Jinmianshan (金面山) trail is a very popular spot in Taipei city. The trail is rocky and full of fun.
The trailhead is about 900 m away from the MRT Xihu station (西湖 BR16, exit 1) , and located in the lane 136, section 1 , Haunshan road(環山路).
There is a giant camphor tree in the trail head. I recommend you to turn right soon after entering the trail, and then turn left to Lujian pagoda (about several hundred meters later)(論劍亭) to climb the famous Cliff , which is a bare rock and you can only climb up with handrail. Don't go too fast , or you will become exhausted soon because it is really steep. After finishing the Cliff , you need to jump between rocks to Lujian pagoda. The famous lookout Jiandaoshi (剪刀石) is about 30 meters behind the pagoda, where you can enjoy the view of eastern Taipei city. The quartz-rich rocks are shining on a sunny day, thus that's why it is called Jinmianshan ( Golden face Mt). It may take you 1hr to Jiandaoshi (elev 258m ) from the trailhead.
You can go to Zhuyue temple (竹月寺) and then return to the trailhead (a 2-hour trip). A trail leading to Zhuyue temple dose exist , but is not showed in the google map. Don't worry, it is not easy to be lost. Just follow the road signs.
There is a historic site named " Qing dynasty quarry" , where stones were harvested from the rock and then transported to China via Keelung river.
There are convenience stores on the Huanshan road, and a toilet in Zhuyue temple. The residents wish hikers to keep quiet in the lane 136.
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| The shining rocks of Jiandaoshi |
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| walk from Xihu to Jinmianshan trail |
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| Jinmianshan trailhead in lane 136, section 1, Huanshan Rd. |
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| The Cliff |
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| The Lujian pagoda |
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| The View of Jiandaoshi |
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| On the Trail |
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| View on the Trail near the quarry |
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| The Cliff is in the center of the dash line. |
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| Very good road signs |
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| The Zhuyue temple |
