Pingxi is famed for is annual sky lantern festival. An enchanting spectacle where hundreds of lanterns are released into the night. They may look pretty in the photos, but the sky lanterns of Pingxi leave an unpleasant stain on the landscape around this charming railway village.
Author: taiwantrailsandtales
MIANTIAN SHAN AND XIANG TIAN CRATER POOL (面天山/向天池)
Miantian shan trail offers an easy to follow path over some of Yangmingshan National Park's western peaks. Go immediately after heavy rain in order to catch sight of the elusive xiang tian crater lake.
XIU QI SHAN TRAIL (秀崎山登山步道)
A short and easy meander over some of the less frequented hills of the northeastern coast. Given how convenient the trains are, this would make a good place to come for a quick half-day adventure out of Taipei.
BIJIA RIDGE TO ERGE SHAN (筆架連峰)
If you've ever travelled to Yilan on Freeway Number 5, you might have glanced right just before you entered the first of the long tunnels and seen a tree-coated ridge running towards the west. If you're like me, that glimpse of intriguingly knobbly peaks and dips might have lead you to wonder what walking possibilities were hidden by the lush green foliage. The answer is the Bijia ridge trail - a strenuous, (but not difficult), and enjoyable trek which offers occasional great views and plenty of fun hiking.
95 PEAK AND NANGANG SHAN THE SCARY WAY (南港山步道2號峭壁)
NOTE: DUE TO A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN THE AREA THE ROPE TRAILS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Think the Nangang mountain range has nothing challenging to offer? Think elephant mountain is the height of excitement? Think again. Hidden between the ridge path of the Nangang trail and the network of small paths around the lower reaches, there are a series of more difficult climbs to tackle. This route incorporates the hardest of them all.
ZHI GAO ZHEN TRAIL LOOP (知高圳O型縱走)
Zhi Gao Zhen is a small canal in Wuri that draws water from Fazi River to irrigate farms in Nantun, Wuri and Dadu. The shaded and well-paved trail stretches from Wuri to Dadu District and with the sound of the water playing as backdrop music, it is a gentle trail, perfect for a weekend stroll with the family. If you have a little more energy, you can turn it into a loop by adding a short scramble up to a low overlook with views over Changhua.
WULAI SHAN TO DATONG SHAN (烏來山 / 大桶山)
This challenging, but exceedingly fun route leads you from one of northern Taiwan's most scenic hot spring villages up some steep scrambles with great views over the valley. Remember to bring a towel and you can treat your tired feet to a soak in Wulai's mineral-rich waters at the end of the hike.
HUTOU SHAN TO LIYU LAKE (虎頭山/鯉魚潭)
This little there-and-back in Puli township would make for a perfect romantic afternoon stroll. Start from the top and head down for a lakeside wander and maybe a coffee before making your way uphill in time to catch the sunset as it plays out over the city below.
SUN MOON LAKE FULL CYCLE LOOP
For those wishing to experience all of Taiwan in a short time, you could do a lot worse than trying out this loop. As a microcosm of Taiwan it covers almost all the bases: grand temples, spectacular mountain scenery, aboriginal culture, bustling old streets and well crafted tourist experiences, (and of course sharing the road with motorists who view traffic rules as optional).
LONGFENG FALLS (龍鳳瀑布)
A short, simple, there-and-back type of trail which takes you to two reasonably tall waterfalls. Bring the bug spray and a small picnic to enjoy a comfortable afternoon listening to the soothing sounds of water and paddling in the pools under the falls.
FIREFLY SPOTTING IN TAIPEI ON TIGER MOUNTAIN (虎山的螢火蟲)
You don't need to travel to the remote mountains of central Taiwan to experience the magic of seeing fireflies lighting up the evening forest. Hushan has a trail within walking distance of the MRT which is adapted for firefly viewing in peak season. If you visit Taiwan in April or May, you should definitely set aside an evening to step into this enchanting realm of fireflies, night birds and noisy frogs.
GUI SHAN MOUNTAINTOP LOOP (龜山山頂小O型縱走)
A leisurely loop walk which starts out from a very 'Taiwan-feeling' village community. You'll pass university buildings, small ponds and a temple as well as meander through allotments and a graveyard. On clear days, there are views of layered hills out towards Sanxia and beyond from the easternmost point of the walk.
XIAOGUANYIN SHAN LOOP WALK (小觀音山O型縱走)
A moderately difficult and very fun loop hike with absolutely stunning views over Yangmingshan Park's bamboo cloaked northern hills. This is one of my favourite walks in this area and a must for anyone seeking to get away from the crowds at Qixing peak.
YINGGE ROCK TRAIL (鶯歌石登山步道)
A short and sweet loop out of Yingge's ceramics neighbourhood. Sights on this walk include views over Sanxia, shrines in naturally hollowed out caves and a close-up view of the eponymous Yingge Rock, (a large bird-shaped stone which was said to have emitted toxic vapours until it was cannoned by Koxinga'a army).
SHINIU SHAN (石牛山)
This unexpectedly enjoyable loop just south of Shimen reservoir combines a fun upwards scramble with attractive views from the peak and a much gentler route down.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 