Battleship Rock (Junjianyan) Trail: Scenic Hike in Taipei with Skyline Views

Updated Time: 2025/2/22

Perfect for anyone looking for stunning views, unique rock formations and a little adventure in Taipei!

Overview

Battleship Rock (Junjianyan, 軍艦岩) is one of Taipei’s most scenic and accessible hiking trails, located in Beitou District (北投區). This iconic rock gets its name from its bright-white, battleship-like appearance perched on the mountain. 

Formed from ancient seabed layers, Battleship Rock was once underwater. The distinctive white rock is a remnant of its coastal past, dating back over 20 million years. It is the oldest sedimentary layer in the Taipei Basin and was historically an important quarry site for northern Taiwan. The local stone, known as “Qilian Rock” (唭哩岸石), was widely used in early Taiwanese construction. Even today, you can see remnants of this old stone mining area along the trail.

What makes it a must-visit?

• Beginner-friendly with epic views – An easy trail that rewards hikers with 360° panoramic views of Taipei. Suitable for most fitness levels.
• Secret local route – No boring asphalt roads – This article will show you a secret route. Skip the usual paved sections and take this hidden route from Donghua Park (東華公園), just 2 minutes from MRT Qilian Station.
• Perfect post-hike activities – After your hike, relax in the Beitou Hot Springs or enjoy delicious local food at Beitou Market.

Traditional routes start from Yang Ming University or the Veterans General Hospital, these trailheads are a bit of a walk from the nearest metro station and require walking along paved roads. 

Instead, we’ll guide you a secret route, which is less-known but more scenic, starting from Donghua Park near MRT Qilian Station. This hidden gem of a trail takes you directly into the forest, skipping the boring asphalt roads and leading you across multiple peaks for a richer hiking experience.

Trail Highlights

What to See on Battleship Rock Hike?

• Battleship Rock (軍艦岩) – A 188-meter peak with a stunning 360° panoramic view of Taipei skyline, including Taipei 101 and Yangmingshan.
• University Pavilion (大學亭) – A popular rest stop to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
• Ancient Volcanic Rock Formations – Hike through 20-million-year-old lava-formed landscapes, shaped by nature over time.
• Witch’s Rock Cave (女巫岩場) – Discover a hidden cave where you can experience a brief descent using fixed ropes. It’s optional! If you’d rather not climb, a separate trail bypasses this section.
• Fu Dou Myo Ou Grotto (不動明王石窟, 1925 & 1926) – A Buddhist shrine built during the Japanese era, dedicated to Fu Dou Myo Ou, a deity believed to prevent evil and protect Beitou. It also symbolizes Beitou’s hot spring heritage.
• Master of Rock (大師岩, 1910) – A historic stone monument honoring Koukai Daishi, a famous Japanese Buddhist monk. Built to bless Beitou and its people, it reflects Japanese cultural influence in the area.

        Note: For more details on Fu Dou Myo Ou Grotto (不動明王石窟) and Master Rock Monument (大師岩), click here to learn more. 

Getting There

Trailhead Location

• Donghua Park (Google Maps)

By Public Transport

• MRT: Take the Red Line to Qilian Station (Exit 1) and walk about 2 minutes to the trailhead.

By Car/Scooter

• Navigation: Donghua Park (Google Maps)
• This trail follows an A-to-B route (different entry and exit points), so if you drive, park at the starting point and take the MRT from Xinbeitou Station back to retrieve your vehicle.

Hiking Information

• Route: Donghua Park Trailhead → Qiyan Mountain West Peak (奇岩山西峰) → Qiyan Mountain (奇岩山) → Qilian Mountain (唭哩岸山) → University Pavilion (大學亭) → Battleship Rock (軍艦岩) → Batou Mountain (八頭山) → Witch’s Rock Cave (女巫岩場) → Tangsou Rock (湯守岩) → Fu Dou Myo Ou Grotto  (波切不動明王石窟) & Master of Rock (弘法大師岩) → Taiwan Happiness Rock (台灣幸福石) → Atami Trailhead.
• Distance: Approximately 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
• Permit: No
• Suggested Time: 2–3.5 hours
• My Time Log
  • 08:45 Trailhead
  • 08:55 Qiyan Mountain West Peak (奇岩山西峰)
  • 09:02 Qiyan Mountain (奇岩山)
  • 09:23 Qilian Mountain (唭哩岸山)
  • 09:36 University Pavilion (大學亭)
  • 09:44 Battleship Rock (15-minute break)
  • 10:25 Batou Mountain (八頭山)
  • 10:30 Witch’s Rock Cave (女巫岩場)
  • 10:43 Tangsou Rock (湯守岩)
  • 10:55 Fu Dou Myo Ou Grotto (波切不動明王石窟) & Master of Rock (弘法大師岩)
  • 11:00 Taiwan Happiness Rock (台灣幸福石)
  • 11:08 Atami 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 30, 2025.
• Download GPX track (waypoints included) from my Google Drive: Battleship Rock.

Weather Forecast

Check the Central Weather Administration for the weather in Beitou District, Taipei City, where Battleship Rock is located.

Additional Tips

• No Water / No Restrooms: Be sure to bring enough water, especially on hot days.
• Sun Protection: Parts of the trail are exposed to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during summer.
• Offline Map & GPX Download: After Batou Mountain (八頭山), the trail becomes rugged with multiple forks. To avoid getting lost, it’s highly recommended to download an offline map and GPS track before your hike.
• Witch’s Rock Cave: There are ropes to assist with climbing, and the footholds are clear. Gloves are recommended for better grip.
• Recovery Time: After your hike, unwind in the Beitou Hot Springs or treat yourself to delicious local food at Beitou Market—the perfect way to recharge after an adventure!
• Luggage Storage: Lockers are available at MRT Qilian Station if you need to store luggage. Prices are listed below:
  • Large locker: NT$20/hr
  • Small locker: NT$10/hr

In Pictures