An easy wander in New Taipei's Xizhi District. Come in November or December to enjoy the bright red leaves.
Taiwan hiking trails
CUEIFENG LAKE CIRCULAR TRAIL (翠峰湖環山步道)
Cueifeng Lake was Taiwan's first ever officially designated silent trail. The thick carpet of lush mosses and frequent cloud cover mean that the area exists in a perpetual hush - it's the perfect antidote to city life.
BAGUASHAN WANDER (八卦山散步)
Bagua Shan's giant Buddha is one of the most instantly recognisable features of Changhua, the smallest county in the Taiwanese mainland, but it's just one of many interesting sights to be seen on a stroll around this diminutive hill.
QIXING SHAN NIGHT HIKE (七星山夜爬)
Qixing Shan attracts walkers year-round for its expansive views, bamboo-lined paths and volcanic geology. As Taipei's highest mountain, it is a must-climb for the city's population of avid hikers, but how many of them can say they have climbed it in the dark?
JIUZHUANG SHAN (舊莊山)
Jiuzhuang Shan is a small hill in Taipei’s Nangang District, immediately opposite the campus of Academia Sinica. A wander along the trails will introduce you to a number of distinguished academics who were associated with the institution during their lifetimes.
JIANTAN TRAIL NIGHT HIKE (劍潭山步道夜爬)
There are lots of trails close to the city that offer opportunities for exploring after dark. The ever popular Jiantan Hiking Trail is one such route - although if you visit at night you can expect to have the paths almost entirely to yourselves.
MOUNT SANTING (三汀山)
Santing Shan is one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks, and can be reached after a short bus ride from Taichung Station.
SHEN-XIAN TRAIL (神仙縱走)
Shen-Xian Trail is an exhilarating ridge walk in Miaoli which will give you a great day’s workout.
NUANDONG VALLEY LOOP (暖東峽谷O型)
This short and sweet loop in Keelung’s overlooked Nuannuan District makes a great half day exploration. The trail tracks through quiet woodland and boasts beautiful views of water-sculpted rocks, as well as a couple of stream crossings and a photogenic land god temple thrown in for good measure.
MOUNT MALUN (馬崙山)
At 2305m high, Mount Malun is the second highest among Guguan’s Seven Heroes, but despite its lofty nature, it’s not a difficult climb. The long trail climbs gently (well almost gently), through different types of forest landscape and past the remains of an old logging village.
NANGANG TEA MOUNTAIN TRAIL (南港茶山步道 )
If you picture Nangang District in your mind what do you see? The train station? The exhibition centre? The giant software park? I bet you didn’t envision quiet hillsides cloaked with neat rows of tea. This trail offers an insight into a side of Nangang that not so many people know about.
TURTLE ISLAND (龜山島)
Visiting Turtle Island makes for a great day trip in northern Taiwan. This post will tell you a little about the fascinating history of the island, as well as find out what to expect when you visit, and how to get there.
MOUNT ZHONGZHENG TRAIL (中正山步道)
Mount Zhongzheng Hiking Trail makes for a quiet and easy wander in the westernmost reaches of Yangmingshan National Park. Starting just a couple of blocks away from Xin Beitou Station, the trail leads you up through farms and bamboo to a peak with commands wide views over the city.
taiwan trails and tales 