Lurking in the hills below Mount Nangang and 95 Peak are wild animals. An elephant, a lion, a tiger and a leopard which are collectively known as the Four Beasts. (Ok, so technically they're hills rather than real beasts.) This loop takes in two of the four, and explores some of the lesser known trails in the area.
SPECIAL HIKES
JINGYING WATERFALL and HOT SPRING (精英瀑布/精英溫泉)
This hard-to-reach spot in the middle of Nantou County offers two for the price of one. Here you'll find both Jingying Waterfall and Jingying hot springs.
XIANDONGHU SHAN and YUEMEI CAVE (仙洞湖山/月眉洞)
You can find all sorts of oddities tucked into the hills of Taiwan, and Keelung's unique brand of oddity seems to be caves with temples in them. This walk includes one such cave temple, as well as a scrappy climb to a peak with distant views of Taipei 101.
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 FOREST PARK (臺東森林公園)
Hemmed in between the broad expanse of Beinan River and the city of Taitung sits the quiet oasis of Taitung Forest Park. Its leafy lanes and tranquil wetlands make for a great half day retreat.
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.
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.
TIANMU WATER PIPE TRAIL and BANLING CANAL via MOUNT SHAMAO (天母水管路/紗帽山/半嶺古圳)
The trails in Tianmu are some of the better-known trails in the foothills of Yangmingshan National Park Despite this, there are always places you've never been, and even revisiting familiar paths will show you a new side to the place.
FIVE FINGER MOUNTAIN (五指山五峰連走O型)
Five Finger Mountain (or Mount Wuzhi), is so named because of the five prominent peaks that protrude along the ridge line. Instantly recognisable from afar, the conjoined summits do indeed (loosely) resemble a waving hand, and the trail connecting them make for a very enjoyable day's walking.
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.
TAIWAN HEMLOCK TRAIL (鐵杉林自然步道)
Taipingshan's Hemlock Trail is an enchanted forest wonderland. If you're planning your trip to the area, then make sure to include this spectacular route on your itinerary.
MAOSING MAIN TRAIL (茂興步道主線)
Of the two trails accessible from Taipingshan's iconic bong bong train, Maosing Main Trail is both the longer and flatter option. It follows the course of the old tracks for a gentle 1km wander through grand forest scenery.
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.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 