The rock formation is composed of high-purity quartz, which glitters under direct sunlight, giving the mountain its name 'Jinmian' (Golden Face).
The trail path was historically used as a quarry route during the Qing Dynasty to extract building stones for Taipei's city walls.
The peak sits at an elevation of approximately 258 meters above sea level.
Large sections of the path consist of natural rock staircases formed by the mountain's geological uplift.
The site is a popular location for 'night hiking' among locals due to the proximity to urban light pollution-free observation points.
Scissors Rock is a prominent geological formation located on Jinmian Mountain in Taipei's Neihu District. The site features a massive, sharply angled granite outcrop that resembles a pair of partially open scissors. Reaching the peak involves a steep, rugged hike over exposed rock faces that require the use of fixed ropes and handrails. The summit provides an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Taipei Basin, including the Taipei 101 skyscraper and the Neihu tech corridor. The trail is primarily composed of sandstone and quartz veins embedded in the rocky terrain. As of July 2026, the trail remains accessible for hikers, though it is considered a moderate to strenuous trek due to its uneven and steep incline.
The edge of the overhanging main boulder, facing toward the Taipei 101 skyline.
Wear hiking shoes with high-grip rubber soles as the rock surface can be slippery when dry and dangerous when wet.
Bring gloves to comfortably grip the installed ropes and metal railings during the ascent.
Carry at least one liter of water per person as there are no hydration stations along the trail.
Do not attempt this hike during or immediately after heavy rainfall, as the granite surfaces become extremely hazardous.
Avoid marking the rocks with paint or graffiti; stay on designated paths to minimize soil erosion; yield to hikers ascending the steeper sections.
