By the MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
As spring arrives, many people still struggle with excess weight due to overindulgence during the holiday season. If you’re looking to burn off those accumulated calories, going outdoors for some fresh air is a great option. Taipei offers many beautiful forest “fat-burning” trails that allow visitors to freely immerse themselves in nature, enjoy the scenic beauty, and shed fat, all while embracing a healthier, more energetic lifestyle for the whole year ahead.
Night view of the Hushan Hiking Trail. (Photo credit / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
First up, we recommend the convenient Xinyi District’s Xiangshan Hiking Trail. Starting from the Lingyun Temple trailhead and following the stone steps uphill, you’ll pass by several scenic spots such as the Photography Platform, the Six Huge Rocks, and another Photography Platform. The Xiangshan Hiking Trail is 1,450 meters long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, burning approximately 890 calories—equivalent to about six slices of toast.
Night view of the Xiangshan Hiking Trail. (Photo credit / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Datouwei Mountain Hiking Trail. (Photo credit / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Datouwei Mountain Hiking Trail. (Photo credit / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
The Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail in Shilin District features varied terrain as you pass through the Dengfeng Canal, Pingding New Canal, and Pingding Ancient Canal. The historic canal meanders alongside the trail, where tranquil mountain forests and the gentle sound of flowing water create a soothing atmosphere for fat burning. The Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail is 1,330 meters long and takes about two hours to complete, burning around 1,460 calories—about the equivalent of ten slices of toast. Alternatively, you can try the Jinmian Mountain Hiking Trail in Neihu District, which also offers great fat-burning results. This trail mainly consists of natural, rustic sandstone steps, rock walls, sleepers, and dirt paths. At times, you’ll walk on natural staircases formed by exposed tree roots, and at other times, you may need to use ropes to climb up rocky surfaces. Reach the summit’s massive rock to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. The Jinmian Mountain Hiking Trail stretches 2,330 meters and takes about three hours to complete, burning around 1,370 calories—approximately the equivalent of ten slices of toast.
Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail. (Photo credit / Taipei City Department of Urban Development)