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Datun Mountains - Zhongzheng Mountain Nature Trail
Zhongzheng Mountain, originally named Mituo Mountain, was also known as Shiba-fen Mountain or Daganlin Mountain before being renamed Zhongzheng Mountain in honor of President Chiang Kai-shek. With seven trailhead accesses, the mountain connects a network of trails that radiate outward, forming an independent, panoramic summit that offers one of the best views in the area, making it uniquely notable.
Zhongzheng Mountain Hiking Trail
This trail ascends almost entirely via steep steps that climb directly to the summit. Hikers should prepare physically, particularly ensuring sufficient heart and lung capacity to endure the climb. Although the ascent is physically demanding, the panoramic views of Beitou Town and the Keelung River from the climb provide a rewarding experience, attracting many hikers to tackle this route.
The sight from the summit's observation pavilion is always astonishing. The easily overlooked Seven Star Mountain and Shaobao Mountain are within clear view, offering a rare, layered ridge-line spectacle that is visually striking.
Butterflies and Floral Seas: An Alternative Ecological View
The Zhongzheng Mountain Hiking Trail falls within the Yangmingshan National Park. Walking through the trail, hikers occasionally encounter swarms of swallowtail butterflies. Studies show over a hundred butterfly species inhabit the area, approximately a quarter of all butterfly species in Taiwan. Caterpillar (larval stages) traces are frequently seen on the ground or in tree canopies, making this an uncommonly fascinating site. During the flowering season, the mountain pass is dotted with golden Acacia blossoms, while Rhododendrons, Cherry Blossoms, and other flowers also bloom abundantly.
Exploring the Bamboo Gorge
Standing in the Beitou urban area or gazing uphill from Longfeng Gorge, the Chinese characters "Zhongzheng," meticulously pruned among the trees, become clearly visible. Originally named Mituo Mountain or Daganlin Mountain, Zhongzheng Mountain is home to Fafu Temple and Daci Temple. The name was changed later to commemorate President Chiang.
Mentioning "Zhongzheng" often evokes reverence. Indeed, the trail climbs almost entirely via steep stone steps, requiring hikers to mentally prepare and maintain a resilient posture as they tackle the ascent. As such, it serves as an excellent site for training endurance and leg strength before tackling higher mountains.
The uphill stretch inevitably demands physical exertion. Non-regular hikers can pause at rest pavilions along the route for a breather while enjoying the view of Beitou Town. Before reaching the summit, vantage points by the pathways, such as near the old Dizang Temple, offer excellent spots for observing Beitou and the Keelung River. With a final push, hikers will reach the observation pavilion’s benches to rest fully.
The plateau at the summit, though not particularly wide, becomes immensely satisfying when reaching the designated observation pavilion—a moment that often elicits exclamation. Disregard the refreshing cool mountain breeze for a moment; the 360-degree panoramic view reveals the seldom-near-upclose outlines of Seven Star Mountain and Shaobao Mountain. Nearby, Beitou’s iconic Dragon and Phoenix Gorge lies at the mountain’s foot, while further away, the Keelung River winds toward the Tamsui River's mouth. The Tamsui River flows along with the nearby Beishan Mountain, creating layered natural vistas.
The return journey allows an even "closer" view of the Beitou MRT Airport, the painted Beitou Incineration Tower, the grassy Gandu Plain, and the opposite view of Beishan Mountain across the Tamsui River. For those desiring more visual proximity, the final downhill stretch can alternate between the bamboo path and brief sections on an industrial road, adopting a mixed approach of footpaths and roads for a more immersive scenic experience and added variety to the trip.
Strolling through Butterfly-Shadows and Floral Seas
Though the trail is predominantly flanked by bamboo groves and agricultural landscapes, during the warm spring when flowers bloom, both uphill near the Dizang Temple or on the downhill path, golden Acacia blossoms fall gracefully along the path, as if scattering silky golden petals to create a soft carpet for hikers. Even after the Yangmingshan blossom season has passed, the interplay between the golden Acacia and green bamboo creates a serene and unique aesthetic.
Given its inclusion in the Yangmingshan National Park, the occasional sight of fluttering butterflies is not unusual. With over 100 species, a quarter of Taiwan’s butterfly population inhabits this region, making caterpillars easily observable both on the ground and in midair. Observers are likely to encounter caterpillars casually hanging in the air, a sight that is both fascinating and charming.
In this area, the vitality of caterpillars is evident, but a closer look reveals even more. Even the ground-dwelling ants and reptiles appear unusually robust. In sunny conditions at open vistas, one might spot the silhouette of a Crested Serpent Eagle, Black-billed Magpie, White-eared Pheasant, or the Five-Colored Bird. Even when these animals are absent, their melodies of diverse bird songs often accompany the journey, rendering solo hikes never lonely.
During summer, the natural symphony on the trail expands to include cicada calls, grasshoppers, and cricket chirps. In winter and early spring, Taibei tree frogs take over the "night shift," offering a deep, low croak—an ancient signal of the male frogs’ mating calls. Thus, the mountain resonates with an entirely different composition in these seasons.
Zhongzheng Mountain Hiking Trail
This trail ascends almost entirely via steep steps that climb directly to the summit. Hikers should prepare physically, particularly ensuring sufficient heart and lung capacity to endure the climb. Although the ascent is physically demanding, the panoramic views of Beitou Town and the Keelung River from the climb provide a rewarding experience, attracting many hikers to tackle this route.
The sight from the summit's observation pavilion is always astonishing. The easily overlooked Seven Star Mountain and Shaobao Mountain are within clear view, offering a rare, layered ridge-line spectacle that is visually striking.
Butterflies and Floral Seas: An Alternative Ecological View
The Zhongzheng Mountain Hiking Trail falls within the Yangmingshan National Park. Walking through the trail, hikers occasionally encounter swarms of swallowtail butterflies. Studies show over a hundred butterfly species inhabit the area, approximately a quarter of all butterfly species in Taiwan. Caterpillar (larval stages) traces are frequently seen on the ground or in tree canopies, making this an uncommonly fascinating site. During the flowering season, the mountain pass is dotted with golden Acacia blossoms, while Rhododendrons, Cherry Blossoms, and other flowers also bloom abundantly.
Exploring the Bamboo Gorge
Standing in the Beitou urban area or gazing uphill from Longfeng Gorge, the Chinese characters "Zhongzheng," meticulously pruned among the trees, become clearly visible. Originally named Mituo Mountain or Daganlin Mountain, Zhongzheng Mountain is home to Fafu Temple and Daci Temple. The name was changed later to commemorate President Chiang.
Mentioning "Zhongzheng" often evokes reverence. Indeed, the trail climbs almost entirely via steep stone steps, requiring hikers to mentally prepare and maintain a resilient posture as they tackle the ascent. As such, it serves as an excellent site for training endurance and leg strength before tackling higher mountains.
The uphill stretch inevitably demands physical exertion. Non-regular hikers can pause at rest pavilions along the route for a breather while enjoying the view of Beitou Town. Before reaching the summit, vantage points by the pathways, such as near the old Dizang Temple, offer excellent spots for observing Beitou and the Keelung River. With a final push, hikers will reach the observation pavilion’s benches to rest fully.
The plateau at the summit, though not particularly wide, becomes immensely satisfying when reaching the designated observation pavilion—a moment that often elicits exclamation. Disregard the refreshing cool mountain breeze for a moment; the 360-degree panoramic view reveals the seldom-near-upclose outlines of Seven Star Mountain and Shaobao Mountain. Nearby, Beitou’s iconic Dragon and Phoenix Gorge lies at the mountain’s foot, while further away, the Keelung River winds toward the Tamsui River's mouth. The Tamsui River flows along with the nearby Beishan Mountain, creating layered natural vistas.
The return journey allows an even "closer" view of the Beitou MRT Airport, the painted Beitou Incineration Tower, the grassy Gandu Plain, and the opposite view of Beishan Mountain across the Tamsui River. For those desiring more visual proximity, the final downhill stretch can alternate between the bamboo path and brief sections on an industrial road, adopting a mixed approach of footpaths and roads for a more immersive scenic experience and added variety to the trip.
Strolling through Butterfly-Shadows and Floral Seas
Though the trail is predominantly flanked by bamboo groves and agricultural landscapes, during the warm spring when flowers bloom, both uphill near the Dizang Temple or on the downhill path, golden Acacia blossoms fall gracefully along the path, as if scattering silky golden petals to create a soft carpet for hikers. Even after the Yangmingshan blossom season has passed, the interplay between the golden Acacia and green bamboo creates a serene and unique aesthetic.
Given its inclusion in the Yangmingshan National Park, the occasional sight of fluttering butterflies is not unusual. With over 100 species, a quarter of Taiwan’s butterfly population inhabits this region, making caterpillars easily observable both on the ground and in midair. Observers are likely to encounter caterpillars casually hanging in the air, a sight that is both fascinating and charming.
In this area, the vitality of caterpillars is evident, but a closer look reveals even more. Even the ground-dwelling ants and reptiles appear unusually robust. In sunny conditions at open vistas, one might spot the silhouette of a Crested Serpent Eagle, Black-billed Magpie, White-eared Pheasant, or the Five-Colored Bird. Even when these animals are absent, their melodies of diverse bird songs often accompany the journey, rendering solo hikes never lonely.
During summer, the natural symphony on the trail expands to include cicada calls, grasshoppers, and cricket chirps. In winter and early spring, Taibei tree frogs take over the "night shift," offering a deep, low croak—an ancient signal of the male frogs’ mating calls. Thus, the mountain resonates with an entirely different composition in these seasons.
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