Jinmianshan: A Beginner-Friendly Rock Climbing Trail in Taipei

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A scenic Taipei hike with rock climbing and city views.

Table of Contents

👉 Overview

👉 Trail Highlights

👉 Getting There

👉 Hiking Information

👉 GPX Track Download

👉 Weather Forecast

👉 In Pictures

👉 Additional Tips

Overview

Looking for the best short hikes in Taipei? Jinmianshan Trail is perfect for those seeking adventure, nature, and scenic views on a hike of less than 3 hours!

• Best short hikes in Taipei – Ideal for hikers looking for a quick but exciting trail.
• Easy rock climbing for beginners – No technical gear required, just a sense of adventure!
• Scenic hikes in Taiwan – Enjoy panoramic Taipei city views.
• Easy Access from Taipei city center – Just 30 minutes from Taipei Main Station.

Jinmianshan Trail (金面山步道), located in Taipei’s Neihu District (內湖區), offers a unique urban hiking experience. This trail is known for its distinctive rock formations, panoramic city views, and exciting rock climbing sections. Along the way, you’ll find several pavilions for rest stops. The highlight is the Jinmianshan Cliff, a large rock wall that requires some scrambling (using both hands and feet), making it a fun challenge for adventure seekers.

​​The mountain's name, "Jinmian" (Golden Face), comes from the quartz in the sandstone, which sparkles like gold in the sunlight. The summit is also called "Scissors Rock Mountain" (剪刀石山) because of two large, intertwined rocks that resemble a pair of scissors.

Trail Highlights

What to See on Jinmianshan Trail?

• Jinmianshan / Mount Jinmian (金面山) or Scissors Rock Mountain (剪刀石山): This 258-meter peak offers stunning views of the Taipei Basin and Keelung River.
• Jinmianshan Cliff (金面山大岩壁): The massive 100+ meter long cliff has a slope of about 60-70 degrees. Ropes are provided for assistance in some sections.
• Qing Dynasty Quarry (清代採石場): Located midway along the trail, this historic site was once used to supply limestone for Taipei’s old city walls during the Qing Dynasty.

Jinmianshan has multiple hiking routes and trailheads. This guide focuses on the challenging yet rewarding route starting from Lane 136, Section 1, Huanshan Road. For best experience, it's recommended to hike up the steeper Jinmianshan Cliff and down the gentler rocky path on the other side.

Getting There

Trailhead Location

• End of Lane 136, Section 1, Huanshan Road, Neihu District, Taipei (台北市內湖區環山路一段136巷底)
• Google Maps: Jinmianshan Trail

By Public Transport

• MRT: Take the Wenhu Line to Xihu Station (Exit 1) and walk 15 minutes to the trailhead.
• Bus: Routes Blue 20, Blue 27, 214, 247, 256, 267 stop at Huanshan Station (環山站). From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the trailhead.

By Car/Scooter

• Navigation: Jinmianshan Trail
• Parking: Parking is limited near the trailhead as it’s located in a residential area.

Limited parking space near the trailhead

Hiking Information

• Route: Trailhead → Jiamianshan Cliff → Lunjian Pavilion (論劍亭) → Jinmianshan (Scissors Rock Mountain) → Lunjianshan (論劍山) → Chongyang Pavilion (重陽亭) → Huashan Pavilion (華山亭) → Qing Dynasty Quarry → Trailhead
• Distance: Approximately 2.1 km (1.3 miles)
• Permit: No
• Suggested Time: 1.5 ~ 2.5 hours
• My Time Log:
• 14:00 Trailhead
  
• 14:13 Start of Jinmianshan Cliff climb
• 14:27 Lunjian Pavilion (論劍亭)
• 14:33 Jinmianshan (Scissors Rock Mountain) (15-minute rest)
• 14:50 Lunjianshan (論劍山)
• 15:15 Chongyang Pavilion (重陽亭)
• 15:23 Huashan Pavilion (華山亭)
• 15:28 Qing Dynasty Quarry
• 15:40 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 29, 2025.
• Download GPX track (waypoints in English included) from my Google Drive: Jinmianshan Trail.

Weather Forecast

Check the weather forecast for Jinmianshan on the Central Weather Administration website.

In Pictures

Trailhead

The trail before Jinmianshan Cliff: Well-maintained steps

Jinmianshan Cliff

Jinmianshan Cliff

Lunjian Pavilion

View from Lunjian Pavilion

Jinmianshan (Scissors Rock Mountain)

Jinmianshan (Scissors Rock Mountain)

View from Jinmianshan

View from Jinmianshan

Lunjianshan (no view)

The rocky path on the way down

The rocky path on the way down

View on the way down

Qing Dynasty Quarry

Viewing platform near the Qing Dynasty Quarry

Additional Tips

• No Water / No Restrooms: Be sure to bring enough water, especially on hot days.
• Jinmianshan Cliff: The cliff has ropes and carved steps to aid your climb. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands.
• Sun Protection: Parts of the trail are exposed to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during summer.
• Lunjianshan: No views from the summit of Lunjianshan. You may skip it if you're short on time or energy.
• Luggage Storage: Lockers are available at MRT Xihu Station if you need to store luggage. Prices are listed below:
• Large locker: NT$20/hr
• Small locker: NT$10/hr

Lockers in MRT Xihu Station