Nearly vertical 90-degree stone stairway sky ladder！Extreme hikers highly recommend Pingxi’s Xiaozishan Mountain

▲ Xiaozishan stands tall amidst the surrounding peaks, exuding a rather solemn charm. (Photo / netizen)tu.paulProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Challenging an ultra-difficult route is a favorite among many extreme hikers. Xiaozishan, known for testing visitors’ nerves, features the most thrilling and challenging parts: nearly 90-degree vertical stone steps and a hanging iron ladder at the end. Once at the summit, you can overlook the rolling mountains and the distant beauty of Shidibu Village.

Located in Pingxi District, Xiaozishan may not boast the grandeur of high altitude, but its steep mountain paths have successfully created a unique appeal and buzz, often attracting many visitors and becoming a highly notable local tourist attraction.

▲ The gradually steepening mountain path leaves netizens both full of anticipation and nervous excitement. (Photo / netizen)yipingannProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Following the trail signs, you weave through the forest. The fresh phytoncides invigorate your spirit, and it only takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit, so visitors don’t need to expend too much energy. Along the way, as you step up the gradually ascending stone stairs, the real challenge begins when you reach the platform junction and head toward “Xiaozishan.”

The second stage starts to get difficult, with the path continuously narrowing and the slope becoming steeper. There are iron railings and ropes on both sides for support to prevent slipping or falling. Netizens say that when high altitude is traded for high steepness, the level of tension doesn’t decrease but actually increases.

▲ This is the most thrilling part of the hike, where you must advance along a 90-degree curved sky ladder. (Photo / netizen)edisonboyyy & __ccyaProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The final stage of the climb to the top is visually stunning, as the stone steps are carved out of the mountain ridge, offering a rugged and winding sight. Given the towering height of Xiaozishan, the path ahead can rightly be described as a sky ladder.The almost perfectly vertical 90-degree ridge stone stairs are enough to make one’s heart race just by looking at them. While climbing, you not only have to overcome a fear of heights, but the twisted, irregular path also tests your balance and your ability to stay calm under pressure.

▲ A breathtaking natural landscape unfolds before your eyes, instantly washing away the previous tension. (Photo / netizen)yipingannProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Many netizens who struggled to reach the top naturally took commemorative photos. Looking into the distance, they captured the verdant mountain ridges and the gentle curves of the valleys. Under the sunlight, the lush green ridges looked almost unreal. You can also see the town down below, and many visitors were pleasantly surprised to find such beautiful scenery here.

▲ In addition to the steep stone stairs, the hanging iron ladder is another big challenge. It is advised that those with a fear of heights avoid attempting it. (Photo / netizen)thejennifer.IProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The cost of experiencing this alternative kind of hiking is not small — on the way back, you have to descend the same sky ladder again. Since you’re walking backward, it feels even more stressful than climbing up. Before reaching the peak’s descent, the hanging iron ladder is supported only by the mountain, and many young women were terrified at the sight, exclaiming that their legs were weak and they still had to go through this ordeal. This left hikers both amused and sympathetic, and visitors are especially reminded to firmly hold the supporting ropes on both sides and move slowly to avoid accidents.

Xiaozishan
Location: Xiaozishan Mountain, Pingxi District, New Taipei City