Wuzhishan Mountain Range_Dalun Touwai Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Daluantou Mountain and Daluanwei Mountain are located on the main ridge that extends westward from the Wuzhi Mountain Range, stretching from northeast to southwest. Daluanwei Mountain has an elevation of 451 meters, with giant rocks piled high to form peaks, while Daluantou Mountain, at 475 meters, is the highest mountain in the Neihu area. The summit platform offers a broad view, providing an excellent sight for those who climb it. The two mountains stand side by side, imposing in their grandeur, making them an important landmark in the central community of Shilin. The Daluantou and Daluanwei Mountain Ecological Trail leads to Daluanwei Mountain, where the landscape is characterized by steep terrain due to fault lines and less development due to the protection of the water source area. The natural ecological plants are well-preserved. Entering from the central community trailhead, a wide and flat gravel path greets visitors, complemented by towering trees along the roadside, creating a cool and comfortable walking experience. The summit features a viewing platform where one can gaze out at the scenery of the outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan areas. The trail continues towards Daluantou Mountain, with Dalu Lake situated halfway up the mountain; its clear green waters reflect the surrounding peaks. On the Bihshan Road leading to Daluantou Mountain, the autumn grasses sway in the breeze, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The northern side of the mountain is connected to a natural trail and the Wanxi industrial road, with the path hidden among the trees. The Neishuangxi Forest Nature Park, lush with greenery, accompanies visitors throughout the journey. The cozy and spacious wooden path leads into the forest, elevated among the trees, minimizing harm to the surface rocks and plants while also allowing visitors to observe nature easily. Informational signs appear frequently along the trail, enhancing our understanding of the geological and ecological environment. Occasionally, you may see trees that "burst out" from the path; they originally grew there, and we simply built the trail around their territory. This way, the natural appearance of the forest is preserved, while we also benefit from a convenient and comfortable path. Sharing nature brings joy to all. The "indigenous" creatures of the forest still maintain their living space, providing a peaceful atmosphere filled with the sounds of insects and birds, and squirrels can be seen leaping through the trees. Despite the continuous uphill trek, the rich ecology encourages visitors to slow their pace, appreciate the scenery, or consult the informational signs, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey without feeling fatigued. If you need a rest, platforms made of wooden logs frequently appear at bends in the trail, offering spots for both enjoyment of the view and relaxation. In the suburbs, an approximately one-kilometer-long natural wooden log path attracts experienced hikers who often go barefoot to experience the refreshing heart of the forest. Upon entering the path to Daluanwei Mountain, a wide and flat gravel road leads you forward. The tall trees swaying in the wind create a gentle rustling sound, harmonizing with the sound of footsteps on the gravel, ensuring that the enjoyable experience of walking through the forest continues. Even though many other sections are stone steps, the lush mountain forest remains ever-present. Entering this ecological green corridor of nature, the mature and abundant greenery is evident as the forest path crosses the secluded and mostly undeveloped western foothills of Daluantou Mountain. While Daluanwei Mountain lacks original forests, its steeper terrain and status as a water source area result in fewer human disturbances, allowing its natural ecology to be better preserved. Between Daluantou Mountain and Daluanwei Mountain's windward side, strong winds year-round significantly reduce tree height, forming a "wind-swept dwarf forest" consisting of trees like Red Nan and forest Yangtong. The cold temperature effect caused by the northeast monsoon allows plants that typically grow at altitudes of two thousand meters or higher to thrive at altitudes of more than four hundred meters, creating a unique phenomenon of downward plant migration. For example, deciduous plants such as wild duckweed and rattan vines originally from temperate regions thrive here. The summit area features warm temperate broadleaf forests, while the warmer valley below harbors tropical plants like buttressing roots and epiphytic flowers. Combined with the native subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem, these regions condense tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate ecosystems into one area, nurturing a unique and rich compressed ecosystem. Ascending to enjoy the scenery from a height, Daluantou Mountain is the highest peak in the Neihu District, offering absolutely great views. The summit platform presents a vast sight, with observation areas on both sides of the square. On the left, you can see Daluanwei Mountain and Shitou Mountain, while below on the right is Yuanzi Mountain. From here, the magnificent sight of Daluanwei Mountain appears particularly grand, making it seem more significant than just a small mountain over four hundred meters high. To the north, the mountain ranges of the Datun Mountain Range serve as a barrier to Taipei, and the volcanic shape of Shamao Mountain is clearly visible; across the valley lies Pingdengli, formed by lava flows during volcanic eruptions. Walking to the other end, the views of Wuzhi Mountain and the lakes of Neihu Dahu Park beautifully reflect one another, stretching across the Keelung River and the mountain ranges extending from Xizhi to Pingxi, Shizhi, and Keelung. Near the summit of Daluanwei Mountain, not only are there numerous pavilions for rest but also various overlooks. The wide summit platform incorporates a simple observation deck for viewing the scenery of the outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan National Park. Descending a small staircase to a platform near a gazebo presents a different experience. Close to the summit, a large observation platform offers a 360-degree panoramic view, overlooking the undulating Wuzhi Mountain Range and peaks toward the Xizhi direction, creating an exhilarating sense of standing atop a vessel, dominating the area.
