See breathtaking views without effort — Five popular hiking trails in Taipei

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

To enjoy expansive mountain and sea views or captivating city nightscapes, one usually has to go through long and strenuous hikes to reach higher ground. Below are five popular nature trails in Taipei that allow visitors to experience lush outdoor beauty and take in spectacular vistas — even without spending hours on a mountain hike.

1. Hushan (Tiger Mountain) Nature Trail
Hushan is one of the low-altitude mountains within the Four Beasts Citizen Forest area, connected to the Nangang Mountain Range behind the district, forming a natural barrier on the southeastern side of Taipei City. At an elevation of 140 meters, it offers wide views. The summit features a sundial that can be used to tell time by the sun. With Hushan Stream running through it, the stream valley ecosystem is also an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife such as fireflies, small green frogs, and ferns, making it a great spot for light hiking while enjoying nature and wildlife.

2. Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Nature Trail
The Xiangshan Trail is a loop trail that starts from Xiangshan MRT Station. Along the way, you’ll pass Zhongqiang Park, the Six Huge Rocks, the Photography Platform, the One-Line Sky, the Giant Rock Park, the Stone Milk Garden, and the Elephant-Themed Wall on the Municipal Therapy Trail, before returning to Xiangshan MRT Station. The surrounding ecology is rich and diverse, especially the variety of fern species on the mountainside, earning it the nickname “Fern Diversity Eco-Classroom” of Taipei.

3. Jiannyei Rock Nature Trail
Jiannyei Rock is located in the mountainous area just north of Shihpai Veterans General Hospital, at an elevation of 185.6 meters. The prominent rock formation standing among the layers of mountains resembles a ship at sea, hence the name “Jiannyei Rock” (meaning Naval Vessel Rock). During the Japanese colonial period, it was collectively referred to as the U-Keelung Mountain Range along with U-Lishan, Danfeng Mountain, and Wu Jian Lian Mountain. The rocky summit serves as an excellent spot for rock climbing practice and is also a very popular hiking route.

4. Datouwei Mountain Nature Trail
Datouwei Mountain has less development due to its steep terrain caused by fault lines and its location within a water conservation area, helping preserve its natural ecology and vegetation. Starting from the Central Community trailhead, hikers are greeted by a wide, flat gravel path lined with tall, shady trees, offering a cool and comfortable walk. The summit is equipped with an observation deck, providing views of the Wulai River and Yangmingshan areas.