Nangang Mountain Range - Lishan Bridge Trail Introduction
The Lishan Bridge Trail is located to the south of Nangang Park. This area was once a place of irrigation water sources nestled between mountains and waters, home to the three major old ponds in Nangang District (Houshan Pond, Dongxin Pond, and San Chong Pond). Nowadays, these ancient ponds no longer draw water but have instead transformed into a recreational area for fishing, sightseeing, lakeside walking, and cycling. The initial section of the trail is the Beixingong Trail, while the latter section is the culturally rich Lishan Bridge Trail. The snake wood forest along this trail has a history of over a hundred years and was once a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (Xikou) and Sifentzi (Section 4 of Research Institute Road). Walking through the forest paths and ancient roads, one can see rare snake wood trees and a carpet of yellow fallen leaves. This area is sparsely populated, and the tranquil atmosphere of the trail allows for an appreciation of nature's primal beauty. Unlike other trails in the Nangang Mountain Range, the Lishan Bridge Trail still retains a section of dirt path. On sunny holidays, you can feel the nostalgic scent of fragrant soil; however, after rain, the soft and muddy path is not so picturesque, and people must be cautious of slipping on the slippery mud. The Beixingong Trail portion is a flat and easy stone step path, shaded by green trees and accompanied by pathways. Walking along it feels particularly relaxing, especially with heartwarming slogans such as "Health Boost" and "Houshan Pond Residents Care About You" displayed along the way. The trail initially presents the bustling urban skyline of the Xinyi shopping district and residential areas, but after passing the small hill at the saddle, the scenery transforms into a pastoral farmland landscape with light clouds and varied views. The Yong'an Residence is a century-old ancient house located along the Lishan Bridge Trail. After multiple renovations, the engraved letters on the facade and the brick wall still conceal rich ancient charm, silently recounting the passage of time of a building that once brushed against the lives of earlier travelers. For those living in the densely populated Taipei, the yearning for tranquil spaces is ever-increasing, and occasionally one may reminisce about the leisurely and serene rural landscape. Thus, a walk along Lishan Bridge Trail might be a good idea. On the way from the MRT to the trailhead, one can pass through Nangang Park, so it may be worthwhile to first check out the "Houshan Pond Ruins." This U-shaped pond, nestled between the mountains and waters, along with the nearby XinZhuang Pond (also known as Dongxin Po) and San Chong Pu Pond, constitutes the three major ancient ponds in Nangang District, primarily used for irrigation during the agricultural era. Today, these ancient ponds have been given new life, offering opportunities for fishing, sightseeing, and both lakeside trails and mountain biking paths. After visiting Houshan Pond following the Lishan Bridge Trail signs, the body and mind feel rejuvenated, as if the lake water has cleansed them. As you ascend along the stone steps of the trail, shaded by green trees and accompanied by a gentle breeze, fatigue seems absent. Notably, the series of striking "Health Boost" signs along the trail sometimes offer health tips and at other times motivational phrases that encourage you to keep going. Seeing the phrase "Houshan Pond Residents Care About You," it feels as though they are welcoming you along the roadside, cheering you on. The second half of the journey toward the saddle is steeper, but with warmth and companionship overhead, your breath becomes much more even. Upon reaching the canopy-covered area with the words "Daling Mountain Lodge" inscribed on the stone wall, take a moment to rest and enjoy the view of the scenery below. Before long, the views of the banyan tree saddle come into sight. A nearby sign explaining the "Nostalgia at the Saddle" hints at the history of the saddle trail and foreshadows what will be an ancient journey ahead. Compared to the previous section of the Beixingong Trail, the latter part lacks the flat and easy stone steps but instead presents a unique charm. The rustic mountain forest path, though easily made slippery by the rain, provides an experience that is incomparable to the more stable stone steps, allowing a direct connection to the land and its pulse. This ancient road is said to date back a hundred years, serving as a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (formerly known as Xikou) and Sifen坑 (Section 4 of Research Institute Road). Previously, residents of the Nangang Mountain valley would cross the saddle from Houshan to the bustling urban area of Qianshan to buy daily necessities. The Lishan Bridge Trail, situated behind the mountain, takes you from Beixingong to Lishan Bridge, providing a true experience of the strikingly different views before and after the mountain. Along the Beixingong Trail, there is "Jiulong Pond," where one can pause and see the prosperous urban landscape of Songshan and the city hall. Near the saddle, the distant view also reveals a dense street scene of the Taipei Basin. Just over a small hill, it feels as though you have passed through a time tunnel into another world. The secluded path of the ancient trail appears isolated in the valley, revealing a view of pastoral scenes filled with gardens, ponds, loofah trellises, rice fields, and a gently flowing stream, creating a sense of entering a paradise. As you walk further, this first impression of otherworldliness gradually deepens. Walking along the forest path feels like being on an ancient highway, awakening images of chivalry. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, indicating that this area is rarely visited, and its quiet atmosphere allows one to appreciate the beauty of unity with nature. Upon turning onto a forked path, the weeds surrounding "Yong'an Residence" again declare that there are buildings but no signs of people. Though the side of "Yong'an Residence" has been renovated and is not easily recognizable as an ancient house from the main trail, the stone benches and the old house hidden along the path bear witness to the long history of the trail. After exiting the trail, one is again met with pure pastoral scenery—gardens, farming homes, and sparse farmers. The bus stop is right in front of the Earth God Temple, but one wonders when the bus will arrive, leading to doubts about where they find themselves. This scene—it feels reminiscent of a time long past in the countryside.
