This walk—or some variation of it—is by now the walk I have done most often. In the years that I’ve lived within walking distance of one of the trailheads for this trail network, I must have walked part of this route at least once a week on average, possibly more. How lucky I am to live so close to one of Taipei’s top-rated walks?! When I say top-rated, I mean it has been voted one of the top 100 walks in Taiwan by users of the popular Hiking Notes app (健走筆記), and I can understand why. The trail has some outstanding views of Taipei City, and the part-scrambling type of walking means that it is physically fun as well as visually enjoyable. There are several different variations of this walk already written on this site, but this particular one documents the version of the trail listed as one of Taipei’s best walks on the app. People who enjoy such things can use the app to collect virtual digital gemstones as they walk the route.
DISTANCE: About 1.6 km
TIME: 1- 1½ hours
TOTAL ASCENT: About 230 metres.
DIFFICULTY (REGULAR TAIWAN HIKERS): 3/10 – There are some steep slopes both on the way up and way down that require care. That said, I find it really hard to put an accurate rating on the difficulty level of this trail because it is so familiar to me that I know where to put each foot through muscle memory.
DIFFICULTY (NEW HIKERS): 4-5/10 – The steep climbs are a little exciting for people unfamiliar with Taiwan’s hiking trails, but there are railings to guide and assist you.
SIGNAGE: There is relatively good signage for this trail (as long as you know where you’re trying to get to).
FOOD AND WATER: This is a short walk, so a single 0.5L bottle is enough.
SHADE: The lower section of the walk is shaded, but the steep scramble to the top is completely exposed.
MOBILE NETWORK: Very clear throughout.
ENJOYMENT: This is a gem of a walk. It’s short but ever so sweet. The climbing is fun and the views are good.
SOLO HIKE-ABILITY: This is a busy trail, so even if you’re solo, you won’t be alone.
OTHER: The summit is a great spot to catch the sunrise (or sunset).
ROUTE TYPE: Lollipop loop.
PERMIT: None needed.
Jump to the bottom of this post for a trail map and GPX file.
DIRECTIONS:
The walk starts at the end of Lane 136, Section 1, Huanshan Road. This residential cul-de-sac terminates at a small park, and from here, steps lead up past a pavilion to the trail network.
Just beyond the pavilion, the path splits in two. The trail loops back to this spot, so you can choose to go either way, but I advise taking the right-hand trail to make an anti-clockwise loop so that you’re going up rather than down the very steepest section.
If you take the right-hand trail, you’ll find yourself climbing up steps made from wooden boards and compacted earth. They’re steep but nothing too challenging.
Follow the steps up to this junction then take a left turn and continue uphill. (Heading right would take you down to the Zhuyue Temple trailhead.)
The walk climbs to an open-sided shelter, then passes another trail joining from the left.
But if you keep heading straight up, you’ll soon find yourself climbing the exposed section of rockface that this route is famous for.
Despite the steepness and dramatic appearance, it doesn’t feel too difficult and doesn’t really pose any risk. There’s a railing and there are steps cut into the rock to make things easier. It’s also worth noting that you absolutely have to stop and turn around to enjoy the view because it’s really pretty.
Keep heading upwards and you’ll soon arrive at a junction. Later, the route will double back to this spot and take the alternative trail heading down to the left, but first, turn right and head uphill for another couple of minutes. Walk up past the viewing pavilion and bear right following signs to the summit of Scissors Rock (剪刀石)
A short section of rocky trail leads towards the huge rock pile that marks the top of this trail.
The views from up here are exceptional. I have stood on these rocks at dawn, at dusk, and at almost every time in between, and in all kinds of weathers, and the walk is always worth it-especially at sunrise.
To head back down, retrace your steps past the last couple of junctions, then just keep heading down the exposed rocks. I love walking down this way because the views are so pretty.
Part-way down, you’ll meet a fork on the trail. Bear right here. (The trail on the left joins up to the part of the trail you would have walked up along.)
There are a couple more pavilions and areas where you can pause to enjoy the view on the way down.
Then, very quickly, the trail arrives back at the park where it started. If you’re in the mood for a meal, I recommend making your way to the food market attached to Xihu Station. The market has a huge variety of vendors and very reasonable prices.
HOW TO GET TO JINMIAN MOUNTAIN
Google Maps address: This trail starts from this park at the end of Lane 136 just off of Huanshan Road.
GPS location: N25 05.315 E121 34.080
Public transport: There are bus stops close to both trailheads, but it’s also just a ten-minute walk from Xihu MRT Station to the starting point.
Nearby trails:
- Bihu Park Amble
- Jinmian Shan Longer Route
- Scissors Rock Night Hike
- Neihu’s Path Less Travelled
- Neihu Twin Hearts Trail
MOUNT JINMIAN TRAIL MAP
GPX file available here on Outdoor Active. (Account needed, but the free one works just fine.)