Named for the wooden steps that snake along the spine of the hill (loosely) resembling the Great Wall of China, this short walk on the eastern edge of Green Island is an easy way to soak in the coastal scenery.
Distance: A mere 500 metres.
Time: 15-20 minutes, including time to take in the views.
Total ascent: 50 metres give or take.
Difficulty: This is a short and sweet trail that should be OK for anyone who can handle a few steps.
Water: We left our water bottles on the scooters for this one.
Shade: There’s no shade on the trail, Taitung’s sun is extra fierce, and it was mighty windy, so if you’re sun-shy, a hat with a chin strap is a good idea.
Mobile network: Clear mobile signal throughout.
Enjoyment: This offered a welcome place to get out and stretch our legs during a round-island ride. It’s not a destination per se, but if you’re already on Green Island, it’s worth a stop.
Bathroom facilities: None nearby.
Route type: There and back.
Permit: None needed.
Jump to the bottom of this post for a trail map and GPX file.
The walk starts at the apex of a sharp bend, just downhill from the pavilion where we pulled up to park our rented scooters.
Looking south from the trail, you can see the supine form of Sleeping Beauty Rock, the gap behind her neck making an archway. In the sea just to the east of her head is a formation known as the Pekingese Dog Rock. This one was not quite as immediately obvious as the sleeping beauty, but when I squinted a bit, I could kind of see it.
Looking north from the furthest point of the trail you can enjoy views of a secluded beach and an area of the island that I wish I’d had time more to explore. According to Google Maps, the area down here has a sea cave, a waterfall, a possible hot spring, and historic house remains.
Looking back inland, we could see where we’d left our scooters
We stayed a while to enjoy the view before heading back the same way we’d come and scootering on to our next destination.
How to get there
Google Maps address: There’s space to park scooters next to this pavilion.
GPS location: N22 39.670 E121 30.330
Public transport: To get to Green Island, you’ll need to take a ferry from Taitung’s Fugang Harbour. Tickets can be purchased directly from the ship operators listed here, but Klook and KKday also offer packages that include train-station transfers (and bike/scooter rentals). There’s no public transportation once you’re on the island, so you’ll need to rent a scooter or e-bike.
Nearby trails:
- Amei Mountain and Cross-Island Coastal Trail
- Green Island Coastal Trail
Green Island Little Great Wall Trail Map
GPX file available here on Outdoor Active. (Account needed, but the free one works just fine.)
Taiwan Trails and Tales 