Normally trails draw me because they offer some specific feature or summit. Maybe a waterfall, a unique temple, or a view that stretches for miles and miles. This walk does indeed have many peaks, some temples, a waterfall, and some views, but the real attraction of this trail is the double heart-shaped route it traces on the map.
TAIWAN HIKING
CROUCHING TIGER HILL (臥虎山)
A brief loop with an interesting temple and some exploration of a lesser known peak in Keelung.
KEELUNG ISLET (基隆嶼)
Keelung Islet is a small rocky mound just a few kilometres off the coast of northern Taiwan. It is also a great choice for a day trip from the city.
MOUNT EGONGJI and MOUNT NIAOZUI (鵝公髻山/鳥嘴山)
Situated in Hsinchu's Wufeng Township, Mount Egongj and its neighbour Mount Niaozui offer a great day's walking. Hikers can take in both dramatic views and photogenic forests on this enjoyable route.
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.
MOUNT XIANGTIANHU LOOP (三角湖山/向天湖山/光天高山O型)
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.
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: PINGLIN to QINGYUN BRIDGE (淡蘭古道南路：坪林/清雲橋)
This section’s use of riverside cycle paths makes it a very accessible stretch of the southern Tamsui-Kavalan Trails. What’s more, this ease of walking doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beautiful views since the scenery around Pinglin has its own effortless prettiness.
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.