Where to go for a romantic night out? Top 10 sunset-viewing spots in Taipei by heading up high

▲The top 10 hiking trails recommended by the Department of Urban Development for watching the Taipei sunset. (Photo / Courtesy of the Department of Urban Development website, the same below)

By Chen Rui-zhong, staff reporter / Compiled report

As daylight fades, the scenery at sunset becomes even more diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. The Department of Urban Development under the Taipei City Government has specially recommended 10 mountain-friendly hiking trail spots where the public can enjoy stunning views of Taipei’s sunsets from above.

Huang Li-yuan, head of the department, said that Taipei’s mountain hiking trails suitable for sunset viewing include: the Gunship Rock Trail in Beitou District—Gunship Rock, the Datushan Trail in Shilin District—Ride the Wind Fortress, the Xiangshan Trail in Xinyi District—Six Huge Rocks & Camera Platform, the Hushan Trail—Jiuwufeng & Hushan Peak, the Liyu Mountain Trail in Neihu District—Summit Pavilion, the Zhongyongshan Trail—Summit Platform, the Zhanghu Trail in Wenshan District—Listening to the Wind Pavilion, and the Uphill Trail—Telescope Pavilion. These 10 locations are all great spots to admire Taipei’s sunset.

▲10 hiking trails and related transportation information.

The Xiangshan and Hushan Trails in Xinyi District, located in the Four Beasts Mountain area near Taipei 101, offer exceptional views and a prime location, along with well-developed trail facilities, making them popular destinations for watching the Taipei cityscape.

In the Muzha area of Wenshan District, the newly completed “Uphill Trail Telescope Pavilion” this year is situated on a small independent hill next to Mingde Temple on Laoquan Street. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Muzha Cable Car Station. By walking through the cherry blossom-lined paths on both sides, you can climb up for a distant view and take in the vast, beautiful night scenery.

The Gunship Rock in Beitou District and the Ride the Wind Fortress in Shilin District offer panoramic sightseeing views; the Liyu Mountain in Neihu allows for a connected visit to sites such as Bi Mountain Rock, Golden Dragon Temple, and Yuanjue Zen Temple, each with its own unique charm. The public is welcome to visit and enjoy the sunset.