Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In addition to those listed below, see the hikes in Bitan (
Click here
)
, Yangmingshan
(
Click here
)
, Maokong (
Click here
)
and also the Northern Taiwan chapter for more
nearby hikes.
Some excellent
walks
include the riverpaths at Bitan (across from Xindian MRT),
Taipei Zoo MRT, and north and south of Bali, across from Tamsui by a quick ferry. For a
great one-hour walk between MRT stations, head out of Gongguan MRT down to the
river, turn right at the paths and walk to an obvious pedestrian overpass which takes you
to the Hakka Cultural Theme Park (
Click here
)
near Taipower MRT.
A local favourite is the walk from Hongshulin MRT to Tamsui, which runs alongside
and even through a dense mangrove forest with views of the emerald, volcanic-shaped
Guanyinshan rising up across the river.
Elephant Mountain
HIKING
This mountain actually has its own MRT station (Xiangshan, which means Elephant
Mountain). Just exit and follow the signs about five minutes to the trailhead. Elephant
Mountain is the vantage point of all the classic shots of Taipei 101 so expect a steep trail
up. Weekends it gets crowded especially around sunset.
Fairy Footprint
HIKING
Just a few minutes' walk from the Jingmei MRT station (Exit 2), this hike takes you up
to a short wooded ridge that extends into Taipei from the surrounding hills. There are ex-
cellent views of Taipei 101 from the top.
Jiantan Mountain
HIKING
The mountain rises up behind the Grand Hotel and has great views over the Keelung
River basin and city. To access the trailhead, cross Zhongshan N Rd from Jiantan MRT
and take a short walk south.
Birdwatching
The riverside parks and the Guandu Nature Park are great places to watch herons, cranes,
egrets, kingfishers, drongos and so on. The Botanical Gardens and most large city parks
are good places to spot the Malaysian night heron. On the edge of the city, in wooded
hills around Neihu, Maokong, Xindian and Yangmingshan National Park it's easy to spot
indigenous birds such as the Formosan blue magpie, Taiwan barbet and Taiwan whistling
thrush.
2325 9190;
www.wbst.org.tw
; 3 Lane 160, Fuxing S Rd, Sec 2;
Technology Building)
arranges
