Don’t miss the final chance to admire miscanthus grass—super value lazy hiker’s trail

▲ The Bao Shi Shan Hiking Trail offers breathtaking views of both mountains and sea. (Photo credit: Netizen)star75321Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Reported by Peng Huaiyu / Comprehensive Coverage

The golden Miscanthus grass season is entering its final countdown. The hillsides are ablaze with shimmering silver grass that glows brilliantly under the sunlight, resembling a vast golden carpet. Compared to maple leaves, it offers a different kind of desolate, melancholic beauty. There are many places in the greater Taipei area where you can enjoy the miscanthus display, such as the Caoling Historic Trail, Yangmingshan, Qixing Mountain, Datun Mountain area, and Jiufen-Ruifang — all well-known spots. However, they’re so popular that you’ll have to dodge crowds just to take a photo. In fact, there are other lesser-known trails that are not only easier to hike but also offer equally enchanting seas of silver grass.

▲ The Bao Shi Shan Trail is easy enough for even beginners to reach the summit. (Photo credit: Netizen)qetuo4862Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Bao Shi Shan
Among the Jiufen hiking trails, the Earless Teapot Mountain (Wu’er Chahutashan) is the most famous. Most people who park at the Quanjitang parking lot tend to head right to climb Teapot Mountain, but if you turn left, you’ll find another hidden trail ideal for viewing miscanthus. That’s Baoshi Mountain, which stands only 166 meters tall, with an elevation of just 260 meters — even those with average fitness, including women and seniors, can easily reach the summit. Looking down from the mountain, you’ll see fields of autumn miscanthus glowing golden in the sunlight, swaying in the wind, exuding the lush, vibrant atmosphere of fall. The trail isn’t long, but be mindful of the varying step heights when taking photos.

Among the Jiufen hiking trails, the No-Ear Teapot Mountain is the most famous. Most people who park at the Quanji Temple parking lot turn right to climb Teapot Mountain, but turning left leads to another hidden gem for miscanthus viewing. That’s “Bao Shi Shan,” a mere 166 meters high, with an elevation of only 260 meters—easy enough for even average-fit women or seniors to summit. Looking down the hill, golden autumn miscanthus sways in the wind, filling the air with vibrant autumn energy. The trail isn’t long, but be mindful of the varying step heights when taking photos.The Baoshi Mountain miscanthus viewing trail’s biggest highlight is the unobstructed panoramic view of both mountains and sea. You can gaze out at Tea Pot Mountain, Jinguashi, the Jiufen mountain town settlement, and even catch sight of Keelung Mountain, Jinshui Highway, Romantic Highway, Yin-Yang Sea, and Bitou Cape.Additionally,

the highlight of the Bao Shi Shan miscanthus trail is the unobstructed mountain-and-sea panorama. You can gaze out at Teapot Mountain, Jinguashi, the Jiufen mountain town, and even Keelung Mountain, Jinshui Highway, Romantic Road, Yin-Yang Sea, and Bitou Cape—all in one sweeping 360-degree view.

The layered peaks paired with the vast ocean, plus the seasonal miscanthus, create a wide-angle masterpiece—a view so stunning it’s well worth the trip.ygt1016(Provided images, please do not reproduce or screenshot without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Public Transport: Take bus 1062 directly to Jinguashi (Quanji Temple) Station
▲ Tiger Head Mountain also boasts unforgettable autumn miscanthus scenery. (Photo credit: Netizen)Tiger Head Mountain

You can start your miscanthus viewing route from Hutou Mountain Park, follow the ecological interpretive trail to “Sanfen Mountain,” then take the ridge trail to “Wufen Mountain” and on to the helipad. A leisurely round trip takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is well-maintained and not too challenging, allowing you to enjoy the autumn miscanthus while breathing in the fresh mountain air — what a delightful experience. You don’t have to go all the way to Taipei to have a visual feast of golden autumn grass.

For lazy hikers who still want to enjoy miscanthus, another great spot is “Tiger Head Mountain” in Taoyuan City.noopyman3290From late November to mid-December, white-back miscanthus blooms, and the best viewing spot is near the helipad in the mountain’s rear area, about 240 meters above sea level. The terrain here undulates, and from higher vantage points, you can admire the miscanthus dancing in the wind—a particularly spectacular sight at dusk when the tassels glow like golden waves.

After enjoying the miscanthus, head to the “Eco Park” to take in the night view, where you can fully appreciate the nighttime scenery of Taoyuan District and experience the beauty of Taoyuan by day and night.

The miscanthus viewing route starts at Tiger Head Mountain Park, follows the ecological interpretive trail to “San Fen Shan” (Third Peak), then takes the ridgeline path to “Wu Fen Shan” (Fifth Peak) and on to the helipad. A leisurely round trip takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is well-maintained and not difficult—enjoy the autumn miscanthus while breathing in fresh mountain air. No need to go all the way to Taipei for a visual miscanthus feast.

▲ Golden miscanthus swaying in the breeze—guaranteed photogenic. (Photo credit: Netizen)1. Let’s protect the Earth together — please take your trash back down the mountain with you.
After enjoying the miscanthus, head to “Eco Park” for night views, where you can take in the full nighttime panorama of Taoyuan District and experience the city’s day-and-night beauty.