There are two routes connecting Hsinchu's Guanxi and Hengshan Townships. This one follows small roads and agricultural tracks as it cuts through low hills on its way south.
easy hikes in Taiwan
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 2 (樟之細路D2)
Day two on the Raknus Selu Trail is the first time that the route takes you off the roads and gets you walking on some of the old trails that crisscross the area's hills.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 1 (樟之細路D1)
This first day on the Raknus Selu Trail is a looping wander which starts at Sankeng Old Street before heading down to the banks of the river that once made the area prosperous.
TIEZHAN SHAN (鐵站山)
Tiezhan Shan is an easy walk with lots in the way of random art/weirdness to distract you from the fact that it’s not much of a walk. This is one of the Minor 100 Peaks that you could bring your gran to.
KEELUNG ISLET (基隆嶼)
Keelung Islet is a small rocky mound just a few kilometres off the coast of northern Taiwan. It is also a great choice for a day trip from the city.
HOUDONGKENG WATERFALL (猴洞坑瀑布)
Hidden in the hills below Paoma Historic Trail is the split-level Houdongkeng Falls. This short walk is an easy way to pass an hour or two in Jiaoxi.
CARP HILL NIGHT HIKE (鯉魚山夜爬)
Carp Hill Trail is a lovely walk whatever time of day you go, but I hope this post emboldens you to pay it an after-dark visit. Not only is it home to a wonderfully diverse range of nocturnal critters, but it also has a prettily sparkling night view to enjoy all by yourself.
WANGYOU VALLEY TRAIL ( 望幽谷步道)
Located on just south of Keelung, the scenic Wangyou Valley Trail is one of the best-known walks on Taiwan's northeast coast.
MOUNT GONGZILIAO and GONGZILIAO FORT (槓子寮山/槓子寮砲臺)
The hills around Keelung are home to numerous old defensive structures left over from various periods in Taiwan's history. The remains found here at Gongziliao Fort are the most extensive and well preserved out there.
RENHE TUNG BLOSSOM TRAIL (仁和步道)
This short trail in Hsinchu is a good place to do a spot of tung blossom viewing. What makes it even more appealing is that the walk starts and finishes at sleepy Hukou Old Street, where you can enjoy a few Hakka dishes and/or a cup of coffee.
SOUTH GUANYIN MOUNTAIN (南觀音山)
This enjoyable loop trail in Taichung will take you to number 42 of Taiwan's list of 100 Minor Peaks. It is well-known in Taiwan's hiking circles for the odd sight of a giant golden hand at the summit.
FIREFLY SPOTTING at YUANJUE WATERFALL (圓覺瀑布螢火蟲)
If you check online for the best places to see fireflies in Taipei, then one of the locations that appears in many of the lists is Dagouxi Waterfront Park. In fact, this is a little misleading since - while the walk does start there - you need to head a little further into the dark to spot any fireflies.
FIREFLIES at JINTONG COAL MEMORIAL PARK (菁桐煤礦紀念公園螢火蟲)
The ruins of the old Jingtong Coal Mine make for a unique backdrop to Taiwan's April firefly viewing season.
MINGDE RESERVOIR (明德水庫)
This easy wander in Miaoli's Touwu Township takes you on a short loop around part of Mingde Reservoir.
LONGGUOMAI FOREST TRAIL (龍過脈森林步道)
Connecting the two rural towns of Linnei and Pingding, Longguomai Forest Trail is a scenic wander through some of Yunlin’s hillier landscapes. Along the way visitors can expect to see monkeys and a whole lot of birdlife.