Visit the backyard garden of Taoyuan City — explore and hike at Tiger Head Mountain

Reporter Hong Lingju / Special Report

Known as the backyard garden of Taoyuan City, Tiger Head Mountain Park is also called “Tiger Islet Mountain” because of its mountain shape resembling that of a crouching tiger — but don’t let the name scare you away. With delightful scenery in every season, the mountain dons different colors throughout the year. Walking amidst it is incredibly uplifting, and climbing up to the observation deck offers a sweeping view of Taoyuan City. There's more to do here than just a casual stroll — with picnic spots and play areas, it's ideal for a family day out in nature. Then, visit the nearby National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine to see Taiwan’s only intact Japanese shrine structure.

▲ Tiger Head Mountain Park is home to the smallest owl species in Taiwan’s forests, the collared owlet. The treehouse cluster “Or Forest Academy” is named after owls (OWL), and the leaf-shaped green arks connect various corners of the treehouse area, naturally blending into the forest. (Photo / Provided by Taoyuan County Government Scenic Area Management Office)

Comparable to Taipei’s Da’an Forest Park, Tiger Head Mountain Park stands 251 meters tall and covers 15 hectares. In addition to wandering through lush green woods, the park is planted with cherry blossoms, sweet gums, Taiwanese flame trees, plum trees, and more. As the seasons change, the foliage shifts from emerald green to pinkish-red and then yellow-brown. The stunning natural beauty that unfolds in different seasons is something even the most skilled artists can't replicate. Like a hill adorned in a colorful robe, Tiger Head Mountain captivates visitors with its ever-changing charm.

▲ In autumn and winter, the ground is covered with red maple leaves, creating poetic scenes in every photo you take. (Photo / Provided by netizen Lan Lingqi)

Nature alone isn't the only draw — the park also features must-visit spots such as the Jingguo Plum Garden, Maple Tree Garden, Or Forest Academy, and the observation deck. Especially from the viewing pavilion, you get a breathtaking, wide-angle view of the entire Taoyuan urban area. Another unique feature of the park is......the variety of pavilions scattered across the green spaces — including the Sun Pavilion, Mushroom Pavilion, Octagonal Pavilion, and Twelve Plum Blossom Pavilion — plus a special Peach Trust Pavilion commemorating the oath of brotherhood between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. The blend of modern and classic styles is both charming and amusing.Arriving early for a morning hike, you’ll find many locals exercising, while slightly later in the day brings families out for leisurely outings.

▲ The Peach Trust Pavilion, located mid-way along the main hiking trail, serves as a rest stop for hikers and also commemorates the oath of brotherhood between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. (Photo / Provided by Taoyuan County Government Scenic Area Management Office)

▲ Upon entering the Martyrs' Shrine, you’ll immediately notice the iconic “torii gate,” a symbolic entrance commonly found at Japanese shrines. (Photo / Courtesy of the Joint Management Office of Taoyuan County Government Confucius Temple and National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine)

After descending the mountain, take a right turn onto Chenggong Road, and you’ll soon come face to face with the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine — well worth a visit. Originally built as the Taoyuan Shrine......the Martyrs' Shrine was constructed in 1938 and is the only completely preserved Japanese shrine architecture in Taiwan. Passing through the torii gate toward the main hall, you’ll be enveloped in a solemn, tranquil atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a shrine in Japan.However, the shrine now mainly enshrines the spirits of Taiwan’s revolutionary martyrs. That said, the architectural style is remarkable — built with premium Taiwanese cypress, it blends Tang Dynasty Chinese, Japanese, and modern Taiwanese design elements, giving it significant historical and cultural value. It’s recommended to visit with reverence and appreciate this historic site with the utmost respect.

▲ The main hall (left), situated on a high platform, is reserved for officiants only; the “worship hall” (right) is where general visitors line up to pay their respects and now houses the memorial tablets of the martyrs. (Photo / Courtesy of the Joint Management Office of Taoyuan County Government Confucius Temple and National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine)

If you’d like to sample local Taoyuan delicacies, head to the long-established pastry shop “Guo Lu Food” on Zhongshan Road. Not only is its chewy, non-sticky nougat one of Taoyuan’s top ten souvenirs, but its juicy, not greasy pineapple cakes are also a crowd favorite. There are also blueberry, strawberry, and cantaloupe flavors to choose from. Additionally, inspired by Taoyuan’s famous Land God Cultural Festival, the shop has created the “Land God Cake,” which strikes a balance between sweet and savory with a hint of spice, available in XO scallop and vegetarian versions.

▲ The signature nougat and pineapple cake are popular treats at the shop. (Photo / From Guo Lu’s official website)

▲ Given the abundance of Land God temples in Taoyuan, the “Land God Cake” was specially developed to represent the local area. (Photo / From Guo Lu’s official website)

[Tiger Head Mountain Park]
By Car
1. Take National Freeway No. 1, exit at Taoyuan Interchange, go straight along Chunri Road, turn left at the Sanmin intersection, continue straight, then turn left at the Chenggong intersection, follow Park Road uphill to reach the park.
2. Exit National Freeway No. 2 at Daxi Interchange, take Tao-Ying Road into the city, then follow the signs.

By Public Transport
Take bus no. 105 from the bus stop in front of the Tongling Department Store at Taoyuan Railway Station heading toward Dayou Road, or take bus no. 127 from Zhongli Bus Taoyuan Terminal heading toward the Northern District National Tax Bureau. Get off at Taoyuan High School Station, then walk 400 meters along Park Road to arrive.

[Taoyuan National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine]
Address: No. 200, Chenggong Road, Taoyuan City
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Open year-round)

[Guo Lu Food]
Order hotline: (03) 338-5156
Head store address: No. 252, Zhongshan Road, Taoyuan City
Official website:http://www.kuolu.com.tw/index.php

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