Quick Hike, Endless Views & Hidden Photo Spots.
Overview
Looking for one of Taiwan’s shortest hikes with ocean views?
Baoshi Mountain (also spelled Baoshishan, 報時山), also known as Shuiluo Mountain (水螺山), is often called the shortest sea-view hiking trail in Taiwan — and once you reach the top, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
With a walking distance of just 166 meters and a climb that takes around 10 minutes, this tiny trail delivers a surprisingly big payoff!
You’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Yinyang Sea (陰陽海), dramatic coastal cliffs, historic mining landscapes, and rolling mountain ridges.
It’s a perfect add-on stop when exploring Jiufen and Jinguashi, or a quick scenic break if you want stunning views without a long hike.
The mountain gets its name from the Japanese colonial era, when an alarm system was installed here to signal air raids and mark time — hence the name “Baoshi,” meaning “time signal.”
Near the trailhead, a quiet, often-missed mining structure adds an unexpected historical layer to this short but rewarding walk.
*Note: “Shan” (山) means “mountain” in Chinese. You may see this peak (報時山) referred to as either Baoshi Mountain or Baoshishan on maps, trail signs, and guidebooks.
Trail at a Glance
- Distance: 0.16 km (one way)
- Time Required: 10–15 minutes (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy (Suitable for beginners and families)
- Best Season: Year-round; autumn for silvergrass, clear days for ocean views
Why You’ll Love Baoshi Mountain
- One of Taiwan’s highest reward-to-effort hikes
- Panoramic sea and mountain views in under 15 minutes
- Overlooks iconic landmarks like the Yinyang Sea & 13-Layer Remains (Remains of a historic Copper Refinery).
- Easy access by public transportation
- An abandoned mining structure — the Liukeng Slope Cableway (六坑斜坡索道) — quietly standing by the trail, and one of the lesser-known photo spots in the Jiufen–Jinguashi area.
If you’re traveling with limited time, non-hikers, or just want an effortless scenic walk, Baoshi Mountain is hard to beat.
Trail Highlights
- Baoshi Mountain Viewing Platform (報時山觀景平台)
- The final destination of the trail, offering panoramic views of the iconic Yinyang Sea, Keelung Mountain, Teapot Mountain, and the historic 13 Levels Ruins.
- A perfect place to pause, rest, and take in the dramatic contrast between mountains and ocean.
- Especially beautiful on clear days, when the coastline and layered ridgelines are fully visible.
- Liukeng Slope Cableway (六坑斜坡索道)
- Often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the viewing platform, the Liukeng Slope Cableway is a hidden bonus stop just off the main trail.
- An abandoned mining structure once used to transport ore during Jinguashi’s gold-mining era.
Built with red brick and facing the sea, creating a quiet, slightly desolate atmosphere. - Frequently visited by photographers and even used as a backdrop for wedding shoots.
- Photo tip: Sit facing the Yinyang Sea with your back to the camera for a moody, cinematic composition.
How to Get to Baoshi Mountain Trail
Trailhead Location
- The trailhead is located next to the parking lot at Cyuanji Temple (勸濟堂).
- From the temple, walk uphill for about 100 meters to reach the start of the trail. (Google Maps)
By Public Transport
- Option 1: From Taipei
- Take Keelung Bus 1062
- Get off at Cyuanji Temple (勸濟堂)
- Option 2: From Ruifang Railway Station
- Take Bus 177
- Get off at Cyuanji Temple (勸濟堂)
By Car/Scooter
- Navigation: Cyuanji Temple Parking Lot
- Parking Fees:
- Weekdays: NT$100 per visit
- Weekends: NT$200 per visit
- This area can get very crowded on weekends, so arriving earlier is recommended to secure a parking spot.
Hiking Information
- Route: Trailhead → Baoshi Mountain Viewing Platform → Trailhead
- Distance: Approximately 0.16 km (0.1 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail type: Well-maintained concrete stair trail
- Permit: Not required
- Suggested Time: 10 – 20 minutes
- My Time Log:
- 14:50 Trailhead
- 14:55 Baoshi Mountain Viewing Platform
- 15:00 Back at 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: December 16, 2025.
- Download GPX track (waypoints included): Google Drive | AllTrails.
Weather Forecast
Baoshi Mountain Trail is located right next to Keelung Mountain and very close to Jiufen Old Street, so checking the weather for either area is a good reference before your visit.
- Central Weather Administration website: Keelung Mountain (Chilungshan) weather forecast.
- Live webcam: Check the current weather conditions at Jiufen Old Street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Restrooms: There are no restrooms along the trail. The nearest restroom is at Cyuanji Temple (勸濟堂), about 100 meters downhill from the trailhead.
- Bring water and sun protection: Most of the trail is fully exposed, with shade only in Chaori Pavilion along the trail. Extra sun protection is strongly recommended in summer.
- Watch your step at the ruins: If you enter the Liukeng Slope Cableway area for photos, be extra cautious. The site is abandoned, uneven, and not maintained for public access.
In Pictures & Videos
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