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

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

In recent years, hiking has become a popular leisure activity among locals. To provide more information on hiking, the Pingtung County Government has compiled the area’s forested gems and produced a hiking guide brochure. From Weiliao Mountain in northern Pingtung to Kenting National Forest Recreation Area at the southern tip of the country, ten “Shi Mei” (Ten Beauties) trails are featured. 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, Liangshan Waterfall Trail in Majia Township, Mount Nanhu Trail in Taiwu Township, Jinsuiying Ancient Trail in Fangliao Township, Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area Trail Cluster in Lüdao Township, Lilong Mountain Trail, Guishan Mountain Trail, Shipen Mountain Trail in Mudan Township, Alishan A-Xq Yi Ancient Trail, and Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Each trail has its own unique features. For example, Weiliao Mountain is known as a “Little Hundred Peaks” mountain, Mount Nanhu hosts the county government’s annual Coming-of-Age Ceremony, and A-Xq Yi Ancient Trail is a newly popular hiking route in recent years, perfect for families and friends to climb 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, Xiaogang Airport, and the High-Speed Rail Zuoying Station, as well as at Pingtung Railway Station, Hengchun Transfer Station, the county government service desk, and related tourist information spots.

Introduction to the Shi Mei Trails:

● Weiliao Mountain Trail in Gaoshu Township

Weiliao Mountain is located at the border between Sandimen 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 incline, it is considered a challenging “Little Hundred Peaks” trail.

● Jinsuiying Ancient Trail in Fangliao Township

The Jinsuiying National Trail starts from Shuidiliao in Fangliao Township, Pingtung County, in the west, and ends at Kalapang Tribe in Dawu Township, Taitung County, in the east. Among all ancient trails crossing the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan, it has the lowest mountain pass, the highest usage frequency, and the longest period of use.

● Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area Trail Cluster

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

● Lilon Mountain Trail

Lilon Mountain, also called Lilong Mountain, stands at approximately 1,069 meters and is one of Taiwan’s Little Hundred Peaks. It is an extension of the southern end of the Central Mountain Range and is also the only mid-level mountain on the Hengchun Peninsula that exceeds 1,000 meters in elevation.

● Guishan Mountain Trail

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

● Shipen Mountain Trail in Mudan Township

Shipen Mountain (also known as Shimu Mountain) has an elevation of about 384 meters. The trail is shaded by trees, taking about 30 minutes to reach the viewing platform and around one hour to the summit trigonometric point. The final 200 meters near the top are very steep and almost require climbing. The trail offers views of Shipen Village and the Sihchong River.