by Christy Chang
Compared to India or Malaysia, Taiwan is relatively a safe place for tourists to sight-see, there are several highly recommended scenic spots in Taipei: Jinguashi Geopark, Yuanshan Scenic Area, and Junjianyan Trail. These attractions are just in the suburbs and can easily be accessed by public transportation. The hiking trails allow people to temporarily get away from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Jinguashi Geopark
Located in Ruifang district, New Taipei City, the Jinguashi Geopark is a beautiful place along the northeastern coastline. Wandering the mines, visitors can see the vestiges of where what?? were extracted in the 1900s. Turning left at the trail guides visitors to the Gold Museum where they can learn more about the history of the Jinguashi mine and even experience the working environment of a miner back in the day. Further along the trail, there’s a secret alley with mysterious rocks scattered on the ground, a small waterfall, and overhanging cliffs. As Jinguashi is famous for rich minerals, remnants of gold mines gleam on the cliff. Tourists are strongly recommended to venture out on the rocks to see where the sea meets the blue sky.
Located in Ruifang district, New Taipei City, the Jinguashi Geopark is a beautiful place along the northeastern coastline. Wandering the mines, visitors can see the vestiges of where what?? were extracted in the 1900s. Turning left at the trail guides visitors to the Gold Museum where they can learn more about the history of the Jinguashi mine and even experience the working environment of a miner back in the day. Further along the trail, there’s a secret alley with mysterious rocks scattered on the ground, a small waterfall, and overhanging cliffs. As Jinguashi is famous for rich minerals, remnants of gold mines gleam on the cliff. Tourists are strongly recommended to venture out on the rocks to see where the sea meets the blue sky.
The hiking trail and natural scenery at Jinguashi Geopark, photograph by Christy Chang
Yuanshan Scenic Area
It’s a ten-minute walk from Jiantan MRT station to get to the entrance of Yuanshan Scenic Area. Steep stone steps in the forest beckon visitors inside.It takes about 50 minutes to climb up to the platform to get to the observation deck where visitors can see Taipei 101 and airplanes passing by. Although the spot is named Yuanshan Scenic Area, the hill is called Jiantan Mountain. Along the hiking trail, there are several public amenities for relaxing. There are badminton courts for a leisurely game and cafés for a nice cup of coffee. The hiking trail also features pillboxes along the way. These military relics on Jiantan mountain are mementoes of how the area used to be a shelter for the president during wartime. As such, visitors can also find a previously-hidden secret command center underground. Eventually visitors will arrive at the “Old Place.” There, a stone inscribed with the shape of Taiwan stands on the platform with a view of the whole of Taipei City. Overall, the trail is not challenging for beginners, so visitors of any level of hiking experience are welcome. |
“Old Place老地方” in Yuanshan Scenic Area, photograph by Christy Chang
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Junjianyan Trail
The entrance of Junjianyan Trail inside National Yang-Ming University is a 10 minute walk from Shipai MRT station. The journey to the summit takes about 15 minutes. “The hiking trail is mostly stone steps, but it is not difficult for kids and the elderly. The rocks you see at Junjianyan contain sand, which is why they are yellow. Tourists should beware of slipping while hiking. However, the scenery and the special landscape are worth a visit,” said Cynthia Liao, a frequent visitor of Junjianyan Trail. Surrounding the trail are towering old-growth trees and exotic plants. From the summit, visitors can see Shipai, Shilin, Sanchong, Wugu, Beitou, among other neighborhoods. It’s also worth mentioning that the shape of the mountain looks like a battleship, and that’s why it’s named “Junjianyan”. It’s hard to imagine that “Junjianyan” is a huge rock that floated up from under the sea 24 million years ago. Junjianyan consists of sandstones and shale, making the grain unique from mountainous regions in Taiwan.
The entrance of Junjianyan Trail inside National Yang-Ming University is a 10 minute walk from Shipai MRT station. The journey to the summit takes about 15 minutes. “The hiking trail is mostly stone steps, but it is not difficult for kids and the elderly. The rocks you see at Junjianyan contain sand, which is why they are yellow. Tourists should beware of slipping while hiking. However, the scenery and the special landscape are worth a visit,” said Cynthia Liao, a frequent visitor of Junjianyan Trail. Surrounding the trail are towering old-growth trees and exotic plants. From the summit, visitors can see Shipai, Shilin, Sanchong, Wugu, Beitou, among other neighborhoods. It’s also worth mentioning that the shape of the mountain looks like a battleship, and that’s why it’s named “Junjianyan”. It’s hard to imagine that “Junjianyan” is a huge rock that floated up from under the sea 24 million years ago. Junjianyan consists of sandstones and shale, making the grain unique from mountainous regions in Taiwan.
As the pandemic rages on in different waves, it seems that people everywhere will have to wear masks and keep a safe distance now and for the upcoming year. This may be frustrating, but moderate exercise and gorgeous natural views can strengthen immune systems and distract from the stresses of the pandemic, respectively. These spots in the nearby mountains may give people a chance to escape from their busy daily lives to find some inner peace.