The globally renowned backpacker bible, Lonely Planet magazine (International Chinese Edition, September–October 2017), featured New Taipei’s mountain hiking trails as one of the must-do journeys for autumn holidays. In its Easy Trips column themed “Start Your Autumn Getaway Now,” the magazine highlighted trails along New Taipei City’s forested ancient paths to visit waterfalls and hidden spots, as well as journeys such as cruising the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar to explore ancient cities, or soaking in hot springs at Shirahama in Wakayama—one of Japan’s three great ancient hot spring resorts—while admiring natural wonders.
New Taipei’s mountain hiking trails made their first appearance on this highly influential travel guide. Lonely Planet introduced three of New Taipei’s mountain trails: Dongshige Ancient Trail in Pingxi, Lingjiaoliao Mountain Trail in Wanggu, and Jingualiao Fish and Fern Trail in Pinglin. The article noted that these hiking routes boast rich natural beauty while also offering cultural and ecological charm, with easy access making them perfect for those looking to escape into cool mountain forests and connect with nature.
Pingxi is known for more than just sky lanterns and trains. The Dongshige Ancient Trail, once used for the mining operations of the Jianyuan Coal Mine, is dotted with historical remnants along the way. With pristine forest landscapes and shaded paths often running alongside small streams, the trail is both beginner-friendly and full of scenic highlights. Between the two tranquil stations of Wanggu and Lingjiao on the Pingxi Branch Line, the New Taipei City Government has developed the Lingjiaoliao Mountain Trail, connecting the Wanggu Waterfall and the Lingjiao scenic area. The emerald pool in front of the waterfall is breathtaking, and visitors can also explore the nearby Lingjiao Old Bridge and the Tsai Family Mansion. Located upstream of Beishi Creek in Pinglin, a tea-growing region, the Jingualiao Fish and Fern Trail lets hikers discover the beauty of low-altitude stream forest ecosystems, with its rich variety of ferns offering a glimpse into the area’s unique environment and biodiversity.
The New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department stated that New Taipei boasts numerous beautiful mountainous areas, making it an ideal destination for health and leisure. In collaboration with Namicog International Travel Agency, the city launched the “2017 New Taipei Mountain Hiking Festival,” continuing the theme of “Connecting with the Mountains · A Light Journey.” The festival features three main themes: “Stream Trails,” “Waterfall Trails,” and “Forest Trails,” combining enriching guided tours with specialty cuisine to offer small-group trips that blend natural ecology with local culture. These experiences allow participants to deeply engage with regional characteristics and add more enjoyment to their hiking adventures.
For package tour registration details, please visit the New Taipei City Tourism website. Additionally, to encourage more people to experience the mountain charm of New Taipei, the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department has partnered with Hiking Notebook for a “Cool Trails Collection & Prize Draw” event. For more information, please check the event page on the Hiking Notebook website.
(China Times)