying ecological observation.
