This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail takes you close to the coast as you explore some of the sights of Keelung.
NEW TAIPEI CITY EASY HIKE
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL SECTION 4 (Short Version)
The highlight of this section of the Taipei Skyline Trail is unquestionably the exceedingly cool temple cave close to Mount Hongdan. That aside, it involves some pleasant wandering over less-travelled paths, and passes plenty of historic spots.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 2A
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail covers one of the quintessential Taipei day hikes: the spectacular Huangdidian. Bring a camera and a well-rested body, and come prepared for a very fun walk.
MOUNT KAIYANLUN and TEA TERRACE TRAIL (開眼崙山/茶園步道)
This short loop in New Taipei's Pinglin District offers a lot of beauty for not much leg work. After a steep (but short) climb to the peak, you are then treated to stunning views of Pinglin's neat tea plantations as you make your way slowly back to the start.
AUTUMN COLOURS at GONGBEI TEMPLE (拱北殿賞楓行)
An easy wander in New Taipei's Xizhi District. Come in November or December to enjoy the bright red leaves.
ZHONGGANG MAIN DRAINAGE TRAIL (中港大排)
You could be forgiven for thinking that New Taipei's heavily industrial Xinzhuang District doesn't have any beauty spots worth investigating. But have you visited Zhonggang Main Drainage Trail yet? Taroko Gorge, it's not, but for an inner city wander, it's not too shabby.
LIAO TIAN-DING’S CAVE (廖添丁洞)
Hidden in a cave in a rarely visited part of New Taipei's Bali District is a shrine to one of Taiwan's legendary figures: Liao Tian-ding.
YOUKENG TRAIL and WATERFALL (幼坑步道/幼坑瀑布)
The hills sheltering the Pingxi Line are home to countless exciting trails and waterfalls. Perhaps one of the most spectacular amongst them is the many-leveled Youkeng Waterfall.
XILONG TRAIL and MA’AN OLD CANAL (溪瀧步道/馬岸古圳)
This short walk in Wulai District packs an unreasonable amount of prettiness into its 2km length. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the riverside.
MENGHUAN FALLS (夢幻瀑布)
The hills rising to either side of the picturesque Pingxi Line are dotted with numerous mountain streams and waterfalls. Menghuan Waterfall is perhaps less well known than some of the others, but its secluded nature makes it a great spot to visit.
FIREFLIES at CUEI LAKE (汐止翠湖螢火蟲)
Cuei Lake in Xizhi District is one of several firefly spotting locations in New Taipei City. Visit in April to enjoy this beautiful annual event.
MOUNT WUFEN (五分山)
Mount Wufen is a rewarding half day hike in northern Taiwan’s Pingxi District. Ideal for Taipei-based day trippers looking for a scenic walk, this trail will take you up through lush forests to an open grassy ridge with expansive views over the many-layered hills of Pingxi.
JINGUASHI AQUEDUCT TRAIL (山尖路步道)
This short trail linking the two popular tourist villages of Jiufen and Jinguashi takes you past aqueducts that were used during the area's industrial past. It's a great way to stretch your legs after sampling the edible delights of Jiufen Old Street.
NUANSHOU SHAN SINO-FRENCH WAR TRENCHES (暖壽山/清法戰爭古戰壕遺址)
This short trail in an overlooked corner of Keelung City will take you back in time to 1884 - when French and Qing soldiers fought for control of Taiwan.
TEA MOUNTAIN TRAIL (茶山步道)
Tea Mountain Trail sits just little north of Jinshan on Taiwan's northern coast. This easy walk does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a mountain, and there's tea growing on it. It's perhaps not the most thrilling walk out there, but it's a pleasant walk in a part of Taiwan that I haven't spent nearly enough time in.