Xizhi Dajianshan 汐止大尖山

Historical Background:

Dajian Mountain (大尖山) is a prominent 460-meter peak in southern Xizhi District, New Taipei City, and is recognized as one of Taiwan’s “Little 100 Peaks.” Known historically as Fengzizhi Mountain during the Qing Dynasty, it offers excellent panoramic views of Xizhi, Nangang, Wudu, Liudu, Qidu, and the surrounding region, with distant vistas of Wuzhi Mountain, Yangmingshan, Keelung Mountain, and Keelung Islet. The mountain is a popular hiking destination and is the centerpiece of the Dajian Mountain Hiking Trail, a network of trails developed by the former Taipei County Government. At the foot of the mountain, behind Xiufeng Elementary School, lies the joint tomb of the famous Shanghai businessman and gangster Du Yuesheng and his wife Yao Guxiang. Hikers can conveniently access the trailhead by taking the F911 bus to Tianxiu Temple and following the hiking path located beside the temple.

Hours:

24/7

Price:

Free.

Difficulty:

Moderate – there are some steep parts with lots of steps. 260 meters elevation gain.

Length:

5 km round trip. Takes about 2-3 hours for a round trip, or 1-2 hours one way.

Where to stay:

We recommend Fullon Hotel, which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
We have stayed at and recommend ​Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. ​You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here.  You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. 
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home, which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 

Activities in Taipei:

There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei, such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities, which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. 

How to get there:

By Bus: From Xizhi TRA station, take bus F903 up to Tiandao Qingxiu Temple Station. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: From provincial highway 5 in Xizhi, turn up the mountain after reaching the Xizhi Administrative Building (汐止行政中心). Then go up the mountain until you reach the Dajianshan Trailhead at Tiandao Qingxiu Temple.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Please see below:

There are multiple trailhead entrances to Dajianshan. The easiest way to get there is from Tiandao Fengxiu Temple parking lot. The lower trailhead from Tianxiu Temple will be steeper and take longer.

Drone Footage:

Play

Play

Check out our 300th 360 panorama above.

Our Journey:

Despite being a long-time Taipei resident, it took me ten years of living here before I finally hiked Dajianshan. I took my kids on the easy route and it turned out to be an okay hike, except for the fog. However, after we got down the mountain, the fog cleared. Like always.

There is usually lots of parking at Tiandao Fengxiu Temple. It is best to walk to the end of the parking lot and take the trail entrance from there.

However we took this trailhead which I do not recommend. It takes you on an extra loop which is not needed.

We followed these concrete steps up the hill.

View looking down the steps.

Map of the Dajianshan Trail.

There is an upper part of Tiandao Fengxiu temple here.

We then followed this stone path through the foggy forest.

Stone table in the forest.

We continued on the stone path.

And came to this other road.

We then followed the ridgeline on this dirt trail which was kind of muddy.

I will admit, the fog was kind of cool and gave the path an etherial feel.

Signs in the forest.

Another stone table.

A third stone table.

Stone path with metal rod.

Stone steps leading down to the mountain top?

Spider web.

Giant fungal growth.

We made our way further down into the fog.

Another map of the trail.

We finally made it to the main summit of Dajianshan where the old people sip tea and exersice.

Continuing on the main ridgeline.

Giant boulder on the trail.

A man exersices on the equipment on the summit.

We finally saw the main Dajianshan Pavilion.

“This mountain, which rises to an elevation of 433 meters and is also known as Mt. Gushan, is located in the mountains beyond Xizhi. Its appearance changes with the season: “Green trees burst into blossoming profusion in early spring, families fill the air with questions in the summer, and red maple leaves cover the peaks in autumn.” To climb the Tsuangang trail, one passes between two trails, one at Tamsui Temple and one to the peak. A Gushan temple and follows this slope upward to a outstanding viewpoint. Mt. Keelung and the broad peaks of outstanding fame of Tamsui and Linkou. Prominent to the west. Further and featuring challenge the trek up Mt. Syuanyin and Mt. Ermingshan.”

Dajianshan name plate.

There is a lot of grass on the summit. It would make a great view on a normal day. You can see some buildings in the fog below.

We then walked down the mountain another way.

First view of the parking lot again.

I recommend taking this trail up from the parking lot.

There is an easy path from here to the parking lot.

In the middle of the parking lot is this picnic area.

There is also a huge Buddhist Monestary here.

And we saw to cats fighting here. They were very loud.

You can see the Taipei 101 from the parking lot.

View as we drove away from the monastery.

You can also walk up here along the road to Tianxiu temple.

Clearer View of Taipei.

Another view of east Taipei.

Then we made it to Tianxiu Temple, which also has some great views. You can hike to Dajianshan from here, but it will be a long, steep walk.

View of the top of Dajianshan with Tianxiu Temple in the foreground.

Panoramic view of Xizhi and East Taipei.

View of Xinyi District through the fog.

Wider view of East Taipei.

A little bit wider view.

View of downtown Nangang.

Xizhi and Neihu.

Farglory Utown in Xizhi.

A mountain neighborhood in Xizhi.

A large apartment complex in Wudu, Keelung.

A new apartment complex in Xizhi.

A mountain neighborhood in Neihu.

View looking down at the Dajianshan neighborhood.

A couple enjoying the views.

Appearently there was a fire down below.

View looking toward Keelung via drone.

View of downtown Xizhi.

View looking toward Taipei.

View looking back at Dajianshan.

One final wide view from Dajianshan.

Xiufeng Waterfall 秀峰瀑布

If you have time, you should also visit Xiufeng Waterfall, which is is a tall waterfall in Xizhi District in New Taipei, Taiwan. It is easily accessible via a flat hiking path that takes about 10 minutes to complete, and includes amazing views of Taipei along the way. It’s spectacular cascading falls are definitely worth a stop for anyone in Taiwan…(read more)

Check out our hiking guide to Taipei here.

Check out our full guide to Taipei here.