Erge Mountain System_Immortal's Footprint Rock Hiking Trail

Immortal's Footprint Rock, also known as Xizikou Mountain, is situated in the Jingmei area and offers excellent panoramic views. Legend has it that Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, once left his footprint here, which brought great renown to Immortal's Footprint Rock, attracting curious visitors eager to witness the divine trace. It is also a favored spot for local residents to hike and exercise. Like Qixing Mountain, Immortal's Footprint Rock features a first-order satellite control point. Beginning from the archway at Lane 243, Jingxing Road, Jingmei, you'll ascend the 78-step Longevity Staircase and the 100-step Immortal Ascent Slope. Beyond these, a lush, tree-shaded green trail unfolds. Along the path, the diverse green vegetation, the large Immortal's Footprint Rock at the summit, the health trail, and Xianyan Temple all provide distant views of the Taipei Basin cityscape, creating a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere. The mountain may not be tall, but small and beautiful is just fine. Located in the Jingmei area, Immortal's Footprint Rock is naturally also called 'Jingmei Mountain.' Due to its proximity to the confluence of the Jingmei River and Xindian River, it also bears the nickname 'Xizikou Mountain.' Although its elevation is only 144 meters, it offers expansive views from all directions. Despite its modest size, it boasts a first-order satellite control point, just like Qixing Mountain. Thanks to its open vistas and convenient nearby transportation, a second-order triangulation benchmark for mapping topographical features can also be found near the summit. Immortal's Footprint Rock's gentle slopes make it an accessible 'backyard garden' for local residents and an ideal destination for family hikes. While the initial climb up the 78-step Longevity Staircase and then the 100-step Immortal Ascent Slope requires some effort, the cool mountain breeze from the dense forests on both sides quickly alleviates any fatigue. Afterward, the trail becomes flat and easy to traverse, with several pavilions along the way for resting or enjoying the scenery. By following the newly installed bird-shaped signs, you can complete the entire journey at a leisurely and relaxed pace. Ecological interpretation signs, designed and planned by the Homemakers Union, accompany you throughout the journey, adding an enriching dimension. Simply follow the map to explore the local ecosystem and natural environment during your trip. You can even gain insights into the geology of Immortal's Footprint Rock and the severity of over-cultivation on nearby slopes, enhancing the intellectual aspect of an already enjoyable trail experience. Unintentionally, fundamental ecological knowledge is deeply imprinted in the minds of visiting children, becoming a cherished part of their childhood memories. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter: Enjoyment in All Four Seasons. This is an exceptional outdoor classroom for natural ecology. As the seasons cycle, the vibrant and captivating flora and fauna will undoubtedly make your visit worthwhile. Immortal's Footprint Rock features a complete and self-contained ecological environment. In February, you'll encounter snow-white Datura flowers and crimson Formosan cherry blossoms. The unique, pendulous Datura, with its entire plant containing toxins, is a classic 'admire from a distance' species. Formosan cherry blossoms bloom first in winter, with tender leaves and fruits appearing in spring, often attracting birds and insects during the winter-to-spring transition. After spring, insects such as stag beetles, weevils, and longhorn beetles frequently emerge. The Swinhoe's tree lizard, common in Taiwan, is also a regular sight along the trail. April and May bring the 'May snow' of fluttering tung tree flowers, and among their clusters, you can most easily spot the striking red-shouldered butterfly. From May onward, the sour vine, which enjoys clinging to tree canopies and basking in the sun, blooms with pink flowers, adorning the trees in a pastel coat. The expansive golden-yellow acacia blossom seas also add vibrant colors to the early summer hills. In June, the yellow-stamened white flowers of shell ginger bloom profusely, while fruit-bearing trees include wild longan and paper mulberry. The wild tung flowers along the path attract numerous butterflies, longhorn beetles, and scarab beetles, making this an excellent annual opportunity for close observation of many insects. The artificially cultivated hedge plants in front of the open-view Xianyan Temple, such as balsam and hibiscus, consistently attract a considerable number of swallowtail butterflies to collect nectar. Immortal's Footprint Rock is home to twenty to thirty common butterfly species, creating a lively spectacle of dancing wings. The tirelessly singing 'mating calls' of the Taiwan barbet and Japanese white-eye also join in, along with other frequent avian visitors in the forest like the Chinese bulbul, Hwamei, and Rufous-capped babbler. Red-bellied squirrels, entering their peak breeding season, eagerly search for mates and naturally contribute to nature's symphony. In November, maple leaves tinge the mountain crimson. As late autumn arrives, the abundant vitality of Immortal's Footprint Rock may gradually enter a period of rest and recuperation, but the breathtaking panoramic views from above continue to draw significant crowds. Some suggest that the best time to visit Immortal's Footprint Rock is at dusk; after witnessing a sky full of colorful clouds, the dazzling night view of Taipei City immediately unfolds before your eyes. This small mountain by the Jingmei River is truly remarkable, a perfect example of 'though the sparrow is small, it has all the vital organs' – no wonder it possesses such charm, always bustling with visitors on holidays.