Nangang Mountain Range - Xiangshan Hiking Trail Introduction
Xiang Mountain has an elevation of 183 meters, with a total trail length of 1,450 meters, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. The name is derived from its shape resembling an elephant's head and is located in the southeastern part of the Taipei Basin, in the Xinyi District. The geology is similar to that of Tiger Mountain, primarily composed of sandstone. Due to geological uplift, the trail features steep yellow-brown rock walls and boulders, along with a rich variety of flora and bird species, making the entire area resemble a natural ecological paradise. It is a great place for the public to enjoy outdoor greenery and leisurely moments close to the foothills. Xiang Mountain has various micro-environments, including ridges, rock walls, slopes, hollows, and valleys, which nurture dozens of fern species. Ferns are abundant throughout the mountain, some cling to tree trunks, while others grow on rocks and slopes, and some densely cover the humid forest floor. Among them, the population of the Gold Hair Fern is particularly large, ranking first in Taipei City. In the past, when medical treatments were not advanced, it was regarded as an excellent folk remedy for stopping bleeding. Additionally, in the open, sunny, and moist hollows, one can find the ancient fern "cordaitale" that has existed since the Jurassic period. The clusters of cordaitale are among the most precious ecological features in Taipei, as they can only be seen in such abundance in northern Taiwan. Xiang Mountain is the highest point in the Four Beast Mountains Trail system. With no obstructions ahead, the view from the top is expansive, allowing one to see the Xinyi commercial district in its entirety, including prominent buildings such as the Taipei 101, World Trade Center, Warner Village, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. The tail ridge extends into Qiang Park in the Xinyi District, making it the best spot for local residents to take walks during morning and evening. It also serves as a green space for mountain-goers to relax and unwind on weekends. The area known as the "Six Giant Rocks" offers a distinctive sight, also called Lao Lai Gorge. Climbing up from here provides a view of the bustling Xinyi commercial area, making it a popular photo spot. Early morning hikes allow one to witness Taipei 101 waking up in the dawn light, while at dusk, one can admire the metropolitan architecture of Xinyi as the sun sets and the city lights begin to shine, creating a stunning scene. The Yixian Pavilion (the top of Xiang Mountain) is located at the end of the trail beside the hexagonal pavilion, offering excellent views of the entire shape of Xiang Mountain, especially the elephant's head and trunk. The bridge of the trunk is where Yongchun High School stands, while the long trunk extends into the area between Songshan Road and Songde Campus. Near the Songde Campus direction along the Xiang Mountain Trail, there is a spot known as the "One Line Sky," where the ridge lines on both sides are very close together, with towering cliffs obscuring the sky above. Hikers looking up from the trail see only a narrow sliver of sky between the cliff walls, giving it the name "One Line Sky." The best vantage point to overlook the Taipei Basin is naturally at the "Chaorān Pavilion" on the ridge, named for its superior view among the pavilions of Xiang Mountain. From the platform of the Chaorān Pavilion, one can see the Xinyi planning district below, while farther away are attractions like Dazhi, the Beitou Incinerator, Guanyin Mountain, and the Datun Volcano group. Many people come here to watch fireworks during New Year's Eve or National Day, highlighting its allure. Near the steps of the Giant Rock Park, there is a large boulder with human-carved stone steps leading up to overlook the Taipei Basin. Continuing along the trail, visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Taipei Basin from various angles. The trail provides explanatory signs guiding nature enthusiasts to understand the characteristics of the entire mountain, thus making it the most popular natural classroom. There are plenty of ecological guides along the way, allowing visitors to be their own forest interpreters. In this humid environment, the populations of snails are quite remarkable, such as the Achatina fulica and the common garden snail, which can be seen throughout the mountain area. This area is a low-elevation original broadleaf forest, rich in diverse ecology, with the greenery of the mountains teeming with surprises waiting to be discovered. After climbing Xiang Mountain, if you have the energy or want to stretch your legs, there are many physical fitness facilities along the trail that can enhance your strength and lung capacity. You will see many people at the top’s Yixian Pavilion taking a break or exercising, with energetic children darting around, making it an ideal place for families to engage in outdoor activities.
