Five Finger Mountain Range_Jinmian Mountain Qing Shan Trail Introduction
Jinmian Mountain is the southwestern ridge of the Wuzhi Mountain Range, separating Jinmian Mountain from Little Jinmian Mountain. The geological structure of this mountain features andesite sandstone that contains quartz, which causes the mountaintop to sparkle when sunlight shines on it; thus, the locals refer to it as Jinmian Mountain. The hiking trail is approximately 2.3 kilometers long, with a total distance of about 3 kilometers, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk. The Jinmian Mountain Hiking Trail is located next to the Department of Finance and Technology at Ming Chuan University on Huanshan Road in Neihu. From the trailhead, one can see nearly vertical cliffs, and the path is adorned with ancient sandstone steps. As the gradient increases, the stone steps are replaced by large cliffs with a diameter exceeding 100 meters. Halfway up the mountain, there is a stone fort observation deck from a Qing Dynasty quarry, which serves as a distinctive landmark. The area among the great rocks at the peak provides an excellent vantage point to overlook Taipei City and the banks of the Keelung River. Continuing east along the trail past Little Jinmian Mountain, you will soon arrive near Jinlong Zen Temple on Section 3 of Neihu Road, which marks the end of the hiking trail. Jianzi Stone Mountain, located west of Jinmian Mountain on Jinlong Industrial Road in Neihu, is named Jianzi Stone Mountain because the giant rock formation at the peak resembles a sharp bird's beak when viewed from Bihsien Rock. Although it is only 258 meters above sea level, it possesses the grandeur of a high mountain. The valley was once the site where stone materials were extracted during the Qing Dynasty for the construction of Taipei. The giant rocks, with their breathtaking arrangement, still show traces of extraction. Standing at the top, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Dapi in Neihu and the urban landscape of Taipei, with wide-ranging vistas and beautiful scenery. The remnants of the ancient quarry, located at a seemingly inconspicuous, even dilapidated shelter along the trail, is not only a city-designated historic site but also a testament to the construction of Taipei. Most of the stone materials for the Taipei city wall during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty were sourced from this quartz sandstone, with the quarrying area extending from Jinmian Mountain to Little Jinmian Mountain. Today, one can still see drilling marks and neatly cut stone blocks near the shelter, indicating the site of the stone quarry. If you find little interest in the hiking trails near Taipei due to their low difficulty and lack of challenges, you should visit Jinmian Mountain, which embodies a high mountain spirit. As you enter the trailhead, the steep cliffs rise almost vertically above the stream, showcasing a different ambiance compared to other suburban mountains. The ancient sandstone steps along the way allow only one person to pass at a time, and soon large rocks begin to emerge on both sides of the trail. As the gradient increases, the stone steps disappear, replaced by towering cliffs exceeding 100 meters in diameter, with these colossal rocks becoming the main feature blocking the way forward. Whether you wish to showcase your skills or test your courage, stamina, and willpower, you must first navigate this natural fitness area before reaching the summit. After passing through the natural challenges, take a short rest at the "Lun Ji Pavilion," which is plastered with scenic photos before choosing the right path at a fork, leading to the mountain summit and entering the territory of Jianzi Stone. Jinmian Mountain is also known as Jianzi Stone Mountain because the giant rock formations look like bird beaks when viewed from Bihsien Rock in Neihu. The giant rocks stand in various formations, some soaring upright while others align like pillars, creating a rare and striking sight. The highlight of visiting Jianzi Stone is to enjoy the distinctive landscape along with the exceptional vantage points it offers. Ascending to midway, both the Qing Dynasty quarry and the stone fort observation deck provide nice views of the Taipei Basin, particularly of the Keelung River. Among the giant rocks at the peak, breathtaking 360-degree views surround you: to the east is Dapi (Bihu Park), to the north are the mountains near Bihsien Rock and the Wuzhi Mountain; to the south, you can overlook the Keelung River, Songshan Airport, Miramar Entertainment Park's Ferris wheel, and Taipei 101. To the west, there are views of the Taipei Basin and the Keelung River, making the peak an excellent spot for panoramic views of the city. At this moment, find a large rock standing solitary on the cliff, spread your arms to embrace the wind, or simply lie down and release the tension from your climbing efforts. If you are with friends, sharing thoughts in this open space is an experience incomparable to sipping afternoon tea in a city corner. As you leave the Jianzi Stone area, another remarkable sight greets you: the ground glimmering in the sunlight. Though walking on the snow-white sandstone ridge, it feels like walking along the coast. This is due to the inclusion of quartz in the andesite sandstone in this area, which led locals to marvel at the sparkling summit and name the mountain "Jinmian Mountain." The rocky environment suggests that the soil is not fertile, combined with a dry climate and wind exposure, making the flora that can thrive here quite resilient. The ridge is home to wind and drought-resistant plants such as Myrtus communis, Vaccinium, fine-leaved Amorphophallus, and Dunbaria; near the quarry, there are clusters of white hairy Myrtle and white cabbage, and a considerable number of Acacia trees can be found on Jinmian Mountain. The platform "Baijuping," where you can first overlook the Neihu area and Keelung River, features not only the main white cabbage trees but also a rare cherry species found only north of the Keelung River. Along the trail, trees that are typically only viewable from a distance in other forests become much more approachable and easily observable here. There are several pavilions along the way, providing resting spots for ecological observation without worry.
