Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, a dense and walkable city of night markets, hot springs, temples, and mountain trails set in a basin ringed by green hills. Its skyline is anchored by Taipei 101, while the National Palace Museum holds one of the world's great collections of Chinese imperial art. Taipei pairs an efficient metro, a famously food-obsessed street culture, and easy access to hot springs and tea-growing hills within the city limits.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Trail
Taipei's best-known city-view hike, a steep stone staircase ending at rocky platforms facing Taipei 101.
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2
Qixing Mountain (Seven Star Peak) Main Peak
Stone-step climb to Taipei's highest volcanic summit through silvergrass and sulfur vents, with views over the Datun range.
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3
Xiaoyoukeng Fumarole Trail
Sulfurous fumaroles and yellow crystalline deposits on the Qixing volcano flank, reached by a short boardwalk and a longer ridge path.
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4
Jiantan Mountain Trail
Popular urban ridge walk to the radio-tower summit with views over Shilin and the Keelung River.
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5
Maokong Gondola Tea Trails
Gentle paved and dirt paths between tea plantations and tea houses at the top of the Maokong Gondola.
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6
Pipa Cave (Pipadong) Trail
Hill trail to a stone alcove shaped like a pipa lute, with views toward Yangmingshan and Tianmu.
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7
Tiger Mountain (Huchi Shan) Trail
Part of the Four Beasts hill chain, popular for quieter Taipei 101 views and a rocky spur.
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8
Zhinan Mountain and Zhinan Temple Trail
Paved stair route past a Taoist temple and viewpoints above the Wenshan and Xindian valleys.
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9
Yangming Main Peak (Datun Mountain) Trail
Ridge route among the Datun volcanic peaks with cloud forest and views.
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10
Qingtiangang Grassland Loop
Open grassland with grazing cattle and short loop paths, popular for sunrise and family walks.
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11
Guanyinshan Hiking Trail
Summit hike above the Tamsui River mouth with skyline views of the Taipei Basin and Taiwan Strait.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.