Professional hiking photographer Xing Zhengkang has carefully selected 10 hiking routes, ranging from beginner to moderate difficulty, allowing newcomers to gradually enjoy the joy of hiking.
To love Taiwan is to love hiking. Two-thirds of Taiwan’s land area consists of mountains and hills, making it one of the islands with the highest mountain density in the world. To truly see Taiwan, you have to climb its peaks step by step on foot.
A lover of outdoor activities, Xing Zhengkang’s first hike during his student days was to Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan, led by a senior. It was an exhausting but eye-opening experience that sparked his lifelong passion for hiking. Because of his love for the mountains, he wants more people to appreciate their beauty and treat the environment with care. That’s why he wrote “Classic High Mountain Routes in Taiwan – 10 Hundred Peaks Routes for Beginners,” using text and photos to guide newcomers on their hiking journeys.
Beyond hiking, Xing Zhengkang is also a professional photographer who has worked for several travel magazines. Carrying several kilograms of photography equipment while hiking is second nature to him, which is why this book is not only a hiking guide but also a stunning collection of mountain photography.
“Hiking is absolutely the most suitable outdoor activity for Taiwan to develop,” he points out. The threshold for hiking in Taiwan isn’t high—you don’t need to travel far, because Taiwan isn’t large, and transportation is well-developed. As long as your car can reach the trailhead, you can return home from any mountain area within a day.
The Joy of Hiking: Enjoying the Process Is What Matters Most
What’s the joy of hiking? Everyone has different goals. Some are satisfied with conquering a certain number of peaks. Taiwan’s renowned hiking veteran Xing Tianzheng once said, “Hiking isn’t about rushing or just following others. Mountains, rivers, plants, insects, fish, flowers, and birds all have their own charm. You should pay attention to everything as you walk and look around—otherwise, it’s like entering a treasure mountain and coming back empty-handed. So what if you’ve climbed all the hundred peaks?”
For Xing Zhengkang, the number of peaks conquered isn’t important either. What matters most to him is the process. “Teammates help those who aren’t physically strong by carrying their gear, everyone cooks together, and along the way, we learn what kind of flowers and birds we’re seeing, how to move forward, and how to use a compass. Looking back, it will be a wonderful hiking experience.”
The camaraderie of sharing hardships and relying on each other, witnessing the visual shocks of every journey into the mountains and forests together—that’s what makes hiking so unforgettable for him.
Hehuanshan Range: The Easiest Entry Point for Beginners
The 10 hiking routes listed in the book are all ones he believes are simple, beautiful, and representative enough. He considers Hehuanshan to be the top choice for beginners—it’s currently the easiest accessible hundred peaks-level high mountain route. As long as you’re in good health, you can visit, and traveling light is no problem at all.
Among the peaks in the Hehuanshan Range—Hehuanshan Main Peak, Hehuanshan East Peak, Hehuanshan North Peak, Hehuanshan West Peak, and Shimen Mountain—all are listed as part of Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks. Among them, West Peak is slightly more challenging, while the other four feel like urban walking trails, just at a higher altitude. You can go up and down within a day, “as easy as a day trip.”
Especially Shimen Mountain—it’s the easiest. From the trailhead, it takes just 20 minutes to reach the summit, where you can capture a 360-degree panoramic view. It would be a shame to come without a camera.
In addition, he recommends routes such as Qilai South Peak, Nanhuashan, Snow Mountain Main-East Peak, Tataga Main Peak Trail, Jioming Lake, Wuling Four Beauties, Qilai Main-North Peak, Nanhua Mountain, Dabajianshan, and Nenggao Main Peak. Beginners can progress step by step, challenging themselves according to their abilities.
“Of course, there are many more beautiful and climbable mountains in Taiwan than just these 10. There are plenty of hidden gems.” These hidden gems include Beidawushan, Junshan, Liushunshan, Yangtoushan, and the South Cross Three Stars, all worth a visit for hikers.
Black Qilai: No Need to Fear If You’re Cautious
The “Black Qilai,” often the subject of mountain accidents or eerie stories, is also among the 10 hiking routes recommended by Xing Zhengkang.
When viewed from Provincial Highway 14A, the Qilai Mountain ridge appears black in the afternoon due to being backlit by the sun. Coupled with its rugged terrain and unpredictable fog, it used to have the highest incidence of mountain accidents, thus earning the mysterious nickname “Black Qilai” among hikers.
He says that in reality, the Qilai Mountain area is now a fairly popular hundred peaks route. The paths are well-maintained, with marker stakes placed every 100 meters, making it very suitable for beginners trying high-altitude hiking for the first time. The mountain scenery is beautiful, offering great spots for mountain photography enthusiasts.
“Climbing any high mountain comes with a certain level of risk—you need to know how to protect yourself.” Always hike with companions, find someone experienced to lead the way, do your homework before the trip, and don’t attempt anything beyond your ability. If you get lost, stay calm and think about whether you can return to the original path. If not, it’s safest to stay put and wait for your teammates to come back for you.
Fast-food mountaineering: missing out on great scenery
Regarding Taiwan’s mountaineering culture, Xing Zhengkang is particularly concerned about the currently popular “fast-food mountaineering,” where travelers, arranged by tour operators, don’t have to carry their own gear and reach summits in the shortest time possible. “I wonder if this kind of commercialization of high mountains will have an impact on the environment? Do participants gain anything beyond physical exercise?”
Fast-food mountaineering indeed saves time and effort, but rushing means missing out on experiences — the most interesting parts of climbing. You might spot a small flower or an animal unexpectedly, but have no time to stop and take photos or appreciate it. You also can’t record or observe along the way, which is quite a pity.
He suggests that if you plan to join a guided mountain trip, learn more about the itinerary before signing up. Ask whether it includes photography lessons or ecological interpretation, rather than just aiming for the summit. That way, you can gradually enjoy the pleasures of the climbing process.
■ Book giveaway — like and comment on our fan page
Si Kuai Yu Cultural Creatives is offering three copies of Xing Zhengkang’s book “Taiwan Classic High Mountain Routes — 10 Hundred Peaks Routes for Beginners” to readers of China Times. Before February 27, visit the CTFans Consumer fan page (https://www.facebook.com/Ctfansconsumer), like the post, leave a comment, and publicly share the event info for a chance to win a copy.