Wuzhishan Range_Jiantanshan Hiking Trail

Jiantanshan (Mt. Jiantan), with an elevation of 153 meters, is located in the Yuanshan Scenic Area of Taipei's Shilin District. It is the northern ridge behind the Grand Hotel and the closest small mountain to Taipei's city center. Following the gentle ridge trail, hikers can easily reach other peaks, making it an incredibly accessible and pleasant walk. The entrance to the Jiantanshan Hiking Trail is next to the Jiantan bus stop on Section 4, Zhongshan North Road. This area was once a military restricted zone and protective forest, allowing its natural forest landscape and ecological plant life to be remarkably well-preserved. Many artificially planted vegetations and economic plants line both sides of the trail, filling it with vibrant green charm. This trail has become a popular spot for citizens' morning exercises, with the 'Old Place' on the ridge being a well-known fitness hub. Along the trail, you can enjoy views of the Grand Hotel and the Keelung River Riverside Park. The trail's end is at Lane 165, Tongbei Street, and the intersection of Bei'an Road in Dazhi, making it a gentle and easy suburban trail. The beauty of Jiantanshan intensifies at night. The popularity of the Jiantanshan Hiking Trail's night views has always been high, and for good reason. From its vantage points, you can admire the dazzling lights of the bustling city and occasionally spot airplanes flying low across the starry sky, always exciting hikers and providing a delightful topic of conversation. Combined with the delicious street food of Shilin Night Market, the number of people exploring and hiking here at night often surpasses those who come during the day or morning. This is likely why it becomes more beautiful and lively as the night progresses! **The Heart of Taipei, Embracing Mountains and Forests** Hiking is truly not difficult at all, especially starting with Jiantanshan. From MRT Jiantan Station, you can easily find the trailhead. If you're taking the bus, the entrance is right next to the Jiantan bus stop. A gentle climb will lead you into the verdant mountains and forests. Along the way, you'll see numerous rest areas and pavilions lining the trail, allowing you to stop and start as you please, completing your first trail experience in no time. Jiantanshan is the closest small mountain to the city center, and you are surely familiar with it. Whether you're taking the MRT Tamsui Line towards Tamsui or entering Taipei city from the freeway, catching a glimpse of the magnificent Grand Hotel nestled on a hilltop, that continuous stretch of lush green mountains is Jiantanshan. Because this area was formerly a military restricted zone and protective forest, its natural forest landscape has been preserved, with dense forests covering the entire trail. Trees grow undisturbed, showcasing their most beautiful forms, and the species living within them can thrive freely. Look up, and you might spot squirrels leaping through the trees, while the five-colored bird (Taiwan Barbet) with its colorful plumage and the small, emerald-green Japanese White-eye are also common birds here. Although the original forest has changed due to human development after the lifting of military restrictions, with many artificially planted ornamental or economic plants now seen along the trail, the charm of the lush green mountain path remains. Jiantanshan has now become one of Taipei citizens' important venues for morning fitness activities, and the 'Old Place' on the ridge is a familiar fitness hub. Along the trail, an astonishing number of early bird clubs, hiking clubs, and badminton clubs line both sides, creating a spectacular sight, akin to an urban park set within the mountains, or even a 'living room' for the public. Senior citizens treat it as a KTV club, with some enthusiastically singing karaoke, while others play mahjong. Of course, chatting and having tea are also common activities. After becoming 'people-friendly', Jiantanshan has become incredibly lively. **As High as the Sky, Embracing Beautiful Scenery** Walking forward amidst a chorus of songs is an unforgettable hiking experience. Compared to the incessant chirping of cicadas on the trail, one wonders which 'army' will prevail, the east or the west? Setting such curiosities aside, don't forget to climb high and take in the magnificent surrounding scenery. One of the delightful aspects of hiking Jiantanshan is being able to stand on the mountain, feel the breeze, and watch airplanes take off and land. Towards Shih Chien University, there's a viewing area that hikers call 'Guangjiping' (Aircraft Viewing Platform), offering an expansive and unobstructed view that will surely satisfy you. If you head towards the wooden boardwalk near the summit, the views become even richer. The visual focal points that come into view are the distinctively shaped Dazhi Bridge and the prominent Taipei 101 skyscraper. The panoramic view of Dajia Riverside Park is fully visible here: the green spaces of the riverside park formed after the straightening of the Keelung River, the 'Fountain of Hope' that sprays water for half an hour every hour, Taipei's first cable-stayed bridge, the 'Dazhi Bridge', and the command stage and surrounding plaza for annual dragon boat races. Stopping to admire the view instantly brings a sense of refreshment. Of course, the Grand Hotel, a focal point for people day and night, is also an unmissable spot for enjoying the scenery. The popularity of the night views here has always been high, and it certainly has its unique charm. Looking forward from the hills behind the hotel, you can gaze across Taipei City. To the left, you can see the riverside park fountain and the green riverbanks. To the right, the shimmering surface of the Keelung River is faintly visible, and further in the distance, Guanyinshan (Mt. Guanyin). Simultaneously enjoying the bustling city lights and the hazy, serene nightscape, if an airplane happens to fly across the starry sky, it's a unique and private view unmatched elsewhere. After such a short journey, you can feast your eyes on such dazzling and rich beautiful scenery, how can you bear to stay at home?