Nangang Mountain System_Nangang Mountain Ridge Trail Introduction
Nankang Mountain is located in the eastern outskirts of the Taipei Basin. Linked with the Four Beasts Mountain and other ridges, it has become a popular hiking route. Entering from the Xiangshan Trail entrance at the Lingyun Temple archway, the path is well-paved with stone steps and marked with trail maps. The scenic route mainly features Acacia forests, with several pavilions and seating facilities along the path for hikers to rest. It connects with the Xiangshan, Hushan, and Lishan Bridge trails. Nankang Mountain, situated in the southeastern section of the Xinyi and Nankang districts, is the highest peak of the Nankang mountain range, topped with a nighttime blinking light fixture and a third-class triangulation point No. 695. Between Changshou Garden and Thumb Mountain, the Nankang Mountain ridge is approximately 196 meters high, featuring numerous trails that make it convenient for hikers. From the summit, looking northward, you can see the shorter peaks of Xiangshan, Shishan, Baoshan, and Hushan, collectively known as the Four Beasts Mountain. To the east and south, the view reveals a continuous mountain range, lush and layered. At the mountain's highest point stands a television broadcasting antenna, towering among the clouds. This area is quite undulating, making the climb stimulating and interesting. One peak here is called "Jiu Wu Peak," named in honor of General Yang Sen, who climbed this peak at the age of 95. Thumb Mountain lies to the south-southwest of Nankang Mountain. It has no base point, and from afar, it resembles a thumb pointing skyward, thus the name. When viewed from the vicinity of Nankang Mountain, the mountain ridge has a single slant, with a gentler slope on the eastern side and a steep 90-degree angle on the western side. To traverse between the ridges of Nankang Mountain and Thumb Mountain, hikers must navigate a section of steep rocky cliffs, a rare challenging path among the northern suburbs. The summit of Thumb Mountain offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On a clear day, one can see the Greater Taipei area, Guanyin Mountain, Datun Mountain, Xizhi, Wulai, Sanxia, and more. Since the Japanese colonial period, Thumb Mountain has been designated as a protective forest. After years of conservation, the forest is dense and well-preserved, featuring representative species such as Casuarina and Polyalthia longifolia. Even the wild taro appears especially lush here. Eighteen Arhat Cave consists of eighteen massive stone blocks located amidst the rugged mountains of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. From a distance, they resemble eighteen Arhats in various postures standing atop the mountains, with each boulder featuring a cave within, hence the name "Eighteen Arhat Cave." Currently, the area is closed to the public, so hikers can only view it from afar. Walking along the ridge has its benefits as the trail is not complicated; following the marble signs engraved with "Four Beasts Mountain Trail" ensures you stay on track, without the worry of getting lost. Especially on weekends, many hikers on the trail share a common goal—to reach Jiu Wu Peak. Upon reaching the highest peak of the Nankang mountain range, if weather conditions are favorable, the expansive view reveals the Four Beasts Mountain—Xiangshan, Shishan, Baoshan, and Hushan lined up before you, along with the distant sea and sky view of Guandu and Keelung River, and the undulating mountains of New Taipei City. It is no wonder that many people visit this trail, aiming to hike up Jiu Wu Peak to appreciate the sunset and nighttime scenery. In the route traversing Nankang Street, the 360-degree panorama of Thumb Mountain is truly breathtaking. The entire Greater Taipei area, Guanyin Mountain, Datun, and Qixing Mountain, along with even more distant regions like Xizhi, Muzha, Wulai, and Sanxia can all be seen. When night falls, you can overlook the scenery of Greater Taipei and Taoyuan. There are also plenty of viewing platforms along the way, enabling you to appreciate the mountain's beauty from different heights and angles. The spacious stone steps make for a comfortable walk, and should you wish to take a break, there are pavilions at intervals to rest or take in the views. To fully enjoy the forest bath, ideal weather plays a crucial role. If foggy conditions arise, the forest's phytoncide and refreshing atmosphere will not disappoint, making you feel as though you've entered a fairyland. The surrounding mountains near Thumb Mountain have been designated as Taipei's protective forest since the Japanese colonial era. With long-term conservation, the natural forest is dense and well-preserved. The western half of the trail features a high density of shady trees, while the eastern half is no less impressive. On the trail from the Banyan tree saddle towards the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, there is a misty and lush forest, which gives a feeling of wandering through a dreamlike realm. This forest, located at the southeastern corner, is less affected by the northeast monsoon, resulting in a denser and wetter forest compared to Xiangshan and Hushan. Representative plants include abundant fruiting Polyalthia longifolia, towering Casuarina, and even wild taro appearing particularly lush. The tranquil paths along the northwest areas of Xiangshan and Hushan belong to the same mountain range, though their natural landscapes are not as rich. As you reach the latter part of the trail, the serenity increases, with a more diverse forest landscape than Hushan Trail. Continuing forward, the sound of flowing water accompanies you until you reach a quaint stone bridge, which enhances the peaceful atmosphere. After crossing the little bridge, you might wonder if a "human settlement" is nearby. Indeed, a farmhouse and rows of coconut trees appear. Just when you think the picturesque scenery must come to an end, a glance to the right reveals majestic bare rock peaks, a breathtaking sight not to be missed. This famous location is known as "Eighteen Arhat Cave," and trodding along this gentle path is an extraordinary sight you absolutely don't want to miss.
