Hike until you’re breathless—all for the breathtaking views that greet you at the summit, and the invigorating rush of body and mind. Escape the city and find tranquility in the mountains. You don’t need to spend too much time—there are plenty of hiking trails in the suburbs of Taipei and New Taipei City where you can ascend and rendezvous with nature. Next holiday, put on your sneakers, go for a forest walk, and enjoy a refreshing hike.
● Mountain and Sea Scenery — Teapot Mountain Trail
The blue sea, clear sky, and lush green forests coexist in one frame. When you climb Teapot Mountain, the mountain-and-sea scenery is all yours to take in—all the purest beauty of Taiwan’s land. The trail is mostly equipped with stone steps and guardrails, making for fairly good hiking conditions. The round trip takes about two hours, and there are several rest shelters along the way, perfect for those looking for a short hike.
<Transportation>
By Car:
Take National Freeway 1 and exit at Badu Interchange. Continue along Provincial Highway 2D to Ruifang District, then turn onto County Highway 102 (Ruishuang Highway). At the Keelung Mountain Trailhead, turn onto County Highway 34 (Ruijin Highway) to reach the Earless Teapot Mountain Hiking Trail.
By Public Transport:
Take a train to Ruifang Railway Station, then transfer to a bus heading toward Jinguashi. Get off at Jinguashi Station and enter the Earless Teapot Mountain Hiking Trail through the Gold Ecological Park.
● Mini Great Wall — Wufen Mountain Trail
Stretching along the mountain ridges and built along the mountain range, the Wufen Mountain Trail looks remarkably like the Great Wall when viewed from afar—no wonder it’s earned the nickname “Mini Great Wall.” The one-way hike takes about two hours, and the entire trail is paved with stone steps. Though it requires some effort to climb, the magnificent mountain views and distant cityscapes are absolutely worth it.
<Transportation>
By Car:
Exit at Nuannuan Interchange on National Freeway 1, then turn onto Provincial Highway 2C. After about 300 meters past the “Jiping Tunnel,” turn left toward the “Pingxi Coal Mine Museum Park” to arrive.
By Public Transport:
Train: Take the Pingxi Line train and get off at “Shifen Station.” Follow the signs toward the “Pingxi Coal Mine Museum Park” and walk about 2 kilometers to arrive.
Bus: Take Capital Bus No. 1577 and get off at the “Dingliao Intersection” stop. Walk about 300 meters to the side of the “Pingxi Coal Mine Museum Park” to arrive.
● Unparalleled Tranquility — Wanggu Waterfall Trail
The Wanggu Station on the Pingxi Line may not see many passengers, and can even feel a bit desolate—but that’s precisely what makes this place so serene. The entrance to the “Wanggu Waterfall Trail” is right next to Wanggu Station. Start on the wooden boardwalk, follow the Wanggu Stream toward Lingjiao, and you’ll soon reach the Lingjiao settlement. Keep going, and you’ll come across the Wanggu Waterfall.
Though it may not have the visual impact of Shifen Waterfall, Wanggu Waterfall is hidden away in a sparsely populated valley, giving it a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding lush green trees add beauty to the waterfall, making the whole scene even more vibrant.
<Transportation>
By Car:
Take National Freeway 1 and exit at Nuannuan Interchange. Turn onto Provincial Highway 2C, then switch to Highway 106 toward Pingxi. After about 2.5 kilometers, look for the “Wanggu Station” sign, turn right over the “Qinghe Bridge,” and you’ll arrive.
By Public Transport:
Train: Take the Pingxi Line train and get off at “Wanggu Station” to arrive.