The 10 most spectacular hikes in Taiwan

21.10.2023 - 22:33 / lonelyplanet.com

In subtropical Taiwan, hiking is practically a national sport. For a place less than half the size of Scotland, this little island packs in a big topography – more than 260 peaks over 3000m (9843ft) high.

Of those, the baiyue ("100 peaks") represent the ultimate hiking bucket list: 100 high-altitude routes hand-picked by outdoors enthusiasts for the beauty and diversity of their terrain.

At the gentler end of the scale, Taiwan has scenic coastal paths, historic walking trails, adventurous day hikes and waterfall romps to suit all abilities.

The year 2020 was declared Taiwan’s Year of Mountain Tourism, and since the pandemic took its toll on outbound travel, even more Taiwanese have taken to the trails. That’s some turnaround for a country where, before 1987 and the end of martial law, much of the mountains were off-limits. Here are ten memorable hikes to get you started.

Best for multi-day mountaineers
15km (9.3 miles), 3 to 6 days depending on route, challenging

Connecting Xueshan (Snow Mountain), Taiwan’s second highest peak, with Dabajianshan, this world-class route follows a precipitous ridgeline that never dips below an altitude of 3000m (9843ft).

You’ll need to be comfortable using fixed ropes to descend vertical cliff faces, have a head for serious heights and be able to do it all with several days’ worth of gear on your back. The rewards are spectacular. 

A number of route variations incorporate the Holy Ridge: the popular "O" route is a circular, five- to six-day adventure that summits six peaks above 3300m (10,827ft). Permits are required, which can be applied for via the Shei-pa National Park website.

Best for whimsical adventure
9km (5.6 miles), 1.5 hours, easy to moderate

This unusual route follows part of a defunct old logging railway, built by the Japanese a century or so ago to carry timber out of the mountains.

Following the tracks for much of the way, hikers have to step carefully from plank to plank over moss-shrouded railway bridges and pick their way through tunnels, some pitch dark and others partially collapsed by earthquakes, all the while marveling at the serene old-growth forest all around. 

Permits are required for this particular trail in Alishan Forest Recreation Area, and should be applied for well in advance.

Best for spectacular views
6km (3.7 miles), 3 to 6 hours, moderate

Taiwan’s preeminent scenic wonder, Taroko National Park really puts the "gorge" into gorgeous. Carved out by the Liwu River, Taroko’s spectacular metamorphic canyon is cut through with accessible, paved hiking trails and cycle routes. But the most impressive by far is the Zhuilu Old Trail.

Originally engineered as a hunting path by the indigenous Truku people, this heart-thumping route follows a ledge barely