TOP TOURIST HIKES IN TAIWAN

For visitors passing through Taiwan it can sometimes be a little bit hard to pick which trails to spend your limited time on. There are many lists with titles like “the best hiking trails in Taiwan” or “Taiwan’s must see walks” and it can feel like there is an overwhelming amount of choice, then once you’ve picked your destination figuring out the logistics can sometimes be challenging. Keeping these two considerations, the trails here have all been picked either because they are already popular amongst tourists, or because I am certain that you’ll leave feeling you had a unique experience, and I’ve tried to only include walks that can be accessed easily by public transport even if you’re not familiar with Taiwan and the languages spoken here.

MOUNT DULI (獨立山)

Mount Duli National Trail takes hikers up from Zhangnaoliao Station to Dulishan Station, crossing paths with Alishan Forestry Railway at several points, with a possible detour to a huge hikers’ kitchen in a temple.

獨立山國家步道

獨立山國家步道從樟腦寮車站一路攀升至獨立山車站，途中多次與阿里山林業鐵路交會，還可以繞道前往一座寺廟裡的大型登山客廚房。

SANXIANTAI (三仙台)

Sanxiantai is a former isthmus — now islet — located on Taiwan’s southeast coast, just north of Changbin. People are drawn here to admire the arresting sight of the eight-arched bridge that connects the coast to the islet, and most never go much further than the mainland-side end of the bridge. However, if you push on a little further, the islet has much to explore, including sea caves, snakes, and fossilised corals.

MIANYUE LINE (眠月線)

The Mianyue Line hike has to be one of the most photographed hikes in Taiwan. Kilometre after kilometre of trestle bridges, mossy tracks, and abandoned tunnels stretch out through beautiful old forests, high up in the clear air of Chiayi. It is not hard to see why this hike has become popular.

BITOUJIAO TRAIL (鼻頭角步道)

Bitoujiao Trail is a pleasant and easy 3-kilometre loop offering lovely coastal views. The shortness and ease, combined with options for food and water replenishment, and public transport accessibility make it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a quick escape.

ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN (象山)

Hiking Elephant Mountain (or Xiang Shan), is one of the ultimate Taipei travel experiences and while there are many possible routes, this specific one has been voted to be one of the 100 best hiking trails in Taiwan.

DONGMAN TRAIL (東滿步道)

Dongman Trail is a unique experience among Taiwan hiking trails in that it connects two of Taiwan’s forest recreation areas: Dongyanshan and Manyueyuan. At around 16-17km, it is a relatively long day-hike, but walkers who venture onto this route are treated to picturesque and peaceful forest scenery.

HEPING ISLAND PARK (和平島公園)

Heping Island Park is a small pocket of land on an island that shelters the mouth of Keelung Harbour. People come here to walk the short coastal trail year-round, and in the summer, you’ll find the ocean-fed pools full of swimmers.

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.

FENQI TRAIL (奮起步道)

This short and well-kept walk skirts around the historic town of Fenqihu in Chiayi’s Zhuqi Township. Along the way, you can enjoy majestic bamboo forests and hear the melodic sounds of so much bird life.

LONGYIN WATERFALL and SUSPENSION BRIDGE (龍吟瀑布/龍吟吊橋)

Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area—also known as Butterfly Valley—is a quiet tourist spot in Hualien. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air, take in the impressive river valley, walk the (almost too) exhilarating suspension bridge, and soak in the hot spring’s restorative waters.

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