A quiet and gentle stroll along some of the irrigation canals in the hills of Shilin District. This would make a great summer walk for those hoping to escape the city heat.
TAIPEI CITY EASY HIKE
ZHISHANYAN STROLL (芝山岩)
In this quiet suburb of Taipei sits a hidden gem of a trail. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, the trails of Zhishanyan have layer upon layer of history to reveal. On these slopes you can encounter a potted version of Taiwan’s past lives, the walk takes in prehistoric bones, the waves of mass immigration from China, a tragedy from the Japanese colonial era and Taiwan’s recent military past.
BIHU PARK AMBLE (碧湖公園)
A very short and simple stroll around a pretty lake. This walk should be an easy one to do if the weather isn’t being cooperative, or if you want to bring the kids.
DRAGON BOAT ROCK and YUANJUE WATERFALL (龍船岩/園覺山/園覺瀑布O型)
This is my newest favourite walk in Neihu. It has a stream, roped sections to tire me out, wonderful views from Dragon Boat Rock, the oldest house in Neihu District, cute little Tudi Gong Temples and a waterfall.
JINMIAN SHAN – a longer route (金面山)
A great trail taking in one of Taipei's most Instagrammable spots. This walk can be done in a morning or afternoon and is easy to get to from the MRT.
KANGLE SHAN TRAIL (康樂山步道)
A short, unpolished trail in Neihu District. This walk has a couple of views and leads back through some allotments.
CHERRY BLOSSOM, OLD CANALS AND HOT SPRINGS IN BEITOU DISTRICT (風尾步道/頂圳步道/拐圳步道/龍鳳谷步道)
During the first three months of the year, this trail in Beitou is popular with sakura seekers. But even if you miss out on the beautiful blossoming trees, this walk still has plenty to offer. It takes in irrigation canals, streams, plenty of small temples and the dramatic sight of Sulphur Valley.
TAIPEI GRAND HIKE – MAOKONG (南區茶鄉大縱走 – 貓空)
The closing section of Taipei's long distance path leads you up into the tea-growing hills of Muzha. There's a waterfall, one of Taiwan's top 100 religious sites, (Chihnan Temple), and the opportunity to take a rest stop in your pick of Maokong's famous tea houses.
TAIPEI GRAND HIKE – NANGANG MOUNTAIN RANGE AND FUYANG BRANCH LINE (南區茶鄉大縱走 – 南港山系/富陽支線)
The Taipei Grand Hike’s southern arm stretches over the peaks of the Nangang mountain range and up to the huge temples and tea plantations of Muzha. In this section, you will experience wonderful views over Taipei, some of the most popular trails in the city as well as some much quieter, less frequented routes. Take in 360 degree views, historic trails, a mountain-side cemetery and a whole load of temples. This walk is a great way to start your Taipei Grand Hike adventure.
TAIPEI GRAND HIKE – BISHANYAN TO JIANTAN (北區稜線大縱走 – 碧山巖/老地方/劍潭捷運站)
Bisecting the northern and southern portions of the hike, day five takes you along the hills which separate Shilin and Songshan Districts. Here you’ll pass a supposedly haunted temple, the best spot for overlooking Songshan airport, and remnants of Taipei’s military past.
TAIPEI GRAND HIKE – FENG GUI ZUI TO DAGOUXI RIVERSIDE PARK (北區稜線大縱走 – 風櫃嘴/大溝溪生態治水園)
The fourth installment of the Taipei Grand Hike takes you to some beautiful and quiet corners of Yangmingshan National Park, as well as some of the more popular scenic spots in Neihu. The best thing about this portion is that it has an abundance of water, from the natural and charming stream running alongside Shuangxigou Old Trail, to the manmade Sweet Water Lake, and the easily accessible Yuanjue waterfall.
TAIPEI GRAND TRAIL – SECTION 1 (臺北大縱走-第一段)
The first part of the the Taipei Grand Hike has you putting in some serious legwork to make it all the way from the flat land of Guandu right up into Yangmingshan National Park. This section takes in art, grand tombs, an irrigation canal, and many, many steps.
GOUYINQIN OLD TRAIL ALONG WEILUN CANAL (狗殷勤古道/尾崙水圳/平頂古圳步道)
Tucked away behind the National Palace Museum you’ll find the unassuming entrance to this trail. If you’ve eaten your fill of museum exhibits and choose to follow the old stone steps up the hill, then you will come face to face with one aspect of life in old Taiwan which is still very much alive. The historic waterways in this area have been supplying water to the farms here for generations, and what could be more soothing than walking alongside flowing water.
EGRET HILL (白鷺鷥山)
Egret Hill is probably not on most people's radar, but if you're looking for a place for a family stroll, a lazy day walk then it's definitely worth considering. As well as offering a short and straightforward walk through some pretty trees, the path leads you back to the MRT station via the beautiful Dahu Park.
XIAO XI TOU LOOP TRAIL (小溪頭環狀步道)
What starts of being a bit of a stair master soon gives way to reward you with a tree-sheltered lake, quiet forest scenery, squirrels, and even a couple of views.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 