The closest mountain to the city center  —  A one-day trip to Jiantan Mountain to take in the views of Taipei

Travel Center / Taipei Report

You don't have to gear up and travel all the way to the "Five Great Mountains" to go hiking.Jiantan Mountain Nature Trail, can be reached by taking the MRT to Jiantan Station, then walking toward the Grand Hotel Taipei until you reach the entrance next to the Jiantan Bus Stop. With just a light backpack and a relaxed mindset, you can hike uphill while enjoying panoramic views of Dajia Riverside Park and the stunning sights of the Grand Hotel Taipei along the way. After descending, you can also visit the Flower Expo Park and Shilin Night Market to spend a leisurely day.

▲ Hiking isn’t difficult at all — the nearby Jiantan Mountain is a very “approachable” urban hill, and its convenient transportation is its biggest advantage. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau, Department of Urban Development)

At an elevation of 153 meters, Jiantan Mountain is a small urban hill within Taipei. The hiking trail is about 2.74 kilometers long, with the full route spanning approximately 3.3 kilometers, and it takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete on foot. In the past, Jiantan Mountain was a military restricted area and forest reserve, and the lush greenery covering the entire trail still retains its natural charm even after the lifting of military restrictions.

▲ If you get tired along the way, there are rest pavilions midway through the trail. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau, Department of Urban Development)

This trail has now become one of the popular spots for leisure, exercise, and fitness among the public, mainly because of its gentle slope and ease of access, making it suitable for people of all ages. In addition to breathing in the natural phytoncides, you can also enjoy the scenic views along the Keelung River, watch airplanes take off and land, admire the uniquely designed Dazhi Bridge and Taipei 101, and even find a small path in the back that leads to the Grand Hotel Taipei. Compared to the daytime, the views are even more enchanting at night, accompanied by the cool summer breeze, instantly refreshing the mind and spirit. This hidden gem is also a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. For a half-day morning trip, it’s recommended to arrive before 7 AM to explore the morning market as well. To catch the night view of the Grand Hotel Taipei, aim to arrive by 4:30 PM.

▲ On a clear day, the riverside scenery along the Keelung River is fully visible. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau, Department of Urban Development)

After descending the mountain, you can head to the nearbyFlower Expo Park, where you can visit the Exhibition Hall, the Dancing Butterflies Pavilion, and the Yuanshan Plaza. On weekends, you might also catch street performances, and there are various irregular events held here, such as recent ones including the Pineapple Cake Culture Festival, Taipei Flower Expo Farmers’ Market, Taipei Food Exhibition, and the 2013 Wild at Heart Music Festival, offering plenty for visitors to enjoy. Since it’s just one MRT stop from Yuanshan toShilin Night Market, it’s a great idea to end your day with some street food in the night market — try oyster omelets, big pancake with small pancake, pan-fried buns, and herbal stewed pork ribs. Stroll and eat, eat and stroll, to perfectly cap off your one-day trip.

【Jiantan Mountain Trail】 Public Transportation Information:
1. Get off at Jiantan MRT Station and walk to the Jiantan Bus Stop, which is the trailhead.
2. Take bus routes 203, 218, 220, 260, 267, 277, 279, 280, 285, 308, 310, 606, 612, 665, 902, or Red 3 and get off at “Jiantan Station.”