The Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, otherwise known as Danlan Old Trails or Danlan Historic Trails, are a network of paths, tracks and roads which connect the historic centres of Tamsui and Kamalan (modern day Taipei and Yilan). These trails host an abundance of natural delights for walkers visiting at any time of year: cherry and plum blossom in the spring, sparkling streams to refresh hot bodies in the summer, more ferns than you could ever wish for, and majestic silver grass as the weather starts to cool. Perhaps of equal importance is the historical significance of these routes hold – with over 200 years of history the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails have played an important part in the political, economical and social development of Taiwan. Whether you’re walking to stay fit, to appreciate nature, have a holiday, or to learn more about Taiwan’s fascinating past, you will find something to enjoy in this network of footpaths.
The trails are divided into three sections, northern, middle and south, and I’ve further divided them into a total of nineteen separate walks. Click on one of the links below to find out more about the walks which make up the whole of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails network.
Covering the hills between Ruifang and Dali, the northern route has some of the best-preserved historical trails. You’ll pass through the mining town of Jiufen, the popular beach hangout of Fulong and eventually arrive in the fishing village of Dali.
The paths that comprise the middle section of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails connect Nuannuan with the surfing beach at Wai’ao. This section is incredibly beautiful – the surrounding forests are thick with innumerable ferns and the clear streams teem with fish.
The southern route cuts a line from Wanhua through Taipei’s Da’an District, past Pinglin and over to Jiaoxi. You’ll pass the tea farms that helped this region to prosper and cross paths with the road which ended up replacing some of these footpaths.
Click on the menu tab to expand and see points of interest along the way.
This is currently an unpaid side passion project and I will continue doing it just for the love of it, but of course if you like what I do and feel inclined to chip in a few dollars for transport and time then I would appreciate it immensely. You can find me on either Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee.
taiwan trails and tales 