Guanyin Mountain rises from the banks of Tamsui River in New Taipei’s Bali and Wugu Districts. Its nickname is tough guy peak on account of the fact that climbing it was previously used as an entoughenmemt activity for military police officers, and for those unacquainted with Taiwan’s steep, steep steps, it’s clear to see why.
SPECIAL HIKES
DAGUI WATERFALL RIVER TRACE (大鬼瀑布溯溪)
With Taiwan's summers dragging on for a seemingly infinite length of time, there's nothing more appealing than immersing yourself in the nearest body of water and this easy river trace in New Taipei's Ruifang District is a top spot to stop off on a hot day.
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.
LALASHAN SACRED TREE TRAIL (拉拉山神木群歩道)
Lalashan — R'ra in the local Tayal language — is one of 19 such designated national forest recreation areas in Taiwan. It occupies an area of land that sits 1,500 to 2,130 metres above sea level in Taoyuan's Fuxing District up a winding road dotted with Tayal villages. The forest is home to many ancient trees, some of them centuries old, and a pleasantly shady trail takes hikers on a meandering loop to greet these sacred giants.
NEIDONG FOREST RECREATION AREA TRAILS (內洞森林遊樂區步道)
Situated on the banks of Nanshi Creek and far away from the busy city, Neidong National Forest Recreation Area is a peaceful and pretty natural haven. The park has a total of three trails — the Scenic Trail, the Forest Bathing Trail and the Waterfall Trail — which can be woven together into a single loop, allowing you to see all that the park has to offer.
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.
FUSHAN BOTANICAL GARDEN (福山植物園)
Fushan Botanical Garden sits so deep within the hills of Yilan that it's actually in New Taipei's Wulai District.
ERYANPING TEA TRAIL (二延平步道)
This beautiful trail in the hills of Chiayi's Fanlu Township has been voted one of the top 100 trails in Taiwan and it's not hard to see why. Wisps of mist weave through bamboo and a sea of clouds laps at tea-covered slopes — it is a quintessentially Taiwan trail.
SONGLUO NATIONAL TRAIL (松蘿國家步道)
Songluo Trail is a very scenic waterside hike in Yilan's Datong District. Formerly a Tayal hunting route, it has now been fashioned into a family-friendly trail that is perfect for keeping the summer heat at bay.
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 8 (山海圳國家級綠道D8)
Day eight on the MSTW was when things start to get really, properly scenic. This day completes the last couple of sections of the Tribal Trail as the route makes its way ever onwards towards the high mountains. The highlight of this day's walking is the charming and forested Tefuye Historic Trail.
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.
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 7 (山海圳國家級綠道D7)
Day seven on the MSTW follows County Highway 169 from the remote village of Lijia to the marginally less remote village of Dabang. Along the way, there are lots of tea fields and Dabang itself makes a perfect place to take a rest day to recover and enjoy the slower pace of life.
MOUNT HONGDAN (紅淡山)
This trail makes for a serviceable half-day trip from Taipei with interesting temples, one of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks, views, and the promise of dinner from one of Keelung’s many eateries.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 