Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Northern Taiwan
Why Go?
For many travellers, heading outside Taipei into the north gives them their first taste of
how big this little island is. It's not just that there are mountains reaching 3886m, offering
hikes along such enticingly named trails as the Holy Ridge. It's that those mountains, and
their valleys and meadows, seem near endless and around every corner is a new hot-spring
village, forest reserve, aboriginal hamlet, or a town devoted to a traditional industry such
as pottery, glass, tea or woodcarving.
There's generally good transport across the north but if you can manage it, cycling is
world class, with routes along coastlines, rivers, through rural townships, and over cross-
island highways. But remember: the north is a big place. While the blue magpie can fly
those few kilometres in no time, the winding road takes a bit longer.
When to Go
Apr
Youtong flowers in bloom.
Sep-Dec
Best months for cycling and hiking.
Dec
Start of the hot-spring season.
