Nantou's Yuchi District is best known for being the home of Sun Moon Lake, but that's far from the only beauty spot it boasts. This short and easy trail might not feature in the guidebooks, but it should do. Peaceful and pretty–the perfect place to pass an afternoon.
easy hikes in Taiwan
BAGUASHAN WANDER (八卦山散步)
Bagua Shan's giant Buddha is one of the most instantly recognisable features of Changhua, the smallest county in the Taiwanese mainland, but it's just one of many interesting sights to be seen on a stroll around this diminutive hill.
XILONG TRAIL and MA’AN OLD CANAL (溪瀧步道/馬岸古圳)
This short walk in Wulai District packs an unreasonable amount of prettiness into its 2km length. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the riverside.
SANQING TEMPLE FOREST TRAIL EASTERN LOOP (三清宮森林步道東線)
This short loop on the outskirts of Changhua City can be walked on its own or paired up with the western loop for a slightly longer adventure.
QIXING SHAN NIGHT HIKE (七星山夜爬)
Qixing Shan attracts walkers year-round for its expansive views, bamboo-lined paths and volcanic geology. As Taipei's highest mountain, it is a must-climb for the city's population of avid hikers, but how many of them can say they have climbed it in the dark?
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.
JIUZHUANG SHAN (舊莊山)
Jiuzhuang Shan is a small hill in Taipei’s Nangang District, immediately opposite the campus of Academia Sinica. A wander along the trails will introduce you to a number of distinguished academics who were associated with the institution during their lifetimes.
MOUNT DONGMAO (東卯山)
The fifth highest of the Guguan Seven Heroes, Mount Dongmao is a thoroughly enjoyable day hike in Taichung's Heping District. Despite the trail's relative ease, it doesn't hold back on the views.
JIANTAN TRAIL NIGHT HIKE (劍潭山步道夜爬)
There are lots of trails close to the city that offer opportunities for exploring after dark. The ever popular Jiantan Hiking Trail is one such route - although if you visit at night you can expect to have the paths almost entirely to yourselves.
MOUNT SANTING (三汀山)
Santing Shan is one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks, and can be reached after a short bus ride from Taichung Station.
FIREFLIES at CUEI LAKE (汐止翠湖螢火蟲)
Cuei Lake in Xizhi District is one of several firefly spotting locations in New Taipei City. Visit in April to enjoy this beautiful annual event.
TAI’AN HIKING TRAIL (泰安登山步道)
Tai’an Hiking Trail is a short trail in Taichung’s northeastern Houli District. As well as the walk, you can enjoy a wander around Tai’an Railway Cultural Park, see the stunning red slopes of Huoyan Shan from a distance, and crack out your best model pose on the picturesque Da’an River Iron Bridge.
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.
YUN-CHIA FIVE PEAK TRAIL (雲嘉五連峰)
This exceptionally scenic trail straddles the border of Yunlin and Chiayi counties, and takes walkers on a breathtaking trek through tea plantations and coffee farms.
NUANDONG VALLEY LOOP (暖東峽谷O型)
This short and sweet loop in Keelung’s overlooked Nuannuan District makes a great half day exploration. The trail tracks through quiet woodland and boasts beautiful views of water-sculpted rocks, as well as a couple of stream crossings and a photogenic land god temple thrown in for good measure.
taiwan trails and tales 