A moderately difficult and very fun loop hike with absolutely stunning views over Yangmingshan Park's bamboo cloaked northern hills. This is one of my favourite walks in this area and a must for anyone seeking to get away from the crowds at Qixing peak.
MODERATE HIKES IN TAIWAN
SHINIU SHAN (石牛山)
This unexpectedly enjoyable loop just south of Shimen reservoir combines a fun upwards scramble with attractive views from the peak and a much gentler route down.
FUMAO OLD TRAIL TO LONGLONG SHAN AND FULONG SHAN (福卯古道/隆隆山/福隆山)
An east coast walk on the wild side - Fumao old trail to Fulong shan follows the contours of the headland through high grass and scrubby forest all the while delivering outstanding coastal scenery and pleasantly challenging terrain.
ZHI SHENG MAO TAI SHAN (芝生毛台山)
This very wild feeling trail leads you up a steep forested ridge through huge bamboo groves, into the domain of wild boars and barking deer, past hunting shelters and the traces of Taiwan's period of Japanese occupation.
YUANZUI SHAN to SHAOLAI SHAN (鳶嘴稍來山步道)
An exhilarating and energising trip up to some stupendous scenery. This walk takes in two peaks over 2000m, with stunning views from exposed ridges as well as the hushed calm of old forests.
QIXING SHAN ROUND MOUNTAIN TRAIL (環七星山人車分道)
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.
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.
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.
LIDONG SHAN AND TAPUNG CASTLE VIA DAHUN SHAN (大混山/李棟山)
A many-layered mountain forest trail leads up to an old fortress and a slice of Taiwan's history.
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.
ERGE SHAN VIA NANBANGLIAO LOOP (二格山，南邦寮山)
This short loop at the edge of civilisation offers a quick getaway from the city.
SILENG HOT SPRING (四稜溫泉)
A challenging climb will lead you to this wild hotspring hidden in the shade of a valley.
GAO TAI SHAN AND XIAO-ZHONG-DA DAO TIAN SHAN (高台山 / 小中大島田山)
You'll enjoy your food (and your bed) very much after this tough climb.
ST. MARIAN’S HIKING TRAIL (聖母山步道)
St. Marian's Hiking Trail, also known more recently as Matcha Mountain is a well known trail in Yilan's Jiaoxi District. It's a big climb with views that are guaranteed to make you glad you made the effort.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 