Seeing the sunrise is definitely one of my favourite ways to enjoy the trail. The feeling of being up and out there before everyone else is something truly unique. And for those amongst you who don’t feel psyched about getting such an early start there’s always the beauty of sunsets to appreciate.

MOUNT MAWUBUA (馬武霸山)

Mount Mawuba sits just inside the borders of Shei-pa National Park, deep inside Taichung’s mountainous Heping District. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful walk, and best of all, it doesn’t require any permits.

THUMB MOUNTAIN SUNRISE (拇指山日出)

There is something undeniably special about hiking up through the thinning dark to watch the sun cast its first rays over the landscape. This short trail in Taipei’s Xinyi District offers a great vantage point to see the sun come up, and observe the city as it gets ready to start a new day

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.

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.

HUTOU SHAN TO LIYU LAKE (虎頭山/鯉魚潭)

This little there-and-back in Puli township would make for a perfect romantic afternoon stroll. Start from the top and head down for a lakeside wander and maybe a coffee before making your way uphill in time to catch the sunset as it plays out over the city below.

FENG QI SUNSET TRAIL (鳳崎落日步道)

An easy and leisurely afternoon walk taking in military relics. Bring your significant other and aim to finish the walk around sundown so that you can watch the sunset together as you gaze out over the Taiwan Strait.

MOUNT WU FEN HIKING TRAIL (五分山)

A bit of a steps workout walk.