Nangang Mountain System_Xiangshan Hiking Trail

Mount Xiang (Elephant Mountain) has an elevation of 183 meters. The trail is 1450 meters long and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. It is named for its elephant-head-like shape and is located in Xinyi District, southeast of the Taipei Basin. Like Mount Hushan, its geology is primarily composed of sandstone. Due to orogenic processes, steep yellowish-brown rock faces and massive boulders can be seen along the trail. Coupled with the diverse array of flora, fauna, and bird species in its natural environment, the entire mountain resembles a natural ecological paradise, making it an excellent destination for people to enjoy the foothills and leisure time amidst the outdoor greenery. Xiangshan boasts various microenvironments such as ridges, rock faces, slopes, depressions, and valleys, thus fostering dozens of fern species. Ferns are ubiquitous on Xiangshan; some cling to tree trunks, others grow on rocks and slopes, and some densely cover the damp forest floor. Among them, the golden-haired fern (Cibotium barometz) has a large population, ranking highest in Taipei City in terms of numbers. In times when medicine was not well-developed, it was considered the best folk remedy for stopping bleeding. Furthermore, in open, sunny, and moist hollows, one can find the ancient tree fern 'Cyathea lepifera', which has existed since the Jurassic period. The clustered presence of these tree ferns is Taipei City's most precious ecological feature, as this phenomenon of tree ferns growing in groups can only be observed in northern Taiwan worldwide. Xiangshan is the highest point in the Four Beasts Mountain trail system. With no obstructions in front, the panoramic view from its heights is expansive. Not only is the Xinyi commercial district fully visible—with prominent buildings like Taipei 101, the World Trade Center, Warner Village Cinemas, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi clearly distinguishable—but the entire Taipei Basin scenery also stretches out before your eyes. Its tail ridge extends into Zhongqiang Park in Xinyi District, making it an ideal spot for local residents to take morning and evening strolls, and a green zone for mountain-loving people to relax and unwind on holidays. The unique landscape of numerous massive boulders on Xiangshan, known as 'Six Giant Rocks,' is also called Laolai Gorge. From here, climbing the giant rocks offers a panoramic view of the bustling Xinyi commercial district, making it a popular photo spot. Ascending in the early morning allows you to admire Taipei 101 as it awakens in the dawn light. In the evening, you can enjoy the urban high-rises of Xinyi District, and as the sunset glow fades and city lights begin to twinkle, the nightscape is truly brilliant and dazzling. Yixian Pavilion (Xiangshan Peak) is located on a platform at the end of the trail next to the hexagonal pavilion on Xiangshan Peak. It offers excellent panoramic views, allowing visitors to appreciate the full appearance of Xiangshan, especially the 'elephant head' and 'elephant trunk' features, which are quite vivid. The 'bridge of the nose' area is Yongchun High School, while the long 'elephant trunk' is the ridge extending into the platform between Songshan Road and Songde Branch of Taipei City Hospital. Near the Songde Branch of Taipei City Hospital along the Xiangshan Hiking Trail, there is a stop called 'A Thread of Sky' (Yixiantian). It is named this because the ridgelines of the two cliffs are very close, with towering rock faces protruding and obscuring the sky, so hikers looking up from the trail see only a narrow, thin sliver of sky between the cliff walls. As for the best spot to overlook the Taipei Basin, it is naturally 'Chaoran Pavilion,' located on the ridge with an open view. It earns its 'Chaoran' (transcendent) name because the view from here surpasses all other pavilions on Xiangshan. Standing on Chaoran Pavilion's platform, one can see the Xinyi Special District down below, and in the distance, sights such as Yuanshan, Beitou Incinerator, Mount Guanyin, and various attractions of the Datun Volcano Group. Whether it's for New Year's Eve or National Day fireworks displays, many people specifically come here to watch the fireworks burst, truly showcasing its charm. Around the stairs of Boulder Park, there is a massive boulder with man-made stone steps carved into it. One can climb these steps to gaze upon the Taipei Basin. As you continue along the path, from the left mountainside and ridge down to the right mountainside, you can enjoy the beauty of the Taipei Basin from various angles, revealing all of Xiangshan's charm. Interpretive signs are placed along the entire trail, guiding visitors to understand the characteristics of the entire mountain. Thus, this is also one of the most popular natural classrooms. You won't lack for ecological guidance along the way; simply follow the signs and maps, and you can be your own mountain forest guide. In the humid environment, the snail population is also quite remarkable, with species like Svenho's Giant Snail and pipe snails visible almost throughout the entire mountain area. This area is originally a low-altitude primary broadleaf forest, rich in diverse ecology and lush greenery, with many more surprises awaiting your slow discovery! After ascending Xiangshan, if you have ample energy or wish to stretch your muscles, there are many fitness facilities along both sides of the trail designed to enhance physical strength and lung capacity. You'll see people taking a break and exercising at Yixian Pavilion at the peak, with energetic children running around. It combines exercise and leisure, making it very suitable for family activities.