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Nangang Mountain Range – Nangang Mountain Long Traverse Family-Friendly Hiking Trail
Nangang Mountain is located near the eastern outskirts of the Taipei Basin. Its connection to ridgelines such as those of the Four Beasts Mountains has made it a popular hiking and mountain climbing route. Entry into the trail begins at the Lingyun Temple plaque at the entrance of the Xiangshan Recreational Trail. The path features complete and smooth stone steps alongside trail maps for guidance. The scenery along the course is dominated by acacia forests, and rest pavilions and benches built by early hikers are scattered alongside the route, providing climbers with spaces to rest. This trail connects Xiangshan, Hushan, and the Lishan Bridge trail system seamlessly.
**Nangang Mountain**
Nangang Mountain is situated along the southeastern ridge separating Shinyi District and Nangang District. It is the highest peak in the Nangang Mountain range, marked with a night-light beacon and a third-order triangulation station numbered 695. The ridgeline between Changshou Park and Thumbs Mountain, approximately 196 meters in elevation, features numerous mountain trails and winding paths built for hikers’ convenience. Looking north from the summit, the shorter peaks of Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), Shishan (Lion Mountain), Bao Mountain (Leopard Mountain), and Hushan (Tiger Mountain)—collectively known as the Four Beasts Mountains—are visible in the northwest. Gazing eastward and southward, an endless chain of lush green mountains appears. A towering television broadcast antenna dominates the highest point of Nangang Mountain, rising above the clouds. The mountain’s rugged and varied topography offers a thrilling and interesting climb. One of its peaks is named "95 Peak," commemorating General Yang Sen’s ascent to the summit at the age of 95.
**Thumbs Mountain**
Situated to the southwest of Nangang Mountain, Thumbs Mountain lacks a triangulation benchmark. From afar, the peak resembles a thumb reaching up to the sky, hence its name. If approached from Nangang Mountain’s ridge, the mountain presents a monocline formation; the eastern slope is gentler, while the western slope rises at an approximately 90-degree angle. The route to the top requires an ascent over precipices—a rare challenge among northern suburban mountains. The summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view. On clear days with light winds, the entire Taipei metropolitan area, Guanshan Mountain, Datun Mountain, Xizhi (Stevens), Wulai, and Sanxia regions are all visible.
Thumbs Mountain has been designated a conservation forest since the Japanese colonial era. After long-term preservation and cultivation, the forest remains dense and biodiverse. Representative plant species here include palm trees (screw pines) and water elm trees. Even wild elephant ear plants appear particularly vigorous.
**Eighteen Arhats Cave**
This site features eighteen towering boulders with a dramatic presence, situated within the forested hills of the Chung Hwa Institute of Technology.
From a distance, these rocks resemble seated arhats in varying postures, each with a natural crevice or opening at the center—thus, the name "Eighteen Arhats Cave."
Because the area is currently closed to the public, hikers can only appreciate the view from afar rather than approach up close.
**Enjoying City and Mountain Views**
Walking along ridgelines offers a distinct advantage: the trail remains straightforward, following clearly marked marble plaques labeled “Four Beasts Mountains Trail.” Hikers can confidently avoid getting lost. On holidays, many climbers travel along this route concurrently, all sharing the same goal of reaching 95 Peak.
When weather conditions are clear, the summit of Nangang Mountain offers vast, uninterrupted vistas. Close by, the Four Beasts Mountains—Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), Shishan (Lion Mountain), Bao Mountain (Leopard Mountain), and Hushan (Tiger Mountain)—stretch neatly in sequence. Farther out, the coastal horizon of Guandu and Keelung rivers, as well as the layered peaks of Wuzi Mountain and the Bishan Mountain Range, complement the sprawling mountainous scenery of New Taipei City. This breathtaking expanse of scenery explains why so many hikers visit this trail, specifically to ascend 95 Peak to admire the sunset and night views.
**Viewing Nangang from Thumbs Mountain**
The through-hike of Nangang Mountain also includes the unparalleled panoramic view of Thumbs Mountain. The entirety of Taipei, Guanshan Mountain, Datun Mountain, Bishan Mountain, and even distant regions like Xizhi (Stevens), Muzha, Wulai, and Sanxia become visible from this vantage point. As night falls, the cityscapes of Taipei and Taoyuan can also be seen at your feet.
**Panoramic Vantage Points Along the Way**
Not only is the summit visually rewarding, but the route also includes numerous scenic lookouts, allowing hikers to appreciate the mountain scenery from multiple angles and heights. The expansive stone steps are designed for comfortable hiking, and every few hundred meters, rest pavilions are available for both relaxation and sightseeing.
**Forest Bathing**
Clear views depend on favorable weather, but even on overcast days, the mountain provides a rich experience through its air full of phytoncides and forest bathing. Wandering within a misty forest feels like entering an earthly fairyland.
**The Conservation Forests of Thumbs Mountain**
The forests surrounding Thumbs Mountain were designated as conservation forests by the Japanese colonial authorities a long time ago. With sustained preservation and natural regeneration, the woods are densely forested and rich in biodiversity. The western half of the trail features thick tree canopies, while the eastern half is not far behind in shade coverage. Along the path leading from the Banyan Saddle to the Chung Hwa Institute of Technology, a dense forest emerges from the morning mist, offering an otherworldly dreamlike journey.
Because this area lies in the southeastern part of the mountain range, it receives less influence from northeast monsoon winds. As a result, the forests here appear greener and more humid compared to those on Xiangshan and Hushan. Characteristic plants such as water elm trees bear full fruit, screw pines tower overhead, and even elephant ear plants grow robustly.
**Scenic Footpaths for Refinement and Tranquility**
The natural landscapes of neighboring Xiangshan and Hushan may not match the beauty in this region. As the trail progresses, the surrounding forest appears more diverse and serene beyond the density of Hushan’s trails. Further ahead, a babbling stream joins you on the trip. At the stream’s end, an ancient stone bridge appears, deepening the quiet charm.
After crossing small bridges and streams, could this mean we’re approaching a rural settlement? Indeed, a farmhouse appears beside the trail, followed by a row of palm trees lining the horizon. Just when the trail seems set to lose its charm, a glimpse to the right reveals imposing rocky peaks—dramatically towering and unmistakable.
That, of course, is the famed "Eighteen Arhats Cave," a spectacular feature not to be missed by any hiker treading these leisurely paths.
**Nangang Mountain**
Nangang Mountain is situated along the southeastern ridge separating Shinyi District and Nangang District. It is the highest peak in the Nangang Mountain range, marked with a night-light beacon and a third-order triangulation station numbered 695. The ridgeline between Changshou Park and Thumbs Mountain, approximately 196 meters in elevation, features numerous mountain trails and winding paths built for hikers’ convenience. Looking north from the summit, the shorter peaks of Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), Shishan (Lion Mountain), Bao Mountain (Leopard Mountain), and Hushan (Tiger Mountain)—collectively known as the Four Beasts Mountains—are visible in the northwest. Gazing eastward and southward, an endless chain of lush green mountains appears. A towering television broadcast antenna dominates the highest point of Nangang Mountain, rising above the clouds. The mountain’s rugged and varied topography offers a thrilling and interesting climb. One of its peaks is named "95 Peak," commemorating General Yang Sen’s ascent to the summit at the age of 95.
**Thumbs Mountain**
Situated to the southwest of Nangang Mountain, Thumbs Mountain lacks a triangulation benchmark. From afar, the peak resembles a thumb reaching up to the sky, hence its name. If approached from Nangang Mountain’s ridge, the mountain presents a monocline formation; the eastern slope is gentler, while the western slope rises at an approximately 90-degree angle. The route to the top requires an ascent over precipices—a rare challenge among northern suburban mountains. The summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view. On clear days with light winds, the entire Taipei metropolitan area, Guanshan Mountain, Datun Mountain, Xizhi (Stevens), Wulai, and Sanxia regions are all visible.
Thumbs Mountain has been designated a conservation forest since the Japanese colonial era. After long-term preservation and cultivation, the forest remains dense and biodiverse. Representative plant species here include palm trees (screw pines) and water elm trees. Even wild elephant ear plants appear particularly vigorous.
**Eighteen Arhats Cave**
This site features eighteen towering boulders with a dramatic presence, situated within the forested hills of the Chung Hwa Institute of Technology.
From a distance, these rocks resemble seated arhats in varying postures, each with a natural crevice or opening at the center—thus, the name "Eighteen Arhats Cave."
Because the area is currently closed to the public, hikers can only appreciate the view from afar rather than approach up close.
**Enjoying City and Mountain Views**
Walking along ridgelines offers a distinct advantage: the trail remains straightforward, following clearly marked marble plaques labeled “Four Beasts Mountains Trail.” Hikers can confidently avoid getting lost. On holidays, many climbers travel along this route concurrently, all sharing the same goal of reaching 95 Peak.
When weather conditions are clear, the summit of Nangang Mountain offers vast, uninterrupted vistas. Close by, the Four Beasts Mountains—Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), Shishan (Lion Mountain), Bao Mountain (Leopard Mountain), and Hushan (Tiger Mountain)—stretch neatly in sequence. Farther out, the coastal horizon of Guandu and Keelung rivers, as well as the layered peaks of Wuzi Mountain and the Bishan Mountain Range, complement the sprawling mountainous scenery of New Taipei City. This breathtaking expanse of scenery explains why so many hikers visit this trail, specifically to ascend 95 Peak to admire the sunset and night views.
**Viewing Nangang from Thumbs Mountain**
The through-hike of Nangang Mountain also includes the unparalleled panoramic view of Thumbs Mountain. The entirety of Taipei, Guanshan Mountain, Datun Mountain, Bishan Mountain, and even distant regions like Xizhi (Stevens), Muzha, Wulai, and Sanxia become visible from this vantage point. As night falls, the cityscapes of Taipei and Taoyuan can also be seen at your feet.
**Panoramic Vantage Points Along the Way**
Not only is the summit visually rewarding, but the route also includes numerous scenic lookouts, allowing hikers to appreciate the mountain scenery from multiple angles and heights. The expansive stone steps are designed for comfortable hiking, and every few hundred meters, rest pavilions are available for both relaxation and sightseeing.
**Forest Bathing**
Clear views depend on favorable weather, but even on overcast days, the mountain provides a rich experience through its air full of phytoncides and forest bathing. Wandering within a misty forest feels like entering an earthly fairyland.
**The Conservation Forests of Thumbs Mountain**
The forests surrounding Thumbs Mountain were designated as conservation forests by the Japanese colonial authorities a long time ago. With sustained preservation and natural regeneration, the woods are densely forested and rich in biodiversity. The western half of the trail features thick tree canopies, while the eastern half is not far behind in shade coverage. Along the path leading from the Banyan Saddle to the Chung Hwa Institute of Technology, a dense forest emerges from the morning mist, offering an otherworldly dreamlike journey.
Because this area lies in the southeastern part of the mountain range, it receives less influence from northeast monsoon winds. As a result, the forests here appear greener and more humid compared to those on Xiangshan and Hushan. Characteristic plants such as water elm trees bear full fruit, screw pines tower overhead, and even elephant ear plants grow robustly.
**Scenic Footpaths for Refinement and Tranquility**
The natural landscapes of neighboring Xiangshan and Hushan may not match the beauty in this region. As the trail progresses, the surrounding forest appears more diverse and serene beyond the density of Hushan’s trails. Further ahead, a babbling stream joins you on the trip. At the stream’s end, an ancient stone bridge appears, deepening the quiet charm.
After crossing small bridges and streams, could this mean we’re approaching a rural settlement? Indeed, a farmhouse appears beside the trail, followed by a row of palm trees lining the horizon. Just when the trail seems set to lose its charm, a glimpse to the right reveals imposing rocky peaks—dramatically towering and unmistakable.
That, of course, is the famed "Eighteen Arhats Cave," a spectacular feature not to be missed by any hiker treading these leisurely paths.
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