Nangang Mountain System - Hushan Qingshan Trail Introduction
Tiger Mountain is one of the foothills in the Shishusan Citizen Forest area, connecting to the Nangang Mountain range at the southeastern barrier of Taipei City. With an elevation of 140 meters, it features a monoclinal landform of marine sediments, with a higher western side sloping down to the eastern side, offering expansive views. At the summit, there is a sundial for telling time by the sun. The trails are formed by overlapping blocks of sandstone and shale, and the mountain stream flowing through creates an ecological environment ideal for the breeding of fireflies, little green frogs, and various ferns. After the creek banks were reinforced and improved for soil and water conservation, the area along the Tiger Mountain Stream has become the best place to observe wetland ecology, with interpretive signs and trail markers along the pathways, making it a great spot for hiking and observing nature. The Shishusan Citizen Forest, which includes the Shishusan Trail, has been renamed after renovations. It features four hills: Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant. This mountainous area is rich in biodiversity and bird species, making it a popular destination for the public to enjoy leisurely moments in the outdoor green landscape. The ecology tour of the Tiger Mountain Stream has been specially treated by the city's Department of Industrial Development to improve the upstream and downstream water sources, turning it into a garden rich in aquatic ecological landscapes. Visitors can appreciate fireflies, tree frogs, and various aquatic plants and animals either from trees or streams, enjoying more fun on the hiking trail. The Tiger Mountain 120 Heights, named after its elevation, is well known for its expansive views and the old arsenal as a landmark. The park area is neatly landscaped with trees and has pavilions for shade and shelter from the rain, making it a popular spot for mountain friends to gather and chat. At the Tiger Mountain Trail, there is a section built with environmentally friendly materials, and along the way, a platform has been constructed as a rest area and pavilion. The square is designed with stone pillars carved into the forms of the four beasts - Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant, making it very eye-catching. The area is quiet and elegant, suitable for walking, leisure, and group activities. Getting to the Shishusan Citizen Forest is convenient; you can transfer to a bus from the MRT to "Fude Elementary School," and shortly walk into Lane 251 on Fude Street, where the indicators for the forest trail are just ahead. After turning left at the sign into the uphill path, the scene of a popular tourist area unfolds – a variety of snacks, vendors, and coffee stalls are all present. If you want to grab a snack on the way, aromatic braised snacks and vegetarian treats can be found beside the Cihui Temple. Fortunately, the prominent "Shishusan Citizen Forest" sign stands at the trailhead, ensuring that even if the mountain route map is overshadowed by the nearby vendors’ attractions, you won't lose your way before entering the forest. As you ascend along the gentle slope beside the stream, weaving through green trees, you will find your steps becoming lighter. The sounds of bubbling stream water accompany you, sweeping away the hustle and worries. When you arrive here, please slow down, listen to the precious sounds of birds and insects in the city. The Tiger Mountain Trail is located on the eastern side of Shishusan. Upon reaching the Fuxing Garden, the view opens up even more, allowing for a birds-eye view of the Taipei Basin and the nearby Leopard Mountain. Looking west from here, the Fongtian Temple is situated at the tiger's head position, with the back ridge undulating like waves, resembling a crouching tiger ready to leap. Though Tiger Mountain's height is not much (only 140 meters), it is adjacent to the Xinyi Planning Area. As you walk along the trail, the Taipei 101 tower becomes almost inseparable from your view, with excellent visibility throughout your journey, featuring many viewpoints and resting pavilions. The path from Tiger Mountain to Fongtian Temple is where pavilions become the most concentrated. As you approach the summit of Tiger Mountain, you will first see a green pillar with a white-roofed pavilion, then arrive at the observation platform at the mountain top. Standing on the platform and referencing the interpretive signs, you can clearly see the monoclinal landform of the higher western side sloping down to the east. The mountain breeze blows freely, accompanied by the expansive scenery, making it very refreshing. Continuing onward leads to the "summit assault." You will see a steep slope sharply descending along the mountain wall, appearing somewhat "treacherous" when looking down, requiring careful descent. This steep drop can be regarded as a small surprise and challenge along the Tiger Mountain trail. If you find yourself a bit shaken after descending, there is a pavilion nearby for a rest, allowing you to catch your breath. Continuing on leads to the Tiger Mountain 120 Heights, where a refreshing breeze brings your view to the Xinyi Planning Area, with the straight tall figure of Taipei 101 clear in front, while to the right is Songshan and Nangang districts, and in the distance are Five Finger Mountain and Qixing Mountain, with rare eagles soaring in the urban sky. Overlooking the most prosperous area of Taipei City from the mountains is a significant feature of this trail. This route offers a diverse and interesting landscape with numerous plant species, and there are interpretive signs along the trail for a self-guided ecological experience. The initial section of the mountain trail runs alongside the Tiger Mountain Stream, where the stream's environment nurtures a rich diversity of natural resources. The valley's terrain and humidity are suitable for moisture-loving and shade-tolerant plants like taro, which is also the favorite habitat for ferns; there are about 70 species of ferns on Tiger Mountain alone. Originally, the Tiger Mountain Stream was a natural wild stream, but in earlier years, the accumulation of coal slag raised the risk of collapse, coupled with poor soil and water conservation leading to increasing erosion and sedimentation at the stream's bottom. After renovations by the city's Construction Bureau, the original ecology has been restored, and soil and water conservation have improved further. Thanks to the terrain's advantages, the hydrophilic landscape area has been equipped with facilities such as stone bridges, water play platforms, water pumps, and hydrophilic parks; at the entrance, there are interpretive signs explaining how trapezoidal drop structures can achieve both ecological conservation and soil and water preservation benefits. For a delightful family experience at the Tiger Mountain Stream Trail, stone steps are laid along the path, with intricately designed railings by the stream, complementing the beautiful scenery. Today, the waters of the Tiger Mountain Stream and the forest are teeming with life. In April and May, you can even observe fireflies. In addition to native terrestrial fireflies, such as the black-winged firefly and the red-breasted black-winged firefly, the aquatic yellow-edged firefly larvae have successfully bred up to the ninth generation. Enjoyable for families or friends traveling together, night firefly watching is full of fun, and it doesn't require traveling far. With small lanterns, you can find the fireflies seeking mates right here in the urban Taipei City – the endlessly charming Tiger Mountain Trail.
