Climb to Ocean Views on the “Taoyuan Valley” Trail in Daxi, Yilan & Have a Picnic with Cows

▲ The “Taoyuan Valley” trail in Yilan’s Daxi is a stunning mountain path that runs parallel to the ocean, offering views of “Guishan Island.”

Text & Photos / Mirror Media Weekly

It’s truly a blessing to live in Taiwan — not only can you be close to mountains and the sea, but you can also gaze at the ocean from the mountains. The “Taoyuan Valley” trail in Yilan’s Daxi is just such a beautiful mountain path that runs alongside the sea. Not only can you see “Guishan Island,” but its gentle, easy-to-walk grasslands have also attracted many picnic-goers to enjoy their leisurely holidays here.

The “Caoling Ancient Trail,” situated between Gongliao in New Taipei City and Dali & Daxi in Toucheng, Yilan, has always been a popular hiking destination on weekends. In contrast to its cultural-historical ties as a traditional commuting route, the “Taoyuan Valley” trail connected to the “Yakou” (Mute Pass) of Caoling presents a completely different scene — a path rich in natural scenery and a blend of mountain and ocean vistas.

There are four routes to Taoyuan Valley. I chose to start from the “Tian Gong Temple” in Dali, which not only satisfies hiking needs but also offers breathtaking sea views. You can replenish food and water at the temple. The 2-km stretch up to Yakou is mostly uphill, but as it winds mostly through the forest, it remains fairly comfortable.

▲ Many picnic enthusiasts come to Taoyuan Valley for fun.

▲ The Cow-Blocking Rock and Wind-Blocking Rock are placed to stop cows from wandering onto the trail or to help hikers steady themselves against strong winds.

▲ The way to Taoyuan Valley is all gentle slopes, making it quite safe.

▲ Moo~ Are you looking at me?

After reaching the pavilion at Yakou, the long stone steps may look exhausting, but they actually lead up to gently sloped hills. You can skip the stairs and walk along the dirt path beside them — it’s easier on the knees. Take your time, pass one small hill after another, with ocean views and Guishan Island accompanying you all the way.

This area was once used by farmers to graze cattle, and there are still many cows around today. They are very gentle and won’t attack unless provoked. After passing “Wankengtou Mountain,” the path begins to descend, with the grassy fields gradually giving way to low-growing bamboo. As you near Taoyuan Valley, the scenery transitions back into grassland. Once you arrive, some people sit on the oceanfront chatting comfortably, while others spread out picnic mats to enjoy a meal. No matter how you choose to relax, remember to take your trash home.

▲ Resembling a large Labrador lying on the mountain gazing at the sea.

▲ Looks like a human side profile gazing toward the left sky.

▲ Guishan Island and ocean views accompany you all the way, with Daxi Fishing Port below.

▲ A straight and gentle path flanked by bamboo.

▲ Taoyuan Valley is full of grassland scenery, similar to Qingshui Cliff, but the addition of ocean views makes all the difference.

Hiking can sometimes get a bit dull, so admiring the mountains, sea, and various shapes becomes part of the fun. From Taoyuan Valley, looking toward Yakou, hikers have spotted what looks like a giant Labrador lying on the mountain, watching the sea — it’s become a popular photo spot. On my way up, I also noticed what looked like a face gazing up at the sky. Whether it really resembles one is all in the eye of the beholder.

The biggest challenge of Taoyuan Valley isn’t the difficulty level, but the fact that apart from a few pavilions, there’s almost no shade along the entire route. The direct sunlight and high temperatures can be tough, and the weather in the Northeast Coast is unstable — fog often rolls in during bad weather or the afternoon. To experience the charm of Taoyuan Valley, you’ll have to rely on the weather, but it’s definitely a trail worth exploring.