Hit the trails for a relaxing holiday getaway！ Top 10 hiking trails in New Taipei City

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

New Taipei City boasts many uniquely charming hiking trails. Unlike activities such as jogging or cycling, hiking not only strengthens your body but also helps you forget the hustle and bustle of city life and its worries, offering a chance to connect and communicate with nature. This year, the New Taipei City Tourism Bureau has specially selected ten featured trails under the themes ofConvenient Access”,”Great Value for Money”, inviting the public to get close to the mountains and forests and share in the “new urban forest lifestyle,” aiming to encourage young students to step outdoors and challenge themselves. Now let’s take a look at these trails together！

Convenient Access

▲ Qinglongling Hiking Trail. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau, the same applies below)

1. Shulin – Qinglongling Hiking Trail
Qinglongling is located on the northwest ridge of Datong Mountain, with an elevation of about 256 meters. It got its name “Qinglongling” (Green Dragon Ridge) because, on the way to the ridge top, there is a landscape that looks like a sleeping dragon lying down. The forest path is filled with layered green hills, and along the way, you can see a sculpture of a green dragon, which is the biggest symbol of Qinglongling. From the triangulation station on Qinglongling, you can see the entire view of Shulin District. The scenery is beautiful on regular days, and the night view is even more breathtaking.

▲ Dacukeng Ancient Trail.

2. Ruifang – Dacukeng Ancient Trail
Dacukeng is a mining settlement with nearly a century of gold mining history and was once known as “Little America.” After multiple renovations, the trail mainly features granite steps. Not only can you visit the hometown of director Wu Nien-jen, but you can also see classic scenes from his films, and even catch views of mining towns like Houzhuang and Jinguashi. The scenery is pleasant, and the environment is serene.

▲ Hemingshan Hiking Trail.

3. Xindian – Hemingshan Hiking Trail
Hemingshan is located in the area around Bitan in Xindian, with a height of only 153 meters. But once you reach the top, you can take in the views of Bitan and the Xindian area. The trail area was once home to the popular Happy Land amusement park, which later went out of business due to poor management. To this day, some remnants of the park can still be seen along the trail, adding a unique charm.

▲ Yinggeshi and Sunlong Hiking Trail.

4. Yingge – Yinggeshi and Sunlong Hiking Trail
The Sunlong Trail is two kilometers long in total and can be completed in about an hour. There are many rest pavilions along the way for people to take a break. The Yinggeshi Viewing Platform not only offers a view of the top of Yinggeshi but also a distant view of the Yingge settlement below. If you continue uphill on this trail, you can reach Shulin District. If you go downhill to the end, you’ll find the nearby views of Yingge Mountain and the Dahan River just ahead.

▲ Lingjiaoliao Mountain Hiking Trail.

5. Pingxi – Lingjiaoliao Mountain Hiking Trail
Compared to the bustling Pingxi Railway Station, this place is like a forgotten city. Once a mining town known as Lingjiao, with fewer and fewer residents, it has gradually become an undisturbed place. Through the Lingjiaoliao Mountain Hiking Trail, although the path is narrow, it is relatively flat and easy to walk. Going deeper, you can also reach the Wanggu Ancient Trail and enjoy the stunning scenery of Wanggu Waterfall.

Great Value for Money

▲ Shigongjiwei Mountain Trail.

1. Pinglin – Shigongjiwei Mountain Trail
The Shigongjiwei Mountain Trail gets its name because, from a distance, the mountain resembles the back of a Taoist priest’s (known as “Shigong” in Taiwanese) hair bun. From the trailhead, it only takes three hundred meters to reach the top of Shigongjiwei Mountain. With a 360-degree view, you can take in the sights of Pinglin, Jiufen, Qixing Mountain, and even Taipei 101. This trail is not very difficult, making it suitable for friends of all ages to hike and enjoy the scenery.

▲ Diaoshan Ancient Trail.

2. Shuangxi – Diaoshan Ancient Trail
The Diaoshan Ancient Trail, also known as the "Climbing Path of the Tomb Without Destiny," stretches approximately 2,700 meters in length. In spring, when flowers bloom abundantly along the cliffs, the scenery was once praised by literati as the "Spring Scenery of Diaoshan" and was listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Shuangxi. This ancient trail was once a popular destination for miners. Many facilities were built here to facilitate travel between Jiufen and Shuangxi. Nowadays, this once-bustling trade route is now adorned with historic landscapes shaped by time.

▲ Wutu Stream Trail.

3. Shiding − Wutu Stream Trail
The Wutu Stream Trail is located beside Wutu Stream in Shiding District, New Taipei City. The trail follows the stream and is paved with granite and southern yellow pine, forming a flat stone path along the water. As you venture deeper, you’ll spot uniquely shaped rocks in the river valley — these are the famous Mountain Boar Rocks, named for their distinctive appearance. Along the way, you can also see stone houses built with stacked rocks, creating a truly unique scene alongside the historic trail.

▲ Yuantong Temple Hiking Trail.

4. Zhonghe − Yuantong Temple Hiking Trail
The mountain area where Yuantong Temple is located is known as the "Rear Mountain of Zhongyonghe." In recent years, with the increase in visitors, various fitness facilities have been installed for public use. Aside from Yuantong Temple itself, the geological landscape known as the "Wall Lake Strange Rocks" is celebrated as one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Zhonghe Village." The sloping paths combine various scenic elements to form a unique hiking experience.

▲ Yuan Mountain Hiking Trail.

5. Sanxia − Yuan Mountain Hiking Trail
Yuan Mountain gets its name from its shape, which resembles a flying kite. Though only 300 meters high, it offers a panoramic view of the morning scenery across the Greater Taipei area, making it one of the Five Scenic Spots of Sanxia. In May, when the tung blossoms are in full bloom, it becomes a popular destination. It’s also a great spot for firefly watching if you’re interested in that too!