Nangangshan Range - Lishan Bridge Trail Introduction
Lishan Bridge Trail is located south of Nangang Park. This area was once a source of irrigation water nestled between mountains and rivers, home to three historic ponds in Nangang District (Houshan Pond, Dongxin Pond, and Sanjhong Pond). Today, these ancient ponds no longer draw water but have transformed into a recreational spot for fishing, sightseeing, lakeside walking, and cycling. The initial 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 century and was once a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (Xikou) and Sifengzi (Section 4, Academia Road). Walking along the forest paths and ancient trails, you can see the rare snakewood trees and a carpet of yellow fallen leaves. With fewer inhabitants around, the serene atmosphere of the trail allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature in its pristine form. Unlike other trails in the Nangang Mountain Range, the Lishan Bridge Trail retains a section of dirt path, allowing one to experience the nostalgic scent of fragrant earth on sunny holidays. However, the soft and muddy path after rain can be less picturesque, and visitors should be cautious of slipping. The Beixing Temple Trail features a flat and easy stone step pathway shaded by green trees, providing a relaxed walking experience, especially with the caring slogans like "Health Boost" and "Houshan Pond Residents Care for You" along the way, making hikers feel particularly warm and welcomed. The initial part of the trail showcases the bustling urban skyline of the Xinyi business district and residential areas. However, after passing the small hill at the saddle, the scene transforms into a rural landscape, with light clouds and varying views. The century-old residence of Yong'an Ju along the Lishan Bridge Trail has undergone multiple renovations, but the characters inscribed on its facade and its brick walls still exude rich historical charm. This ancient house, which once brushed past travelers, quietly tells the stories of the past. Living in densely populated Taipei, the desire for a tranquil space is ever-increasing, and sometimes one can't help but reminisce about the leisurely and serene countryside experience. Therefore, walking the Lishan Bridge Trail is a worthwhile escape. On the way from the MRT to the trailhead, passing through Nangang Park, consider taking a detour to see the historic Houshan Pond ruins. This U-shaped pond, nestled between mountains and rivers, along with the nearby Xinzhuang Pond (also known as Dongxinpo) and Sanjhongpu Pond, constitutes the three historic ponds in the Nangang area, primarily serving as irrigation sources during agricultural times. Now, these ancient ponds have been revitalized, where one can fish, enjoy the scenery, and utilize the lakeside trail and mountain biking paths. After visiting Houshan Pond, feeling refreshed and invigorated, the journey resumes along the stone steps of the trail, shaded by green trees and accompanied by a gentle breeze, making the hike remain easy. Especially on the way, the series of strikingly designed "Health Boost" signs occasionally provide health tips and timely encouraging words, creating the impression that the residents along Houshan Pond are welcoming and cheering for you. The second half of the route towards the saddle is steeper, but the warmth and companionship of the natural surroundings smooths your breath significantly. Upon reaching the canopy shelter marked with the characters "Daling Mountain Lodge," you can take a short break and enjoy the view of the scenery below, with the Banyan tree’s saddle clearly visible in front of you. The "Ancient Memories of the Saddle" interpretive sign discusses the origins of the saddle trail, signaling the start of an ancient and picturesque journey ahead. Compared to the flatter and more accessible northern Beixing Temple Trail, the latter section lacks the easy stone steps but offers a unique charm. Although the rustic forest path can be slippery when wet and requires caution with loose stones, walking on the land, directly touching the earth's pulse, is an experience unmatched by stable stone steps. This ancient path is said to have existed for over a century and was once a shortcut for ancestors transporting rice and tea between Songshan (formerly known as Xikou) and Sifengxi (Section 4, Academia Road). In the past, residents from the Nantou Valley crossed the saddle to purchase daily necessities in the bustling front city. The Lishan Bridge Trail, located in Houshan, takes you from Beixing Temple to Lishan Bridge, offering the experience of witnessing vastly different landscapes from the front to the back of the mountain. Midway on the Beixing Temple Trail, standing at Jiulong Pond with its "Xixin Mirror" and "Zhaoxin Mirror," you can behold the vibrant urban scenery of Songshan and the City Hall area; close to the saddle, the distant view features the dense street landscape of Taipei Basin. Just after passing a small hill, it feels like stepping through a time tunnel into another realm. The secluded ancient trail immerses you in a rural paradise, filled with vegetable gardens, ponds, loofah trellises, rice fields, and gently flowing streams, resembling an idyllic utopia. As you continue, this initial impression of transcending eras deepens gradually. Walking along the woodland paths, it feels like you are traversing ancient ways, with images of heroic adventurers springing to mind. The ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, indicating that this area is seldom visited, and the tranquil atmosphere enhances the appreciation of being at one with nature. At the fork in the path, the weeds around "Yong'an Ju" once again proclaim the absence of people, although the home still stands. While the side of "Yong'an Ju" has been renovated, from the main trail’s direction, it is not easy to discern its antiquity. Yet the stone benches beside the path and the old house hidden along the trail bear witness to the history of this pathway. As you exit the trail, you are greeted by unadulterated rural scenery—vegetable gardens, farmhouses, and sparse farmers. The bus stop is located in front of the Earth God Temple, but one can never tell when the bus will arrive, leading to a moment of reflection on the surroundings. This scene may very well be reminiscent of the old countryside.
