This leisurely stroll around the rural Hakka town of Xinpu takes in a hillside park, a series of temples, historic houses, a market, and some temple unusual artwork.
easy hikes in Taiwan
FENQIHU CEDAR BOARDWALK TRAIL (奮起湖杉林步道)
This short and pretty loop in the hills near Fenqihu will get you away from the crowds of the historic railway town and onto quiet and beautiful forest trails.
YEHLIU PORT HILL and the CAMEL’S HUMP (野柳山/駱駝岩)
This wonderful pocket-sized adventure on Taiwan's northern coast is almost a perfect half-day hike.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 8 (樟之細路D8)
Day eight on the Raknus Selu Trail was a long day. It saw us travelling about 24 kilometres from Sanwan to the top end of Mindge Reservoir via trails, track, and roads.
MOUNT MAOLAN (貓蘭山)
This short and very easy trail can be done as part of a visit to Nantou's Sun Moon Lake. Along the way you'll learn a little about the history of tea in Taiwan, and tick off another of the 100 Minor Peaks.
FENGZILIN SHAN and NIAOYUE SHAN (楓子林山/鳥月山)
This slightly rough-around-the-edges walk is probably not going to be everybody's cup of tea. But if you've done lots of the popular hikes around Taipei and are looking for something a little quieter then this might just be the walk for you.
DAPO POND (大坡池)
This loop trail in Taitung's Chishang Township is characterized by beautiful lake views, mountainous landscapes, unique sculptures and abundant birdlife.
WUHU HILL SUNRISE WALK (五虎山日出)
This peak on Kinmen's northeastern edge is a prime sunrise-viewing spot.
KINMEN BIG GORILLA (金門大猩猩)
If you're tired of visiting the usual tourist sights, why not seek out something a little... stranger? Like this gorilla's head in an abandoned military site.
GUANDAO MOUNTAIN (關刀山)
Guandao Mountain is located in Miaoli's Dahu Township and is number 36 of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks. The walk is exceptionally pleasant and offers hikers a shady forest trail with occasional views and the chance to sample the region's famous ginger tea.
QINZI PEAK TRAIL (親子峰步道)
This easy walk in Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area takes you through some lovely forest scenery, and the location is perfect for indulging in a spot of bird or wildlife watching.
FANGYUAN WETLANDS TRAIL (芳苑海空步道)
The Fangyuan Wetlands Trail is a short and accessible coastal walk in Chuanghua County. Visitors can enjoy spotting the numerous crabs and mudskippers.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 7 (樟之細路D7)
Day seven on the Raknus Selu Trail links the temple complex at Miaoli's Lion's Head Mountain with the sleepy town of Sanwan.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 6 (樟之細路D6)
Day 6 on the Raknus Selu was a special one. Leaving Beipu behind, the trail climbs towards the border with Miaoli, passing numerous temples along the way. For me, the highlight of this day was watching the sunset from the courtyard in front of Quanhua Temple.
LONGYIN WATERFALL and SUSPENSION BRIDGE (龍吟瀑布/龍吟吊橋)
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area—also known as Butterfly Valley—is a quiet tourist spot in Hualien. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air, take in the impressive river valley, walk the (almost too) exhilarating suspension bridge, and soak in the hot spring's restorative waters.