Nanggang Mountain Range_Nanggang Mountain Trail Introduction
Nangang Mountain is located in the eastern outskirts of the Taipei Basin and is connected to the Four Beast Mountain range, making it a popular hiking route. Entering from the Lingyun Temple archway at the entrance of the Xiangshan Trail, the well-maintained stone steps are equipped with trail guide maps. The scenery along the path mainly features acacia forests, with several rest pavilions and benches constructed along the way for hikers to take a break. It can be linked with the trails of Xiangshan, Hushan, and Lishan Bridge for a combined hike. Nangang Mountain, situated on the southeastern ridge boundary of Xinyi District and Nangang District, is the highest peak of the Nangang Mountain range, with a night-light display and a third-class triangulation point No. 695 at its summit. The ridge line from Changshou Garden to Thumb Mountain, approximately 196 meters high, has many trails, making it very convenient for hikers. From the mountain top, a distant view toward the north showcases the shorter Xiangshan, Shishan, Baoshanshan, and Hushan, collectively known as the Four Beast Mountains. To the east and south, the continuous mountain ranges are lush, verdant, and layered. The highest point of Nangang Mountain is equipped with a television transmission antenna, towering between the clouds, and this area features significant elevation changes, making the climb exciting and interesting. One of the peaks is named "Jiuwu Peak" in commemoration of General Yang Sen who ascended this peak at the age of 95. Thumb Mountain is located to the south-southwest of Nangang Mountain. It has no base point, and from a distance in Taipei, it resembles a thumb reaching towards the sky, hence the name. Observing from Nangang Mountain, one can see that the mountain range has a single slant, with the eastern slope being gentle and the western slope steeply inclined at about a 90-degree angle. On the ridge between Nangang Mountain and Thumb Mountain, there is a challenging section requiring climbers to traverse a steep rock face, which is a rare difficult route in the northern suburban mountains. The summit of Thumb Mountain offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, the entire Greater Taipei area, Guanyin Mountain, Datun Mountain, Xizhi, Wulai, and Sanxia can be seen clearly from this viewpoint. Thumb Mountain has been designated as a protection forest since the Japanese colonial period and has maintained a dense and complete forest structure over time, featuring representative tree species such as the pencil tree and the camphor tree, with wild taro also notably thriving. The Eighteen Arhats Cave consists of eighteen massive boulders located among the mountainous terrain of Chung Hua University of Technology. From afar, they resemble statues of eighteen sitting arhats standing atop the mountain, with each boulder having a cave in the middle, hence the name "Eighteen Arhats Cave" given by locals. As this area is currently closed to the public, hikers can only view it from a distance. Enjoying the mountain scenery while walking along the ridge has its perks; the route is not too complicated, and following the marble signposts marked "Four Beast Mountain Trail" ensures you're on the right path without the worry of getting lost. Especially during holidays, many hikers can be seen on the trail, all with the common goal of reaching Jiuwu Peak. Upon reaching the highest peak of the Nangang Mountain range, under good weather conditions, the view is vast and magnificent, with the nearby Four Beast Mountains—Xiangshan, Shishan, Baoshanshan, and Hushan lined up, as well as the distant Guandu and Keelung River blending perfectly with the sky, and the layers of Wuzhi Mountain and Qixing Mountain's ridges, along with the undulating mountains of New Taipei City, offering an unobstructed and breathtaking vista. It is no wonder that many people visit this trail to climb Jiuwu Peak for a stunning sunset and night view. The expansive 360-degree panoramic view from Thumb Mountain presents an unparalleled sight, with the entire Greater Taipei area, Guanyin Mountain, Datun, Qixing Mountain, and even farther locations like Xizhi, Muzha, Wulai, and Sanxia clearly visible. When night falls, it offers a beautiful vantage point over Greater Taipei and the Taoyuan area. The view isn’t limited to the summit; there are numerous observation platforms along the way that provide different perspectives of the mountain landscape. The wide stone steps make the hike comfortable, and there are pavilions at intervals for resting or enjoying the scenery. All the while, enjoy the benefits of a forest bath. The weather needs to cooperate for a good view; however, even in foggy weather, the fragrance and cleansing properties of the forest will not disappoint—being enveloped in the misty forest feels like stepping into a fairyland. The mountainous area around Thumb Mountain has long been designated as Taipei City's protection forest since the Japanese colonial period, experiencing extensive conservation and cultivation, leading to dense and rich natural woodlands. The western half of the trail has a high density of tree cover, while the eastern half is equally lush. On the path from the Banyan Tree Ridge toward Chung Hua University of Technology, there's a dense forest with mists rising, making it feel surreal as if you have entered a dreamland. This forest is positioned in the southeastern corner, receiving less influence from the northeast monsoon, thus it is more lush and moist compared to Xiangshan and Hushan. Representative plants such as the camphor tree bear abundant fruit, and the pencil tree towers impressively, even wild taro looks particularly vibrant. As for the tranquil path, the northwest area of Xiangshan and Hushan belongs to the same mountain system, yet the natural scenery there isn't as rich. As you walk the latter part of the trail, the forest environment is more lush than on the Hushan trail, providing a serene atmosphere. Continuing further, the sound of gentle streams accompanies you, and at the point where the water runs out, see an ancient stone bridge that adds to the tranquil ambiance. After crossing the stone bridge with the flowing water, you may wonder if you’ll soon reach an inhabited place. Indeed, a farmhouse appears by the roadside, followed by rows of coconut trees. Just when you think the beautiful scenery along the way might be ending, looking to your right you can see towering naked rock peaks standing not far away, showcasing a majestic presence. This is the renowned "Eighteen Arhats Cave," and walking on the gentle trail is an experience you definitely won't want to miss while appreciating this amazing sight.
