Nangang Mountain Range _ Lishan Bridge Trail Introduction
Lishan Bridge Trail is located to the south of Nangang Park. This area was once a water source for irrigation near the mountains and water, and it is home to the three major old ponds of Nangang District (Houshan Pond, Dongxin Pond, and Sanjong Pond). Nowadays, the ancient ponds no longer draw water but have become a spot for fishing, sightseeing, lakeside walks, and cycling. The first section of the trail is the Beixing Temple Trail, while the latter part is the charming Lishan Bridge Trail. The Snakewood Forest along this trail has a history of over a hundred years; it was once a shortcut for the ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (Silk Port) and Sifengzi (Section 4 of Research Institute Road). Walking along the path through the forest and ancient trails, one can see the rare Snakewood trees and a carpet of yellow fallen leaves. This place is less populated, and the tranquil atmosphere of the trail allows one to experience the marvelous beauty of nature. Unlike other trails in the Nangang Mountain Range, Lishan Bridge Trail still retains a section of dirt path, where one can feel the nostalgic scent of the fragrant earth on sunny weekends. However, after rain, the soft muddy path can become treacherous, and visitors must be cautious of slippery spots. The Beixing Temple section features a flat and accessible stone step path, shaded by green trees and flanked by fields, making the journey particularly pleasant. Notably, the prominent signs saying "Health Pump" and "Houshan Pond Residents Care About You" offer warm sentiments to hikers. The beginning of the trail showcases the bustling urban skyline of the Xinyi commercial district and residential areas, but after passing a small hill at the saddle, the scenery transforms into pastoral farm landscapes with clear skies and ever-changing views. The century-old Yong'an Residence located along the Lishan Bridge Trail has undergone several renovations, yet its façade with the "Yong'an Residence" inscription and brick walls still exudes a rich historical vibe. This old house, once passed by ancestral travelers, silently tells the stories of the past. In the densely populated Taipei, the yearning for peaceful spaces is increasingly strong; sometimes, one can't help but miss the leisurely tranquility of rural fields. During such moments, a walk along the Lishan Bridge Trail is recommended. On the way from the MRT to the mountain entrance, one can pass by Nangang Park and take a detour to explore the "Houshan Pond" ruins. This U-shaped pond, nestled between mountains and waters, along with nearby Xinzhou Pond (also known as Dongxin Po) and Sanjongpu Pond, constitutes Nangang District’s three major old ponds, which primarily functioned for irrigation during the agricultural era. Today, the ancient ponds have been revitalized, offering spots for fishing and scenic views, as well as trails for hiking and mountain biking. After exploring Houshan Pond, one feels physically and mentally refreshed, as if cleansed by the lake water. Ascending the stone steps of the mountain trail under the shade of trees and accompanied by a gentle breeze, one seldom feels fatigued. Especially along the way, a series of distinctive "Health Pump" signs provide health tips and encouragement, such as uplifting messages appearing at convenient points along the trail. Approaching the saddle, the steep sections make breathing more labored, but the warmth and companionship of nature help to ease the exertion. Reaching the canopy structure bearing the "Daling Villa" inscription, one can take a moment to relax and enjoy the scenery below, with the Ficus tree saddle coming into view. The "Saddle Nostalgia" informational sign discusses the origin of the trail, opening up the next segment of the journey and hinting at an intriguing historical path ahead. The latter section of the trail, compared to the initial Beixing Temple Trail, is less accessible but offers a unique charm. The rustic mountain paths can become slippery after rain, requiring careful footing. However, walking on earth allows one to directly connect with the pulse of nature in ways that stable stone steps cannot match. This ancient pathway, said to be over a hundred years old, served as a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (formerly known as Silk Port) and Sifeng (Research Institute Road, Section 4). In the past, residents from the valleys of Nangang Mountain would cross the saddle to shop for daily necessities in the bustling front mountain urban areas. The Lishan Bridge Trail, leading from Beixing Temple to Lishan Bridge, truly offers different views of the mountains. Midway along the Beixing Temple Trail, one stands near "Jiulong Pond," which reflects the bustling urban scenery of Songshan and the City Hall area. As one approaches the saddle, the expansive views reveal the densely packed Taipei Basin street scenes. After crossing a small hill, it feels as if one has traversed through a time tunnel into another realm. The secluded path amidst the mountains presents a picturesque landscape of rural farms, gardens, ponds, loofah trellises, rice fields, and babbling streams, resembling a paradise untouched by the modern world. Advancing further, this initial impression of being in another world becomes even more profound. Walking along the forest paths feels like stepping into an ancient trail, reminiscent of the hero's journey, with scattered fallen leaves indicating the solitude of this area, enhancing the serenity and beauty of merging with nature. Turning onto a fork in the path, the overgrown weeds in front of "Yong'an Residence" again signify the presence of a house void of human inhabitants. The side of "Yong'an Residence" has been renovated, making it difficult to recognize its historical significance from the main trail. Nevertheless, the stone benches beside the path and the nearby old house testify to the rich history of the trail. Upon exiting the trail, one is greeted by wholly rural scenery—gardens, farms, and sparse farmers. The bus station is located in front of the Tudi Gong Temple, and one may wonder when the bus will arrive, inciting thoughts about their whereabouts. This scene—perhaps reminiscent of an ancient countryside.
