Zhongzhengshan Trail (Datun Mountains)

Zhongzhengshan was originally called Mituoshan (also Shibafenshan or Daganlinshan). It is known for its free-standing shape and the wide views from its summit. Its trails radiate out, with seven trailheads, and the Zhongzhengshan Trail is one of these routes. The trail demands stamina and strong legs, and the viewing tower on the summit has wide-angle views. The trail starts from Dengshan Road and is almost entirely steep stone steps straight up. Hikers need to be prepared, as it is a solid workout for the heart and lungs. As you climb, the whole of urban Beitou and the Keelung River open up below. The rest pavilion and the area in front of the old Dizangwang Temple along the way are places to rest and look over the city. From the summit viewing tower the view is almost unbroken all round: Qixingshan and Shamaoshan, not usually seen so close, are right in front, their ridgelines layered one behind another. Zhongzhengshan is within Yangmingshan National Park and has rich wildlife. Surveys have recorded more than a hundred butterfly species here, a quarter of Taiwan's butterfly species. Swallowtails are often seen flying in groups, and caterpillars can even be found on branches or the ground. In flowering season, golden acacia blossom, azaleas and mountain cherry blossom dot the hills. Along the way there are insects and birds such as the crested serpent eagle (大冠鷲) and Taiwan barbet (五色鳥); in summer, cicadas and katydids; and from winter to early spring, the low mating calls of the Taipei tree frog. On the way back you can take a different route down, following a bamboo path that passes through quiet bamboo groves and joins farm roads in places. This mixed route brings you closer to views of the Guandu Plain and the Tamsui River.

Translated and shortened by DealTaipei from Taiwan's national tourism database. Sources are on the terms page.