Nangang Mountain Range - Lishan Bridge Entrance Shenshan Trail Introduction
Lishan Bridge Mouth Trail is located south of Nangang Park. This area used to be a water source for irrigation, surrounded by mountains and water, with three major old ponds in Nangang District (Houshan Pond, Dongxin Pond, and Sanjup Pond) situated here. Nowadays, these ancient ponds no longer serve the purpose of water supply but have instead become a place for fishing, enjoying the scenery, walking around the lake, and biking. The initial segment of the trail is the Beixing Temple Trail, and the latter part is the culturally rich Lishan Bridge Mouth Trail. The snake wood forest along this trail has a history of over a century and was once a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice tea between Songshan (Xikou) and Sifentzu (Section 4, Academia Rd). Walking on the forest path and ancient mountain trail, one can see the rare snake wood and fallen yellow leaves scattered on the ground. This location is sparsely populated, and the quiet atmosphere of the trail allows one to appreciate the beauty of nature in its primitive state. Unlike other trails in the Nangang mountain system, Lishan Bridge Mouth Trail still retains a section of dirt path, where one can experience the nostalgic aroma of fragrant soil on sunny holidays. However, after rain, the soft and muddy path may not be as picturesque, and visitors must be cautious of slipping on the muddy ground. The Beixing Temple Trail features an easy-to-navigate stone staircase, shaded by green trees and accompanied by winding paths, making the journey feel light and relaxed. Especially, the prominent signs stating "Health Boost" and "Houshan Pond Residents Care for You" give hikers a warm and thoughtful feeling. The initial segment of the trail showcases the bustling urban scenery of the Xinyi business district and residential areas. However, after passing the small hill of Anbu, the view transforms into pastoral farming scenes with gentle clouds and variable landscapes. Yong'an Residence, a centenary old house located along the Lishan Bridge Mouth Trail, has undergone several renovations, but the inscription and brick walls retain a profound ancient charm. This old residence, once brushed past by traveling ancestors, silently narrates the passage of time. In the densely populated city of Taipei, the growing desire for tranquil spaces sometimes evokes nostalgia for the leisurely and peaceful scenery of rural fields. At such times, a walk along Lishan Bridge Mouth Trail may be a perfect option. From the MRT heading to the trailhead, it’s worth taking a detour to explore the "Houshan Pond" ruins. This U-shaped pond, surrounded by mountains and water, along with nearby Xinzhuang Pond (also known as Dongxin Pond) and Sanjup Pond, are the three major old ponds in Nangang District, primarily serving as irrigation water during the agricultural period. Today, these ancient ponds have been given new life, providing spaces for fishing, enjoying the scenery, and featuring a lakeside trail and dedicated mountain biking path. Following the Lishan Bridge Trail after visiting Houshan Pond, one feels as if the lake water has cleansed the mind and body, easing the muscles and joints. The stone staircase trail gradually ascends, shaded by trees and accompanied by a gentle breeze, making the walk feel effortless. Particularly notable is the series of eye-catching "Health Boost" signs along the trail, sometimes offering health tips and occasionally presenting encouraging words just at the right moments, making hikers feel welcomed and cheered on by the "Houshan Pond Residents." The latter half of the trail is steeper than the earlier Beixing Temple Trail, and the warm companions of nature along the route significantly ease the quickened breath. Upon reaching the shelter with "Daling Mountain Lodge" inscribed on the stone wall, taking a short rest and gazing at the scenery below, it doesn't take long before the fine view of the banyan tree saddle comes into sight. Exploring further, the "Anbu Nostalgia" signage elaborates on the origins of the Anbu trail, unveiling the upcoming journey and indicating it will be a path rich in antiquity. Comparing to the earlier segments of the North Star Temple Trail, the latter path lacks the smooth stone steps but offers a unique elegance. The rustic forest path, despite being prone to slipperiness in rainy weather, provides an experience of directly touching the pulse of the earth that cannot be matched by solid stone steps. This ancient path is said to have a history of a century, serving as a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice tea between Songshan (formerly known as Xikou) and Sifengkeng (Section 4, Academia Rd). Residents from the valleys of Nangang Mountain used to cross the saddle to the bustling suburban market for daily goods. The Lishan Bridge Mouth Trail, situated at the back mountain, provides a genuine experience of the dramatic differences in scenery between the front and back mountains. Midway through the Beixing Temple Trail, at a section called Jiulong Pond, one stands on the ground to catch a glimpse of the vibrant urban landscape of Songshan and City Hall; as one approaches the saddle, the distant view still features the dense metropolitan scene of the Taipei Basin. After surpassing a small hill, it feels as if one has traversed through a time tunnel into another realm. The ancient path appears secluded and independent upon entering the valley, filled with pastoral landscapes. Gardens, ponds, loofah arbors, rice paddies, and babbling streams create an atmosphere resembling a paradise. As one progresses, this initial impression of a different world deepens. Walking along the forest path, one might visualize the image of a chivalrous figure emerging. The scattered fallen leaves indicate the sparsely populated nature of the area, and the serene atmosphere further enhances the beauty of unity with nature. Turning onto a fork in the path, the wild grasses around "Yong'an Residence" reiterate the existence of a building devoid of human presence. The side of "Yong'an Residence" has been renovated, making it less recognizable as an old house from the main trail direction. However, the stone benches alongside the path and the old house hidden away confirm the trail's long history. Upon exiting the trail, a pristine rural landscape unfolds—gardens, farmhouses, and sparse farmers. The bus stop stands in front of the local deity temple, and with uncertain bus arrival times, one might wonder where exactly they find themselves. This scene—perhaps a reflection of the simplicity of old rural life.
