Wuzhi Mountain Range_Jinmian Mountain Eco Trail Introduction
Jinmian Mountain is the southwestern ridge of the Wuzhi Mountain range, distinguishing between Jinmian Mountain and Little Jinmian Mountain. The mountain's geology consists of andesitic sandstone containing quartz, which causes the summit to shimmer in the sunlight, leading locals to refer to it as Jinmian Mountain. The hiking trail is about 2.3 kilometers long, with a total distance of approximately 3 kilometers, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. The Jinmian Mountain Trail is located next to the Demei Financial and Technical University along the Huanshan Road in Neihu. At the trailhead, one can see nearly vertical rocky cliffs, with ancient sandstone steps along the route. As the slope gradually rises, the stone steps are replaced by large rock walls with diameters exceeding 100 meters. At halfway up the mountain, there is a stone fortress lookout built during the Qing Dynasty, which serves as a clear landmark. The massive rocks at the summit provide an excellent vantage point to view the scenery of Taipei City and along the Keelung River. Continuing along the trail to the east, one passes Little Jinmian Mountain and approaches the vicinity of Jinlong Zen Temple near Section 3 of Neihu Road, marking the end portion of the trail. Jiandao Stone Mountain, also known as Jinmian Mountain, is located on the western side of Jilong Industrial Road in Neihu. Viewed from Biyanshan, the mountain's summit resembles a bird's beak, earning it the nickname Jiandao Stone Mountain. Despite its elevation of only 258 meters, it possesses the grandeur of a high mountain. The valley was historically the site where stones were extracted for the construction of Taipei during the Qing Dynasty. The imposing boulders continue to display signs of extraction today, and from the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Neihu Dapi and the streets of Taipei, with an expansive and beautiful perspective. The remnants of the Qing Dynasty stone quarry can be seen at a seemingly unremarkable and even dilapidated shelter along the trail, which is a designated historic site and a testament to Taipei's urban development. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, most of the material for the Taipei city wall came from this quartz sandstone, extracted from Jinmian Mountain to the east and Little Jinmian Mountain. Today, one can still see traces of drilling and neatly cut stone fragments next to the shelter, which is the site of the stone quarry. If you're uninterested in nearby mountain trails around Taipei, thinking they lack challenges, it's because you have yet to visit Jinmian Mountain, which boasts a lofty atmosphere. Upon entering the trailhead, the steep rocky cliffs rise almost vertically above the stream, presenting a stark contrast to other suburban mountains. The ancient sandstone steps only allow for single-file passage, and soon boulders begin to appear on both sides of the path. As the slope ascends, the stone steps vanish, replaced by massive rock walls exceeding 100 meters in diameter. The originally upright giant rocks become the main focus, blocking the path ahead. Whether you want to showcase your skills or test your bravery, physical strength, and willpower, you must pass through this natural gym before reaching the summit. After overcoming nature's challenges, take a brief rest at “Lunji Pavilion,” surrounded by scenic photos, then choose the right path at the fork. Shortly after, you arrive at the mountain summit, entering the domain of Jiandao Stone. Jinmian Mountain is also known as Jiandao Stone Mountain. Viewed from the direction of Neihu Biyanshan, the mountain's prominent boulders resemble sharp bird beaks. The area is characterized by jagged boulders and towering columns, with clusters of enormous stones forming a rare and spectacular landscape. Enjoying the breathtaking 360-degree view is the highlight of visiting Jiandao Stone, where you can appreciate the unique scenery along with exceptional viewpoints. The halfway point features both the Qing Dynasty quarry and the stone fortress lookout, which offer good views of the Taipei Basin, particularly along the Keelung River. From the summit between the giant boulders, a stunning 360-degree panorama awaits: to the east, you can see Neihu Dapi (Bihu Park); to the north, you can gaze upon the hills near Biyanshan and Wuzhi Mountain; to the south, you have a bird's eye view of the Keelung River, Songshan Airport, Miramar Ferris Wheel, and Taipei 101 and its urban landscape. To the west, you can overlook the Taipei Basin and Keelung River, making it an excellent spot for a panoramic view. At this moment, find a solitary boulder on the cliff to enjoy the thrill of spreading your arms against the wind, or lie back and relax, unwinding from the tension of your climb. Sharing this open space with a few friends is incomparable to sipping afternoon tea in a corner of the city. Once you leave the Jiandao Stone area, you might encounter another marvelous sight: the ground glimmering under the sunlight as you walk along the snowy white sandstone ridge, akin to strolling along the coast. This shimmering effect is due to the quartz content in the andesitic sandstone of the area. Historically, locals were amazed by the shining peak when looking up, thus naming the mountain Jinmian Mountain. In the rocky environment, the soil is likely unproductive, and coupled with dry conditions and the impact of direct winds, any plants surviving here must be resilient. On the ridge, wind-resistant and drought-tolerant plants such as Myrtus, Chinese mulberry, and others flourish. Near the quarry, there exists a variety of white hairy Chinese banyan and a significant number of Acacia trees on Jinmian Mountain. The trail includes a platform for viewing the Neihu region and Keelung River, called Baijunping; aside from the focal point of Baijun trees, there is also a rare thorny-leafed cherry tree that is only distributed north of the Keelung River. As you ascend the mountain from the trailhead to the summit, tree species that usually require height to be observed can now be studied up close, becoming much more accessible. Along the way, several pavilions provide resting spots for ecological observation.
