Wuzhishan Mountain Range - Jinmian Mountain Eco Trail Introduction
Jinmian Mountain is the southwestern ridge of the Wuzhi Mountain Range, dividing Jinmian Mountain and Xiaojinmian Mountain. The geological composition of this mountain includes andesite sandstone containing quartz, which shines brightly when sunlight hits the peak, leading locals to name it Jinmian Mountain. The hiking trail is approximately 2.3 kilometers long, with a total distance of about 3 kilometers, taking roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk. The Jinmian Mountain Pure Mountain Trail is located beside the National Taichung University of Science and Technology on Huanshan Road in Neihu. From the starting point of the trail, one can see nearly vertical cliffs, and along the way are ancient sandstone steps. As the gradient gradually increases, the stone steps are replaced by large cliffs over 100 meters in diameter. At the halfway point, there is a stone fort observation deck from a quarry dating back to the Qing Dynasty, which serves as a prominent landmark. The summit among the giant rocks is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Taipei cityscape and the banks of the Keelung River. Continuing east along the trail, one will soon reach the nearby Jilin Zen Temple in the vicinity of Section 3 of Neihu Road, marking the end of the Pure Mountain Trail section. Jianzi Mountain, also known as Scissor Stone Mountain, is located to the west of Jinmian Mountain along the Jilong Industrial Road in Neihu. Viewed from the direction of Bishanyan, the peak's jagged giant rock resembles a bird's beak, hence the alternative name. Though its elevation is only 258 meters, it has the spirit of a high mountain. The valley was a major source of stone used during the Qing Dynasty for building Taipei, with towering rocks featuring noticeable remnants of quarrying. From the summit, one can overlook the Neihu Dapi and the streets of Taipei, providing a wide view with stunning scenery. The relics of the Qing Dynasty stone quarry are found at a seemingly inconspicuous, even dilapidated, rest shelter midway up the trail. This location is not only a designated historical site but also a testament to the construction of Taipei City. During the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, most of the stone for the Taipei city walls was sourced from the quartz sandstone here, with the quarrying area extending from Jinmian Mountain east to Xiaojinmian Mountain. Today, one can still see drilled holes and neatly cut fallen stones next to the shelter, marking the remnants of the quarry site. If you find hiking trails in the Taipei suburbs uninteresting and low in challenge, it’s because you have yet to visit the imposing Jinmian Mountain. Upon entering the trailhead, the steep cliffs beside the trail rise nearly vertically above the stream, showcasing a different momentum compared to other suburban mountains. The ancient sandstone steps are narrow enough for single-file passage, and shortly after, boulders begin to appear on either side. As the gradient increases, the stone steps vanish, replaced by imposing cliffs over a hundred meters in diameter. Originally upright, the once-straight rocks have become the main characters, blocking the path forward. Whether you want to show your skills or test your courage, endurance, and willpower, you must traverse this natural gym before reaching the summit. After passing nature's test, take a short rest at the scenic "Lunjian Pavilion," then take the right fork to reach the peak and enter the territory of Scissor Stone. Jinmian Mountain is also known as Scissor Stone Mountain because the peak's giant rock resembles a sharp bird's beak when viewed from Bishanyan in Neihu. The rocky terrain is both undulating and striking, with some peaks standing tall while others appear as pillars reaching to the sky—a rare spectacle of clustered giants. Visiting Scissor Stone is the highlight of a trip to Jinmian Mountain; here, you can admire unique landscapes and enjoy first-rate viewpoints. Reaching halfway, both the Qing Dynasty quarry and the stone fort observation deck provide excellent views of the Taipei basin, particularly along the banks of the Keelung River. Among the giant rocks at the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view: to the east lies Neihu Dapi (Bihu Park), to the north are the nearby mountains of Bishanyan and Wuzhi Mountain, to the south, the view encompasses the Keelung River, Songshan Airport, Miramar Entertainment Park's Ferris wheel, and Taipei 101, while the west overlooks the Taipei basin and the Keelung River. The panoramic view from the summit captures the urban scenery of northern Taipei, making it a worthwhile destination for magnificent views. At this moment, find a large rock hanging on the cliff's edge and enjoy the feeling of spreading your arms against the wind, or lie back on it, releasing the tension after climbing. If you’re with a few friends, sharing thoughts in this expansive space is incomparable to sipping tea in a city corner. As you leave the Scissor Stone area, you may encounter yet another wonder: under the sunlight, the ground sparkles, and although you are walking along a snow-white sandstone ridge, it feels like walking on the coast. This is because the andesite sandstone in this area contains quartz, and locals were amazed by the mountain's shimmering peak, naming it "Jinmian Mountain." The massive rocky environment indicates that the soil is not fertile, and coupled with the dry climate and impacts of winds, the plants here certainly endure hardships. The ridge hosts drought-resistant plants like Myrtus communis, Cerasus serotina, and other hardy species. Near the quarry, you can find dense clusters of White Flower Myrtus and white eucalyptus trees, as well as the astonishingly abundant acacia trees on Jinmian Mountain. The first viewpoint along the trail overlooking the Neihu area and the Keelung River is "Bai Jiao Ping," where you will see not only the highlighted white eucalyptus but also the rare spiny-leaf cherry trees, found only north of the Keelung River. Along the trail to the summit, tree species that would normally only be seen towering in other mountain ranges become more approachable due to their shorter stature, making them easier to observe up close. There are several pavilions along the way, ensuring there are ample places to rest while enjoying ecological observations.
