10 High-Value Hiking Trails in Taipei City: Reach the Summit in Just 2 Minutes

▲ From the Scissors Stone on Golden Face Mountain Trail, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Taipei Basin. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Department of Civil Engineering)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, do you want to get outdoors without traveling too far? Here are 10 high-value hiking trails that let you easily enjoy the thrill of reaching the summit while taking in the sweeping mountain ridges around the Taipei Basin.

What isa "high-value trail"?According to Huang Li-yuan, director of Taipei City’s Department of Civil Engineering, it refers to trails that aren’t long, have easy terrain, don’t take much time, yet offer breathtaking mountain views similar to those seen in high-altitude areas.

For example, the Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail in the conveniently located Xinyi District lets you see the oval-shaped Shooter’s Platform after just about 15 minutes on the trail. With a 270-degree unobstructed view, Taipei 101 feels within arm’s reach. Other highlights include the Six Giant Rocks and various photography spots — all great places to admire the Taipei scenery.

▲ From the Shooter’s Platform on Elephant Mountain Trail, Taipei 101 feels within arm’s reach.

Meanwhile, the Battleship Rock Trail in Yangming University in Beitou District, known as the “Titanic of the Mountains,” features a natural rock-paved path full of wilderness charm that takes you straight to the top of Battleship Rock. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, taking in the entire Taipei Basin and surrounding mountain views.

The Golden Face Mountain Trail in Neihu has the majestic presence and appearance of a high mountain. As you walk through quiet woods and tackle the natural challenge of climbing large rock faces, reaching the summit’s Scissors Stone rewards you with a sudden 360-degree panoramic view that often leaves hikers in awe.

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