For those who like to enjoy a range of exercise in one adventure, head to the hills of Shulin District where you can enjoy a short, brisk walk before a refreshing swim (and exercise your vocal chords with a spot of mountain karaoke).
Author: taiwantrailsandtales
SECRET SPOT OF WU LAO KENG
Sometimes the summer heat here in Taiwan makes hiking an unappealing prospect. For the days when you just wish to laze in cool liquid you can head to this watering hole south of Yilan which is literally hidden under a bridge.
XIN SHAN to DREAM LAKE and KEZILIN RIVER POOL (新山/夢湖/柯子林天然游泳池)
Excitement, adventure, great views, a hidden lake and a wild swimming pool just outside of Taipei. This is a great loop walk with all sorts of rewards for those who attempt it in the warmer months.
YINHE CAVE and WATERFALL to MAOKONG via EJIAOGE (銀河洞瀑布 / 鵝角格山 / 貓空)
A charming and easily accessible walk which takes in a temple behind a waterfall and panoramic views from Taipei's Maokong gondola. With a couple of route options, this walk is suitable for confident beginners and anyone with more experience.
JINSHAN SHITOUSHAN PARK TRAIL (金山獅頭山公園步道)
A very easy walk on the north coast of Taiwan where you can gaze out to sea and consider the immortality of love.
FUYUAN ANCIENT BANYAN TRAIL (福源山步道)
A quiet and pretty hiking trail just outside of Taipei. Along the way you can enjoy quirks of nature like the thousand year banyan tree and a lily pond half way up a mountain (well, it's more of a big hill really).
DA JIAN SHAN via XIUFENG FALLS (秀峰瀑布/大尖山)
An easy hike with a waterfall and city views in Xizhi District.
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN, THUMB MOUNTAIN AND 95 PEAK ON THE NANGANG TRAIL (南港山佈道: 象山 / 拇指山 / 九五峰)
Escape the hoards of tourists taking selfies at that most famous of Taipei's scenic views by exploring beyond elephant mountain. This easy route takes you higher to muzhi mountain and 95 peak, all the while offering great vantage points and lots of hidden shrines to discover.
QI TOU HIKING TRAIL (崎頭步道)
A hike fit for even the most devoted of gym bunnies.
XIANJI YAN TRAIL (仙跡岩觀山步道)
A shady wander over one of Wenshan District's smaller hills with added mythstorical (myth+historical) features.
DINOSAURS IN A POOL
Welcome to perhaps the coolest pool in Taipei (assuming you like dinosaurs as much as I do).
YANG CHO FOREST TRAIL (羊稠森林步道)
An enjoyable stroll through shady forest with views of the HSR.
MIHU HISTORIC TRAIL (迷糊步道)
A gentle escape from the heat of the summer in a quieter corner of the famous Alishan district.
BA XIAN SHAN TO TANG MA DA SHAN (八唐縱走)
A strenuous all day-er which is guaranteed to leave you with a healthy appetite. The hard work is worth it for anyone who loves big, old forests.
FUREN TRAIL (福人步道)
A nice shaded wander around a little strip of wooded land.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 