HIKES and HISTORY

When I arrived in Taiwan I can quite honestly say that I knew next to nothing of its history. Worse than that, I had the general impression that learning about history was, well… a little dull. Thankfully I have since discovered that walking over the land is an incredibly meaningful way to learn about the history of a place and its people. In each of the routes contained here I found myself learning a little more about Taiwan and the forces that have shaped what it is today.

JINGUASHI to BENSHAN GEOLOGICAL PARK LOOP (金瓜石/本山地質公園O型)

The area around Jiufen and Jinguashi is absolutely riddled with hiking trails — many of which can be found on this site. This latest addition to the collection details an easy-to-moderate walk that takes in some sites of historical and geological interest.

LIGHTHOUSES, BAIMIWENG FORT and XIANDONG ZUISHENG CAVE TEMPLE (基隆走走：基隆燈塔/球子山燈塔/白米甕砲臺/仙洞巖最勝寺)

This trail in Keelung’s Zhongshan District isn’t the prettiest walk I’ve ever done, but it certainly packs in a lot of interesting spots into its short length. There are two lighthouses, port views, a fort, and a subterranean temple.

LOVERS’ LAKE ROUND-MOUNTAIN TRAIL (情人湖環山步道)

Lovers’ Lake is a natural lake in the hills to the north of Keelung. It is encircled by two trails—a shorter and easier one that sticks close to the lakeshore called the Round Lake Trail, and a longer one that takes in more ocean views called the Round Mountain Trail. This post covers the second of those two options.

TEFUYE HISTORIC TRAIL (特富野古道)

Tefuye Historic Trail has been reinvented several times over the years. It started off as a hunting and trading route for the Tsou aboriginals who live in the region. Later, the Japanese turned it into a logging railway, and now it has a third life as a much-loved hiking trail.

MOUNT TAIWU (太武山)

This 253m high peak is the ninety-ninth of Taiwan’s Xiao Bai Yue, and the highest point in the whole of Kinmen. From Jinsha and Jinhu Townships, it’s an especially commanding feature of the landscape, its pale granite flanks are visible from pretty much wherever you go.

MOUNT DAWULUN (大武崙山)

This short trail in Keelung’s Zhongshan District has a little bit of lots of things. It’s a historic trail. It takes you through an old fort. It includes one of Taiwan’s Xiao Bai Yue. And in the right weather, it can end with a dip in the sea and snacks by the beach.

JINBAOLI TRAIL (金包里大路)

This historic trail in Yangmingshan National Park is a section of a longer trail of connecting Shilin with Jinshan. This section is a beautiful and gentle walk with different types of scenery to enjoy along the way.

YONGSHI & TIEHAN FORTS (勇士堡/鐵漢堡)

Yongshi and Tiehan Forts are twin fortifications on Xiao Kinmen that are connected by subterranean tunnels. It’s just one of many old military installations-turned-tourist attractions that you can find all over Kinmen and its smaller neighbour.

NANPING HISTORIC TRAIL and MATAI HISTORIC TRAIL (南坪古道/馬胎古道)

This gentle and pleasant trail looping from Neiwan Old Street takes you up to the small tribal village of Matai via historic footpaths and past pretty fern-laced streams.

MOUNT MAOLAN (貓蘭山)

This short and very easy trail can be done as part of a visit to Nantou’s Sun Moon Lake. Along the way you’ll learn a little about the history of tea in Taiwan, and tick off another of the 100 Minor Peaks.

FENGZILIN SHAN and NIAOYUE SHAN (楓子林山/鳥月山)

This slightly rough-around-the-edges walk is probably not going to be everybody’s cup of tea. But if you’ve done lots of the popular hikes around Taipei and are looking for something a little quieter then this might just be the walk for you.

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.

RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 1 (樟之細路D1)

This first day on the Raknus Selu Trail is a looping wander which starts at Sankeng Old Street before heading down to the banks of the river that once made the area prosperous.

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 7A

Section 7A of the Taipei Skyline Trail sees you scaling Mount Guanyin the hard way, before leading you along a quieter stretch of path to the place where Taiwan’s Robin Hood (allegedly) met his end.

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.

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.

TAITUNG’S CARP HILL ( 臺東鯉魚山)

Carp Hill is perhaps the most prominent geological feature in Taitung City, and if you’re visiting Taitung then climbing it is a great way to see the city from another angle.

TIANMU WATER PIPE TRAIL and BANLING CANAL via MOUNT SHAMAO (天母水管路/紗帽山/半嶺古圳)

The trails in Tianmu are some of the better-known trails in the foothills of Yangmingshan National Park Despite this, there are always places you’ve never been, and even revisiting familiar paths will show you a new side to the place.

JANCING HISTORIC TRAIL (見晴懷古步道)

Taipingshan’s Jancing Historic Trail is probably one of the most instantly recognisable trails that Taiwan has to offer, and for good reason. This easy stroll has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike for its mixture of stunning natural scenery and historical significance.