Recreational Activities |
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Xianji Rock Hiking Trail Xianji Rock is located in the southeast of Jingmei, part of Taipei Basin. Its opposite side stands Mountain Hop Toad located in Gong Guan. Both belong to Nankang Coteau and link with Sishou Hills. People named it Mountain Jingmei or Mountain Xizikou. The most frequently told story is Saint Lu Dongbin’s among the interesting legends. It was said that people disappeared when they wanted to visit Wenshan Castle through Mountain Hop Toad. Saint Lu Dongbin thought it was because the Hop Toad monster played a trick on them. Standing on Xianji Rock, he hanged the monster. From that on, nobody was eaten by the monster afterwards. Since there was a 3-inch footprint left on the rock of Mountain Jingmei, it has been said that it was Saint Lu Dongbin’s footprint. People called this rock on the mountain as Saint Footprint Rock (direct translation in Chinese is Xianji Rock) and also built a temple in 1946 to remember him. The other story told is that the footprint was left by a shepherd and has nothing to do with Saint’s footprint. No matter what kinds of stories have been told, people choose to believe in the Saint’s story and protect the Saint’s footprint by fencing the rock. Therefore, if visitors would like to see the footprint, what they can see is only a big rock surrounded by the fence. There are fourteen entries to Xianji Rock. Most of time, visitors couldn’t find an entrance for their first-time visit. It is not easy to identify these entries except the one located at Lane 243 of Jingxing Road. It is suggested to refer to the guidance on the poster set up by Taipei City Hall. The hiking trail was build alon with major arris and sub-arris, corresponding with the fluctuation of mountains. From the environmental protection point of view, here is the best place that provides fresh air due to the numerous kinds of trees on the Xianji Rock. It is also the best area to observe all types of creatures. It is a rare clean land, and we should not damage it by development
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