Scenic Hikes in Taipei You Shouldn't Miss
Take a Walk Around Taipei's Most Beautiful Landscapes
Hiking in Taipei is a major recreational pastime, offering a variety of scenic hikes for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. On weekends, city dwellers escape into the national parks and scenic areas to decompress in the verdant forests and take in phenomenal vistas of the Taipei Basin.
From jagged peaks and dramatic rock faces to historic villages and misty cypress forests, Taipei has a lot to offer for hikers. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, the diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails provide an unforgettable experience for all levels of hikers.
1. Elephant Mountain
Epic views that reach the horizon
Categoría: Fotos, Parejas, Familias
Lush, green Elephant Mountain is one of Taipei’s most glorious hikes. Its trailhead is situated in the frenetic Sinyi financial district, often called “Taiwan’s Manhattan” due to its wealth of skyscrapers. This 183-meter peak takes approximately 30 minutes to climb each way and delivers exceptional views of the glamorous skyline. Pay a visit during sunup or sundown when rays of light bounce off the buildings.
The vistas of the Taipei 101 skyscraper are simply unforgettable, while the mountain’s Six Giant Rocks prove a worthy photo spot too, with colossal boulders set against a picture-postcard backdrop. There are three lookouts along the way, which are served by easy-climb stairs and well-maintained paths. No wonder this is Taipei’s most Instagrammed location.
Ubicación: No. 157, Alley 342, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
Elephant Mountain
2. Neidong Forest Recreation Area
A gentle wander through a forested wonderland
Categoría: Fotos, Parejas, Familias
Fifty minutes south of Taipei, the Neidong Forest Recreation Area draws hikers from across the country with its picturesque trails, 65 fern species, and a collection of fairy tale waterfalls. In some spots, you’ll glimpse the serpentine Nanshi River, which swirls with gorgeous blue-green water and a backdrop of mountain scenery that’s nothing short of majestic.
Visit falls like Neidong, Xinxian, and Wulai, an 80-meter beauty that’s accessible via miniature railway and features a panoramic viewing platform. The entry gate kiosk offers a range of affordable admission tickets, including major discounts for children and groups. Finish at the Wulai Three Café for spectacular views of the falls.
Ubicación: No. 16號, Pubu Rd, Wulai District, New Taipei City 233, Taiwan
Horario: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +886 (0)2 2661 7358
Neidong Forest Recreation Area
3. Teapot Mountain Trail
A rock scrambling paradise in the rural Ruifang District
Categoría: Aventura, Fotos
Situated 45 minutes from central Taipei, Teapot Mountain Trail woos hill walkers with its unique geological formations, sublime sea views, and dramatic mountain ridgelines that beg to be photographed. The trailhead can be found near the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Museum, where you can park for free. Alternatively, catch the 1062 Keelung Bus, which will drop you near a second entrance.
The trail to Teapot Mountain is not for novices, and rock climbing skills are needed to take on the challenge. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll find a charming, red-roofed pavilion that casts its gaze over the East China Sea. It offers a wonderful moment of respite before you head to the summit.
Ubicación: Ruifang District, New Taipei City 224, Taiwan
Horario: 24/7
Teléfono: +886 (0)2 2406 3270
Teapot Mountain Trail
4. Jinmianshan
For spectacular 360-degree vistas
Categoría: Aventura, Fotos
Boasting show-stopping views of urban Taipei and the mighty Keelung River, Jinmianshan, also known as Goldside Mountain, offers a challenging hike across forested terrain, split across a trio of trails. To reach the Scissor Rock summit, reserve approximately four hours of daylight for a scenic round-trip journey that is aided by the presence of ropes up parts of its dramatic rock face.
Along the way, you’ll encounter several panoramic rest stops for some much-needed downtime, including the Lunjian, Chongyang, and Huashan pavilions. Bird watchers love it here thanks to the eye-catching species that nest in the trees, including exotic blue magpies and the rare Swinhoe’s pheasant.
Ubicación: Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
Horario: 24/7
Jinmianshan
5. Nangang Mountain
A network of photogenic routes on the edge of the city
Categoría: Fotos, Parejas, Familias
Nangang Mountain can be found on the eastern border of the Taipei Basin and comprises the popular Four Beasts Scenic Area with its subsidiary peaks. Part of the sprawling Xueshan Range, this heavily wooded region is famed for its network of animal-themed hiking trails, such as Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant, which feature an abundance of well-maintained paths and plenty of signage in English.
Spend the day here soaking up the greenery, admiring bird’s-eye vistas of the Taipei skyline, and quenching your thirst at one of the many public drinking fountains. Highlights include the 9-5 Peak summit with its mammoth calligraphic boulder, the Leopard Mountain Lookout, and the elaborate Tianbao Palace.
Ubicación: Unnamed Road, Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan
Nangang Mountain
6. Erziping Trail
One of Taiwan’s most beautiful walks
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
Laid along a tectonic depression in Yangmingshan National Park, Erziping Trail has long been considered one of Taiwan’s best hiking routes, with easy-access paths suitable for kids and the elderly. An hour from Taipei, this barrier-free route offers a gentle stroll across storybook bridges and ponds filled with lily pads, and through forest canopies teeming with pines and fiery Chinese sweet gums.
Spanning 2 km, the loop takes approximately an hour to complete and is a hit with bird watchers and butterfly enthusiasts who come here to spot rare species. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch under the cherry blossoms near the colorful Yangmingshan Flower Clock, or head to Bamboo Lake to see the hydrangeas and the calla lilies.
Ubicación: 二子坪步道, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan
Horario: 24/7
Erziping Trail
7. Qixing Mountain
The jewel of Yangmingshan National Park
Categoría: Aventura, Fotos
The highest peak in Taipei, Qixing Mountain, also known as the Seven Star Mountain, ascends 1,120 meters above sea level and is popular with hikers for its moderately challenging routes. This inactive volcano draws nature lovers with its variety of bird species, including the bamboo partridge, black-collared starling, and the striking crested serpent eagle.
The Qixing Mountain trail spans four km in total and takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes, depending on your level of fitness. There are paved paths along the way, as well as stairs to help you ascend the peak. The summit boasts unobstructed views of the national park and is worth the effort to get there.
Ubicación: Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
Teléfono: +886 (0)2 2861 3601
Qixing Mountain
8. MaoKong
A mountainous region peppered with tea plantations
Categoría: Fotos, Parejas, Familias
Located in Taipei’s Wenshan District, MaoKong boasts a rich history in the tea trade. It’s renowned for its terraced fields and traditional teahouses that serve aromatic cups of tieguanyin oolong on scenic patios. Its panoramic gondola is also a major drawcard, offering some of the most astounding views in the city from its windowed carriages.
The hills around MaoKong are marked with meandering hiking trails like the Feilong, also known as the Flying Dragon, which cuts through pastoral landscapes dotted with old-world tea plantations. In the spring, venture along the Camphor Trail to take in the fragrant perfume of the cherry, peach, and apricot blossoms, or hike to Zhinan Temple in the fall when the trees burst into fiery shades.
MaoKong
9. Pingxi Crags
For adventurous types
Categoría: Fotos, Aventura, Viajes diferentes
Rising dramatically from the forest, Pingxi Crags are a collection of three vertical peaks that are as challenging as they look. They can be scaled with the help of stairs and heavy-duty ladder ropes secured into the rock. The most intimidating is Xiaozi Mountain, which can induce vertigo in some but offers the reward of 360-degree views and collection of calming Buddha statues.
For those who want to scale a crag but aren’t ready for Xiaozi, head to Cimu Peak for an easier route up a tree-covered path. If you have concerns about climbing, hire a local guide who’ll escort you safely to the top. After, head to one of the nearby waterfalls to relax.
Ubicación: Pingxi District, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan
Horario: 24/7
Pingxi Crags
10. Alishan Forest Recreation Area
A pristine hiking paradise
Categoría: Aventura, Fotos
Around 4.5 hours south of Taipei in rural Chiayi County, you’ll find Alishan Forest Recreation Area, one of Taiwan’s most magical beauty spots. Regularly shrouded in mist, this 1,400-hectare greenspace is thick with trees that will take your breath away, including Chinese hemlock, giant red cypress, and four different varieties of cherry blossom.
The amount of hiking trails on offer is so delightfully overwhelming that one could spend a month here and still have plenty to choose from. Recommended routes include the Poetry Trail, the Mount Dadong path, and the Sister Ponds scenic point, which features a pair of lakes, romantic bridges, and charming thatched-roof huts.
Ubicación: No. 59號, 中正村 東, Alishan Township, Chiayi County 605, Taiwan
Horario: 24/7
Alishan Forest Recreation Area
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