Travel in the footsteps of Ko Wen-je: Enjoy tranquility on Taipei’s 4 major trails during the New Year holiday

▲ The Osmanthus Hanging Bridge and the cute teapot at the bridgehead. (Photo / Screenshot from the Taipei City Mountain Trails Thematic Website, the same below)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Comprehensive report

On the eve of the Taipei mayoral election, Mayor Ko Wen-je specially arranged the “7 Walks of Taipei” itinerary, visiting the easternmost, westernmost, southernmost, and northernmost administrative neighborhoods in Taipei City for check-in activities, sparking a trend of followers embarking on pilgrimage-like travel.

The Taipei City Government’s Public Works Department, Bureau of Urban Development, stated that what netizens jokingly call the “Ko P Taipei One-Day Tour Essence Promotion Route” is home to beautifully scenic specialty trails nearby, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and admire Taipei’s splendid mountain and forest views.

Huang Li-yuan, head of the Bureau of Urban Development, mentioned that Nangang District’s Jiuzhuang Neighborhood in the easternmost part of Taipei City is perfect for hiking and tea tasting. Among them, the “Osmanthus Hanging Bridge Trail” is named after the exquisitely painted osmanthus hanging bridge, with two cute teapots at the bridgehead that look elegant and refreshing amidst the lush green mountains. Additionally, the Model Tea Factory Huan Shan Trail offers views of distant tea fields and the rising smoke of tea boiling.

▲ The Zhongyi Mountain Trail features a pristine and tranquil environment.

In the southernmost Wenshan District’s Zhinan Neighborhood, the Camphor Lake Loop Trail connects the rustic “Camphor Tree Trail” with the musical-themed “Camphor Lake Trail.” Strolling along it allows you to experience a strong sense of old-fashioned romance, and the “Cat Treasure Hunt” stamp activity adds even more fun, making it a must-visit hotspot in the Maokong area. Additionally, the newly completed “Little Skywalk” this year features a unique 360-degree panoramic view. Standing at the “Eternal Bond Pavilion” offers a bird’s-eye view of Maokong’s beautiful mountain scenery, and walking along the “Heart Lake” to the “Moon God Tree” lets you admire the tea-themed mural wall, fully immersing you in the beauty of romantic legends and tea culture.

In the westernmost Beitou District’s Guandu Neighborhood, there is the “Zhongyi Mountain Loop Trail.” The newly established entrance feature this year is made of colored stones, depicting the grid-like fields of the Guandu Plain, which is both striking and meaningful. The nearby Xingtian Temple is a famous shrine for worshippers seeking blessings, and the trail is lined with dense woodland. This pristine and quiet trail is the best choice for those who want to avoid the sun.

▲ The Camphor Tree Trail has a strong rustic charm.

Finally, head to the northernmost Beitou District’s Huti Neighborhood, where the Dinghu Calla Lily Trail is created from the ridges of calla lily fields. Nestled within vast fields of calla lilies, the trail dances gracefully like a butterfly among the flowers, offering a unique walking experience. Additionally, the “Waterwheel Shelter Trail” is gentle and easy to walk, with the soothing sound of a stream washing away the dust of the city. During the calla lily season each year, the vast sea of blooming flowers is breathtaking, immersing you in endless happiness.

The Bureau of Urban Development suggests taking advantage of the New Year holiday to embark on a mountain-hugging health journey. You can also appreciate Taipei City from Ko Wen-je’s perspective, which is sure to offer a unique experience.