New Taipei City boasts the most beautiful skyline in the Taipei Basin. Its surrounding green mountain network highlights it as one of the most picturesque cities. This year, the city focuses on “Mountain Closeness & Light Travel,” combining hiking, trail ecology, and historical-cultural tours through packaged group tours to offer an in-depth hiking experience. By exploring historical sites and observing the natural environment, participants can gain unique insights and discover the importance of culture, industry, and the natural surroundings. Through these elements, hiking becomes more than just physical exercise—it transforms into a rich cultural and ecological journey. Additionally, there will be a series of events including celebrity lectures and free trail guided tours.
● Liu Kelang praises New Taipei’s hiking activities for showcasing aesthetics and maturity, elevating to international level
On the 13th, Teacher Liu Kelang attended the event press conference and stated that this year’s New Taipei City Hiking Tourism Festival demonstrates a level of maturity in trail selection and activity planning unlike previous years, elevating hiking to the level of an international metropolitan event. In his view, this year’s event has four major features: First, it boldly takes place in the summer. Unlike other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, which worry about forest fires or heatstroke from Qingming to summer, New Taipei’s recommended routes mostly involve “hiking alongside water.” Over six trails feature waterfall views, offering not only a cool escape from the heat but also an energy-saving and low-carbon way to travel in the summer.
Second, many routes with lush green forests and open trails were specially chosen, adding more theme-based options and reflecting the greater maturity of residents in the Greater Taipei area in accepting themed trail travel. Liu Kelang mentioned that New Taipei City has vigorously promoted handmade and eco-friendly trails in recent years, which have also impressed cities like Hong Kong and Shenzhen, who are eager to learn more. Lastly, he believes the design of light mountain travel connects local villages, farms, and hiking trails, allowing hikers to interact with locals through regional farm produce and food. This not only boosts the local economy but also provides deeper insight into the lives and thoughts of local people. Liu Kelang highly praised the maturity and even the aesthetic quality of the thematic design and discourse of such hiking activities.
● “Mountain Closeness · Group Tours” – Five Selected Trail Packages for a Unique Hiking Experience
The five trail package tours include:
1. “The Oku-no-Hosomichi of Northern Taiwan” – This tour connects the Beishi Creek Ancient Trail and the Wantan Ancient Trail, exploring the beauty of ancient paths along a clear stream. Lush greenery and the sound of flowing water accompany you, and around a bend, you’ll suddenly find yourself before a crystal-clear green pool. Lunch features special bento boxes and wood ear mushroom soup made with local ingredients by the community development association, ensuring a healthy walk and a healthy meal.
2. “The Journey to Find the Earth God” – The Hupao Pond Trail along this tour is built along a clear and inviting stream, gentle and easy to walk, making it perfect for families. After passing an ancient Earth God temple, Hupao Pond comes into view. In addition to exploring the unique local Earth God culture, the tour includes a visit to the Shoushan Temple Farmers’ Market to enjoy pesticide-free vegetables and locally sourced, chef-inspired set meals.
3. “Fun in the Mountains and Seas” – The Qingshan Waterfall Trail on this tour is shaded by green trees and alive with birdsong. As you look back, you’ll see rolling hills and terraced fields. The “Qingshan Waterfall,” about 8 meters high, is surrounded by mist, reminiscent of Japan’s Jinba Falls, exuding great momentum. In addition to hiking, the tour offers a boat ride experience to admire the beautiful northeastern coastline at “Golden Mountain Candlestick and Twin Islets,” enjoy fisherman-style cuisine (seafood rice noodle soup), and learn about marine conservation.
4. “Small Hundred Peaks Forest Exploration” – This tour visits Erge Mountain, one of Taiwan’s Small Hundred Peaks. The trail is accessible with wide views, and the mountaintop offers an excellent panorama of the Taipei Basin, Datun Mountain Range, Guanyin Mountain, as well as Shenkeng, Shiding, and Feitsui Reservoir areas. Further sights include Wuzhi Mountain and Qixing Mountain. Beyond the sweeping views, the tour also includes a visit to the Qingshan Educational Farm for a herb-themed set meal and a DIY herbal tea bag making experience.
5. “Climb High to View the Mountain Range” – This tour explores the Paotzu Trail, where you can enjoy views of terraced fields and tea plantations along the way. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the mountains embracing the Taipei metropolis. You’ll also visit the famous Paotzu Waterfall in Shenkeng. Additionally, savor the exclusive white kiln bread from the Shanshan Farmhouse, made with natural ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, and Australian lake salt using traditional wood-fired baking techniques. You can also make your own pizza with hand-kneaded dough, selected toppings, and unique shapes.
These five trail package tours combine guided hikes and unique experiences, running from July to October. Tour prices start at NT$1,380, but during the event, discounted rates of NT$880–1,200 are available. Participants in any group tour will also receive a set of beautifully designed postcards featuring specialty trails.
Package tours open for registration at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 (105th year of the Republic of China), with a total of 700 spots available. For tour details and registration, please visit the New Taipei City Tourism website.
● Explore with Experts... “Celebrity Lectures” and “Trail Guided Tours”
In addition to the “Mountain Closeness · Group Tours” package, on August 14 (Sunday), the event will feature a free lecture by renowned author Teacher Liu Kelang titled 【Tracing the History and Charm of the Danlan Century-Old Mountain Path】. In addition to engaging content, the lecture will include a prize quiz, with participants having the chance to win beautifully designed trail postcards and hiking gifts.
In addition to the five package tours, five “Mountain Closeness · Independent Travel” trails are also recommended. These include the “Baiji Xingxiu Temple Baojia Trail,” which offers a glimpse into the mining heyday and stunning mountaintop views; the “Galaxy Cave Crossing Trail,” with dense natural forests, serene caves, and hanging waterfalls; the “Danlan Ancient Trail Shiding Section,” which overlooks the Jingshui River valley and passes through the historic Shiding Old Street; the “Sandiao Ridge Waterfall Trail,” featuring a three-tiered waterfall, cliffs, potholes, and rock caves; and the “Lingjiaoliao Mountain Trail,” where you can explore the red-brick Western-style house of the Cai family and admire a tranquil ancient waterfall.
Most of these trails can be accessed via public transportation and are suitable for summer and autumn visits. The public is welcome to explore them freely on weekends or holidays. Free guided tours will also be arranged from July to October for trails such as the “Wantan Ancient Trail,” “Baiji Xingxiu Temple Baojia Trail,” “Galaxy Cave Crossing Trail,” and “Sandiao Ridge Waterfall Trail.” Each session is limited to 40 participants, and registration opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, June 27. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up promptly.
● “Mountain Closeness · Share the Fun” – Share Event Info and Win Prizes
Starting June 14, simply visit the New Taipei Travel FB page – the “Mountain Closeness Share the Fun” event page. By leaving comments or sharing photos and experiences from the various activities—such as package tours, trail guided tours, or celebrity lectures—you could win prizes including La New waterproof and windproof jackets, walking shoes, walking waist packs, travel bags, sports socks, and sets of beautifully designed trail postcards.
