The ninetieth summit of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks is a short and easy wander through a lemon grove and along a tree-lined ridge.
XIAO BAI YUE
MOUNT SONGBOKENG (松柏坑山)
This gentle walk in Nantou County has to be one of the easiest of Taiwan's Xiao Bai Yue. From Songboling Shoutian Temple, rural lanes take you on a gentle ramble through tea plantations, pineapple patches, and decommissioned military bunkers.
LIYU MOUNTAIN (鯉魚山)
Climbing from the shore of Liyu Lake, the Liyu Mountain Trail is a short and pleasant shaded walk with ample opportunities for bird and monkey sightings.
MOUNT DALUNTOU (大崙頭山)
Mount Daluntou can be found in the green-clad slopes separating downtown Taipei from the more extensive greenery of Yangmingshan National Park. It is an easy Xiao Bai Yue and a simple half-day Taipei hike.
MOUNT DASHANMU (大山母山)
Mount Dashanmu, Taiwan's southernmost Xiao Bai Yue, is a short and sweet hike with views overlooking the coast.
GUANYIN MOUNTAIN (觀音山)
Guanyin Mountain rises from the banks of Tamsui River in New Taipei’s Bali and Wugu Districts. Its nickname is tough guy peak on account of the fact that climbing it was previously used as an entoughenmemt activity for military police officers, and for those unacquainted with Taiwan’s steep, steep steps, it’s clear to see why.
MOUNT HONGDAN (紅淡山)
This trail makes for a serviceable half-day trip from Taipei with interesting temples, one of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks, views, and the promise of dinner from one of Keelung’s many eateries.
MOUNT XIZHOU (溪洲山)
Climbing Taoyuan's Mount Xizhou—one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks—is a pleasant half-day adventure on the northern edge of Shimen Reservoir. The shady trail winds up through a series of forest clearings and is a popular exercise spot for local retirees.
MOUNT JIANGZILIAO (姜子寮山)
Hikers who visit this short trail in New Taipei's Xizhi District will be rewarded with panoramic views for minimal effort.
MOUNT DATA (大塔山)
Mount Data, also known as Ta Shan or Big Ta Mountain, is the highest of Taiwan's 100 minor peaks, standing 2,663 meters above sea level. It offers a fun walk for both new and regular hikers with beautiful forest scenery and spectacular views of layered mountains from the summit.
MOUNT DAWULUN (大武崙山)
This short trail in Keelung’s Zhongshan District has a little bit of lots of things. It’s a historic trail. It takes you through an old fort. It includes one of Taiwan’s Xiao Bai Yue. And in the right weather, it can end with a dip in the sea and snacks by the beach.
MOUNT DAHENGPING (大橫屏山)
This quiet ridge hike straddles the border of Taichung and Nantou Counties. In clear weather, it offers a few views, but even on hazy days, the forest scenery makes for pleasant walking.
MATCHA MOUNTAIN and MOUNT SANJIAOLUN (抹茶山/三角崙山)
You won’t find Matcha Mountain on any official maps, but that hasn’t stopped this spot becoming one of the hottest places for tourists to visit in Taiwan. An easy (if long) trail takes hikers up through pleasant forest to a summit with spectacular views of hills cloaked in shimmering grasses. Once you’ve made it to the top, it’s easy to see the appeal.
MOUNT JINGANSHU (金柑樹山)
A perfect Nantou day hike with tea plantations, mist-filled bamboo forests, and the dramatic earthquake-caused landscape of Wangyou Forest Lake.
GUANDAO MOUNTAIN (關刀山)
Guandao Mountain is located in Miaoli's Dahu Township and is number 36 of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks. The walk is exceptionally pleasant and offers hikers a shady forest trail with occasional views and the chance to sample the region's famous ginger tea.