Lion's Head Mountain in Miaoli is just one of many peaks scattered across Taiwan to be named due to its resemblance to the King of the Jungle. What sets this particular lion apart from the others is its enduring role as a site of spiritual significance. Dotting the mountain's slopes visitors will find a proliferation of temples, some of which have been open to worshippers for over a hundred years.
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FAIRY SHRIMP at XIANGTIAN POOL (向天池的仙女蝦)
Xiangtian Pool is an ephemeral body of water in an old volcanic crater on the northwestern edge of Yangmingshan National Park. It can be seen after periods of heavy rain, and only then for a brief time. As if this didn't make the pool intriguing enough, it is also home to a population of fairy shrimp which spawn in great numbers when the conditions are just right.
A WANDER IN KENTING NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA (墾丁國家森林旅樂區)
Whether your interest lies in rocks, plants, creatures or culture, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is well worth a visit. Amongst the towering limestone cliffs and subterranean caves you can spot a whole host of cute critters and an impressive array of tropical plant life.
MOUNT XIANGTIANHU LOOP (三角湖山/向天湖山/光天高山O型)
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Tucked away in the hills of Miaoli's Nanzhuang Township, the trail up to Mount Xiangtianhu leads you on a fabulous walk from a picturesque indigenous village, through misty forests to three different peaks.
LINGJIAO and WANGGU WATERFALLS (嶺腳瀑布/望古瀑布)
The Lingjiao to Wanggu Trail packs an awful lot into its short length. You get not one, but two waterfalls, a dash of history and a trail that’s both pretty and gentle. It’s also short enough that you can combine it with a visit to some of the other sights and trails along the Pingxi Line.
SCISSORS ROCK NIGHT HIKE (剪刀石夜爬)
Scissors Rock is up there with Elephant Mountain in terms of its popularity among the easily accessible trails of Taipei. But unlike it's Xinyi District counterpart, this trail in Neihu falls quiet as soon as night settles on the city. Travellers willing to brave the dark will be treated to peaceful city views and maybe even a flying squirrel (or two, or five)
QILAI NANHUA TRAIL – DAY 2 (奇萊南華步道)
Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Shan are two of Taiwan's famed '100 Peaks'. If you have no experience of high mountains, these two are a pretty good place to start. This post covers the second day of the two day journey.
FUSHIPING HISTORIC TRAIL (富士平古道)
Fushiping Historic Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the quieter side of Yangmingshan National Park.
BATTLESHIP ROCK NIGHT HIKE (軍艦岩夜景)
Close to the city, Battleship Rock Trail is an ever popular walk, and on weekends in particular you are likely to find it pretty crowded. But for those who are feeling brave it offers an easy after dark hike and a stupendous night view of Taipei.
TUCHENG TUNG BLOSSOM TRAIL (土城油桐花步道)
Every April and May the mountains around Taipei are cloaked with the white blossom of the tung tree. Getting out to observe this May 'snowfall' is a popular activity amongst the locals, and this trail in Tucheng is one of many places you can go to join in.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: WANTAN HISTORIC TRAIL and BEISHI RIVER TRAIL (淡蘭古道：灣潭古道/三水潭/北勢溪古道)
The walk along Wantan Historic Trail and Beishi River Trail is soul-comforting waterside wander between villages in New Taipei's sorely overlooked Shuangxi District. Bring a picnic and get ready to soak in some gently spectacular scenery.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: WUTUKU to PINGLIN (淡蘭古道：烏塗窟/坪林)
The stretch of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails that tracks over the hills between Shiding and Pinglin Districts takes you past relics of the coal industry into the heart of New Taipei City’s tea growing region.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: BEISHI RIVER and ZHONGKENG HISTORIC TRAIL LOOP (淡蘭古道中路：崩山坑古道/北勢溪古道/闊瀨古道/放山坑古道/中坑步道O型)
The icing on the cake of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, this route comprised of five stitched together historic trails shows you some of the most beautiful scenery you can find in northern Taiwan.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: WANHUA to FUYANG ECO PARK (淡蘭古道：萬華/富陽自然生態公園)
The southern stretch of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails starts from the historic centre of Wanhua and heads through urban parks and market streets on its way to the edge of the city.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: QINGYUN BRIDGE to JIAOXI (淡蘭古道南路：清雲橋/礁溪)
The most southeasterly section of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails hews close to Beiyi North Road as it winds its way over hill and stream into the hot spring town of Jiaoxi. Aside from the always popular Paoma Historic Trail, you can reasonably expect to have the path all to yourself for long stretches.
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