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.
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.
NUANSHOU SHAN SINO-FRENCH WAR TRENCHES (暖壽山/清法戰爭古戰壕遺址）
This short trail in an overlooked corner of Keelung City will take you back in time to 1884 – when French and Qing soldiers fought for control of Taiwan.
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.
A WANDER IN KENTING NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA (墾丁國家森林旅樂區)
Whether your interest lies in rocks, plants, creatures or culture, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is well worth a visit. Amongst the towering limestone cliffs and subterranean caves you can spot a whole host of cute critters and an impressive array of tropical plant life.
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.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: SHIFEN to NUANNUAN (淡蘭古道中路：十分/暖東峽谷/暖暖)
Taking the old mining town of Shifen as its starting point this section of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails takes you up towards Mount Wufen before plunging down into shady valleys on its way to Nuannuan. There are some lovely scenes to enjoy along the way including a bright red trailside temple and a spectacular ravine.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: WANHUA to FUYANG ECO PARK (淡蘭古道：萬華/富陽自然生態公園)
The southern stretch of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails starts from the historic centre of Wanhua and heads through urban parks and market streets on its way to the edge of the city.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: MUDAN LOOP (淡蘭古道北路：牡丹/燦光寮古道/貂山古道)
This peaceful part of the northern Tamsui-Kavalan Trails traverses the slopes of the valley south of Jinguashi. Along the way you’ll pass deserted mining settlements, a tomb with a tragic tale, (or two, or three, or four), and a now abandoned dam in the middle of the forest.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: NEIGANJIAO to SHIFEN (淡蘭古道中路：內柑腳/十分)
The stretch of the Tamsui-Kavalan trails leading into Shifen from the south is probably the quietest section of the middle route, but don’t let that put you off. This really has the feel of a functional historic trail, leading you over the hills and across the valley from one village to another. And those who walk it south to north can reward themselves with some snacks from Shifen Old Street.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: DALI to YILAN (淡蘭古道北路：大里/外澳/頭城/礁溪/宜蘭)
This leg of the journey ties up the northern, middle and southern routes on their route into the centre of Yilan. Along the way you can stop to take in some grand coastal scenery, soak up the sun at the surfer beach in Wai’ao, visit Toucheng’s historic old street and dip your toes in Jiaoxi’s hot spring waters. Although it may not seem like the obvious place to go for a stroll, those who do walk this way will certainly find plenty to keep themselves interested.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: SHUANGXI to DALI (淡蘭古道北路：雙溪/貢寮/草嶺古道/大里)
This part of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails has two unique claims to fame, not only does it have the oldest original section of path, but it also overlaps with the route that the Japanese took when they marched from Yanliao to modern-day Taipei in 1895.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: FULONG to DALI (淡蘭古道北路：福隆/大里)
This stretch of the northern Tamsui-Kavalan Trails connects the relaxed beach town of Fulong with the fishing villages of Shicheng and Dali. On the way it takes you past the old Caoling Tunnel, and perhaps even follows the route taken by Wusha – the immigrant credited with being ‘the pioneer of Yilan’.
KOUSHAN TRAIL (口山步道)
Koushan Trail is a short and gentle stroll in Miaoli’s rural Zaoqiao Township. In the days when most travel was done on foot, it was part of the old footpath that used to link the village of Zaoqiao with the village of Tanwen further over towards the coast.
18 PEAKS MOUNTAIN PARK (十八尖山公園)
18 Peaks Mountain Park is one of Hsinchu’s most easily accessible outdoor leisure spots. Not only does it draw outdoor fans in search of a scenic place for a stroll (or a jog), but its layered past means it also has much to attract history buffs.
DACUKENG OLD TRAIL (大粗坑古道)
Now inhabited solely by stray dogs, the abandoned settlement of Dacukeng was once a thriving village supported by the profits of the area’s abundant ‘black gold’ – coal. Climb the stairs to see what’s left of this community, and then continue of to Jiufen for some well-earned snacks.
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taiwan trails and tales 