Nangang Mountain Range_Nangang Mountain Trail Introduction
Nankang Mountain is located in the eastern suburbs of the Taipei Basin and is connected to the Four Beasts Mountain range, making it a popular hiking route. The entrance is at the Lingyun Temple archway from the Xiangshan Trail, where the stone steps are well-maintained and there are trail maps for guidance. The scenery along the trail is primarily dominated by acacia forests, and there are several pavilions and benches along the way for hikers to rest. The trail can connect to the hiking routes of Xiangshan, Hushan, and Lishan Bridge. Nankang Mountain, situated on the southeastern ridge of Xinyi District and Nankang District, is the highest peak of the Nankang Mountain Range, featuring nighttime lighting fixtures and a third-order triangulation point No. 695 on its summit. The ridge line of Nankang Mountain, which is about 196 meters high between Changshou Garden and Thumb Mountain, has many mountain paths and trails that provide great convenience for hikers. From the summit, one can gaze northward, where the lower peaks of Xiang, Lion, Leopard, and Tiger Mountain—known collectively as the Four Beasts Mountain—can be seen. Looking east and south, the continuous mountain ranges stretch out with lush greenery and rolling hills. The highest point of Nankang Mountain is equipped with a television transmission antenna that reaches above the clouds, and the terrain is rugged and undulating, making the ascent exciting and interesting. One of the peaks is called "Nine-Five Peak" in honor of General Yang Sen, who climbed this peak at the age of 95. Thumb Mountain is located to the south-southwest of Nankang Mountain, with no base point on the mountain. From a distance in Taipei, Thumb Mountain resembles a thumb pointing to the sky, hence its name. When viewed from Nankang Mountain, the mountain appears as a single sloped ridge, with a gentler slope on the eastern side and a nearly 90-degree slope on the western side. On the ridge connecting Nankang Mountain and Thumb Mountain to Xiangshan, hikers must traverse a steep rock cliff that is rarely found in the northern suburban mountains, making it a challenging route. The summit of Thumb Mountain offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, especially when the sky is clear, one can see the entire Greater Taipei area, Guanyin Mountain, Datun Mountain, Xizhi, Wulai, and Sanxia. Thumb Mountain was designated as a protective forest during the Japanese colonial period, and after a long period of conservation, the forest is now dense and representative species include Taiwan acacia and water phoenix tree. Even wild taro plants appear especially lush. The Eighteen Arhats Cave consists of eighteen massive boulders located among the rugged mountains of Chung Hua University. From afar, they resemble various seated figures of the eighteen arhats, each with a cave inside, leading locals to name it the Eighteen Arhats Cave. Due to the area being currently closed to the public, hikers can only observe from a distance. Walking along the ridge offers the advantage of a straightforward route, as the path is clearly marked with marble signs saying "Four Beasts Mountain Trail." There’s no need to worry about getting lost, especially on weekends when many hikers can be encountered heading towards Nine-Five Peak. Climbing to the highest peak of the Nankang Mountain Range, under good weather conditions, the view is boundless. Nearby, the Four Beasts Mountains—Xiangshan, Lishan, Boshak, and Hushan—line up neatly, while in the distance, the waters of Guandu and Keelung River meet the sky, along with the undulating mountain ranges of Wuzhi Mountain and Qixing Mountain, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. It's no wonder many visit this trail just to climb Nine-Five Peak for the sunset and nighttime scenery. The route across Nankang Mountain offers a remarkable view of Thumb Mountain along with a 360-degree panorama, revealing the entire Greater Taipei area, Guanyin Mountain, Datun, Qixing Mountain, and even further areas like Xizhi, Muzha, Wulai, and Sanxia. As night falls, the view of Greater Taipei and Taoyuan becomes visible. The beauty doesn’t end at the summit, as there are numerous viewpoints along the trail, allowing for stunning mountain scenery from various heights and angles. The broad stone steps make for a comfortable walk, with pavilions available for rest or viewing every so often. Reveling in the forest bathing and breathtaking views relies on good weather. However, if foggy weather prevails, the mountain's phytoncide and forest bathing will not disappoint, and being surrounded by the misty forest feels almost like entering a fairyland. In the areas around Thumb Mountain, which was planned as a protective forest since the Japanese colonial era, the natural forest is dense and rich after prolonged conservation. The western half of the trail features dense shade from the trees, while the eastern half is equally impressive. The trail from the Banyan Tree saddle towards Chung Hua University passes through thriving misty forests, offering a dreamlike experience. This forest, located in the southeastern corner, is less affected by the northeast monsoon winds, allowing it to flourish more densely and moistly than Xiangshan and Hushan. Represented by lush water phoenix trees and tall Taiwan acacia, even wild taro plants appear particularly vibrant. The beauty of nature along the path becomes more apparent as one approaches the latter part of the trail, where the landscape is richer and quieter compared to the Hushan Trail. Continuing on, the gentle sound of flowing water accompanies the trek, leading to an ancient stone bridge that adds to the tranquil atmosphere. After crossing the bridge, one may encounter rural houses and rows of coconut trees along the way. Just when you think the beautiful scenery is about to end, a striking view of towering naked rock peaks appears nearby, highlighting the famous Eighteen Arhats Cave, a sight you surely wouldn’t want to miss along the level path.
