Riding the bright yellow bong bong train is one of Taipingshan's most memorable experiences. The twenty minute journey takes you to Maosing Station where you have the choice of two short trails to explore.
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JANCING HISTORIC TRAIL (見晴懷古步道)
Taipingshan's Jancing Historic Trail is probably one of the most instantly recognisable trails that Taiwan has to offer, and for good reason. This easy stroll has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike for its mixture of stunning natural scenery and historical significance.
TAIPINGSHAN CYPRESS TRAIL (檜木原始林步道)
Located high up in the mountainous forests in the South of Yilan County, Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is home to spectacular old forests. The Cypress Trail offers a very easy introduction to this special landscape.
CUEIFENG LAKE CIRCULAR TRAIL (翠峰湖環山步道)
Cueifeng Lake was Taiwan's first ever officially designated silent trail. The thick carpet of lush mosses and frequent cloud cover mean that the area exists in a perpetual hush - it's the perfect antidote to city life.
LIAO TIAN-DING’S CAVE (廖添丁洞)
Hidden in a cave in a rarely visited part of New Taipei's Bali District is a shrine to one of Taiwan's legendary figures: Liao Tian-ding.
YOUKENG TRAIL and WATERFALL (幼坑步道/幼坑瀑布)
The hills sheltering the Pingxi Line are home to countless exciting trails and waterfalls. Perhaps one of the most spectacular amongst them is the many-leveled Youkeng Waterfall.
PHOENIX MOUNTAIN (鳳凰山)
Xitou is probably most famous for its Japanese folklore inspired monster village, but for those who prefer to escape the crowds, there are lots of hiking trails too. The climb up to Phoenix Mountain follows an atmospheric cloud-cloaked ridge line through towering bamboo forest, exactly the kind of place where you might run into a real mythological creature.
SHUISHANG WATERFALL and SESHUI FOREST TRAIL (水上瀑布/澀水森林步道)
Nantou's Yuchi District is best known for being the home of Sun Moon Lake, but that's far from the only beauty spot it boasts. This short and easy trail might not feature in the guidebooks, but it should do. Peaceful and pretty–the perfect place to pass an afternoon.
BAGUASHAN WANDER (八卦山散步)
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.
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.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 