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.
how to get to
HUTOUSHAN PARK WALK (虎頭山公園)
A gentle and shaded forest park, walk - come here to get a feel for how the locals like to spend family weekends together.
CAOLING HISTORIC TRAIL (草嶺古道)
This historic and very accessible trail will take you over the hills from Dali to Fulong next to an inviting river stream. Better yet, you can look forward to a refreshing swim once you have reached your destination.
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.
SECRET SPOT OF WU LAO KENG
Sometimes the summer heat here in Taiwan makes hiking an unappealing prospect. For the days when you just wish to laze in cool liquid you can head to this watering hole south of Yilan which is literally hidden under a bridge.
XIN SHAN to DREAM LAKE and KEZILIN RIVER POOL (新山/夢湖/柯子林天然游泳池)
Excitement, adventure, great views, a hidden lake and a wild swimming pool just outside of Taipei. This is a great loop walk with all sorts of rewards for those who attempt it in the warmer months.
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).
DA JIAN SHAN via XIUFENG FALLS (秀峰瀑布/大尖山)
An easy hike with a waterfall and city views in Xizhi District.
XIANJI YAN TRAIL (仙跡岩觀山步道)
A shady wander over one of Wenshan District's smaller hills with added mythstorical (myth+historical) features.
DINOSAURS IN A POOL
Welcome to perhaps the coolest pool in Taipei (assuming you like dinosaurs as much as I do).
MIHU HISTORIC TRAIL (迷糊步道)
A gentle escape from the heat of the summer in a quieter corner of the famous Alishan district.
BA XIAN SHAN TO TANG MA DA SHAN (八唐縱走)
A strenuous all day-er which is guaranteed to leave you with a healthy appetite. The hard work is worth it for anyone who loves big, old forests.
FUREN TRAIL (福人步道)
A nice shaded wander around a little strip of wooded land.
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.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 