From Taipei National University of the Arts to Zhongyi Mountain, there are both leisurely and easy walking trails as well as challenging slopes for a good workout. Standing on the ridge, you can take in the entire view of the Tamsui River to the north and the Guandu Plain to the south — making it a great spot to admire the Taipei Basin.

Viewing the Taipei Basin from the Yangmingshan area, the southwest and southern sides are the downtown districts of Taipei, where rows of high-rises form the main landscape. However, from Zhongyi Mountain on the northern side of the Taipei Basin, because it’s farther from the city center and closer to the Guandu Plain, the view before you is fresh and green, full of natural charm.

A Relaxed Visit to Taipei National University of the Arts

Zhongyi Mountain, at an elevation of 233 meters, is a small hill that extends from the Xiaopingding Plateau. Its former names were “A-Lao-Bie Mountain” or “Xiao-Bali-Ben Mountain.” It is an extension of the Datun Mountain range stretching southwestward and also an area covered by lava flows from the Datun volcanic eruptions. Whether it's dawn or dusk, this place is bustling with people engaging in sports and leisure. The main reason is that from Taipei National University of the Arts to the highest sea-view platform at the back of the campus, the slope is gentle, featuring wide, straight asphalt roads for walking. You can also choose to meander through the wooded paths on campus, making it a “leisurely route” perfect for relaxation.

The sea-view platform offers an exceptional vantage point. To the north, you can see the mouth of the Tamsui River leading to Taipei Harbor. The colors shift from bright white to golden yellow between day and night. Along the river, the residences of Tamsui and Bali are dotted one after another. Boats and sails dot the waterway. To the south lies the Guandu Plain at the foot of Zhongyi Mountain, full of lush greenery. Even further away, the Tamsui River separates Taipei City and New Taipei City, with high-rises stretching as far as the eye can see.

Zhongyi Mountain Has Steep Slopes

Going further east from here, you’ll reach the trailhead for climbing Zhongyi Mountain. This path has very few steps and largely preserves the original earthen slopes and rocks. Some sections have steeper gradients and ropes are provided for support. After about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at the mountaintop — unexpectedly greeted by a vast expanse of green grassland. This area is the Chen Family Cemetery, and you can rest and hydrate at the nearby pavilions.

Next to the pavilion at the summit of Zhongyi Mountain, there is a small path leading downhill. About 80–90% of the way consists of stone steps, leading directly down to Xingtian Temple at the mountain’s base. If you’re concerned about knee strain or discomfort during descent, you can retrace your steps along the original hiking trail back to the trailhead, then take Section 4, Lane 30 of Zhongyang North Road to descend. This road is fully paved with asphalt, and the view of the Guandu Plain at the mountain’s base is visible throughout. Moreover, the scenery changes dynamically with the varying elevations.

The earliest development in the Zhongyi area dates back to the 6th year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign in the Qing Dynasty. At that time, the Chen family came to Taiwan to cultivate the land. Their descendants multiplied and the family has now reached its 21st generation, making them the largest clan in the Zhongyi area. Located at the foot of the mountain, Xingtian Temple primarily worships “Guan Yu, the God of War,” serving as a local spiritual center. The temple grounds are lush with green grass, offering a peaceful place for quiet contemplation while taking in the distant mountains and nearby waters.

There are several ways to reach the Zhongyi Mountain hiking trail. For a pure hiking experience, you can get off at Zhongyi MRT Station, walk to the back of Xingtian Temple, and climb the stone steps up Zhongyi Mountain. Then, you can descend via Section 4, Lane 30 of Zhongyang North Road. These two routes can be swapped for going up and down. Alternatively, you can take the MRT to Guandu Station, walk to Taipei National University of the Arts, and follow the campus walking trails uphill to the sea-view platform. From there, proceed to the Zhongyi Mountain trailhead to begin your ascent.

Enjoy the Panoramic Views Most Relaxingly

If you have ample time, it is recommended to take the Taipei National University of the Arts campus route. Not only can you reach the sea-view platform to admire the mountains and sea, but the sculpture park and grassy slopes along the way also bring a refreshing feeling — making it a wonderful route for a relaxing stroll.

The university’s main buildings are situated on both sides of the central Yangguang Avenue. In particular, starting from the lotus pond and entering the Water Stage, passing through the open-air corridor, you’ll find the Arts Café. Indoors, you can listen to music and read newspapers. Outdoors, sitting under the maple trees and gazing at the distant Guandu Plain is even more tranquil. On the upper floor, Davinci Italian Restaurant offers a commanding view and is truly first-class for enjoying the scenery.

Travel Information

Public Transportation

Zhongyi Mountain: Get off at Zhongyi MRT Station. It’s about a 5-minute walk to Xingtian Temple, where the hike begins.

Taipei National University of the Arts: Get off at Guandu MRT Station. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the university. You can also take Red 35 Bus from Guandu MRT Station directly to the campus.

Driving: Parking is available on the Taipei National University of the Arts campus, at NT$20 per hour.

Dining & Spending

Arts Café: 02-28961292

Business Hours: 09:00 – 21:00

Davinci Italian Restaurant: 02-28917963

Business Hours: 11:00 – 19:30