Nangang Mountain Range_Hushan (Tiger Mountain) Hiking Trail

Hushan (Tiger Mountain) is one of the foothills within the Four Beasts Mountain Citizens' Forest area. It connects to the Nangang Mountain Range behind it, forming a natural barrier on the southeastern side of Taipei City. With an elevation of 140 meters, its geology is characterized by a Cuesta formation of marine strata, higher in the west and lower in the east, offering expansive views. A sundial is installed at the summit for telling time by the sun. The trail is composed of interbedded blocky sandstone and shale. Due to the Hushan Stream flowing through it, the mountain stream ecosystem is an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife, including fireflies, small green frogs, and ferns. After comprehensive renovation, consolidation, and improved soil and water conservation along the stream banks, the Hushan Stream area has become an excellent place to observe wetland ecology. Interpretation signs and route markers are also placed along the trail, making it a great destination for suburban hiking and ecological observation. Four Beasts Mountain Citizens' Forest: The Four Beasts Mountain Trail within the Four Beasts Mountain Citizens' Forest was renamed the Four Beasts Mountain Citizens' Forest after renovation. It includes four suburban mountains: Hushan (Tiger Mountain), Baoshan (Leopard Mountain), Shishan (Lion Mountain), and Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain). The mountainous area boasts a rich variety of wildlife and bird species, making it a great place for people to enjoy leisure time in the green outdoors. Hushan Stream Ecological Tour: The Hushan Stream, particularly its headwaters and downstream sections, has been specially rehabilitated by the city government's Department of Industrial Development, transforming it into a small garden rich in aquatic ecological landscapes. Visitors can admire various aquatic animals and plants, such as fireflies and tree frogs, from the trees or stream, adding to the joy of hiking. Hushan 120-meter Highland: Named after its elevation, this highland park, characterized by its expansive views and the landmark of a former arsenal, is a place where flowers and trees are neatly arranged, and pavilions provide shade and shelter from rain. It's a popular landmark where hikers often stop to admire the scenery and chat. Four Beasts Plaza and Four Beasts Monument Sculpture: A section of the Hushan Hiking Trail consists of a small path built with eco-friendly materials. Along the way, a platform features a rest plaza and a pavilion. The plaza's landscaping incorporates carved stone pillars depicting the four beasts – tiger, leopard, lion, and elephant – which are quite striking. The environment here is quiet and elegant, making it suitable for leisurely walks, group activities, and recreation. Joyful Journey through the Citizens' Forest: From the MRT, transfer to a bus to "Fude Elementary School." Soon after walking into Fude Street Lane 251, the sign for the hiking corridor will be ahead. Following the sign, turn left onto the uphill path, and the scenery of a tourist destination immediately unfolds – snacks, street vendors, and coffee stalls are all available. If you want to bring some snacks for the road, fragrant braised dishes and vegetarian snacks can also be bought from the side of Cihui Temple. Fortunately, the clear "Four Beasts Mountain Citizens' Forest" sign stands at the trailhead, so even if the hiking route map is overshadowed by the nearby vendors, you won't get lost before entering the forest. Walk uphill along the gentle slope by the stream, weaving through the green trees, and your steps will unconsciously become lighter. Accompanied by the babbling of the stream, the hustle and bustle of worries will be swept away. Once here, please slow down and listen to the precious bird calls and insect chirps, a rare treat in the city. The Hushan Trail is located on the eastern side of the Four Beasts Mountain. Upon reaching Fuxingyuan, the view becomes even more expansive. Overlooking the Taipei Basin, you can see the landscape of Taipei's eastern district and the adjacent Baoshan (Leopard Mountain) in the distance. Looking west from this point, Fengtian Temple is built at the "tiger's head" position, with the mountain ridge line behind it undulating like waves, evoking the image of a crouching tiger ready to pounce. Enjoying the Scenery from Above with the Wind: Because it's adjacent to the Xinyi Planning District, even though Hushan isn't very high (only 140 meters above sea level), Taipei 101 is practically "ever-present" as you walk along the trail. The views are excellent throughout, with no shortage of viewing areas and rest pavilions along the way. Pavilions are most concentrated on the trail from Hushan Peak towards Fengtian Temple. Approaching the Hushan summit, you first see a green-pillared, white-roofed pavilion, followed by the summit observation deck. Standing on the platform and referencing the interpretation sign, you can clearly see the cuesta topography, higher in the west and lower in the east. The mountain breeze blows freely, and accompanied by the open scenery, it's truly refreshing. Continuing forward means "reaching the summit." You'll see a steep slope that descends sharply along the mountainside, appearing somewhat "precarious" when looking down. You'll need to carefully and slowly descend by rope. This steep descent can be considered a small surprise and challenge on the Hushan climb. If you're still a bit shaken after reaching the bottom, there's a pavilion ahead where you can rest and calm your quickened breath. Continue forward to Hushan 120-meter Highland, where the refreshing breeze directs your gaze towards the Xinyi Planning District. The tall and straight silhouette of Taipei 101 is clearly visible ahead, with Songshan and Nangang urban areas to the right. In the distance, there are mountain ranges like Wuzhi Mountain and Qixing Mountain, and even eagles, rarely seen in the city, soar in the sky. Overlooking Taipei's most bustling area from the mountains is a major highlight of this trail. Embrace Mountains and Water for Body and Mind: This route offers diverse and interesting scenery with a wide variety of plant species. Interpretation signs are placed along the trail, allowing you to easily embark on a self-guided ecological tour as you ascend. The initial section of the hiking trail passes through the Hushan Stream, where the mountain stream environment fosters a rich and diverse natural heritage. The valley's topography and humidity are suitable for moisture-loving and shade-tolerant plants like Alocasia odora, and it is also a favorite growing environment for ferns; Hushan alone boasts about 70 species of ferns. The Hushan Stream was originally a natural wild stream. In earlier years, accumulated coal slag posed a risk of collapse, and poor soil and water conservation led to increasingly severe erosion and sedimentation in the streambed. After rehabilitation by the city government's Department of Construction, its original ecology has been restored, and soil and water conservation improved. Taking advantage of the terrain, facilities such as stone bridges, play platforms, water pumps, and a waterfront park have been constructed in the waterside scenic area. Simultaneously, the remnants of coal slag sites have been preserved as excellent examples for ecological education. Near the entrance, an interpretation sign explains how the use of stepped weirs can benefit both ecological conservation and soil and water retention. Explore and Enjoy Fireflies with Family: The Hushan Stream Trail is paved with stone steps, and ornate small railings are installed along the streambanks, complementing the stream's scenery. Today, the Hushan Stream's waters and forests are brimming with vibrant life. After April and May, you can even observe fireflies. In addition to the "native" terrestrial fireflies, such as Luciola cerata and Pyrocoelia rufa, the released aquatic Luciola parvula larvae have successfully bred to the 9th generation. Whether enjoying with family or friends, nighttime firefly viewing is full of fun, and you don't need to travel far; fireflies carrying small lanterns in search of mates are hidden right within Taipei City – a truly charming Hushan Hiking Trail.