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Jinmian Mountain is the southwest ridge of the Wuzi Mountain range, divided into Jinmian Mountain and Xiao Jinmian Mountain. The geological foundation is andesite sandstone, which contains quartz minerals. When sunlight shines on these stones, the mountain peak gleams dazzlingly in the distance, prompting local residents to name it Jinmian Mountain.

Jinmian Mountain Recreational Trail

Jinmian Mountain Recreative Trail lies along Neihu Ring Road near Deming College of Business and Technology. The trail starts with nearly vertical rock walls; the entire route features ancient sandstone steps, rising steeply. Further along, the stone steps are replaced by massive rock walls exceeding 100 meters in diameter. Halfway up, visitors reach an observation platform built from the remnants of a Qing-era stone quarry—an obvious landmark. The summit is an ideal vantage point to enjoy panoramic views of Taipei and the Keelung River basin.

Extending eastward past Xiao Jinmian Mountain, the trail leads to the nearby Jinlong Temple area on Neihu Road, the final stretch of this recreational trail.

Shears Stone Mountain

Located west of the Jinlong Industrial Road in Neihu, Jinmian Mountain is also called Shears Stone Mountain. From Bishanyan’s direction, the peak appears sharp-tipped like a bird's beak. Though its elevation is merely 258 meters, it presents towering alpine grandeur. The valley was once a major stone quarry for Taipei's city construction during the Qing era. Its rugged terrain still bears remnants of quarrying and features jumbled outcrops and soaring rock formations. Standing atop the ridge allows breathtaking views across to Neihu Da-pi (Bishan Reservoir) and台北’s urban skyline, offering an expansive and scenic vantage point.

Remnants of the Qing-stone Quarry

Seemingly an unassuming and even weathered rest shelter on the trail’s midsection, this site is a designated municipal heritage landmark, testifying to the city’s founding history. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, most of the sandstone used to build Taipei’s city walls originated from this exact outcrop stretching from Jinmian to Xiao Jinmian mountains.

Pockmarked with drilling holes and littered with precision-cut stones, the area near the shelter reveals clear traces of the old quarry.

Grandeur That Commands Attention

If you find Taipei’s suburban hiking trails unchallenging and lackluster, it may be because you haven't yet visited Jinmian Mountain. This mountain exudes an alpine presence. Upon entering the trailhead, a vertical cliffside overlooks the stream, setting a rugged tone unlike other outlying hills. The path ascends on narrow sandstone steps barely wide enough for one person. As the trail progresses, large boulders intersperse the path. The gradient increases gradually until the stairway disappears entirely, replaced by immense walls towering over 100 meters in diameter.

What was initially a side feature—the vertical monoliths—now become the main protagonists, blocking the way forward in dramatic fashion. Whether seeking adventure or testing one’s nerve, endurance, and willpower, crossing this natural training zone becomes essential before reaching the summit.

Past this natural trial, hikers reach the "Judgment Pavilion," a resting platform adorned with nature photos. Turning right at the fork leads directly to the summit, entering the domain of Shears Stone. When viewed from Bishanyan in Neihu, the jagged peak resembles a sharp beak, earning the nickname Shears Stone Mountain. The terrain is marked by uneven rock formations, some towering like columns. These massive rock formations clustered atop the mountain are a rare and striking sight.

Unparalleled 360-Degree Views

A visit to Shears Stone is the highlight of climbing Jinmian Mountain. Besides its unique landscape, the area offers exceptional vantage points. Halfway up the trail at the Qing quarry ruins and the stone watchtower platform, views of the Taipei Basin stretch out; the Keelung River is particularly clear and striking.

Surrounding the mountain's peak are mesmerizing panoramic views in all four directions: east to Neihu Da-pi (Bishan Park), north to the hills near Bishan Park and Wuzi Mountain, south to Keelung River, Songshan Airport, Miramar Eye, and Taipei 101 skyscrapers; west to the Taipei Basin and Keelung River. Standing atop the mountain, one can survey the entire Taipei urban landscape, a must for a high vantage.

Now, finding a towering boulder jutting independently from the cliff's edge, one might stretch out arms to meet the wind’s breeze or simply lie back, relaxing from the preceding climb. A few friends seated amidst this expanse of open space can share unreserved conversations, a joy incomparable to sipping afternoon tea in a quiet urban corner.

Convenient Nature Observation

Just beyond Shears Stone, another marvel awaits: glimmering under sunlight, the sandstone ridge appears as if an alpine coastline. This effect stems from quartz minerals within the local andesite sandstone. Originally, local residents were captivated by the glittering peak, naming the mountain "Jinmian"—Gold Face Mountain.

The rocky, boulder-covered terrain must have poor soil quality, compounded by dry climate and wind exposure, making plant survival a challenge. Hardy lineages like Rosy willow herb, euphorbia, small fig-tree, and Nanling yuha stand atop ridgelines, while white ragged-leaved plants and broad leaved trees, such as Cassia javanica, thrive near quarry ruins. Additionally, notable are the Acacia trees present in abundance on Jinmian Mountain.


A notable plateau in the middle of the trail, "Baibai Ping," not only features its namesake Casuarina but also the rare, region-specific spinesleaf cherry (Prunus macrophyllus), found only north of the Keelung River.

Climbing from the entrance to the summit, tree varieties that otherwise loom large in other forests become unexpectedly approachable, their low stature allowing closer observation. Scattered rest亭s along the trail ensure convenient pauses for ecological observation journeys.