Bagua Shan's giant Buddha is one of the most instantly recognisable features of Changhua, the smallest county in the Taiwanese mainland, but it's just one of many interesting sights to be seen on a stroll around this diminutive hill.
Author: taiwantrailsandtales
XILONG TRAIL and MA’AN OLD CANAL (溪瀧步道/馬岸古圳)
This short walk in Wulai District packs an unreasonable amount of prettiness into its 2km length. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the riverside.
SANQING TEMPLE FOREST TRAIL EASTERN LOOP (三清宮森林步道東線)
This short loop on the outskirts of Changhua City can be walked on its own or paired up with the western loop for a slightly longer adventure.
QIXING SHAN NIGHT HIKE (七星山夜爬)
Qixing Shan attracts walkers year-round for its expansive views, bamboo-lined paths and volcanic geology. As Taipei's highest mountain, it is a must-climb for the city's population of avid hikers, but how many of them can say they have climbed it in the dark?
MENGHUAN FALLS (夢幻瀑布)
The hills rising to either side of the picturesque Pingxi Line are dotted with numerous mountain streams and waterfalls. Menghuan Waterfall is perhaps less well known than some of the others, but its secluded nature makes it a great spot to visit.
JIUZHUANG SHAN (舊莊山)
Jiuzhuang Shan is a small hill in Taipei’s Nangang District, immediately opposite the campus of Academia Sinica. A wander along the trails will introduce you to a number of distinguished academics who were associated with the institution during their lifetimes.
NAOLIAOKENG TRAIL (腦寮坑步道)
This short little trail in Yilan’s Sanxing Township offers a pleasant leg stretch to help pass a spare morning.
MOUNT DONGMAO (東卯山)
The fifth highest of the Guguan Seven Heroes, Mount Dongmao is a thoroughly enjoyable day hike in Taichung's Heping District. Despite the trail's relative ease, it doesn't hold back on the views.
TAIPEI GRAND HIKE 8 – WENSHAN to GUANDU (臺北大縱走8段 – 文山/關渡)
This is one for the picky completists out there. Back when the Taipei Grand Hike was first announced, I was excited by the idea of a Taiwanese long distance trail, but it always rankled that the trail didn’t encircle the city entirely. Well now it does. (Almost.)
JIANTAN TRAIL NIGHT HIKE (劍潭山步道夜爬)
There are lots of trails close to the city that offer opportunities for exploring after dark. The ever popular Jiantan Hiking Trail is one such route - although if you visit at night you can expect to have the paths almost entirely to yourselves.
MOUNT SANTING (三汀山)
Santing Shan is one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks, and can be reached after a short bus ride from Taichung Station.
MOUNT HEBAO (荷苞山)
Mount Hebao Trail offers some gentle walking along pleasant, forested paths. There are places to stop and admire the view, lots of bird life, and (if you go at the right time of year), an abundance of tung blossom.
SHEN-XIAN TRAIL (神仙縱走)
Shen-Xian Trail is an exhilarating ridge walk in Miaoli which will give you a great day’s workout.
FIREFLIES at CUEI LAKE (汐止翠湖螢火蟲)
Cuei Lake in Xizhi District is one of several firefly spotting locations in New Taipei City. Visit in April to enjoy this beautiful annual event.
TAI’AN HIKING TRAIL (泰安登山步道)
Tai’an Hiking Trail is a short trail in Taichung’s northeastern Houli District. As well as the walk, you can enjoy a wander around Tai’an Railway Cultural Park, see the stunning red slopes of Huoyan Shan from a distance, and crack out your best model pose on the picturesque Da’an River Iron Bridge.
