Lion's Head Mountain (獅頭山 Shitoushan) is one of the most underrated attractions in Taiwan.
Lion's Head Mountain is defined by its beautiful, dense forests and rugged rock faces.
There is a famous foothill, Lion's Mountain Trail 獅山古道, on the border of Miaoli(苗栗) and Hsinchu Counties.
Lion's Head Mountain features numerous temples and shrines, many of which are built into caves or cliff walls, and are connected by a network of hiking trails.
Therefore, natural spring water flows out from underneath the temples set in caves
The sweet cool spring is refreshing and the sculptures of child monks make this place very friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Whether you enjoy hiking are interested in Taiwan's Buddhist and folk religious culture, Lion's Head Mountain should be on top of your list.
The landscape of the mountains, rivers, and the temples here are just breathtaking.
Since the environment is still kept as primary forest, there are many fantasy scenics hidden in the area.
One of my farvorite spots is a stream valley located at the Shizi Stream 石子溪.
After passing through the dense forest and a rugged terrain, you will see the mystical place.
The spring water here is colder since it's from the mountain up high, you can dangle your feet in the river.
There is a huge rock (2-meter tall) and body of water that is over 3 meters in depth.
The reason I love the place is because you can dive down the river from the rock.
If you're an outdoor person who enjoy the landscape of the montain and rivers, it is the best summer getaway for you and your friends.
As mentioned, the place is quite natural and least developed.
However the access won't be easy for visiters. First of all, you can take bus to the Lion's Head Mountain Visitor Center.
The entrance of the stream valley is not so obvious. You can go up hill from visitor center until you see the billboard.
GPS: 24.653652, 121.028958
The Lion's Head Mountain Visitor Center was opened in 2001. It was built over the former Shishan Elementary School and designed to preserve the Hakka style.
In addition to the facilities, the restaurant, Xixin Tea House (歇心茶樓) is appended to the Visitor Center, offering dining and tea services to the public.
It's highly recommend that you drive to here. You can reach other attractions along the way. e.g. Beipu old street, Beipu cold spring, Green World, Nanzhuang old street...etc.
By public transportation：
Take a train and alight at Zhunan (竹南) Station ► to Taiwan Railway Neiwan Line (內灣線) at Zhudong (竹東) Station
► Take a Hsinchu Bus Co. bus Shishan Line (獅山線) and alight at Shishan (獅山) Station and take a walk to reach the destination.
Outward Journey：Zhunan Station (East Gate)(臺鐵竹南站(東出口)) >> Nanzhuang Visitor Center(南庄遊客中心)
https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/line/5
- Zhunan Station (East Gate)(臺鐵竹南站(東出口))
- Northern Miaoli Art Center(苗北藝文中心)
- Shang Shun World(尚順廣場)
- Miaoli Motor Transportation (Toufen Station)(苗栗客運(頭份總站))
- Toufen Backyard Garden (Dou Huan Ping)(頭份後花園(斗煥坪))
- Sanwan(三灣)
- Lion's Head Mountain Historic Trail Entrance(獅頭山古道口站)
- Longmenkou(Quahua Temple)(龍門口站(勸化堂))
- Gueijhuling(桂竹林)
- Nanzhuang Junior High School(南庄國中)
- Nanzhuang(南庄)
- Nanzhuang Visitor Center(南庄遊客中心)
Be mindful with the station as people rarely get off at this stop, let the driver know where you want to get off and listen to the English announcements.
By driving：
1 National Highway No. 1 Zhubei Interchange→ Guangming 6th Road ► County 117 Expressway ► Tai 68 Expressway ►Tai 3 Expressway ► Hsinchu 41 Expressway.
2 National Highway No. 3 Zhulin Interchange ► County 120 Expressway ► County 123 Expressway ► County 122 Expressway ► Tai 3 Expressway ► Hsinchu 41 Expressway.
GPS： N 24 38 28.3 , E 121 01 29.0
Lion's Mountain Trail (獅山古道)
This trail spans across Miaoli County's Nanzhuang and Hsinchu County's Lion's Head Mountain Historic Trail (Emei Township 峨眉鄉).
The trail is accessed from the entrance arch at Nanzhuang (南庄) Township, Miaoli (苗栗) County.
This trail crosses the borders of Miaoli and Hsinchu Counties at the Moon Pavilion (望月亭), and the length of the span is approximately 3,600 meters.
Beipu Cold Spring (北埔冷泉)
Close to Lion's Head Mountain, there is another water activity for you to choose - Beipu Cold Spring.
It's more popular and crowded here compared to the valley at Lion's Head mountain.
Located by Daping River (大坪溪) of Beipu, it is a rarely seen cold spring with its temperature maintaining 10 to 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
It is a carbonated spring with mild scent of sulfur.
As you walk along the valley of Daping River, fireflies can be found in summer nighttime.
There is not much light pollution, so it's more easy to get a glimpse at these magical creatures.
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