Autumn/Winter Scenic Spot #2: Hsinchu Wild Horse Mountain Trail
Of course, when talking about the best place to see sea of clouds in Hsinchu, Wild Horse Mountain Trail is definitely the top choice. The “Wild Horse” in Wild Horse Mountain comes from the Japanese word for mountain (YAMA), so Wild Horse Mountain means facing the mountain. Walking up along the gentle trail, you’ll be surrounded by tall, towering trees. Once you reach the summit, you can take in the entire Shei-Pa Ranch, as well as Five Finger Mountain, Goose Crag Mountain, and the Le Shan Radar Station, enjoying breathtaking views of the sunrise and ethereal mist.
Autumn/Winter Scenic Spot #3: Wuling Ranch Ancient Trail Hiking
Wuling Ranch has several ancient trails, including a 0.95 km bird-watching trail, an 1.15 km tea plantation trail (about 40 minutes round trip), a 2.15 km bird-and-butterfly watching trail, a 1.15 km alpine botanical garden trail, a 0.3 km Pine Forest Boulevard, and a 4.3 km Taoshan Waterfall trail (about 3 hours round trip), among which the Taoshan Waterfall is the most popular.
Also known as Smoke Sound Waterfall, the Taoshan Waterfall is a hiking route suitable for all ages. Walking up along the Qijia Wan Creek valley, you’ll be welcomed by lush green forests on both sides. Along the way, you’ll pass a tea processing plant, Zhaofeng Bridge, the viewing
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #4: Green Island Sunrise Hot Springs
If you don’t want to spend New Year’s Eve just on the main island, then Green Island is definitely your top choice, as it’s home to Taiwan’s only underwater hot springs—and you can soak in them right out at sea. What’s more, you can enjoy the sunrise while bathing, making it the ultimate secret spot for a breathtaking sunrise experience.
This year, the Quba experts have once again planned a comprehensive two-day New Year’s trip to Green Island, covering meals, accommodation, and transportation—all arranged for you. With a private car and dedicated staff to pick you up, there’s no need to worry about travel logistics. Stay at Green Island’s signature hotel, and enjoy night ecology tours, snorkeling, and sunrise hot springs all in one trip.
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #5: Gongliao Peach Blossom Valley Camping
Known as having the most beautiful grasslands in northern Taiwan, Peach Blossom Valley resembles a fairyland with its magnificent 360-degree grassy plains surrounded by endless mountain ranges. If you’re lucky, you might even spot cattle grazing quietly—what a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The editor recommends trying out the latest trend: a light camping experience where you can get close to nature and enjoy the fun of wood-fired pizza and outdoor cooking. You won’t be bothered by crowds, so just relax and enjoy this rare, cozy 2020 New Year holiday.
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #6: Nantou Gear-Free Camping
Nantou’s beautiful mountains and waters are well-known, but how can you truly enjoy this serene woodland? Why not go on a hidden camping adventure in the mountains? This tucked-away campsite in Zhushan, Nantou, offers misty mountain scenery, vast grasslands, starry skies, and best of all—gear-free camping services perfect for lazy campers, giving you a taste of Glamping.
In addition to gear-free camping, the site also provides drinks, afternoon tea, barbecues, late-night snacks, and sunrise breakfasts. Each dish is carefully selected from local small farms and changes seasonally. There’s even a “guided food introduction” that takes you from farm to table, helping you learn about seasonal local ingredients. You’ll not only stay in Nantou but also come to understand its flavors.
What’s most unique here is their combination of “forest life aesthetics” activities closely connected to nature, offering experiences like bamboo weaving workshops and forest yoga. This lets you do more than just camp—you can deeply breathe and relax with nature, making it the latest way to enjoy lazy camping this year.
Recommended Reading:Must-Visit Fall-Only Spots in Taiwan: Sunflowers, Silvergrass, Maple Leaves, Beech Trees, and Camping
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #7: Yilan Dreamy Glamping
Located in the suburbs of Dongshan Township, Yilan Dreamy Glamping is a fully maintained and naturally organic environment, so you’ll find fewer mosquitoes here—no need to worry about pesky bugs ruining your trip. There are also DIY activities, such as the super fun “handmade cypress chopsticks.” Experts will teach you in person how to craft your own pair. When you first hold the wood, bring it close to your nose—you might just catch a faint whiff of cypress aroma.
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #8: Taitung Lison Hot Springs
Lison Hot Springs is rated as one of the most beautiful wild hot springs in Taiwan, sitting at an altitude of about 1,547 meters. The entire journey requires you to grip ropes with both hands, and some rock faces are so steep that you’ll need to carefully use both hands and feet on the descent. It’s recommended that visitors train physically beforehand and be sure to leave the mountain area before dark to avoid the inconvenience of fog. A professional guide and proper gear are also essential.
The arduous journey is well worth the dreamy, stunning views. Thanks to its weak alkaline carbonated water, the calcium carbonate crystals on the rock walls mixed with algae create a mesmerizing green-and-white color scheme, much like jade. You can warm up in the hot springs while admiring Taiwan’s most beautiful hot spring scenery—the journey is absolutely worthwhile.
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #9: Hsinchu Taigang Wild Hot Springs
One of the most anticipated things in autumn is the shift from green to red during maple leaf season. Near the Xiuluan Tribe lies a hidden Taiwanese stream secret—Taigang Canyon Wild Hot Springs. Walking from Xiuluan Village is not difficult: after about 20 minutes, you’ll reach a fork in the path, then climb along the rocky cliff for another 40 minutes to arrive at this secluded Taiwanese stream hot spring hidden in the forest.
The Taigang Canyon Wild Hot Springs are calcium bicarbonate springs, rich in algae that give the water a deep green hue. These are also natural wild hot spring pools where you can DIY your stone arrangements and adjust the temperature by mixing hot spring water with stream water. Surrounded by such a mountain forest sanctuary, soaking in a wild hot spring while enjoying peace and red foliage is simply bliss.
Winter & Autumn Travel Spot #10: Outdoor Real-Life Mystery Games
If you’ve really had enough of the spots above, the editor recommends the latest and hottest activity—outdoor real-life mystery games. Round up three to five friends for a weekend of brain-teasing, arguing, and boosting blood circulation for both your brain and body. It’s a great way to deeply explore local culture, and then you can end the day by checking into a cozy and lovely hotel. Doesn’t that sound great?
Recommended Reading:Autumn Is in the Air—Go Hiking. Taiwan’s 8 Most Beautiful Ancient Hiking Trail Routes
After checking out the top 10 recommended autumn and winter attractions and activities introduced above, are you feeling a little tempted? Plan a trip with a few friends this weekend and embark on an intellectually stimulating and immersive autumn or winter getaway!
Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa Funbaa] Original article from [Will autumn and winter subsidies be extended to 2020? Find out how to enjoy travel in Taiwan this autumn and winter!]
Executive Editor: Hovis
Proofreading Editor: Reese