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.
easy hike
YINGGE ROCK TRAIL (鶯歌石登山步道)
A short and sweet loop out of Yingge's ceramics neighbourhood. Sights on this walk include views over Sanxia, shrines in naturally hollowed out caves and a close-up view of the eponymous Yingge Rock, (a large bird-shaped stone which was said to have emitted toxic vapours until it was cannoned by Koxinga'a army).
QINGTIANGANG CIRCULAR TRAIL (擎天崗環形步道)
A gentle and incredibly scenic circular route around the famous, cow-grazed grasslands of Qingtiangang in Yangmingshan National Park. This trail is accessible by public transport and should be ok for anyone who can handle some steps and an uneven walking surface. Make sure to come on a clear day, (when you can see Qixing Mountain peak from the city), in order to enjoy the views at their best.
BATTLESHIP ROCK TO XIN BEITOU (軍艦岩往新北投)
You can combine a visit to this photogenic rock outcrop with a not-too-difficult walk to a rather pretty Japanese shrine and end up right next to Beitou's famous sulphur valley.
QIXING SHAN ROUND MOUNTAIN TRAIL (環七星山人車分道)
This circular route is an excellent way to experience some of Yangmingshan Park's top attractions. Start early and make a day of it to get the most out of this varied walk.
WAI WA ZI SHAN TO HONGLUDI NANSHAN FUDE TEMPLE (外挖子山步道-烘爐地南山福德宮)
A ridge trail which skirts the southern edge of Taipei and takes in a couple of notable temples along the way.
YINHE CAVE and WATERFALL to MAOKONG via EJIAOGE (銀河洞瀑布 / 鵝角格山 / 貓空)
A charming and easily accessible walk which takes in a temple behind a waterfall and panoramic views from Taipei's Maokong gondola. With a couple of route options, this walk is suitable for confident beginners and anyone with more experience.
JINSHAN SHITOUSHAN PARK TRAIL (金山獅頭山公園步道)
A very easy walk on the north coast of Taiwan where you can gaze out to sea and consider the immortality of love.
FUYUAN ANCIENT BANYAN TRAIL (福源山步道)
A quiet and pretty hiking trail just outside of Taipei. Along the way you can enjoy quirks of nature like the thousand year banyan tree and a lily pond half way up a mountain (well, it's more of a big hill really).
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN, THUMB MOUNTAIN AND 95 PEAK ON THE NANGANG TRAIL (南港山佈道: 象山 / 拇指山 / 九五峰)
Escape the hoards of tourists taking selfies at that most famous of Taipei's scenic views by exploring beyond elephant mountain. This easy route takes you higher to muzhi mountain and 95 peak, all the while offering great vantage points and lots of hidden shrines to discover.
QI TOU HIKING TRAIL (崎頭步道)
A hike fit for even the most devoted of gym bunnies.
YANG CHO FOREST TRAIL (羊稠森林步道)
An enjoyable stroll through shady forest with views of the HSR.
KEELUNG MOUNTAIN (基隆山)
A different way to experience the famous tourist town Jiufen.
MOUNT SHAMAO TRAIL (紗帽山)
An easy spring hike in Yangmingshan national park for lizard lovers to enjoy. If you go at the right time of day, you can soak your feet (and body) afterwards in the public hot spring baths.
LINMEI SHIPAN TRAIL (林美石磐步道)
A relaxing stroll through woods next to a stream.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 