The highlight of this weird little wander in Miaoli's Touwu Township was the unexpected discovery of a semi-abandoned pleasure garden. That aside, it also offers views over Miaoli's urban centre.
MICRO ADVENTURES
WUFENGQI WATERFALLS and OUR LADY OF WUFENGQI CHURCH (五峰旗瀑布/五峰旗聖母朝聖地)
Wufengqi Scenic Area in Yilan’s Jiaoxi District is a great place to escape to when the mercury starts to rise. Walking the shaded waterfall trails and paddling in the shallow stream can help to counter the oppressive summer heat.
RONGXUAN TRAIL (容軒步道)
Rongxuan Trail is a short and easy loop walk right next to Taiwan's northernmost train station.
CROUCHING TIGER HILL (臥虎山)
A brief loop with an interesting temple and some exploration of a lesser known peak in Keelung.
TIEZHAN SHAN (鐵站山)
Tiezhan Shan is an easy walk with lots in the way of random art/weirdness to distract you from the fact that it’s not much of a walk. This is one of the Minor 100 Peaks that you could bring your gran to.
RENHE TUNG BLOSSOM TRAIL (仁和步道)
This short trail in Hsinchu is a good place to do a spot of tung blossom viewing. What makes it even more appealing is that the walk starts and finishes at sleepy Hukou Old Street, where you can enjoy a few Hakka dishes and/or a cup of coffee.
SOUTH GUANYIN MOUNTAIN (南觀音山)
This enjoyable loop trail in Taichung will take you to number 42 of Taiwan's list of 100 Minor Peaks. It is well-known in Taiwan's hiking circles for the odd sight of a giant golden hand at the summit.
FIREFLIES at JINTONG COAL MEMORIAL PARK (菁桐煤礦紀念公園螢火蟲)
The ruins of the old Jingtong Coal Mine make for a unique backdrop to Taiwan's April firefly viewing season.
MINGDE RESERVOIR (明德水庫)
This easy wander in Miaoli's Touwu Township takes you on a short loop around part of Mingde Reservoir.
HENGCHUN CITY WALLS (恆春縣城)
The old town of Hengchun is one great alternative to Kenting, and the historic city walls provide visitors with the perfect ‘no plan’ day out. Just lace up your shoes and start walking, letting your interest and stomach divert you as necessary.
THUMB MOUNTAIN SUNRISE (拇指山日出)
There is something undeniably special about hiking up through the thinning dark to watch the sun cast its first rays over the landscape. This short trail in Taipei's Xinyi District offers a great vantage point to see the sun come up, and observe the city as it gets ready to start a new day
TAITUNG’S CARP HILL ( 臺東鯉魚山)
Carp Hill is perhaps the most prominent geological feature in Taitung City, and if you're visiting Taitung then climbing it is a great way to see the city from another angle.
AUTUMN COLOURS at GONGBEI TEMPLE (拱北殿賞楓行)
An easy wander in New Taipei's Xizhi District. Come in November or December to enjoy the bright red leaves.
ZHONGGANG MAIN DRAINAGE TRAIL (中港大排)
You could be forgiven for thinking that New Taipei's heavily industrial Xinzhuang District doesn't have any beauty spots worth investigating. But have you visited Zhonggang Main Drainage Trail yet? Taroko Gorge, it's not, but for an inner city wander, it's not too shabby.
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.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 