Text by MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Department
In recent years, cycling tourism has become increasingly popular—not only is it healthy, but it’s also environmentally friendly. Recently, the maple leaves in Jing Mountain Community have gradually turned red. Why not hop on a bike and come here to enjoy the beautiful crimson foliage? The Taipei City Government's Department of Urban Development (Public Works Bureau) states that visitors can start from the bicycle station located at Lane 71, Section 3, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, and head towards Lane 131, Jing Mountain Road, and the bottom of Yonggu Road to reach Jing Mountain Community, where they can admire the valley as maple leaves transition from green to yellow, orange, and eventually deep red.
The maple leaves in Jing Mountain Community, Shilin District, are starting to turn red. (Image source / Taipei Aowanda)
The varieties of maple trees that turn red in the Jing Mountain area of Shilin District are commonly known as “red-leaf Japanese maple.” Local businesses have grafted branches and buds of Japanese maples onto the trunks of Taiwan-native green maples. These maple leaves have five to seven deeply lobed sections. There are two peak foliage seasons each year—in April and December—drawing numerous visitors with their sweeping mountain views of crimson leaves.
Scenic view from the century-old irrigation channel viewing platform. (Image source / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
The maple leaves are gradually changing color. (Image source / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Aside from enjoying the beautiful maple foliage, the Xishan and Jing Mountain communities in Shilin District are rich in natural resources and blessed with a unique geographical environment. The area boasts many nearby attractions, including Taipei’s largest “Nei Shuangxi Nature Center” forest park, “Jing Ancient Irrigation Channel,” “Pingding Ancient Irrigation Channel,” “Century-Old Irrigation Channel,” “Bicycle Station,” “Cherry Blossom Viewing Platform,” and “Chunghwa Telecom Satellite Dish” among others. There are six popular biking routes in the area, all starting from the National Palace Museum. Heading along Section 2 of Zhishan Road, cyclists can reach various destinations including the bus terminal at the end of Zhongshe Road, Lengshuikeng Visitor Center, Fengguikou, Sage Waterfall, Baishi Lake Suspension Bridge, and the top pavilion of Jiannan Road.
The waters of Jing Stream are crystal clear. (Image source / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
“Nei Shuangxi Nature Center” forest park. (Image source / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
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