Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
A simple but scenic trail runs for 5km along the Nanshih River, downstream from Wulai
to its confluence with the Jia Jiu Liao Stream. The path starts near the old toll gate in
Wulai.
Jia Jiu Liao Stream Trail
HIKING
(Jiā Jiǔ Liáo Xī Bùdào)
Nothing conveys that lost-world feeling of Wulai like this 20km trail
running up the deep valley of the Jia Jiu Liao Stream. The trail is relatively straightfor-
ward these days and, while not signed, the main path is obvious.
To get to the trailhead (in an area called the Red River Gorge) follow the directions for
river tracing the Jia Jiu Liao Stream, but instead of turning to the stream, head left up a
series of wooden steps. From here just follow the main trail. In about two hours you'll
reach a small cabin, which is a popular place for lunch. If you want to continue to the
end, which drops you off just down from Manyueyuan Forest Recreation Area in Sansia,
pick up a copy of
Taipei Escapes 2
by Richard Saunders.
Fu-Ba National Trail
HIKING
(Fú-bā Yuèlǐng Gǔdào)
This 18km national trail is named after the two villages it connects:
Fushan and Upper Baling. Two hundred years ago the Atayal hacked this route up the
mountains to facilitate trade and marriage and it's still common to see Atayal hunting or
fishing in the area. Hiking up takes eight to 10 hours.
The trail begins in a dense broadleaf jungle, ascends through forests of fir, beech and
crepe myrtle, before reaching the mist-shrouded stands of ancient red cypress at Lalashan
(2000m), a forest reserve near Upper Baling.
The trailhead is past Fushan Village, just before Km17.5 (the distance from Wulai) on
the left. On the trail, there are several good wild campgrounds (with water from nearby
streams) or you can spend the night at a B&B in Upper Baling where there are buses to
Taoyuan.
Taxis in Wulai can sometimes be persuaded to take you to the Fushan trailhead. Com-
ing back it's possible to hitchhike. Note that on the way to Fushan you need to stop and
register at a police checkpoint. Bring your passport.
Tonghou Trail
HIKING
(Tǒnghòu Yuèlǐng Gǔdào)
One of several cross-island trails (also a popular mountain bike
route) in the region, the Tonghou follows the eponymous river along a wide trail up to a
watershed. After running along a grassy ridge for a spell, it then drops down onto dirt
