中正山 (Zhong zheng shan) (39 items)

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Finally we managed to visit 陽明山國家公園 (Yang Ming Shan National Park) again. This time we chose a mountain whose trail head is easily reachable by public transportation but offers a stunning view of the whole city of Taipei.

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  • The entrance to the entrance to the 中正山親山步道 (Zhong zheng shan hiking trail). The real entrance comes a little later, this is a sort of pre-hiking trail that saves you from taking the car or scooter because it's easily reachable with public transportation from the 新北投 (Xin bei tou) MRT station.
  • A map of the entire hiking trail and its closer surroundings. ([local:/gallery/data/zhong-zheng-shan/images/original/20100801-112618_MR3231_D90.jpg Click here for a bigger version].)
  • Another reference photo, but a useful one ... This map shows the distances between the points, not only to 中正山 (Zhong zheng shan), but also to other mountains such as [local:/gallery/albums/da-tuen-shan 大屯山 (Da tun shan)]. ([local:/gallery/data/zhong-zheng-shan/images/original/20100801-112703_MR3232_D90.jpg Click here for a bigger version].)
  • The initial section of the hiking trail is rather flat with the occasional flight of stairs (and mosquito).
  • Now, this is the real entrance to the 中正山親山步道 (Zhong zheng shan hiking trail) on 登山路 (Deng shan road). Luckily, as it should be for any decent hiking trail entrance, it is fully equipped with a convenience store. :-)
  • The second part of the trail is pretty steep and mostly stairs. It really takes it out of you on a hot day, especially since the forest somehow doesn't make the air feel cooler.
  • In this hut people used to burn timber to produce coal.
  • Taking a rest in the shade.
  • The beautiful panoramic view from the top of 中正山 (Zhong zheng shan). At the far right you can recognize 淡水 (Dan shui) and the mountain on the left is [local:/gallery/albums/guan-yin-shan 觀音山 (Guan yin shan)].
  • On a clear day you can see the whole city of Taipei including Taipei 101.
  • 七星山 (Qi xing shan), literally translated "Seven star mountain", is the highest mountain in of the 陽明山國家公園 (Yang Ming Shan National Park). We had climbed it before and had a hard time seeing something. Apparently clouds hanging around its peak are a common phenomenon.
  • Luckily there's a two-story lookout platform on the top of 中正山 (Zhong zheng shan), otherwise it would be hard to see something because of all the trees.
  • Ivy on top of 中正山 (Zhong zheng shan). If you look closely you can even see Taipei 101 in the background.
  • When we arrived and while we were taking a break we saw a lot of people coming and going. We thought that was odd since we had only encountered three people on the whole way up. What's more, none of them seemed to be working up a sweat. The solution to this little puzzle was this sign at the top of the mountain. Apparently, for lazy people, the peak is also reachable by way of a 500 meter walk from the parking lot!
  • With plenty of time but limited water supplies we wanted to explore the area a little more, so we turned to this map of the 陽明山國家公園 (Yang Ming Shan National Park). ([local:/gallery/data/zhong-zheng-shan/images/original/20100801-141017_MR3297_D90.jpg Click here for a bigger version].)
  • Two 大鳳蝶 (Great Mormons) hanging on a branch over the hiking trail couldn't be bothered by the camera ...
  • This is where we left the 中正山親山步道 (Zhong zheng shan hiking trail) and took the small trail to 大屯西跟南峰 (Da tun shan west and south peaks).
  • When we reached this grassy area we were very happy we had long pants and even wished for long sleeves. The trail is mostly grown over since this trail is natural and doesn't see a lot of hikers.
  • Back in the forest without grass to worry about.
  • At this little crossroads the path to 大屯南峰 (Da tun shan south peak) splits off. It's actually a very short detour but we were short on water, so we decided to save it for another day and head right to 大屯西峰 (Da tun shan west peak).

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