Breathtaking mountain scenery and exciting adventures
Taiwan, called "Ihla Formosa" or "Beautiful Island" by Portuguese explorers, has over 200 mountain summits rising above 9,800 feet. A journey to the highlands is one of the greatest ways to appreciate Taiwan's vast natural beauty and biodiversity, from trekking through deep green pine woods filled with singing to seeing the sun rise over a carpet of clouds. Furthermore, thanks to well-marked signs, a plethora of rural housing alternatives, and easy-to-navigate transportation networks connecting national parks and beautiful locations to city centers, Taiwan's hiking paths cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all skills and ages. Traveling between cities and trailheads takes only a few hours, if not a half-day.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan or Mount Elephant) is the perfect spot to start if you want to keep in shape throughout your visit to the capital. It is about 183 meters above sea level and has a hiking track that is over two kilometers long. The Elephant Mountain trail is also one of the most well-known places in Taipei to enjoy nature while getting unparalleled views of Taipei 101. Teapot Mountain, which is also popular, gets its name from its unusual shape when viewed from the west—it resembles a Chinese teapot. The mountain rises to about 600 meters and is located on the north coast, offering stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and the entire town of Jinguashi.
List of trails with the most spectacular views:
- Yushan National Park
- Taroko Gorge National Park
- Elephant Mountain
- Teapot Mountain
