Datun Mountain Range_Zhongyi Mountain Hiking Trail

The Zhongyi Mountain Hiking Trail, hidden behind Taipei National University of the Arts and also known as Little Balifen Mountain, is an excellent natural aerobic venue. Its most significant feature is its nearly 90% tree cover, so even on hot summer days, climbing the stone steps here offers a cool experience, making it the best choice for hikers who want to avoid the sun. However, this trail is challenging, almost entirely made up of stone steps, and the continuous steep ascent before reaching the summit is a considerable test of leg strength and stamina. When climbing, you must properly regulate your breathing rhythm, otherwise, you can easily become out of breath. If you need to rest, in the first half you can detour to the pavilion in the backyard of Xingtian Temple, and in the second half, you can use the wider stone stair railings to pause briefly. When you see green railings, the spacious platform at the summit is not far. After reaching the summit, in addition to benches, you can also walk on the pebble path to stimulate circulation. The views here are excellent, lauded as the most beautiful angle to appreciate the form of Mount Guanyin, with the scenery of the Tamsui River also fully visible, and sometimes little egrets can be seen stopping on the flat plateau. The path down the mountain becomes narrow and tranquil, with denser tree cover, giving a feeling of being secluded from the world. Along the way, guided by ropes, you will reach another viewpoint directly facing Mount Guanyin and the Tamsui River. Towards the end of the trail, Guandu Plain, Beitou MRT maintenance depot, and the incineration plant's tall tower will clearly come into view, providing a perfect conclusion to this journey.