aeeble

Fongshukeng Mountain Trail is one of the many hiking trails on Taoyuan's Tiger Head Mountain. The trailhead is located at the end of Lane 281, Guangfeng Road, in Fongshu Village. Upon entering, hikers first pass through the side gate of Fongshu Elementary School before continuing uphill along a road adjacent to Fu De Temple. The temple, dedicated primarily to Zhenwu Emperor, is a serene and peaceful site suitable for visits. At the side of the temple lies a straight wooden staircase that serves as the starting point of the Fongshukeng Trail. Continuing uphill along this staircase, hikers soon pass through forested areas into a broad expanse of mugwort grasslands. The best time for viewing these grasslands is in late autumn when the white, fluffy mugwort flowers in full bloom sway gently, creating the illusion of a sea of clouds. This ethereal scenery is widely regarded as the most beautiful in the fall. Besides being visually charming, the elegant mugwort itself plays a vital ecological role. As a pioneer plant that prefers sunlight, mugwort cannot grow under dense tree canopies but thrives only on exposed, sunlit ground. Through its resilient vitality, it protects the land, gripping the soil tightly to prevent landslides caused by wind or heavy rain. Leaving the swaying mugwort grasslands behind, the trail leads to Kuoshan No. 6 pavilion, strategically located at a high vantage point. This pavilion is an ideal spot for enjoying mountain views. From its elevated platform, hikers enjoy panoramic vistas—Fongshu Elementary School below, the dense urban skyline of the foothills, and if fortunate, the distant view of Taipei 101. Around the pavilion, the landscapes include the Tiger Head Mountain and Xinlukeng Mountain. During autumn, the grasslands present an additional romantic spectacle with their seasonal transformations. After leaving the open viewpoint, travelers walk on a broad path of soil and stones. The trail remains smooth and accessible, allowing the natural scenery observed along the way to continue uninterrupted. The horizon teems with far-reaching peaks and nearby green landscapes, offering a relaxing experience of vibrant lush hues. After passing electrical towers and orchards, hikers reach a vast red-dirt plateau called the "Heliport." This area serves as a convergence point for multiple hiking trails. While accommodating helicopter landings, it also becomes a popular base for remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts on weekends. Because it connects intersections of several trails, the routes split off to Tiger Head Environmental Park, Tiger Head Park, and Fongshukeng. Travelers can take a descent via the direction of the 15th electrical tower and revisit No. 6 pavilion and the northern peak of Xinlukeng Mountain, offering beautiful pastoral landscapes. The descent continues with the dazzling latticework roof of the Minglun Sansheng Temple standing out vividly against the lush green mountain scenery, while the European-style architectural landmarks at the mountain’s base are also distinctive. The endpoint of this trail is Fongshu Village, famous for its blooming flower fields. Travelers can enjoy this floral scenery along the way, providing a perfect conclusion to this enjoyable mountain hiking experience.