Spring Hiking Without Gaining Weight: 8 Mountain Trails Along Taipei MRT Lines

The nine-day Lunar New Year holiday is coming up—have you decided where to go for your vacation? Speaking of which, the festive season often involves lots of eating and drinking, which can easily lead to weight gain. Surrounded by mountains, the Taipei Basin boasts rich and beautiful natural ecology as well as cultural landscapes, with many hiking trails crisscrossing the area, creating a unique scenic charm for the city. For your spring outings during the New Year, why not take the MRT on a journey of exploration and choose a mountain trail that suits you? Breathe in the fresh air of the suburbs, enjoy the warm sunlight filtering through the woods, and welcome a brand-new start for the year ahead!

Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation has carefully selected 5 mountain trails and scenic areas along MRT lines for your reference:

◎ Brown Line – Zhongyongshan & Liyu Mountain Hiking Trails

Transportation Info: Take the MRT to Dahu Park Station, Exit 1. After exiting, follow the signs and enter the hiking trails via Dayu Villa.

Trail Introduction: Within the hiking trails, you’ll find the beautifully scenic Yuanchuei Waterfall. As you walk uphill along the trail, you’ll be accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing streams—truly serene. Alternatively, you can exit from Neihu Station, Exit 1, take Bus Xia 2, and head to the nearby Baishihu area to explore the famous “Baishihu Suspension Bridge.”

◎ Brown Line – Dahu Park

Transportation Info: Exit 2 of Dahu Park Station

Scenic Introduction: Right next to Dahu Park Station is Dahu Park, the most famous park in the Neihu area. Here, you must not miss the renowned Jindai Bridge and Jiuchu Bridge. The vast greenery and the beautiful scenery by the mountains and water make it a perfect spot for family outings.

◎ Tamsui-Xinyi Line – Guandu Hiking Trail & Zhongyi Mountain Loop Trail

Transportation Info: Take the MRT to Guandu Station, exit from Exit 2, turn right, and walk about 10–15 minutes following the signs to reach the trailhead of Guandu Hiking Trail at Lane 30, Section 4, Zhongyang North Road. Walking along the Guandu Hiking Trail will lead you to the entrance of the Zhongyi Mountain Loop Trail.

Trail Introduction: Guandu Hiking Trail is located to the north of the Guandu Plain, offering views of the Tamsui River. After walking for a while, you’ll see the entrance to the Zhongyi Mountain Hiking Trail. This trail is steeper, mostly covered with dirt and rocky paths, making it ideal for those with good physical stamina.

◎ Tamsui-Xinyi Line – Warship Rock Hiking Trail

Transportation Info: Take the MRT to Shipai Station, exit from Exit 1, go straight toward Yangming University. One of the trailheads is located behind the Yangming University campus.

Trail Introduction: Warship Rock Hiking Trail is situated within the Datun Mountain Range and is suitable for families to exercise and hike. The panoramic view from the summit is breathtaking. You can also choose to hike up in the afternoon and stay to admire the beautiful night view of the Taipei metropolitan area when the lights come on.

◎ Tamsui-Xinyi Line – Xiangshan Hiking Trail

Transportation Info: Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station, exit from Exit 2, and walk about 10–15 minutes toward Zhongqiang Park to reach the trailhead.

Trail Introduction: Xiangshan is named for its resemblance to an elephant’s head. When it comes to Xiangshan, the most famous attraction is the view of Taipei 101—you can even enjoy the fireworks show over Taipei 101 during New Year’s Eve. In addition to taking in the vibrant cityscape, the trail also features abundant natural scenery, making it a great spot for a family outing with kids to enjoy the climb and the summit views.

◎ Songshan-Xindian Line – Xianji Rock Hiking Trail

Transportation Info: Get off at Jingshan Station, exit from Exit 1, and walk toward Jinxing Road.

Trail Introduction: Xianji Rock Hiking Trail begins at the entrance archway on Lane 243, Jinxing Road, Jingshan. After a gentle climb up the steps, you’ll enter a densely forested trail—perfect for enjoying a refreshing forest bath.

◎ Zhonghe-Xinlu Line – Hongludi Hiking Trail

Transportation Info: Take the MRT to Nanshi Corner Station, exit from Exit 4, and transfer to F512 bus to the Hongludi Hiking Trail.

Trail Introduction: Hongludi is located in the mountainous area behind Nanshi Corner, also known as Nanshi Corner Mountain, with an elevation of 302 meters. There is a large statue of the Earth God halfway up the mountain, which is a famous highlight here.

◎ Ban-Nan Line – Hushan Hiking Trail

Transportation Info: Take the MRT to Houshanpi Station, exit from Exit 2, and walk along Zhongpo South Road toward Fu De Street. It takes about 20–25 minutes to reach the trailhead.

Trail Introduction: Hushan is one of the Four Beast Mountains, along with Xiangshan, with an elevation of about 140 meters—not very high, making it perfect for a half-day family trip. Additionally, the Hushan Stream along the trail is a great spot for observing wetland ecology. Interpretation signs and route markers are also set up along the way. If you want to combine spring hiking with ecological sightseeing, go for the Hushan Hiking Trail.