Discover the Beauty of Taiwan’s Mountain Forests: Top 10 Dream Trails in Pingtung

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

In recent years, hiking has become a popular leisure activity among Taiwanese, and to provide more hiking information, the Pingtung County Government has specially compiled the region’s forest hidden gems, producing a hiking guide brochure. It features 10 “Shi Mei” (Ten Beauties) Trails, ranging from Weiliao Mountain in northern Pingtung to Kenting National Forest Recreation Area at the southern tip of the nation. Everyone is encouraged to take the time to explore Pingtung’s mountain forests and discover the beauty of nature.

The 10 “Shi Mei” Trails include the Weiliao Mountain Trail in Gaoshu Township, the Liangshan Waterfall Trail in Majia Township, the Mount Nanhu Trail in Taiwu Township, the Jingshuiying Ancient Trail in Fangliao Township, the Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area Trail Cluster in Shizi Township, the Lilong Mountain Trail, the Guishan Mountain Trail, the Shimen Mountain Trail in Mudan Township, the Alishih Alikuan Historic Trail, and Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Each trail has its own unique features—for example, Weiliao Mountain is known as a Mini Hundred Peaks Mountain, Mount Nanhu is where the county government holds an annual Coming-of-Age Ceremony, and the Alishih Alikuan Historic Trail is a newly popular hiking route in recent years, perfect for families and friends to hike together.

The county government has printed 50,000 copies of the hiking guide brochure, which are available free of charge at the travel service centers of Kaohsiung Railway Station, Kaohsiung International Airport, and the Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station, as well as at Pingtung Railway Station, Hengchun Transfer Station Travel Service Center, and the county government information desk.

Introduction to the Shi Mei Trails:

● Weiliao Mountain Trail in Gaoshu Township

Weiliao Mountain is located at the border between Sanmin Township in Pingtung and Maolin Township in Kaohsiung. The first half is a gentle slope along a farm road, while the second half is a mountain hiking path. With a long distance and steep slopes, it is considered a challenging Mini Hundred Peaks Mountain trail.

● Jingshuiying Ancient Trail in Fangliao Township

The Jingshuiying National Trail starts from Shuidi Liao in Fangliao Township, Pingtung County, in the west and ends at Kalapang Tribe in Daren Township, Taitung County, in the east. Among all the ancient trails that cross Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, it has the lowest mountain pass, the highest frequency of use, and the longest period of usage.

● Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area Trail Cluster

Shuangliu gets its name from the convergence of the two major tributaries of the Fenggang River upstream. These streams bring ample moisture to the park, and during the rainy season, several seasonal waterfalls can be seen cascading down the mountain cliffs.

● Lailong Mountain Trail

Lailong Mountain, also called Lilong Mountain, stands about 1,069 meters high and is one of Taiwan’s Mini Hundred Peaks Mountains. It is an extension of the southern end of the Central Mountain Range and the only mid-level mountain on the Hengchun Peninsula with an elevation exceeding 1,000 meters.

● Guishan Mountain Trail

Guishan Mountain, located next to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, is named for its turtle-like shape. It is also a lesser-known hidden gem spot.

● Shimen Mountain Trail in Mudan Township

Shimen Mountain (also called Shimu Mountain) has an elevation of about 384 meters. The path is shaded by trees, taking around half an hour to reach the viewing platform and about one hour to reach the summit trig point. The last 200 meters near the summit are very steep and almost require climbing. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Shimen Village and Sihchongxi.