You won’t find Matcha Mountain on any official maps, but that hasn’t stopped this spot becoming one of the hottest places for tourists to visit in Taiwan. An easy (if long) trail takes hikers up through pleasant forest to a summit with spectacular views of hills cloaked in shimmering grasses. Once you’ve made it to the top, it’s easy to see the appeal.
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FENQI TRAIL (奮起步道)
This short and well-kept walk skirts around the historic town of Fenqihu in Chiayi's Zhuqi Township. Along the way, you can enjoy majestic bamboo forests and hear the melodic sounds of so much bird life.
EWEISHAN PADDY TERRACE and PINGJING STREET CHERRY BLOSSOM (鵝尾山水田/平菁街櫻花巷)
There are lots of cherry blossom viewing spots dotted around Taiwan, and taking a walk to enjoy the pretty pink petals is something that many locals like to indulge in at least once a year. This sakura spot in Yangmingshan National Park is an easy and convenient location to enjoy the pink petals.
FANGYUAN WETLANDS TRAIL (芳苑海空步道)
The Fangyuan Wetlands Trail is a short and accessible coastal walk in Chuanghua County. Visitors can enjoy spotting the numerous crabs and mudskippers.
LONGYIN WATERFALL and SUSPENSION BRIDGE (龍吟瀑布/龍吟吊橋)
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.
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.
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.
SHEN’AO RAIL BIKE (深奧鐵道自行車)
A gentle ride along one of Keelung’s historic mining routes.
KEELUNG ISLET (基隆嶼)
Keelung Islet is a small rocky mound just a few kilometres off the coast of northern Taiwan. It is also a great choice for a day trip from the city.
WANGYOU VALLEY TRAIL ( 望幽谷步道)
Located on just south of Keelung, the scenic Wangyou Valley Trail is one of the best-known walks on Taiwan's northeast coast.
MOUNT GONGZILIAO and GONGZILIAO FORT (槓子寮山/槓子寮砲臺)
The hills around Keelung are home to numerous old defensive structures left over from various periods in Taiwan's history. The remains found here at Gongziliao Fort are the most extensive and well preserved out there.
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.
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.
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.
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.