aeeble
Erkeshan Mountain Range - Xianjiyang Immortal Rock Trail
Xianjieshan Rocks are located in the Jingmei area, also known as Xizikou Hill, with outstanding panoramic views. According to legend, Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals of Chinese mythology, once visited this place and left behind a footprint, which boosted the site's popularity. Curious sightseers often come to witness this miracle, and the area has become a local favorite for hiking. Like Qizhishan, Xianjieshan has a level-one satellite control point and is situated along the path of Jinggaixing Road. Ascend past the 78-step Longevity Stairs and 100-step Path to Immortality, where a shady green trail is shaded heavily by foliage. Abundant green vegetation borders the path, while both the giant boulder of Xianjieshan, the adjacent Health Trail, and Xianyanshi Shrine offer distant views of Taipei's basin scenery, presenting a serene and pleasant atmosphere.
A little height goes a long way—small and beautiful is preferable.
Xianjieshan is located in Jingmei, so the hill is naturally known as Jingmei Hill. Furthermore, because it lies near the confluence of Jingmei Creek and Xindian Creek, it also carries another nickname, Xizikou Hill. Though its elevation is only 144 meters, the surrounding views make up for it. Do not underestimate this small hill—it, like Qizhishan, has a first-grade satellite control point. Its open vistas, coupled with convenient nearby transportation, make it a prime location for topographic mapping. There's even a second-order triangulation point benchmark located nearby.
The low elevation of Xianjieshan makes it a friendly "backyard" for local residents. With family-friendly hiking suitable for all to enjoy, the initial effort of climbing the 78-step Longevity Stairs and then the 100-step Path to Immortality is quickly rewarded: cool mountain winds from the dense forest lining both sides of the trail will quickly vanish any fatigue. The trail continues gently and easily after this, with several rest pavilions placed along the route for sightseeing and relaxation. Following the freshly installed bird-shaped signage makes a leisurely, effortless journey all the way to the summit.
Explanation panels on ecology, designed by the Women's Alliance, accompany the entire route, enhancing the attractiveness of this hike. Simply follow the signs and explore fascinating insights about this area's ecological characteristics and natural environment. Even clues about the geology of Xianjieshan and the serious consequences of land encroachment in the surrounding slopes can be discovered. This leisurely trail journey becomes a source of intellectual stimulation. Educational ecological knowledge subtly imprints itself on the minds of visiting children, becoming rich childhood memories.
Four seasons, ever-changing beauty.
Xianjieshan provides an ideal outdoor classroom for natural observation. The changing seasons bring diverse and spectacular flora and fauna, making this an unforgettable experience.
The ecosystem around Xianjieshan is independent and intact. In February, pure white Datura flowers and red Prunus hillior blooms appear. The hanging Datura flowers boast a unique posture with the entire plant toxic, a clear warning of its nature. Prunus hillior blooms during winter, followed in spring by growth of tender leaves and fruits, attracting numerous birds and insects during the transition between winter and spring. Starting from spring, insects such as the Blaps beetle, long-horned beetle, and jewel longhorn appear. The widely distributed Skinks also often appear near the trail.
May and June bring the flying white flowers of the Erythrina tree, with bright red-hind winged butterflies often spotted among the blossoms. From May onwards, the Erythrina tree blooms pink flowers to drape tree branches with a colorful coat, while the vibrant yellow flowers of the Acacia further spice up the landscape with color in early summer. In June, Wistaria trees, with their prominent yellow stamens and white petals, bloom; their fruits, like those of the Schefflera octophylla and Broussonetia papyrifera trees, provide food for local wildlife. The wild cotton trees also attract many species of butterflies, jewel longhorns, and dynastes hercules beetles—an ideal opportunity for up-close insect observation once a year.
The well-manicured garden at Xianyanshi Temple, located just below the summit, features ornamental plants like Impatiens and Hibiscus. These plants attract a substantial number of swallowtail butterflies forage for pollen. Over twenty kinds of butterflies are commonly seen in Xianjieshan, creating a lively, dance-like atmosphere with fluttering wings. Busy lovebirds and green-backed tits are not absent either. White-crested lafittings and warblers like the brown shrike and the rufous-backed thrush also occasionally forage in the forest. During mating season, the red-bellied tree shrew eagerly joins the natural orchestra as well.
Red foliage blankets mountain tops in November, with the weather shifting deep into autumn. While Xianjieshan gradually winds down its vibrant vitality, the open views continue to draw crowds. Some argue that the best time to visit Xianjieshan is during dusk after viewing the colorful sky. Immediately after, the dazzling night view of Taipei City appears before eyes like a sparkling jewel. Located on the banks of Jingmei Creek, this small hill never fails to amaze. With everything from ecological educational values to panoramic scenery of urban skyline, the phrase "The sparrow may be small, but its internal organs are complete" is the perfect fit for this tiny gem. It is no wonder the site is so full of charm and always packed with visitors on weekends.
A little height goes a long way—small and beautiful is preferable.
Xianjieshan is located in Jingmei, so the hill is naturally known as Jingmei Hill. Furthermore, because it lies near the confluence of Jingmei Creek and Xindian Creek, it also carries another nickname, Xizikou Hill. Though its elevation is only 144 meters, the surrounding views make up for it. Do not underestimate this small hill—it, like Qizhishan, has a first-grade satellite control point. Its open vistas, coupled with convenient nearby transportation, make it a prime location for topographic mapping. There's even a second-order triangulation point benchmark located nearby.
The low elevation of Xianjieshan makes it a friendly "backyard" for local residents. With family-friendly hiking suitable for all to enjoy, the initial effort of climbing the 78-step Longevity Stairs and then the 100-step Path to Immortality is quickly rewarded: cool mountain winds from the dense forest lining both sides of the trail will quickly vanish any fatigue. The trail continues gently and easily after this, with several rest pavilions placed along the route for sightseeing and relaxation. Following the freshly installed bird-shaped signage makes a leisurely, effortless journey all the way to the summit.
Explanation panels on ecology, designed by the Women's Alliance, accompany the entire route, enhancing the attractiveness of this hike. Simply follow the signs and explore fascinating insights about this area's ecological characteristics and natural environment. Even clues about the geology of Xianjieshan and the serious consequences of land encroachment in the surrounding slopes can be discovered. This leisurely trail journey becomes a source of intellectual stimulation. Educational ecological knowledge subtly imprints itself on the minds of visiting children, becoming rich childhood memories.
Four seasons, ever-changing beauty.
Xianjieshan provides an ideal outdoor classroom for natural observation. The changing seasons bring diverse and spectacular flora and fauna, making this an unforgettable experience.
The ecosystem around Xianjieshan is independent and intact. In February, pure white Datura flowers and red Prunus hillior blooms appear. The hanging Datura flowers boast a unique posture with the entire plant toxic, a clear warning of its nature. Prunus hillior blooms during winter, followed in spring by growth of tender leaves and fruits, attracting numerous birds and insects during the transition between winter and spring. Starting from spring, insects such as the Blaps beetle, long-horned beetle, and jewel longhorn appear. The widely distributed Skinks also often appear near the trail.
May and June bring the flying white flowers of the Erythrina tree, with bright red-hind winged butterflies often spotted among the blossoms. From May onwards, the Erythrina tree blooms pink flowers to drape tree branches with a colorful coat, while the vibrant yellow flowers of the Acacia further spice up the landscape with color in early summer. In June, Wistaria trees, with their prominent yellow stamens and white petals, bloom; their fruits, like those of the Schefflera octophylla and Broussonetia papyrifera trees, provide food for local wildlife. The wild cotton trees also attract many species of butterflies, jewel longhorns, and dynastes hercules beetles—an ideal opportunity for up-close insect observation once a year.
The well-manicured garden at Xianyanshi Temple, located just below the summit, features ornamental plants like Impatiens and Hibiscus. These plants attract a substantial number of swallowtail butterflies forage for pollen. Over twenty kinds of butterflies are commonly seen in Xianjieshan, creating a lively, dance-like atmosphere with fluttering wings. Busy lovebirds and green-backed tits are not absent either. White-crested lafittings and warblers like the brown shrike and the rufous-backed thrush also occasionally forage in the forest. During mating season, the red-bellied tree shrew eagerly joins the natural orchestra as well.
Red foliage blankets mountain tops in November, with the weather shifting deep into autumn. While Xianjieshan gradually winds down its vibrant vitality, the open views continue to draw crowds. Some argue that the best time to visit Xianjieshan is during dusk after viewing the colorful sky. Immediately after, the dazzling night view of Taipei City appears before eyes like a sparkling jewel. Located on the banks of Jingmei Creek, this small hill never fails to amaze. With everything from ecological educational values to panoramic scenery of urban skyline, the phrase "The sparrow may be small, but its internal organs are complete" is the perfect fit for this tiny gem. It is no wonder the site is so full of charm and always packed with visitors on weekends.
Images
Ratings
Related Lists
🖼️
🖼️
🖼️
🖼️
Comments