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.

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.

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.

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.

BAGUASHAN WANDER (八卦山散步)

Bagua Shan’s giant Buddha is one of the most instantly recognisable features of Changhua, the smallest county in the Taiwanese mainland, but it’s just one of many interesting sights to be seen on a stroll around this diminutive hill.

JIUZHUANG SHAN (舊莊山)

Jiuzhuang Shan is a small hill in Taipei’s Nangang District, immediately opposite the campus of Academia Sinica. A wander along the trails will introduce you to a number of distinguished academics who were associated with the institution during their lifetimes.

NANGANG TEA MOUNTAIN TRAIL (南港茶山步道 )

If you picture Nangang District in your mind what do you see? The train station? The exhibition centre? The giant software park? I bet you didn’t envision quiet hillsides cloaked with neat rows of tea. This trail offers an insight into a side of Nangang that not so many people know about.

TURTLE ISLAND (龜山島)

Visiting Turtle Island makes for a great day trip in northern Taiwan. This post will tell you a little about the fascinating history of the island, as well as find out what to expect when you visit, and how to get there.

SANXIA LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅仔頭山/粽串尖)

Lion’s Head Mountain on the border of New Taipei’s Sanxia and Xindian Districts is one of several similarly named peaks scattered across the various counties of Taiwan. This particular lion offers excitement and adventure with a dash of history, and a visit is well worth the trouble of getting out there.

JINGUASHI AQUEDUCT TRAIL (山尖路步道)

This short trail linking the two popular tourist villages of Jiufen and Jinguashi takes you past aqueducts that were used during the area’s industrial past. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after sampling the edible delights of Jiufen Old Street.

MIAOLI’S LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅頭山)

Lion’s Head Mountain in Miaoli is just one of many peaks scattered across Taiwan to be named due to its resemblance to the King of the Jungle. What sets this particular lion apart from the others is its enduring role as a site of spiritual significance. Dotting the mountain’s slopes visitors will find a proliferation of temples, some of which have been open to worshippers for over a hundred years.

QILAI NANHUA TRAIL – DAY 2 (奇萊南華步道)

Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Shan are two of Taiwan’s famed ‘100 Peaks’. If you have no experience of high mountains, these two are a pretty good place to start. This post covers the second day of the two day journey.

QILAI NANHUA TRAIL – DAY 1 (奇萊南華步道)

Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Shan are two of Taiwan’s famed ‘100 Peaks’. If you have no experience of high mountains, these two are a pretty good place to start. This post covers the first day of the two day journey.

ALISHAN SISTERS PONDS LOOP (阿里山：姐妹池O型)

Alishan has been a popular destination with tourists for decades, the lure of the mountain air and beautiful forest scenery drawing in the crowds. These days visitors still flock to the park to enjoy the forest, the sunrise and the picturesque little red trains that ply the narrow-gauge tracks through the trees. This trail will take you on a short and easy wander around some of the sights.

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