Cutting through a shallow valley in New Taipei’s Pingxi District, the Pingxi Line is a tourist railway with terminal stations at Badouzi towards the coast and Jingtong at its most inland extremity. This whole area is a hiker’s paradise, and you could dedicate a whole year to exploring every trail, waterfall and little village along the way. The trails featured on this page can all be accessed via this scenic railway route.

YOUKENG TRAIL and WATERFALL (幼坑步道/幼坑瀑布)

The hills sheltering the Pingxi Line are home to countless exciting trails and waterfalls. Perhaps one of the most spectacular amongst them is the many-leveled Youkeng Waterfall.

MENGHUAN FALLS (夢幻瀑布)

The hills rising to either side of the picturesque Pingxi Line are dotted with numerous mountain streams and waterfalls. Menghuan Waterfall is perhaps less well known than some of the others, but its secluded nature makes it a great spot to visit.

MOUNT WUFEN (五分山)

Mount Wufen is a rewarding half day hike in northern Taiwan’s Pingxi District. Ideal for Taipei-based day trippers looking for a scenic walk, this trail will take you up through lush forests to an open grassy ridge with expansive views over the many-layered hills of Pingxi.

LINGJIAO and WANGGU WATERFALLS (嶺腳瀑布/望古瀑布)

The Lingjiao to Wanggu Trail packs an awful lot into its short length. You get not one, but two waterfalls, a dash of history and a trail that’s both pretty and gentle. It’s also short enough that you can combine it with a visit to some of the other sights and trails along the Pingxi Line.

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: 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.

PINGXI CRAGS (平溪小三尖)

This is one of the all-time classic Taiwan hikes, and for good reason. Pingxi’s crags rise dramatically from the forest and are the perfect adventure playground for visitors from Taipei.

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.

ZHONGYANG PITON and CHOU TOU SHAN (中央尖/臭頭山)

This moderately challenging walk has exciting climbs, some neat geological features, the odd dramatic view, pretty stream-side walking, and even a touch of Taiwan’s industrial history. What’s more, it can accessed by train from Taipei.

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.