This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024—find more travel inspiration here.
26.10.2023 - 16:41 / lonelyplanet.com
Within the dense forests that encircle the colorful Taiwanese capital, the beauty of rural Taiwan awaits, made accessible by Taipei’s ultra-efficient public transport system.
Along with a full spectrum of green spaces, cultural heritage abounds, from the steep alleyways of Jiufen Old Street to the old-world Pingxi railway. Read on to discover our favorite day trips from Taipei.
Best for fresh air and views
The sheer number and range of hiking opportunities near Taipei will leave you breathless, as will the area's countless parks and reserves. Yangmingshan National Park is one of the most accessible natural preserves, lording over Taipei City with lush peaks coated in silver grass and an extensive network of trails winding through meadows and pastures.
There are 10 hikable peaks at Yangmingshan, and if you have 11 hours to spare, you could try climbing them all in one day. For a more relaxing day, try for just one or two peaks – perhaps Mt Qixing’s main and east peaks – followed by a meeting with water buffalo on the Qingtiangang Grassland, geothermal encounters at the Xiaoyoukeng geological park, or lily picking at Zhuzihu (possible from February to May). Beitou Hot Springs is another nearby attraction, and its steaming baths are all the more appealing after a full day of hiking.
There are several ways to climb 1120m (3675ft) Mt Qixing – the meandering 2.4km (1.5-mile) Miaopu trail starting near Yangmingshan Visitor Center follows a stone-paved path, with signs in Mandarin and English; signs along the route highlight other attractions such as Menghuan Pond and the Lengshuikeng natural springs, allowing you to extend your trip depending on energy levels.
How to get to Yangmingshan: To reach the visitor center, hop on shuttle bus 260 from Shimin Boulevard behind Taipei Main Station and alight at Yangmingshan Bus Terminal (30NTD/US$1, one hour).
From the bus terminal, walk back to the main road and head uphill; look for a sign on your right marking the path to the visitor center. Pick up a detailed map here (or get human advice!) to locate any trails you wish to try. After completing your hike, the 108 bus can drop you back at the visitor center to catch the 260 bus returning to Taipei City.
Best for railway nostalgia
Originally constructed to connect a series of coal mining towns during the Japanese occupation, the charming Pingxi railway line is less than an hour from Taipei. This 12km (7.5-mile) single-track railway runs parallel to the Keelung River and stops at a number of slow-moving villages that are rich with mining heritage, spectacular natural attractions – and cats!
Houtong Cat Village will win you over early on, so pause for some quality time with the dozens of docile kitties that sunbathe on the
This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024—find more travel inspiration here.
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