Taoyuan City boasts numerous well-known hiking spots, including Luzhu’s Five Wine Barrels Mountain, Longtan’s Shimen Mountain, and Daxi’s Baiqi Forest Trail, all popular destinations for outdoor excursions. Among them, the Shimen Mountain hiking trail offers views of the Shimen Reservoir, and on clear days, you can even see Taipei 101 in the distance.
Five Wine Barrels Mountain – Community-managed
The hiking trail on Five Wine Barrels Mountain in Luzhu District is located on privately owned land and has been maintained voluntarily by local volunteers for many years. Locals say the mountain got its name during the Ming Zheng era when Cai Guangxing and his five sons, who settled here, were known for their love of drinking and remarkable tolerance. On one occasion, they reportedly drank an entire barrel of liquor, leading to the name “Five Wine Barrels Mountain.” Another story suggests that villagers used to bring their cattle here to drink, giving rise to the name “Ox Water Barrel Mountain,” which later evolved phonetically into “Five Wine Barrels Mountain.”
The Shimen Mountain hiking trail is located near the Shimen Reservoir in Longtan District, with an elevation of 551 meters. As you hike uphill, you can enjoy scenic views of the Shimen Reservoir, and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Taipei 101 in the distance. Additionally, adventurers can challenge the “Hero’s Slope,” a short but steep 400-meter stretch with a 200-meter elevation gain—perfect for both thrill-seekers and casual hikers.
The Shimen Mountain trail features gentle slopes and is surrounded by pristine forests, making for a relaxing and comfortable hike. Moreover, in spring when the tung trees are in bloom, the trail is especially picturesque, with vast stretches of white blossoms covering the path—a favorite spot for visitors to take photos.
Baiqi Forest Trail – A Popular Spot for Tung Blossoms
During the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial period, the Daxi Baiqi Forest Trail served as a vital shortcut from Daxi to Jiaobanshan and Baling in the Fuxing District. In 1944, with the opening of the Baiqi Tunnel light railway, the trail gradually fell into disuse. After 1949, when the nearby Cihu area was designated a military zone, the trail was also closed off. It was reopened later, once again attracting many visitors.
The trail is located approximately 7.5 kilometers along the Northern Cross-Island Highway, accessible via a fork in the road to the left of the Baiqi Tunnel entrance. It stretches about 3 kilometers in length. Every year from April to May, during the tung blossom season, the trail draws numerous visitors. Additionally, from spring to autumn, fireflies can be spotted, drawing tourists eager to witness the magical glow of these insects flickering through the forest.