Dagushan Viewpoint is a viewing platform atop a low, 151-meter hill in Nankan, Luzhu District, Taoyuan, once known as 'Daluenjian' and located at the edge of the Linkou Plateau; the Taoyuan City Government renovated it into the 'Dagushan Hiking Trail Park' in September 2021. From the trailhead, only a 5-minute walk is needed to reach the summit, where the complete runway of Taoyuan International Airport, the Nankan urban area, Zhuwai Fishing Harbor, and a wide-angle view all the way to the Taiwan Strait are all visible at once — making it the most popular local spot for watching aircraft take off and land.
Dagushan stands at about 151 meters elevation, formerly called 'Daluenjian,' located at the edge of the Linkou Plateau at No. 228, Dagu Road, Luzhu District; the trail is about 1 kilometer long, taking roughly 5 minutes to reach the summit viewing pavilion. The Taoyuan City Government invested in renovating the site into the 'Dagushan Hiking Trail Park' in September 2021.
Highlights of Dagushan Viewpoint
Dagushan is not particularly high in elevation, but sitting on the western edge of the Taoyuan Plateau with no tall buildings blocking the view, the sightlines are surprisingly open. The viewing platform is built from simple wood or steel framing, providing basic shade and standing room. Due to the height and angle, aircraft taking off and landing can be watched from a perspective almost parallel to the runway. On clear days, you can even see aircraft circling over the Strait waiting to land.
The trail passes through low mixed woodland and requires no special equipment — ordinary sports shoes are sufficient. The hilltop view is most open looking west, with no obstruction in the direction of sunset, making it a natural observation point for sunset photography. At night, the interplay of airport lights and city lights creates a layered night view worth seeing, though the trail has no lighting after dark and a flashlight is needed.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Located in the Nankan hill area of Luzhu District. A car or scooter is needed to get there. Roadside parking is available near the trailhead, though space is limited — arriving early on weekends is recommended.
- The trail is open at all times with no admission fee, but there is no lighting after dark. Going alone after nightfall is not recommended. The walk up takes about 5–10 minutes and is low in difficulty.
Nearby Connections
- Nankan Wufu Temple (sp-ty-24) is about 5 minutes by car from the Dagushan trail — the two can be combined as a Luzhu Nankan half-day outing.
- Zhuwai Fishing Harbor (sp-ty-22) is about 10 minutes by car — a combined plan of viewing planes from the platform and then heading to the harbor for a meal works well.
Sources: On-site survey records, Taoyuan City Government tourism information. Hero image pending Dio's original photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the elevation of Dagushan Viewpoint?
Dagushan stands at about 151 meters, formerly called 'Daluenjian,' at the edge of the Linkou Plateau.
How long does it take to walk from the trailhead to the viewpoint?
The trail is about 1 kilometer long, and it takes roughly 5 minutes to reach the summit viewing pavilion.
When was Dagushan Viewpoint renovated?
The Taoyuan City Government renovated it in September 2021 into the 'Dagushan Hiking Trail Park.'
What views can be seen from Dagushan?
Visitors can see Taoyuan International Airport's runway, the Nankan urban area, Zhuwai Fishing Harbor, and the Taiwan Strait.
Sources
- 大古山步道 - 桃園觀光導覽網 — 桃園市政府觀光旅遊局官方景點介紹，海拔與步道資訊
- 蘆竹居民的後花園，桃園大古山登山步道公園 — 2021年整修為登山步道公園之報導與海拔數字