Nangang Mountain Range - Lishan Bridge Trail Introduction
The Lishan Bridge Trail is located to the south of Nangang Park. This area used to be a source of irrigation water by the mountains and rivers, with the three old ponds of Nangang District (Houshan Pond, Dongxin Pond, and Sanchong Pond) situated here. Nowadays, the ancient ponds no longer draw water, but instead have become a place for fishing, enjoying scenery, lakeside walks, and biking. The first part of the trail is the Beixing Temple Trail, while the latter part is the more traditional Lishan Bridge Trail. The Snakewood 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 Sifenzik (Section 4, Academia Road). Walking along the trail through the forest and ancient paths, one can see the rare snakewood trees and a blanket of yellow fallen leaves, making this place tranquil and allowing individuals to experience the beauty of nature. Unlike other trails in the Nangang mountain system, the Lishan Bridge Trail still retains some dirt pathways. On sunny holidays, one can reminisce about the fragrant scent of the earth; however, after rain, the muddy paths can become slippery, requiring visitors to be cautious to avoid falls. The Beixing Temple section of the trail features a flat, easy-to-walk stone step path, shaded by greenery and lined with paths, making the walk feel especially effortless. Notable signs such as "Healthy Encouragement" and "Residents of Houshan Pond Care About You" provide warmth and thoughtfulness to hikers. The trail starts with a bustling urban landscape of the Xinyi commercial district and residential high-rises, but after passing the small hill at Anbu, the scene transforms into a rural farming landscape with clear skies and varied views. The Yong'an Residence, a century-old house located along the Lishan Bridge Trail, has undergone several renovations, yet the signage and brick walls still exude a strong sense of history. This old house, which once intersected with travelers of the past, silently narrates the passage of time. Living in densely populated Taipei, the need for tranquil spaces is ever-increasing, and sometimes one can't help but long for the leisurely tranquility of rural fields. At such times, a walk along the Lishan Bridge Trail is a great idea. From the MRT to the trailhead, passing through Nangang Park, visitors can explore the "monument" of Houshan Pond ruins. This U-shaped pond, nestled between mountains and water, along with the nearby Xinzhuang Pond (also known as Dongxinpo) and Sanchongpu Pond, constitutes Nangang District's three old ponds, originally serving as irrigation water during the agricultural period. Today, the ancient ponds have been given new life, where visitors can fish, enjoy the scenery, and utilize the lakeside and mountain biking trails for recreational activities. After visiting Houshan Pond following the trail indicators, one feels rejuvenated as if cleansed by the lake water. Ascending the stony step path at the trailhead, shaded by green trees and accompanied by fresh breezes, one feels little fatigue. Especially along the path, various "Healthy Encouragement" signs occasionally provide health tips or motivating words, making hikers feel welcomed and encouraged by nearby residents. The latter half of the Anbu section is steeper, but the warmth above aids in smoothing out quickened breaths. Upon reaching the canopy shelter marked with "Daling Mountain Villa," visitors can take a rest and gaze at the scenery below; soon, the Banyan Tree Anbu comes into view. As one wanders around, the "Anbu Nostalgia" informational sign discusses the origin of the Anbu Trail, unveiling the next part of the journey, indicating a path rich in historical charm. The latter path, compared to the earlier Beixing Temple Trail, lacks the flat and easy stone steps yet possesses a unique elegance. Although the ancient forest path can become slippery in rainy conditions, the sensation of walking on land and directly feeling the earth's pulse cannot be compared to that of sturdy stone steps. This ancient path is said to be over a hundred years old and was a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (formerly known as Xikou) and Sifenzik (Section 4, Academia Road). In the past, residents of the Nangang valley would traverse the Anbu from the back mountains to buy daily necessities in the bustling downtown area. The Lishan Bridge Trail, located in the back mountains, truly offers a different landscape experience from front to back. Midway along the Beixing Temple Trail, situated on the ground at the "Nine Dragon Pond" with "Washing Heart Mirror" and "Reflection Mirror," one can see the bustling urban landscape of Songshan and the City government area; nearing Anbu, the distant view reveals the densely packed street scenery of the Taipei Basin. Upon crossing over a small hill, it feels like entering a time tunnel into another era. The secluded trail seems to be a world apart, revealing farmland scenery with gardens, ponds, loofah trellises, rice fields, and gentle streams, creating an impression of entering a paradise. As one continues walking, this initial sense of being in another world gradually deepens. Walking on the forest path, one feels as if they are in an ancient road out in the mountains, and images of chivalrous deeds emerge. With a carpet of scattered fallen leaves, it is evident that this area is sparsely populated, and its peaceful atmosphere deepens the experience of being one with nature. Turning onto a forked path, the overgrown weeds in front of "Yong'an Residence" again declare that despite the presence of buildings, there are few signs of human activity. The side of "Yong'an Residence" has been renovated, making it difficult to notice its historic nature from the main trail. However, the stone benches along the path and the old house hidden by paths bear witness to the trail's long history. After leaving the trail, one encounters a pure rural landscape of gardens, farmland, and scattered agricultural workers. A bus stop is located in front of the earth god temple, and one cannot help but wonder when the bus will arrive, creating a moment of doubt about where one is – perhaps in an ancient rural area.
