In recent years, the trend of outdoor activities has swept in from abroad to Taiwan, giving people more options on holidays beyond visiting scenic spots—such as camping, hiking, and mountaineering. Many hiking clubs have also sensed a business opportunity, launching easier and more beginner-friendly hiking trips, making mountain climbing no longer seem so daunting or out of reach.
The Online Temperature Meter, through the “KEYPO Big Data Key Engine,” surveyed netizens’ discussions. Let’s take a look at the most talked-about hiking trails. There’s the Shimen Mountain Hiking Trail, which takes just 40 minutes round trip, and the Caming Lake Hiking Trail, located above 3,000 meters in altitude and known as the “Angel’s Tear.”
Topping the list is the Nanhu Mountain Hiking Trail. Located on the northern section of the Central Mountain Range’s main ridge, Nanhu Mountain is the third highest peak of the Central Mountain Range and is known as one of Taiwan’s “Five Great Mountains” due to its majestic presence. Interestingly, two years ago, students from National Taiwan University’s Leadership Program launched a sponsorship campaign online, hoping to raise NT$500,000 for their climb up this mountain.
#10: Batongguan Ancient Trail
When it comes to Taiwan’s high mountains, Yushan is undoubtedly the most familiar to many. Often, people set Yushan as their first high-mountain climbing goal, and some schools even make climbing Yushan a must-do before graduation. Most people access Yushan via the trailhead at Tatachia in Nantou. However, the Batongguan Ancient Trail, which starts from Dongpu in Nantou, also boasts stunning scenery. The route is mostly covered in grassland and Yushan bamboo, forming the vast “Batongguan Grassland” ecosystem that is rich in biodiversity. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the protected Formosan serow roaming around.
#9: Tatachia Trail
The Tatachia Trail is the most popular route to climb Yushan. The two-day, one-night itinerary with an overnight stay at Paiyun Lodge is perfect for urbanites who only have weekends off, making it a top choice for many netizens. Due to its popularity, the trail is often well-maintained, and there are usually plenty of fellow hikers along the way. It’s not a very long route and is considered quite safe, making it ideal for beginners. The only concern is that because it’s so popular, securing a spot at Paiyun Lodge can be very difficult. Those planning to go are advised to join a hiking club or apply early to avoid disappointment.
#8: Hehuanshan Hiking Trail
Hehuanshan is located within Taroko National Park and is a relatively accessible attraction. The trail to Hehuanshan’s main peak is not only short but also has a gentle slope, making it a very user-friendly and popular trail. Due to its low risk level, many hikers choose to stay overnight at Songxue Lodge or Guanyun Lodge and then set off at dawn to hike up Hehuanshan to catch the sunrise. On a clear day, the sunrise here is truly breathtaking. If you still have energy on the way back, you can also challenge yourself by climbing the steeper Hehuanshan East Peak.
#7: Shimen Mountain Hiking Trail
Shimen Mountain is known as one of the easiest among Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks. The trailhead is near the Hehuanshan Trail and has a parking lot. From the parking lot to the summit is just over 700 meters. If you’re quick, it takes about 40 minutes round trip, or roughly an hour if you take your time—it’s a very mild hiking trail. Most hikers combine it with hikes to Hehuanshan’s main and east peaks, and tackling all three in one day is considered a great achievement.
#6: Cuifeng Lake Trail
Cuifeng Lake in Taiwan’s Taipingshan, Yilan, may not be as famous as the “Angel’s Tear” Caming Lake, but it is actually Taiwan’s largest alpine lake. The Cuifeng Lake Trail is about 4 kilometers long and was originally a former logging railway track, so the slope isn’t too steep. The area has been well-preserved, with its pristine forest landscape remaining largely intact and truly spectacular. To visit Cuifeng Lake, you can stay overnight at Taipingshan Lodge, which is about a 40-minute drive to the trailhead. Hiking in the morning allows you to fully enjoy the rich forest fragrance of nature.
#5: Liyu Mountain Trail
Liyu Mountain in Hualien is located next to Liyu Lake. Liyu Lake is famous for its fireflies around the lake’s walking path every May, and this vibrant ecology has also drawn attention to nearby Liyu Mountain. Though only about 600 meters high, Liyu Mountain is not considered a high mountain, but Hualien’s beautiful natural surroundings make the area’s ecology very rich. It’s a well-known birdwatching trail in Hualien, and there are also many beautiful homestays nearby, making it a great destination for family outings.
#4: Caming Lake Hiking Trail
Located in Taitung, Caming Lake is known as the “Angel’s Tear” and is one of Taiwan’s most famous alpine lakes, as well as a dream hiking destination for many. However, the Caming Lake Trail is 13 kilometers long, almost entirely above 3,000 meters in altitude, with highly variable weather. Therefore, those hoping to see the “Angel’s Tear” should be well-prepared in terms of physical fitness, load-carrying capacity, and hiking experience. Also, the Caming Lake Trail is often closed seasonally, so it’s important to check ahead before going.
#3: Nanhua Qilai Hiking Trail
Many people’s first impression of Qilai Mountain is undoubtedly the notorious nickname “Black Qilai,” which often provokes fear. However, the Nanhua and Qilai South Peak hiking trails, located in the early section of the Nenggao Crossing, are quite suitable for beginners. Although reaching the first accommodation spot, Tianchi Lodge, requires hiking over 10 kilometers, the route has few steep ascents, mostly gentle slopes that aren’t difficult to walk. Moreover, on a clear day, not only can you see sea of clouds from Qilai South Peak, but you might also get 4G signal.
#2: Beinan Mountain Hiking Trail
Known as the highest mountain in southern Taiwan, Beinan Mountain is the only peak in the region exceeding 3,000 meters. From the summit, you can not only overlook the entire Taitung and Pingtung areas, but on a clear day, you can also see the Taiwan Strait, the Bashi Channel, and the Pacific Ocean—the view is arguably the best in southern Taiwan. For a more relaxed trip, you can choose to stay overnight at Gui Valley Lodge and rest before continuing. However, some hikers opt to tackle Beinan Mountain in a single push. No matter what, never underestimate a high mountain—always be well-prepared.
#1: Nanhu Mountain Hiking Trail
Nanhu Mountain is known as the “graduation exam” for hikers. Located on the northern section of the Central Mountain Range’s main ridge, it is the third highest peak of the Central Mountain Range and is considered one of Taiwan’s “Five Great Mountains” due to its imposing presence—the difficulty speaks for itself. The trail also features glacial relics called “cirques.” However, the route is rugged, with altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters, so those without substantial hiking experience are strongly advised not to take on this “graduation exam” lightly.
