2024 Taipei Hiking Guide: 9 Selected Routes to Show You the Beauty of Nature in the City

Taipei has so many mountain trails, which one is right for you? The forest trails surrounding Taipei provide an excellent escape for city dwellers to get close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Taipei's bustling cityscape from above. This article will introduce you to 9 of Taipei's most popular hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging routes, there's something for everyone!

Seven Star Mountain is the highest peak in Taipei City, and also one of the most popular hiking routes in Yangmingshan National Park. Along the trail, you can admire the magnificent grassland scenery and overlook the Taipei Basin. In spring, the azaleas on both sides of the trail are in full bloom, making the scenery even more enchanting. Route Features: * Difficulty: Moderate * Length: About 4 kilometers (round trip) * Time required: About 2-3 hours * Best season: Suitable all year round, but the azalea season in spring is the most beautiful. Transportation: Take buses 108, 125, or 129 to Yangmingshan National Park Station, then transfer to bus No. 15 to Seven Star Mountain Parking Lot Image Source: Taipei City Government Department of Public Works

Xiangshan is one of the easiest hiking trails to reach in Taipei City, and it's also the best place to enjoy the night view of Taipei 101. The trail is divided into six resting platforms, each with a different viewing angle. **Route Features:** * Difficulty: Beginner * Length: Approximately 2.5 kilometers (round trip) * Time Required: About 1-2 hours * Best time: Dusk to night, enjoy the Taipei city skyline at night. **Transportation:** Take the MRT Xinyi Line to Xiangshan Station and walk about 10 minutes to reach the trail entrance. (Image source: Department of Rapid Transit Systems, Taipei City Government)

Four Beasts Mountain includes Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant Mountains. It is a popular hiking trail within Taipei City. The route varies greatly, and you can choose the section that suits your physical ability. Fengtian Temple at the top of the trail is an excellent spot to enjoy the views of Taipei City. Route Features: * Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate * Length: Varies depending on the chosen route, approximately 3-6 kilometers * Time required: 2-4 hours * Best season: Suitable year-round, with fresh air and good visibility in autumn and winter. Transportation: Take the MRT Wenhu Line to Linfeng Station, then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the trail entrance.

Big Tung Mountain is the second highest peak in Taipei City, located within Yangmingshan National Park. The trail offers stunning views of grasslands along the way. On clear days, you can even see the Taipei Basin and Guanyinshan from afar. **Route Features:** * Difficulty: Intermediate * Length: Approximately 4 kilometers (round trip) * Time Required: Approximately 3-4 hours * Best Season: Autumn and winter, enjoy the view of pampas grass. Transportation: Take buses No. 15 or No. 9 to Big Tung Visitor Center Station.

Jian Tan Mountain is adjacent to Shilin Night Market and is one of the easy-to-walk trails in Taipei City. The trail has several viewing platforms along the way, offering panoramic views of Taipei City. The "Old Place Observatory" at the summit is a popular spot for watching airplanes take off and land. **Route Features:** * Difficulty: Beginner * Length: About 2 kilometers (round trip) * Time Required: About 1-2 hours * Best time: In the evening, to enjoy the sunset and cityscape **Transportation:** Take the Tamsui Xinyi Line MRT to Jian Tan Station and walk about 10 minutes to reach the trail entrance.

Bishan Rock is located in Neihu District, known for its unique rock formations and Bishan Temple of the Saint King who Opened the River. The trail offers panoramic views of the Taipei Basin, and on a clear day, you can even see Taipei 101.

Route Features:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: About 2.5 kilometers (round trip)
• Estimated Time: About 1-2 hours
• Best Season: Suitable year-round, especially beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom

Transportation: Take the Neihu Bus Line (Blue 27) to Bishan Rock Station

Yingge Stone Steps Trail is located at the border of Taipei City and New Taipei City, renowned for its unique geological landscape. Along the trail, you can see massive shale and sandstone formations, creating a distinctive natural scenery. **Route Features:** * Difficulty: Intermediate * Length: Approximately 4 kilometers (round trip) * Time Required: Approximately 2-3 hours * Best Season: Autumn and winter, avoiding the hot summer weather **Transportation:** Take the Taipei Metro Blue Line to Yongning Station, transfer to bus No. 38 to Yingge Stone Steps Trail Station.

Wuzhi Mountain is located in Xindian District. It got its name because the mountain peak resembles five fingers. The hiking trail offers scenic views of the Jade Water Reservoir and Taipei Basin. **Route Features:** * Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced * Length: Approximately 6 kilometers (round trip) * Required time: Approximately 4-5 hours * Best season: Autumn and winter, avoid the hot summer weather **Transportation:** Take the MRT Xindian Line to Xindian Station, transfer to an Xindian bus or taxi to the trailhead. Image source: Taipei City Government Department of Public Works

Located in Beitou District, Dalun Tou Mountain offers a relaxing trail suitable for families with children of all ages. The trail features numerous resting areas and scenic viewpoints where you can admire the Guan Du Plain and Tamsui River scenery.

Trail Features:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: Approximately 3 kilometers (round trip)
• Estimated Time: About 1-2 hours
• Best Time: Evening, to enjoy the sunset

Transportation: Take the Taipei Metro Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Fuxinggang Station and walk approximately 15 minutes to reach the trail entrance.

Equipment Suggestions: Comfortable hiking shoes, a lightweight backpack, plenty of water, simple dry food, sunscreen, and rain gear. Safety Tips: Always pay attention to weather changes, avoid hiking alone, and keep your phone charged. Best Hiking Times: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, winter boasts better visibility, and summer requires extra sun protection and hydration. Transportation: Most trails are accessible by public transportation. Google Maps or Taipei bus apps are recommended for real-time route information. Waste Disposal: All trails enforce a "Leave No Trace" policy; please bring your trash back down the mountain. Trail Information: Check the latest trail opening status and maintenance updates on the Taipei City Government's Department of Public Works website.

That's the introduction to 10 hiking trails in Taipei. Remember to pay attention to your physical condition and safety while enjoying the scenery, and check the weather on the mountain before you go! We also have other Taipei travel information for you here~