Taipei launches the Hiking Companion APP for real-time mountain trail guidance

By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported

It’s early spring now—why not take a fitness and wellness mini-trip during the holidays? Taipei City has recently completed four new eco-trails, including the “Hushan Eco-Trail” in Xinyi District, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Taipei 101, the ever-changing “Cuishan Trail” in Shilin District with its rich seasonal scenery, the “Fengwei Trail” in Beitou District where cherry blossoms blanket the hillsides in February and March, and the “Shuiche Liao Trail” in Beitou where calla lilies line the path in March. These trails are well-planned and each boasts unique features. Additionally, the city has launched the free download “Taipei Hiking Companion” app, integrating GPS with maps of the hiking trails to provide the public with more up-to-date mountaineering information.

These four eco-trails all incorporate local natural and cultural landscapes, creating diverse characteristics. For example, the Hushan Eco-Trail in Xinyi District has newly installed three observation decks, allowing visitors to overlook the entire Xinyi area and gaze at Taipei 101 from afar. The trail also connects two temples, the Songshan Cihui Temple and Zhen’guang Zen Temple, enabling hikers to enjoy the tranquility of nature while also visiting temples to pray for good fortune in the new year.

The free-to-download “Taipei Hiking Companion” APP combines GPS with maps of the hiking trails, allowing users to check in or upload photos. It also integrates a disaster prevention and relief system—if hikers encounter emergencies, they can send messages to others on the same trail via their phones and receive immediate assistance. The Android and Microsoft versions are already available, and the iPhone version will be open for download starting March 1.

● Read more: Explore Taiwan with the “Step On It” App:

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