This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail offers grand views over Yangmingshan Park's western hills, as it takes walkers over the steep (and often) muddy peaks of the Mount Datun range.
TAIPEI PUBLIC TRANSPORT HIKES
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 6A
Most of the Taipei Skyline Trail's sixth instalment covers trails within Taipei National Park. This first half takes you along the same route as the Taipei Grand Hike, and also happens to be one of the prettiest easily-accessed walks in the park.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 5B
The fifth section of the Taipei Skyline Trail sees you leaving Yangmingshan Park behind and entering Keelung. This section covers a long (muddy) ridge walk between Fengguizi and the very edge of Keelung City.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 5A
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail takes you close to the coast as you explore some of the sights of Keelung.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL SECTION 4 (Short Version)
The highlight of this section of the Taipei Skyline Trail is unquestionably the exceedingly cool temple cave close to Mount Hongdan. That aside, it involves some pleasant wandering over less-travelled paths, and passes plenty of historic spots.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 3
Straddling Xizhi and Ruifang Districts, Section three of the Taipei Skyline Trail offers a good workout, a few views, a historic fort, and one of Taiwan's Minor 100 Peaks.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 2B
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail was an unexpected delight. It has the twin charms of both a fun ridge walk and a temple-studded historic trail.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 2A
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail covers one of the quintessential Taipei day hikes: the spectacular Huangdidian. Bring a camera and a well-rested body, and come prepared for a very fun walk.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 1B
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail really packs in the views. Taking you from Caonan in the east to Shiding in the west, it offers thrilling climbing and some tantalising views over the famous Huangdidian Ridge.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 1A
Climbing from the cerulean waters of Xindian River, this section of the
Taipei Skyline Trail takes you up to the ridge line that runs from Bitan over towards Shiding, getting steadily more rugged as it makes its way further east.
MOUNT KAIYANLUN and TEA TERRACE TRAIL (開眼崙山/茶園步道)
This short loop in New Taipei's Pinglin District offers a lot of beauty for not much leg work. After a steep (but short) climb to the peak, you are then treated to stunning views of Pinglin's neat tea plantations as you make your way slowly back to the start.
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN to LION MOUNTAIN LOOP (象山/獅山O型)
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.
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
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 Trails and Tales 