Updated Time: 2025/2/5
A scenic Taipei hike with rock climbing and city views.
Overview
Looking for the best short hikes in Taipei? Jinmian Mountain Trail (金面山步道, also written as Jiantanshan Trail) is perfect for those seeking adventure, nature, and scenic views on a hike of less than 3 hours!
- Best short hikes in Taipei – Ideal for hikers looking for a quick but exciting trail.
- Easy rock climbing for beginners – No technical gear required, just a sense of adventure!
- Scenic hikes in Taiwan – Enjoy panoramic Taipei city views.
- Easy Access from Taipei city center – Just 30 minutes from Taipei Main Station.
Jinmian Mountain Trail (金面山步道), located in Taipei’s Neihu District (內湖區), offers a unique urban hiking experience. This trail is known for its distinctive rock formations, panoramic city views, and exciting rock climbing sections. Along the way, you’ll find several pavilions for rest stops. The highlight is the Jinmian Mountain Cliff, a large rock wall that requires some scrambling (using both hands and feet), making it a fun challenge for adventure seekers.
The mountain’s name, “Jinmian” (Golden Face), comes from the quartz in the sandstone, which sparkles like gold in the sunlight. The summit is also called “Scissors Rock Mountain” (剪刀石山) because of two large, intertwined rocks that resemble a pair of scissors.
Jinmian Mountain has multiple hiking routes and trailheads. This guide focuses on the challenging yet rewarding route starting from Lane 136, Section 1, Huanshan Road, which includes the exciting climb up Jinmian Mountain Cliff.
*Note 1: “Shan” (山) means “mountain” in Chinese. You may see this peak (金面山) referred to as either Jinmian Mountain or Jinmianshan on maps, trail signs and guidebooks.
Trail Highlights
What to See on Jinmian Mountain Trail?
- Jinmian Mountain (金面山) or Scissors Rock Mountain (剪刀石山): This 258-meter peak offers stunning views of the Taipei Basin and Keelung River.
- Jinmian Mountain Cliff (金面山大岩壁): The massive 100+ meter long cliff has a slope of about 60-70 degrees. Ropes are provided for assistance in some sections.
- Qing Dynasty Quarry (清代採石場): Located midway along the trail, this historic site was once used to supply limestone for Taipei’s old city walls during the Qing Dynasty.
Getting There
Trailhead Location
- End of Lane 136, Section 1, Huanshan Road, Neihu District, Taipei (台北市內湖區環山路一段136巷底)
- Google Maps: Jinmian Mountain Trail
By Public Transport
- MRT: Take the Wenhu Line to Xihu Station (Exit 1) and walk 15 minutes to the trailhead.
- Bus: Routes Blue 20, Blue 27, 214, 247, 256, 267 stop at Huanshan Station (環山站). From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the trailhead.
By Car/Scooter
- Navigation: Jinmian Mountain Trail
- Parking: Parking is limited near the trailhead as it’s located in a residential area.
Hiking Information
- Route: Trailhead → Jiamian Mountain Cliff → Lunjian Pavilion (論劍亭) → Jinmian Mountain (Scissors Rock Mountain) → Lunjian Mountain (論劍山) → Chongyang Pavilion (重陽亭) → Huashan Pavilion (華山亭) → Qing Dynasty Quarry → Trailhead
- Distance: Approximately 2.1 km (1.3 miles)
- Permit: No
- Suggested Time: 1.5 ~ 2.5 hours
- My Time Log:
- 14:00 Trailhead
- 14:13 Start of Jinmian Mountain Cliff climb
- 14:27 Lunjian Pavilion (論劍亭)
- 14:33 Jinmian Mountain (Scissors Rock Mountain) (15-minute rest)
- 14:50 Lunjian Mountain (論劍山)
- 15:15 Chongyang Pavilion (重陽亭)
- 15:23 Huashan Pavilion (華山亭)
- 15:28 Qing Dynasty Quarry
- 15:40 Trailhead
- Note: As a reference, I completed the Tokyo marathon in 6 hours. Your timing may vary based on fitness level and rest time.
GPX Track Download
- Recorded on: January 29, 2025.
- Download GPX track (waypoints included) from my Google Drive: Jinmian Mountain Trail.
Weather Forecast
Check the weather forecast for Jinmian Mountain on the Central Weather Administration website.
Additional Tips
- No Water / No Restrooms: Be sure to bring enough water, especially on hot days.
- Jinmian Mountain Cliff: The cliff has ropes and carved steps to aid your climb. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands.
- Sun Protection: Parts of the trail are exposed to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during summer.
- Lunjian Mountain: No views from the summit of Lunjianshan. You may skip it if you’re short on time or energy.
- Luggage Storage: Lockers are available at MRT Xihu Station if you need to store luggage. Prices are listed below:
- Large locker: NT$20/hr
- Small locker: NT$10/hr
In Pictures
