In Taipei, if you want to “enjoy a view from above,” besides Taipei 101, there’s also the option of hiking—free of charge—to gaze at the cityscape while immersing yourself in nature. For many, including Li Chih-hsien, General Manager of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, hiking step-by-step is their way of embracing a simple, natural, and healthy lifestyle.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Education, only about 30% of Taiwanese people meet the conditions for regular exercise. That means, on average, 7 out of 10 people do not exercise regularly. Children staying indoors on holidays also worry their parents, seemingly wasting the many beautiful mountains, waters, and scenic spots Taiwan has to offer.
In fact, going out on holidays and hiking in the mountains not only benefits your health but also helps strengthen relationships when done with family or friends. For Li Chih-hsien, days with good weather that allow for hiking are especially precious. On weekdays after work, he walks in the park, and on weekends, he carves out time for hiking, taking one step at a time to embrace the most basic and simplest form of natural wellness. When it comes to Taipei’s terrain, rivers, mountains, and mountain-friendly trails, he knows every path and every sight, and can explain them clearly. By tying current events with personal stories from years of experience, he brings every scene, both on and off the mountain, to life.
First Choice for Beginners: Jian-Tan Mountain
For those who don’t usually exercise and aren’t familiar with hiking in Taipei, Li Chih-hsien first recommends starting with the “Jian-Tan Mountain Mountain-Friendly Trail.” You can begin from the entrance near the Friendship Association above the Grand Hotel, or from the entrance next to the Jian-Tan MRT station. The trail is only about 3 kilometers long, taking a maximum of 2 hours to walk, with wide, flat, and clean paths.
Li Chih-hsien says that because Jian-Tan Mountain was once a military restricted area, its natural forest is well-preserved. The trail is lush with greenery, and aside from some slight signs of human maintenance, the beauty of pristine woodland remains intact. You can also see several preserved guard posts, evoking memories of military service for many. He adds that this area has also become an important spot for morning workouts. Along the way, there are dozens of small badminton courts—not only free but also almost unique in densely populated Taipei, making these precious venues highly sought-after by badminton enthusiasts.
Though it’s a short trip, it offers plenty to feast your eyes on. Li Chih-hsien says that as a mountain-friendly trail with low altitude, you only need to bring a bottle of water and a small towel—no complicated gear is required to start hiking. Halfway up, there’s an observation area called “Aircraft Viewing Platform,” which has no obstructions and offers a full view of Taipei’s beautiful scenery, including Songshan Airport, Datong Bridge, Taipei 101, and Dajia Riverside Park. He laughs and says that due to its “strategically excellent location,” it’s perfect for young people to go on dates, whether to enjoy the daytime views or the vibrant nightlife.
Li Chih-hsien says that this place isn’t just suitable for young gatherings. Elderly people also gather at the foot of the mountain on holidays to sing, so there’s a continuous sound of singing near the base of Jian-Tan Mountain. As you go further in, the singing fades, and you’ll come across instead the Wumei Guard Post Experience Area, the Prosperous Taipei at Liumei, the Guanyin Sunset at Qimei, and then the “Bamei Old Place”—a very friendly and intriguing name.
Although most people consider “Old Place” as the end of the trail, there’s actually more beyond: the Jiumei Home of Flying Feathers, leading all the way to Tongbei Street in the direction of Datong. This is a great way to get to know Taipei’s terrain. Compared to the mountains and waters in school geography textbooks, you can directly experience the land beneath your feet. Plus, with the hot summer approaching, heading into the mountains also provides shade and coolness.
Walking and stopping along the way, the group turned back at “Old Place,” with the round trip taking about 2 hours. Most of the mountain-friendly trail consists of steps. Li Chih-hsien, who is 61 years old this year, walked and talked without appearing to breathe heavily. Compared to the panting young people behind him, his pace was steady and his stamina robust.
Second Stop: Try Yangmingshan
After the first experience on the “Jian-Tan Mountain Mountain-Friendly Trail,” Li Chih-hsien suggests heading to “Yangmingshan” as the next destination. In fact, Yangmingshan isn’t just for flower viewing—it’s surrounded by over five different hiking trails, each offering unique scenery.
Each hiking trail also varies in difficulty from low to high. Easier ones include the Erziping Trail and Yulu Ancient Trail, which feature open views and are rich in historical and cultural traces. More challenging trails include Qixing Mountain, which is also the highest peak in Taipei, standing 2.5 times the height of Taipei 101, and can be considered for those looking for a more advanced hiking experience.
Li Chih-hsien says, don’t think of Taipei as just a bustling urban city. In reality, Taipei is a basin, surrounded by a series of rolling small mountain ranges. The Jian-Tan Mountain Mountain-Friendly Trail is the closest small mountain to the city center. He always advises his friends that although work is often busy and tough, as long as the weather is nice, going out for a walk more often can refresh your mind without costing a penny.