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Datun Mountain Range – Zhongyi Mountain Nature Trail

2024-04-11
Zhongyi Hill, also known as Xiaobafufen Hill, features stone steps and lush forest shade as its main attractions. A leisurely climb through the woods for refreshing relaxation offers an ideal aerobic exercise venue.

Zhongyi Hill Nature Trail

The Zhongyi Hill nature trail at the foot of the hill behind the National Taiwan University of the Arts boasts dense tree cover with over 90% shade along the path, presenting an original and quiet trail. This route is an excellent choice for hikers who prefer to avoid direct sunlight, although the trail features numerous stone steps. Especially before reaching the summit, the continuous steep stone steps require sufficient leg strength, physical stamina, and proper breathing control to climb without becoming short of breath or gasping.

Aerobic Hiking for Healthy Beauty

Due to its proximity to the urban area, locals frequently visit this area for exercise training at any time, whether early morning or evening. Even during hot, sunny weekends, the hiking trail remains continuously packed with hikers.

Before reaching the summit, countless ascending stone steps mark the journey. While the trail isn't exceptionally long, climbing up through the steps increases breathing intensity. Particularly the steeper middle and latter sections demand even more careful breath control. Otherwise, you'll inevitably end up panting for air. For the initial stretch, you can branch off into a small side trail through the courtyard of the Hsing Tian Gong Temple building to rest briefly in a pavilion. For the second half, before a trail sign, the stone steps feature wider guardrails suitable for quick resting stops.

When the green handrail appears, you know the summit is nearby. The wide rooftop plateau at the top features rows of benches for resting. If you want to activate all your body cells while oxygen levels are at their peak, you can continue along the stepping-stone path under tree shade to directly stimulate the long-idle circulatory system from the soles of your feet. With this preparation, tackling steeper slopes later will feel effortless.

A walk along Zhongyi Hill trail feels like entering a natural aerobic classroom, revitalizing oxygen-starved body cells while charging up. The best part is – no membership fees are required, and unlike a health club, the trail won't unexpectedly close. All you need to do is start climbing!

Nature's Symphony for a Lifelong Wellness Journey

Heading toward the Hsing Tian Gong Temple along the green trail bordering the MRT track, breathtaking mountain views greet hikers before reaching the main trailhead. The sight of lush hills springing toward the sky naturally uplifts the spirit, making footsteps lighter than usual.

Climbing upward, towering trees like pines and bamboo forests along the route effectively block much of the glaring sunlight. The lively rustling of insects and birdsong in the breeze sound like joyful greetings directed at hikers passing through. Midway on the path, a glance downward offers a view of the Beitou cityscape. The panoramic perspective expands even more at the summit, offering distant views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River. Local hikers recommend the summit of Zhongyi Hill as the finest vantage point for observing Guanyin Mountain’s elegant silhouette, so don’t miss this opportunity.

The flat, wide plateau at the summit sometimes hosts white egrets stopping for rest, their contrasting silhouettes adding charm to the barren reddish soil terrain. After a feeling of suddenly opening vistas on the descent, the trail transforms completely. Here the forest shade grows even denser, obscuring external views and creating a secluded world apart. When moving abruptly from spacious areas into narrow paths, hikers might initially wonder if there is still trail ahead or if they made a wrong turn. Following support ropes along the way guides hikers to an excellent observation point. Pausing on a natural rock platform allows a perfect unobstructed view of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River, directly aligned with the horizon.

Step out of the forest path, and views gradually expand again. In the final stretch, the entire Guandu Plain is fully visible. Along the way, the Beitou MRT power plant and prominent incinerator tower clearly come into focus, concluding today's hiking experience perfectly.
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