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.
how to get to
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.
STEGOSAURUS RIDGE (劍龍稜/茶壺山)
An exhilarating (and rule breaking), straddling of the dinosaur's spine. Not one for the faint-hearted.
JIALI MOUNTAIN (加里山)
Expect beautiful scenery and splendid forest as you climb up to the summit of Miaoli's Jiali Mountain.
QIXINGLING TRAIL (七星領步道)
A gentle hike with expansive views over Yilan Plain.
MOUNT DATONG TRAIL (大同山步道)
A cultural stroll through hillside temples and graveyards.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 