Tucked away behind the National Palace Museum you’ll find the unassuming entrance to this trail. If you’ve eaten your fill of museum exhibits and choose to follow the old stone steps up the hill, then you will come face to face with one aspect of life in old Taiwan which is still very much alive. The historic waterways in this area have been supplying water to the farms here for generations, and what could be more soothing than walking alongside flowing water.
WATERY WALKS
JIU LIAO CREEK TRAIL TO GABA WATERFALL (九寮溪步道/戈霸瀑布)
A gentle trail following Jiu Liao Creek up towards the 30m high Gaba falls. The path is dotted with information boards explaining various aspects of Atayal life and several interesting bridges carry you over the water.
DATUN STREAM TRAIL LOOP (三板橋/竿尾崙山/小觀音山西北峰/大屯溪古道)
This loop trail takes you to a wilder edge of Yangmingshan Park that many visitors never see. The first section is a tough climb through quiet, dense forest. The mid section takes you scrambling from peak to peak through a maze of bamboo. And during the final section all your hard work is rewarded as you experience the sheer pleasure of following a delightful stream carving its way down through a luscious valley.
PINGDING HISTORIC CANAL TRAIL (坪頂古圳步道)
Some pretty easy walking in some exceedingly picturesque surroundings. Ping Ding Old Canal cuts its way through a quiet corner of Yangmingshan park where you can find gently flowing water and terrace farming to enjoy.
ZHI GAO ZHEN TRAIL LOOP (知高圳O型縱走)
Zhi Gao Zhen is a small canal in Wuri that draws water from Fazi River to irrigate farms in Nantun, Wuri and Dadu. The shaded and well-paved trail stretches from Wuri to Dadu District and with the sound of the water playing as backdrop music, it is a gentle trail, perfect for a weekend stroll with the family. If you have a little more energy, you can turn it into a loop by adding a short scramble up to a low overlook with views over Changhua.
SANDIAOLING WATERFALL TRAIL (三貂嶺瀑布步)
This trail is one of the most popular day hikes in northern Taiwan, and for good reason. You'll enjoy waterfalls, a shaded walk by a stream and a dash of adventure...and all easily accessible using public transport.
SECRET SPOT OF WU LAO KENG
Sometimes the summer heat here in Taiwan makes hiking an unappealing prospect. For the days when you just wish to laze in cool liquid you can head to this watering hole south of Yilan which is literally hidden under a bridge.
XIN SHAN to DREAM LAKE and KEZILIN RIVER POOL (新山/夢湖/柯子林天然游泳池)
Excitement, adventure, great views, a hidden lake and a wild swimming pool just outside of Taipei. This is a great loop walk with all sorts of rewards for those who attempt it in the warmer months.
LINMEI SHIPAN TRAIL (林美石磐步道)
A relaxing stroll through woods next to a stream.
QING SHAN WATERFALL TRAIL (青山瀑布)
Rewarding hike to a waterfall and beyond, this walk would make for a great picnic day out.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 