Trekking on the hills along the riverbanks, enjoying the magnificent scenery, and feeling the joy of reaching the summit are all valuable moments of a hike. While there are many places for hiking, Taipei is a great choice for it because the city is surrounded by mountains with well-planned hiking trails. Here are 6 of the best places for hiking in Taipei:
Ying Han Ling (The Tough Guy’s Peak) Trail
As soon as they enter the trailhead, hikers immediately encounter a long path of steep stairs, which can be both mentally and physically taxing for some hikers. At the 600-meter point from the trailhead, there is a pavilion called “The Loser’s Club”, meaning that only people without confidence and resilience will start to head back to the trailhead here. In order to prove to themselves that they are tough guys, some hikers find the will to walk another 900 meters to reach the summit.
On the summit, hikers can see the Ying Han (meaning “tough guy” in Chinese) Monument erected in the middle of the viewing platform. It has a 270 degree view including the Taipei Basin, Yangmingshan, and the Tamsui River Estuary. If the weather is sunny enough, hikers can even see Taiwan’s North Coast and Taipei 101 from 20 kilometers away.
Qixingshan Trail at Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan is Taipei’s backyard. In addition to seeing the hill abloom with Calla Lilies at Zhuzihu, hikers can view the smoke ascending slowly from the volcanic fumaroles along the trail. In addition, Menghuan Pond, along the trail, conserves the only Taiwanese Quillworts in the world, allowing the pond to become a place for hikers to learn about Taiwan’s endemic species and environmental conservation.
Hikers can start either from Miaopu, Xiaoyoukeng, or Lengshuikeng Trailheads. Following the trail with stone stairs, hikers can climb to the summit of Qixingshan, the highest peak in Taipei with an altitude of 1120 meters.
Jiantanshan Trail
Jiantanshan is a former military control zone but is now a well-planned hiking area with well-conserved forests and animals. In addition to its natural beauty, one of the trail’s peaks, the Old Place viewing platform, is one of the best places to view airplanes landing and taking off from Songshan Airport. As hikers reach the platform, the meandering riverside parks and the uniquely designed Dazhi Bridge also come into view.
Moreover, the night scenery at the Old Place viewing platform is embellished with colored city lights, attracting many visitors going to Jiantanshan after the sun sets. Jiantanshan trail is also near the Yuanshan Grand Hotel and Shilin Night Market, both of which are popular destinations for a meal after a hike.
Nangangshan & the Four Beast Mountains Trail
Taipei 101 Urban Landscape Xiangshan Taipei Taiwan
The Four Beast Mountains include Hushan (Tiger Mountain), Baoshan (Leopard Mountain), Shishan (Lion Mountain), and Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain). Xiangshan has long been a popular tourist attraction because of its excellent view of Taipei 101 and Xinyi District. This is why many people hike up to the top of Xiangshan to watch Taipei 101’s new year fireworks. Xiangshan also has fireflies and Taipei Tree Frogs, especially during summer.
In addition to Xiangshan, Hushan is dotted with famous temples and abandoned mines. Visitors can also see the bare rocks and other geological formations along the trail. Baoshan and Shishan are nature reserve areas with wetlands, ferns, and rocks with potholes.
Hikers can either start from China University of Science and Technology, Fuyang Eco Park, or Xiangshan Trailheads. Walking along the trail, hikers can visit Thumb Mountain and 95 Peak too, both of which have vast views of the Taipei Basin.
Maokong Zhanghu Trail
Maokong is another appealing destination for hikers. After taking the Maokong Gondola from Taipei Zoo Station to Maokong station, hikers can walk along the Maokong Zhanghu Trail. The trail features fruit gardens, tea farms, and tea restaurants. Maokong Zhanghu Trail is not only a place for hiking but also for experiencing local tea culture. Furthermore, hikers can visit a place with unique topography: the Maokong Potholes, which are formed when the upstream currents carry rock particles and erode the recesses of downstream rocks.
Tamsui-Kavalan Trails: The North Route
During the Qing colonial period, the Qing officials commissioned the North Route to Yilan to expand its territories. However, the current government has converted the trail into a hiking trail.
The Caoling Trail is the most famous part of the North route. As hikers trek on Caoling trail, they can take a broad view of the Pacific Ocean and Kueishantao. The vast field of silver grasses drifting through the winds and the haze wreathing the hills also cultivate the trail with a magnificent look. Furthermore, the trail is on the course of migratory birds, so bird watchers can observe many flying by either in the autumn or spring.
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These are only 6 of the best spots – there are still a ton of places in Taipei not mentioned above waiting for hikers to discover and explore, as well as all over Taiwan. Hiking in Taipei is not only refreshing but also allows hikers to view magnificent scenery and learn about the environment. In short, Taipei is a great place to hike.
Great sharing about the hiking trails in Taipei. Definitely worthy for a try.