Xianjiyan Hiking Trail (Erge Mountains)

Legend says that Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, left a footprint here, which made the place famous. It is also where local residents go to hike and exercise. Like Qixingshan, Xianjiyan has a first-order satellite control point. From the archway at Lane 243, Jingxing Road, in Jingmei, the path climbs the 78 steps of the Longevity Stairs and the 100 steps of the Immortal's Slope, then continues as a shaded green trail. Many kinds of plants grow along the way, and from the Xianjiyan boulder at the top, the health path and Xianyan Temple you can look out over the streets of the Taipei Basin. Because it is in Jingmei, the hill is also known as Jingmeishan, and because it lies near where the Jingmei River flows into the Xindian River, it is also nicknamed Xizikoushan ('stream-mouth hill'). It is only 144 metres above sea level but has open views. Near the summit there is also a second-class triangulation point, used for making topographic maps. The hill is low, a 'back garden' for local residents, and suitable for family walks. After the Longevity Stairs and the Immortal's Slope, dense woods on both sides keep the path cool. The rest of the trail is gentle and easy, with several pavilions for resting or taking in the view, and bird-shaped signposts show the way. Ecology information boards designed by 主婦聯盟 follow the whole route. They explain the local plants, animals and environment, the geology of Xianjiyan and the serious problem of illegal clearing on nearby slopes. The hill is an outdoor classroom for observing nature, with plants and animals changing through the seasons, and its ecosystem is self-contained. In February, white datura and deep pink Taiwan cherry blossom appear. The drooping datura has an unusual form and the whole plant is poisonous, so it is to be looked at, not touched. The Taiwan cherry flowers first in winter and grows its leaves and fruit in spring; between winter and spring it attracts birds and insects. From spring onwards, insects such as flat stag beetles, weevils and white-spotted longhorn beetles are active, and Swinhoe's tree lizard, common in Taiwan, is often seen beside the trail. April and May bring the falling tung blossom known as 'May snow', and among the tung flowers the red-shouldered white butterfly (紅肩粉蝶) is easiest to spot. From May, the sour vine (酸藤), which climbs over the tree canopy, covers the trees in pink flowers, and Taiwan acacias full of small golden flowers colour the hill in early summer. In June shell ginger blooms with white flowers and yellow centres, while mountain longan (山龍眼) and paper mulberry trees bear fruit. Wild tung (野桐) flowers along the path attract butterflies, longhorn beetles and scarab beetles, a yearly chance to see many insects up close. In front of Xianyan Temple, which has open views, hedges of garden balsam and Chinese hibiscus attract many swallowtail butterflies. Twenty or thirty species of butterfly are commonly seen at Xianjiyan. Taiwan barbets and Japanese white-eyes sing their mating songs, and other birds in the woods include Chinese bulbuls, hwamei and rufous-capped babblers. Red-bellied squirrels, at the height of their breeding season, add their calls. In November red maples colour the hilltop. In late autumn the wildlife quietens down, but the view from the top remains. Some say dusk is the best time to come, when the sunset is followed by the lights of Taipei at night.

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