Nangang Mountain Range - Lishan Bridge Hiking Trail Introduction
The Lishan Bridge Trail is located to the south of Nangang Park. This area was once a source of irrigation nestled beside the mountains and water, home to the three major old ponds of Nangang District (Houshan Pond, Dongxin Pond, and Sanchong Pond). Nowadays, the ancient ponds no longer serve as water sources but have instead become a recreational area for fishing, enjoying views, walking around the lake, and cycling. The initial segment of the trail is known as the Beixing Temple Trail, while the latter section features the charming Lishan Bridge Trail. The trail has a history of over a hundred years and was once a shortcut for the ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (also known as Xikou) and Sifengkeng (the intersection of Section 4 of Research Institute Road). Walking along the forest paths and old mountain roads, one can see the rare snakewood forest, and the ground littered with yellowing leaves. This area is sparsely populated, and the tranquil atmosphere of the trail allows for an appreciation of the beauty of nature in its original form. Unlike other trails in the Nangang Mountain Range, the Lishan Bridge Trail still retains a segment of dirt path, and on sunny days, walkers can experience a nostalgic scent of the fragrant soil. However, after rain, the soft and muddy paths can lose their romantic charm, requiring visitors to be cautious of slipping. The Beixing Temple Trail features a flat and easy-to-navigate stone steps path, shaded by green trees and accompanied by intimate surroundings, making the walk feel particularly effortless. Notably, the prominent signage stating "Health Boost" and "Residents of Houshan Pond Care for You" adds a warm, thoughtful touch for hikers. The initial part of the trail showcases the bustling urban landscape of the Xinyi business district and residential areas, but after passing over the small mountain ridge, the scenery shifts to quaint pastoral views characterized by light clouds and variable landscapes. The Yong'anju, a century-old residence located along the Lishan Bridge Trail, has undergone multiple renovations, yet its façade and brick walls still preserve a strong sense of antiquity, silently telling the tales of the past as it once stood close to travelers. In the bustling city of Taipei, where the population density is high, the desire for a peaceful space continues to rise, often evoking nostalgia for the leisurely and tranquil countryside. A visit to the Lishan Bridge Trail would be a fitting escape. On the way from the MRT to the trailhead, a visit to the "Houshan Pond Ruins" in Nangang Park is also worthwhile. This U-shaped pond, located close to the mountains and water, along with the nearby Xinzhong Pond (also known as Dongxin Po) and the Sanchongpu Pond, constitutes the three major old ponds in Nangang District, originally serving as irrigation sources during agricultural times. Today, these ancient ponds have found new life, allowing for fishing and sightseeing, complete with a lakeside walking trail and a mountain bike path. After visiting Houshan Pond, you might feel a sense of cleansing wash over you, both mentally and physically, as you ascend the stone steps of the trail. The shaded path, accompanied by a fresh breeze, makes the journey feel easy and invigorating. Prominent signs along the trail often offer health tips and encouraging phrases, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for hikers. The second half of the journey is steeper, yet the warmth and companionship of nature balance the effort, making it feel quieter and more soothing. Upon reaching the canopy marked with "Daling Mountain Villa,” a pause for rest while gazing at the scenic views below is recommended. The nearby "Ancient Path of the Saddle" informational sign foreshadows an upcoming journey into the rich antiquity of the trail. In contrast to the flat stone steps of the first section of the Beixing Temple Trail, the paths become more rustic and poetic in the latter part. While the old forest paths can be slippery when wet, the grounding feeling of walking upon the earth is unparalleled by solid stone steps. This ancient road, said to have existed for over a hundred years, once provided a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (formerly known as Xikou) and Sifengkeng (Section 4 of Research Institute Road). Historically, residents of Nangang Valley crossed over the ridge to shop for daily necessities in the lively Qianshan urban area. The Lishan Bridge Trail reveals the different scenery found in the front and back mountains as one moves from Beixing Temple to Lishan Bridge. Midway along the Beixing Temple Trail, at a spot known as "Jiulong Pond," visitors can see the bustling urban landscape of Songshan and the city government area. Approaching the saddle, the distant views also reveal densely packed city scenes in the Taipei basin. A small hill crossed feels like a time travel, transporting you to another realm. The secluded trail resembles a hidden paradise, surrounded by pastoral scenes: vegetable gardens, ponds, trellises of loofah, rice fields, and meandering streams, evoking the sense of stepping into a sanctuary from the world. As you continue, this initial impression reminiscent of another era deepens. Walking along the path feels like stepping into an ancient mountain road, and the imagery of chivalrous adventurers emerges vividly. The ground strewn with fallen leaves indicates the area's scarcity of inhabitants, and the tranquil atmosphere enhances the sensation of unity with nature. As you turn onto a fork in the path, the overgrown weeds in front of "Yong'anju" signal the solitude of the place—there may be a building, but there is no sign of life. The side of "Yong'anju" has undergone renovations, making it hard to distinguish as an ancient residence from the main path. Yet, the stone benches at the roadside and the old house hidden in the small trail testify to the long history of the trail. After exiting the trail, a purely rural scene unfolds before you—gardens, farmhouses, and scattered farmers. The bus stop sits in front of the local deity's temple, and uncertainty about the arrival time of the bus prompts reflection on one's current whereabouts. This scene might very well resemble an old countryside.
