5 Best Hikes Near Taipei

Qixingshan, Seven Star Mountain, is a dormant volcano in Yangmingshan National Park and, at 1,120 metres, the highest peak in Taipei. The most popular route starts at Xiaoyoukeng, where sulphur vents hiss and steam beside the trail, and climbs through bamboo grass to the main and east peaks in about two to three hours return, with views across the Taipei Basin to the ocean on clear days.

October and November are silvergrass season in Yangmingshan, when the slopes around Qixingshan, Datun and Qingtiangang turn silver and gold. The summit is exposed, often windy and can be cloudy even when the city is clear, so bring a layer. The descent to Lengshuikeng connects to hot springs for tired legs.

Yangmingshan hiking is easily combined with Beitou's public hot springs on the way back into the city.

Pro Tip: Take an early bus on a weekday, climb from Xiaoyoukeng, descend to Lengshuikeng for a free foot soak, then catch the park shuttle bus back to Yangmingshan bus station.

Teapot Mountain rises above Jinguashi, an old gold-mining town on the northeast coast, and its rocky summit looks like a teapot without a handle from below. The trail starts near the Gold Museum, climbs stone steps past old mining ruins, then finishes with a short scramble up and into the summit rocks using fixed ropes, taking about two to three hours return.

The reward is one of the best panoramas in northern Taiwan: the Yin Yang Sea, stained yellow by mineral runoff, the coast around Keelung Mountain and the hills of Jiufen. The final scramble is exposed and slippery after rain, so skip it in wet or windy weather. Experienced hikers can continue along the ridge to Banpingshan.

Jiufen's teahouses and lantern-lit old street are a short bus ride away for the evening.

Pro Tip: Start early to beat the heat and the Jiufen day-trippers, wear gloves for the rope section, then bus to Jiufen for tea at sunset.

The Bitoujiao Trail loops around Bitou Cape, a headland on Taiwan's northeast coast where sandstone cliffs, wave-cut platforms and eroded rock formations drop into clear blue water. The walk is about 3 km and takes around 90 minutes, passing a white lighthouse and ridge-top viewpoints with the Pacific on one side and the coast road on the other.

It is the gentlest hike on this list and part of the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area, with steps and boardwalks throughout. Autumn light is soft and clear, although the northeast monsoon brings stronger winds and some drizzle from November. The fishing village at the start has seafood restaurants for lunch.

Longdong, a rock-climbing and snorkelling area just south, and Nanya's rock formations just north make easy additions.

Pro Tip: Walk the loop anticlockwise in the morning for the best light on the cliffs, then combine it with Teapot Mountain the same day, since both lie on the same coastal bus route.

Xiaozishan is one of the Pingxi Crags, a group of sharp sandstone peaks rising behind Pingxi, the valley town famous for releasing sky lanterns. The trails are short, about one to two hours, but steep, with metal ladders, carved steps and fixed ropes leading to narrow summits with views over the forested valley.

It suits hikers comfortable with heights, and should be avoided in rain, when the rock and ladders turn slippery. The neighbouring peaks of Putuoshan and Cishan can be linked for a longer loop. Getting there is part of the fun: the Pingxi branch railway winds through a river gorge past Shifen Waterfall and old coal-mining villages.

After the hike, write a wish on a paper lantern and release it from the railway tracks in Pingxi or Shifen.

Pro Tip: Buy a Pingxi Line day pass, hike Xiaozishan in the morning, and stop at Shifen Waterfall on the way back. Wear gloves and grippy shoes for the ladders.