Deep in the mountains of Hsinchu, there are several groves of giant trees. This one offers a rewarding day's foray into Taiwan's mountainous forests and is the perfect destination for an overnight weekend getaway from Taipei.
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TIANZHONG FOREST PARK TRAIL (田中森林公園步道)
This surprisingly scenic trail in Changhua County offers a breezy workout with a side-serving of impressive views.
DAKENG TRAILS 10 & 9-1
This easy loop in Taichung's Beitun District takes in two of Dakeng's famous hiking trails.
DONGMAN TRAIL (東滿步道)
Dongman Trail is a unique experience among Taiwan hiking trails in that it connects two of Taiwan's forest recreation areas: Dongyanshan and Manyueyuan. At around 16-17km, it is a relatively long day-hike, but walkers who venture onto this route are treated to picturesque and peaceful forest scenery.
SANMIN BAT CAVE and GUANYIN TEMPLE (三民蝙蝠洞/觀音洞)
An easy walk in Taoyuan's mountainous Fuxing District that packs a lot into its short length. There's a bat cave, a waterfall, and a unique temple built around a mountain spring—more than enough to make it worth a trip.
MOUNT WANREN and SIXTY STONE MOUNTAIN (萬人山/六十石山)
Mount Wanren is an easy Xiao Bai Yue in the south of Hualien County. Although the climb to the summit is short, if you time your trip right, you can combine it with a visit to the spectacular daylily fields on the nearby slopes of Sixty Stone Mountain.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 12 via GINGER GARDEN (樟之細路D12-薑麻園線)
Day 12 on this version of the route starts off at Ginger Garden, climbs up to Guandao Mountain via a lovely historic trail before following a winding road above Liyutan Reservoir on its way back to join Provincial Highway 3.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 11 via GINGER GARDEN (樟之細路D11-薑麻園線)
This post details one of two options for day 11 on the Raknus Selu Trail. It takes walkers on some lovely trails through the hills of Dahu Township and ends at the touristy Ginger Garden.
TAOLIN BIKEWAY (桃林鐵路自行車道)
This gentle ride in Taoyuan has been deftly stitched together from the remains of the old Taolin coal railway. The scenery cannot be described as breathtaking, but it’s a fun way to explore part of Taoyuan that’s well off the tourist trail.
HEPING ISLAND PARK (和平島公園)
Heping Island Park is a small pocket of land on an island that shelters the mouth of Keelung Harbour. People come here to walk the short coastal trail year-round, and in the summer, you'll find the ocean-fed pools full of swimmers.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 12 via LAOGUANLU (樟之細路D12-老管路線)
This post and the previous post detail the easier of the two options. This version of day 12 is both short and easy.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 11 via LAOGUANLU (樟之細路D11-老管路線)
There are two possible routes for days 11 and 12 on the Raknus Selu Trail. This post and the next post detail the easier of the two options. At 18.5km, this is a pretty long day, but an easy one.
LUJIAOKENG ECOLOGICAL PROTECTED AREA and FENGLIN WATERFALL TRAIL (鹿角坑生態保護區/楓林瀑布)
Tucked into the northern folds of Yangmingshan National Park, Lujiaokeng Ecological Protection Area and Fenglin Waterfall can only be accessed by those who have applied for a permit. Don't let that put you off though, this pretty trail involves lots of stream crossings and the remoteness means you're all but guaranteed a quiet walk.
SHIGUANG HISTORIC TRAIL (石光古道)
This easy walk in Hsinchu's Guanxi Township takes hikers along a historic trail and past a unique Catholic Shrine.
FENQI TRAIL (奮起步道)
This short and well-kept walk skirts around the historic town of Fenqihu in Chiayi's Zhuqi Township. Along the way, you can enjoy majestic bamboo forests and hear the melodic sounds of so much bird life.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 