Liyu Lake (aka Carp Lake) is situated a short drive southwest of Hualien City. As the county’s largest lake, it has been spruced up with a round-lake trail to attract hikers and bikers. The lake can be visited by private car or public transport and is a relaxing outdoor excursion that’s suitable for the whole family.
MICRO ADVENTURES
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (好望角)
This short almost coastal walk in Miaoli's Houlong Township has Instagram-famous views, towering turbines, and a converted railway tunnel to keep you entertained. At just under 3km, it's also a great little way to stretch your legs and/or catch the sunset if you're passing through on a long drive between the north and the south.
SHUANGQI AMBUPING TRAIL (雙崎埋伏坪步道)
Ambuping Hiking Trail is a short loop in the lower elevation part of Taichung's Heping District. The trail encircles the Tayal tribal village of Shuangqi and takes in one peak, a section of ridgeline, and the remains of an old irrigation canal.
KEELUNG MOUNTAIN NIGHT HIKE (基隆山夜爬)
Keelung Mountain offers great views at either end of the day, and who doesn’t want to see the sight of Jiufen snuggled into the hills as it beds down for the day?
TIGER MOUNTAIN (虎山)
Tiger Mountain is one of the four beasts that guard the south of Taipei's Xinyi District and although steep, the climb can be knocked out in under two hours, with plenty of time left for exploring the eateries and shopping opportunities that Xinyi has to offer.
DAJIAN MOUNTAIN NIGHT HIKE (大尖山夜爬)
This short hike in New Taipei’s Xizhi District combines a Xiao Bai Yue with pretty night views. It’s small, too, so it’s a perfect post-dinner or pre-supper walk for anyone planning to grab some grub at Xizhi’s Tourist Night Market.
99 PEAKS FOREST TRAIL (九九峰森林步道)
The Ninety-Nine Peak Trail in Nantou is a short hike that can be completed within a couple of hours. It has been voted as one of the six best trails in Nantou and takes hikers through some geographically interesting terrain.
ZHONGLOU HISTORIC TRAIL (鐘樓古道)
This short wander through bamboo forest offers a pleasant way to stretch your legs as part of a visit to the small town of Xindian in Miaoli's Shitan Township.
BAT HILL (蝙蝠山)
The hike to Bat Hill Lookout from Shuangxi is a short and (mostly) easy walk that can be combined with an exploration of this historic riverside town in New Taipei.
LOVERS’ LAKE ROUND-MOUNTAIN TRAIL (情人湖環山步道)
Lovers' Lake is a natural lake in the hills to the north of Keelung. It is encircled by two trails—a shorter and easier one that sticks close to the lakeshore called the Round Lake Trail, and a longer one that takes in more ocean views called the Round Mountain Trail. This post covers the second of those two options.
DONGYANSHAN FOREST TRAIL (東眼山森林知性步道)
The Dongyanshan Forest Trail is a gentle walk that is easy enough to be suitable for families. Along the way you can learn about some of the historical techniques employed in the logging industry.
XIAOXUESHAN HEAVENLY POND TRAIL (小雪山天池)
Xiaoxueshan’s Heavenly Pond is a beautiful alpine pool sitting at an elevation of over 2,000 metres within Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area. It’s accessible via a very easy, mostly flat trail from Xiaoxueshan Visitor Information Station.
CHERRY BLOSSOM in LOHAS PARK (樂活公園櫻花季)
Every sakura season, the otherwise non-descript Lohas Park becomes a crowded riot of colour as the full blooms of cherry trees attract hoards of sightseers and photographers. More blossom and some easy walking can be found along the banks of Neigou Creek, which straddles the boundary between Taipei and New Taipei.
YAKOU LOOKOUT TRAIL (埡口觀景台步道)
If you’re heading to Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area and want to do a walk with views, this short hike to a panoramic lookout platform is undoubtedly the walk for you.
CHERRY BLOSSOM at CAOPINGTOU (草坪頭櫻花季)
Caopingtou Yushan Tourist Tea Garden is one of Taiwan's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Each year, thousands of trees paint the slopes in beautiful shades of pink, drawing in blossom lovers from far and wide.