This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail covers one of the quintessential Taipei day hikes: the spectacular Huangdidian. Bring a camera and a well-rested body, and come prepared for a very fun walk.
INSTA FAMOUS HIKES
MOUNT LILONG (里龍山)
Mount Lilong is one of the more popular hiking trails in Pingtung County. The climb to this Minor 100 Peak takes you past streams, through pleasant forests full of monkeys and up to a summit which commands spectacular views over the coastline.
MAOSING LOOP TRAIL (茂興懷舊步道環線)
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.
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.
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.
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.
TURTLE ISLAND (龜山島)
Visiting Turtle Island makes for a great day trip in northern Taiwan. This post will tell you a little about the fascinating history of the island, as well as find out what to expect when you visit, and how to get there.
SANXIA LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅仔頭山/粽串尖)
Lion's Head Mountain on the border of New Taipei's Sanxia and Xindian Districts is one of several similarly named peaks scattered across the various counties of Taiwan. This particular lion offers excitement and adventure with a dash of history, and a visit is well worth the trouble of getting out there.
HUOYAN SHAN (火炎山)
Fire Mountain's flame-red slopes are an instantly recognisable landmark for motorists driving between Taichung and Miaoli. This formerly restricted nature reserve is home to a Minor 100 Peak, and has some of the most unique terrain that you're likely to find in Taiwan.
MIAOLI’S LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅頭山)
Lion's Head Mountain in Miaoli is just one of many peaks scattered across Taiwan to be named due to its resemblance to the King of the Jungle. What sets this particular lion apart from the others is its enduring role as a site of spiritual significance. Dotting the mountain's slopes visitors will find a proliferation of temples, some of which have been open to worshippers for over a hundred years.
SCISSORS ROCK NIGHT HIKE (剪刀石夜爬)
Scissors Rock is up there with Elephant Mountain in terms of its popularity among the easily accessible trails of Taipei. But unlike it's Xinyi District counterpart, this trail in Neihu falls quiet as soon as night settles on the city. Travellers willing to brave the dark will be treated to peaceful city views and maybe even a flying squirrel (or two, or five)
TUCHENG TUNG BLOSSOM TRAIL (土城油桐花步道)
Every April and May the mountains around Taipei are cloaked with the white blossom of the tung tree. Getting out to observe this May 'snowfall' is a popular activity amongst the locals, and this trail in Tucheng is one of many places you can go to join in.
BANPING SHAN AND TEAPOT MOUNTAIN LOOP （半屏山/無耳茶壺山O型)
This is the perfect half-day hike for adventure-seekers who want to explore the many and varied delights of Taiwan’s marvellous northeastern coast.
XIONG KONG NAN SHAN and YUNSEN FALLS (熊空南山/雲森瀑布)
This has definitely been one of my favourite hikes of the year. The walk starts with a reasonable climb through quiet and multi-layered forests to a peak that remained cool and breezy even in the summer heat. Then tracks down again to follow the playful Zhongkeng Stream as it spills and bounces it’s way through the valley. There are mountain views, grand waterfalls and even swimming holes to be enjoyed along the way. I will be adding this to my list of places to take visiting friends.
taiwan trails and tales 