Nangang Mountain Range - Hushan Qing Mountain Trail Introduction
Hushan is one of the foothills within the Four Beasts Mountain Citizen Forest Area, connecting the southern part of the Nangang Mountain range, forming a barrier on the southeastern side of Taipei City. With an elevation of 140 meters, it features a geological structure of marine strata, characterized by a slope descending from west to east, offering an expansive view. A sundial at the peak allows for timekeeping by observing the sun. The trails are formed by the interlay of block sandstone and shale, and the stream of Hushan Creek passes through, creating an ecological environment that nurtures a diverse range of species, including fireflies, small green frogs, and ferns. After the creek banks were rehabilitated and reinforced for soil and water conservation, the area along Hushan Creek has become an ideal spot for observing wetland ecology. Interpretation panels and route indicators are set up along the trails, making it a great place for hiking and enjoying the ecosystem. The trail around the Four Beasts Mountain Citizen Forest, after renovation, has been renamed the Four Beasts Mountain citizen forest, which includes four foothills: Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant. The natural environment in the mountains boasts diverse flora and fauna and bird species, making it a popular spot for the public to enjoy leisurely outdoor time. Hushan Creek Ecological Tour: Hushan Creek has been specially managed by the city's Industrial Development Bureau to make the upstream and downstream areas a rich water ecological landscape mini-garden, allowing the public to enjoy various aquatic life and plants, such as fireflies and tree frogs, from the trees or the creek, adding more fun to hiking. Hushan 120 High Ground, known for its broad view and the old armory as a landmark, is a park named for its elevation. The area is neatly landscaped, and pavilions provide shade from the sun and shelter from rain, making it a popular spot for hikers to pause and enjoy the scenery and chat. Four Beasts Square and the Four Beasts Monument: There is a section of the Hushan Trail built with eco-friendly materials, featuring a platform with a rest area and pavilion. The square is designed with stone columns sculptured in the shapes of the four beasts: Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant, making it quite eye-catching. The serene and elegant environment here is suitable for activities such as walking, relaxation, and group events. Easy Access to the Citizen Forest: From the MRT, transfer to a bus to "Fude Elementary School," and upon walking into Alley 251 on Fude Street, the signs for the Hike-Friendly Corridor are just ahead. Following the signs, turn left onto the uphill path, and the scenic attractions immediately unfold with various food stalls, vendors, and coffee kiosks. If you want to bring snacks along, delicious braised foods and vegetarian snacks can also be found beside Cihuitang. Thankfully, the prominent "Four Beasts Mountain Citizen Forest" sign stands tall at the trailhead, ensuring you won’t get lost even if nearby vendors distract your attention away from the hiking map. As you walk along the gently sloping path beside the creek, weaving through dense greenery, your steps will naturally feel lighter. The soothing sound of the flowing creek accompanies you, washing away the hustle and worries. When you arrive here, please slow down and listen to the rare bird calls and insect chirps in the city. The Hushan Trail lies on the eastern side of the Four Beasts Mountain, and once you arrive at the Fuxing Garden, the vista opens even wider, overlooking the Taipei Basin and offering a distant view of the eastern area of Taipei City, as well as the adjacent Leopard Mountain. Looking west from this point, the Feng Tian Temple sits at the position of the tiger's head, and the ridge lines behind it undulate like waves, creating a sense of a crouching tiger ready to leap. Although Hushan's height is not great (with an elevation of just over 140 meters), due to its proximity to the Xinyi Planning District, the Taipei 101 tower feels almost like an extension of yourself, with a good line of sight along the trail, which is dotted with viewpoints and resting pavilions. On the path from Hushan Peak towards Feng Tian Temple, pavilions are particularly dense. Approaching the summit of Hushan, you first encounter a green-columned pavilion with a white top, before arriving at the observation platform. From the platform, according to the information panel, you can clearly see the eastward slope of the single-slope terrain. The refreshing mountain breeze comes freely, and the expansive sight is truly delightful. Moving forward, it’s time to "attack the peak." You will encounter a steep slope that drops sharply down the mountainside, requiring careful attention and slow descent. This steep drop can be considered a small surprise and challenge along the journey up Hushan. If you feel a bit stunned after the descent, there is a pavilion ahead where you can take a break and adjust your fast-paced breathing. Continuing the hike, you will reach Hushan 120 High Ground, where the refreshing breeze directs your gaze toward the Xinyi Planning District, the towering Taipei 101 clearly visible before you, to the right are Songshan and Nangang city areas, and in the distance, you can see the Five Finger Mountain, Qixing Mountain, and other peaks. Rare urban eagles soar in the sky, creating a unique feature of this trail as you overlook the most bustling area of Taipei City. The ecological and scenic diversity of this route offers a wealth of interest, with a variety of plant species along the trail. Interpretation panels are installed along the way, allowing for a self-guided ecological tour as you ascend the steps. The earlier part of the hiking trail passes where Hushan Creek flows, and the creek environment nurtures a rich variety of natural resources. The valley's terrain and moisture are suitable for the growth of moisture-loving plants, such as taro, which thrive in darker conditions, and also provide an ideal environment for a variety of ferns, with around 70 species found in Hushan alone. Originally a pristine wild creek, Hushan Creek faced potential collapse due to coal mine waste piled up in earlier years and poor soil and water conservation that led to severe erosion and sedimentation. Under the restoration efforts of the city's construction bureau, the original ecology has been restored, and soil conservation has improved significantly. The riverside landscape has been enhanced with structures like stone bridges, play areas, water pumps, and water parks; it also preserves remnants of coal mining waste as a prime example of ecological education, with interpretation panels nearby explaining how the use of step-style waterfall structures can benefit both ecological conservation and soil and water protection. Exploring Fireflies: The Hushan Creek Trail is equipped with stone steps and features small carved railings by the creek, complementing the picturesque scenery. Now, Hushan Creek's waters and surrounding forests are filled with vigorous life, and from April to May, you can even observe fireflies. In addition to indigenous terrestrial fireflies like the black-winged firefly and red-breasted firefly, introduced aquatic yellow-edged firefly larvae have successfully bred up to the ninth generation. Enjoy a night of firefly watching with family and friends; it’s filled with fun and excitement without the need to travel far—just look for the fireflies hiding in the urban area of Taipei, making the charm of Hushan’s Hike-Friendly Trail irresistible.
