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.
easy hikes in Taiwan
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.
MOUNT DAGANG and PANLONG CANYON (大崗山/盤龍峽谷/天靈洞)
This easy trail in Kaosiung's Alian District is full of interesting details. There's a twisty slot canyon, a temple in a cave, and one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks.
WAYAO CANAL (瓦磘溝)
Wayao Canal was once a free-flowing river, cutting its way through Yonghe's alluvial floodplains, providing a useful means of transporting the bricks and tiles that helped the area to prosper. These days, it is channelled under and through the city streets, with few indications of its former life. Following its winding course through the city offers you a unique perspective into one of New Taipei's most densely-packed districts.
XIZHI LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (汐止獅頭山)
Sometimes you feel like a grand adventure somewhere far from home, but other days call for a backyard adventure. This walk is perfect for one of those days.
TAOYUAN VALLEY via SHIGUANYIN TEMPLE TRAIL (桃源谷步道-石觀音線)
Taoyuan Valley Trail is one of the classic day hikes in northern Taiwan. It offers free-roaming water buffalo and views for days... just be prepared to earn all the enjoyment with plenty of hard work.
LINGBO TEMPLE WALK (靈菩寺/四股埤步道)
Lingbo Temple Trail is a tiny little walk in Xizhi that's probably only visited by a handful of locals. It takes you up to a temple with a view over the area, then heads back down along a fishing pond and past a cute little temple in a cave.
MOUNT MOYAN TRAIL (墨硯山步道)
The highlight of this weird little wander in Miaoli's Touwu Township was the unexpected discovery of a semi-abandoned pleasure garden. That aside, it also offers views over Miaoli's urban centre.
RAKNUS SELU DAY TRAIL 4 (樟之細路D4)
This easy day on the Raknus Selu Trail covers a fair amount of ground. There are some historic trails, some mountain roads, and two of the trail passport stamps.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 3 via DU’NAN HISTORIC TRAIL (樟之細路D3A)
This span of the RST crosses the hills between Guanxi with Hengshan. Along the way, you'll pass waterwheels that are still in operation as well as twin temples which sparked a disagreement between neighbouring townships, and plenty of orange farms.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 