A not-too-difficult loop walk where the downwards part of the loop can be done on the Maokong gondola. The highlight of this walk for me was the free tea I enjoyed at Zhangshan Temple.
taipei city
QIXING SHAN ROUND MOUNTAIN TRAIL (環七星山人車分道)
This circular route is an excellent way to experience some of Yangmingshan Park's top attractions. Start early and make a day of it to get the most out of this varied walk.
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN, THUMB MOUNTAIN AND 95 PEAK ON THE NANGANG TRAIL (南港山佈道: 象山 / 拇指山 / 九五峰)
Escape the hoards of tourists taking selfies at that most famous of Taipei's scenic views by exploring beyond elephant mountain. This easy route takes you higher to muzhi mountain and 95 peak, all the while offering great vantage points and lots of hidden shrines to discover.
XIANJI YAN TRAIL (仙跡岩觀山步道)
A shady wander over one of Wenshan District's smaller hills with added mythstorical (myth+historical) features.
MOUNT SHAMAO TRAIL (紗帽山)
An easy spring hike in Yangmingshan national park for lizard lovers to enjoy. If you go at the right time of day, you can soak your feet (and body) afterwards in the public hot spring baths.
ERGE SHAN VIA NANBANGLIAO LOOP (二格山，南邦寮山)
This short loop at the edge of civilisation offers a quick getaway from the city.
JIAOKENG HIKING TRAIL TO QINGTIANGANG (礁坑古道)
Forested ridges, wide open grasslands, cows - this short hike has lots to offer.
JIANTAN MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAIL (劍潭山步道)
Easily accessible by MRT and bus, this trail gives you a glimpse of weekend entertainment in modern-day Taipei and touches on both its military history and present.
QIXING SHAN (七星山)
An exciting hike through the uplands of Yangmingshan National Park with the promise of a hotspring soak for your feet at the end.
TIANMU OLD TRAIL (天母古道)
A shady walk with easy public transport access and the possibility of meeting some of Taiwan's monkey population.