I visited Shimenfang over the weekend and had a very pleasant experience overall, making it a great choice for an autumn outing in the suburbs.
Entering and walking up the stone steps, the path isn't too steep, and the climb is leisurely. Along the way, you can see cliff carvings of various styles, their weathered marks adding a touch of history. Those who appreciate cultural artifacts can stop and take their time to appreciate them. In autumn, the most stunning sight is the mountainside ablaze with the vibrant red of the smoke trees, creating layers upon layers of crimson. Standing atop the mountain and looking out at the blue sky against the red leaves makes for incredibly photogenic photos. At the foot of the mountain, there's a persimmon grove, laden with bright yellow persimmons—a delightful sight.
The only downside is that it gets quite crowded on weekends during peak season, and parking halfway up the mountain is inconvenient. I recommend visiting during off-peak times. The handmade persimmon cakes at the entrance of the scenic area are quite delicious; you could buy a couple of pounds as souvenirs. If you're looking for a place to relax and breathe fresh air, Shimenfang is definitely worth a visit.