Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area—also known as Butterfly Valley—is a quiet tourist spot in Hualien. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air, take in the impressive river valley, walk the (almost too) exhilarating suspension bridge, and soak in the hot spring's restorative waters.
SPECIAL HIKES
DAHAN RIVER RIDE: XIMEN to DAXI (大漢溪自行車道)
This easy ride takes you from the heart of downtown Taipei to a Hakka town built around an old street in Taoyuan.
MOUNT DAGANG and PANLONG CANYON (大崗山/盤龍峽谷/天靈洞)
This easy trail in Kaosiung's Alian District is full of interesting details. There's a twisty slot canyon, a temple in a cave, and one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks.
WAYAO CANAL (瓦磘溝)
Wayao Canal was once a free-flowing river, cutting its way through Yonghe's alluvial floodplains, providing a useful means of transporting the bricks and tiles that helped the area to prosper. These days, it is channelled under and through the city streets, with few indications of its former life. Following its winding course through the city offers you a unique perspective into one of New Taipei's most densely-packed districts.
XIZHI LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (汐止獅頭山)
Sometimes you feel like a grand adventure somewhere far from home, but other days call for a backyard adventure. This walk is perfect for one of those days.
TAOYUAN VALLEY via SHIGUANYIN TEMPLE TRAIL (桃源谷步道-石觀音線)
Taoyuan Valley Trail is one of the classic day hikes in northern Taiwan. It offers free-roaming water buffalo and views for days... just be prepared to earn all the enjoyment with plenty of hard work.
LINGBO TEMPLE WALK (靈菩寺/四股埤步道)
Lingbo Temple Trail is a tiny little walk in Xizhi that's probably only visited by a handful of locals. It takes you up to a temple with a view over the area, then heads back down along a fishing pond and past a cute little temple in a cave.
MOUNT MOYAN TRAIL (墨硯山步道)
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.
KINMEN FORT WALLS, LIANG SHAN & ZHAISHAN TUNNEL LOOP (金門城/梁山/翟山坑道O型)
This loop in Kinmen's Jincheng Township connects several spots that are more commonly visited on two or four wheels, and of course, while walking, you get to see lots of things you might otherwise miss if you were passing through at speed.
DAKENG TRAILS 6 & 7 (大坑步道6+7)
Criss-crossing the hills of Beitun District there is a network of paths for hikers to enjoy. This route encompasses two of the Dakeng trails, and takes you past temples, up steep summits and through a mountaintop adventure playground.
SANDIAOLING TUNNEL BIKEWAY
Since it reopened in 2022, Sandiaoling Tunnel has become a top spot for people wanting a short half-day adventure from Taipei.
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.
MOUNT WUSHIKENG & MOUNT CHUANXING LOOP (烏石坑山/船型山O型)
This looped route takes you deep into the forests of Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area. Tread quietly, and you might even be rewarded with a sighting of a Formosan serow.
SHUANGLIU WATERFALL TRAIL (雙流瀑布)
Shuangliu Waterfall Trail is one of several trails inside Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area. It's testament to the prettiness of the park that we had a great time despite never even making it as far as the waterfall itself. The trail is gentle, easy and has a couple of stepping stone trails that are great fun.
RONGXUAN TRAIL (容軒步道)
Rongxuan Trail is a short and easy loop walk right next to Taiwan's northernmost train station.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 