It’s no secret that Taiwan is a veritable hiker’s playground. Boasting a staggering density of high mountains, as well as a seemingly endless network of lower-elevation trails, the nation’s hikers are never short of options. And as if that weren’t enough,...
Flying into Kaohsiung, it’s the city’s vast harbor and the glitzy buildings adorning the waterfront that’ll catch your eye. Yet, on the west and north sides of the urban core, there are rugged green hills equally deserving of attention. These tree-...
Much ink has been spilled on the subject of Taiwan’s manifold natural delights, yet the trails and peaks here remain largely unknown in the international adventure community. To get a sense of what’s out there, I spoke to Edgar “Alpinist” Chang,...
A Love of Nature Explored through Hiking, Photography, and Eco-Protection Work TEXT | RICK CHARETTEPHOTOS | RYAN HEVERN Expat Californian Ryan Hevern has a love for the great outdoors that constantly keeps him on the go. In Taiwan for six-and-a-half years...
Yilan County, with its emerald paddy fields spread out over a vast plain between tall mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a must-visit destination in northeast Taiwan. Jiaoxi Township, located in the north of the county, is especially attractive. Best known...
Though one of Taiwan’s lesser-visited national forest recreation areas – particularly compared with tourist favorites like Alishan and Taipingshan – Aowanda is certainly no less lovely nor less abundant in its ecological offerings than its more popular counterparts. Central Area Entry...
The Caoling Historic Trail is one of the best-known hiking routes in northern Taiwan. It is fairly easy to walk, takes you to points of historical significance, and presents you with spectacular mountain and ocean views at its highest points. Perhaps...
Let’s go on a multi-day trip into the deep central mountains along staggeringly scenic Provincial Highway 14/14a. Soak in the cool alpine vistas and ranch experience at mountainside-hugging Qingjing Farm, one of Taiwan’s most popular recreational farms. Revel in the soaring...
f you like high mountains and want to enjoy the scenery from a mountain peak in Taiwan that is 3,000 meter above sea level without the strenuous hiking that is usually involved in high-mountain expeditions, Mt. Shimen is your best bet....
A subtropical/tropical mountainous island with abundant rainfall, Taiwan is a wonderful playground for outdoors enthusiasts. One of the best ways to spend time in the embraces of Mother Nature here is following a mountain stream uphill, preferably with a magnificent secluded...
his time we returned to the northernmost part of Yilan County, to be exact, the coastal mountains between the villages of Dali (大里) and Daxi (大溪), to visit Taoyuan Valley (桃源谷), a grassy highland area with gorgeous views. Getting There Getting there...
ast weekend we did another coastal-mountain hike on Taiwan’s Northeast Coast. The route, called Haiyuan Historic Trail (海園古道) near Bitou Cape is a bit like the one to Mt. Shenao (深澳山) we did a while ago (see: https://taiwaneverything.cc/2016/12/28/hiking-mt-shenao/). It is close...
Enjoying Beitou Rock-ClimbingDespite its many mountains, Taiwan has only a few sites suitable for rock climbing. Surprisingly then, one of those sites is within the city limits of the capital, within walking distance from a metro station. The Rehai Cliff in...
few weeks ago we hiked the Dacukeng Historic Trail. It takes three to four hours and can be done by anyone with a little bit of hiking experience. The trail connects the popular tourist village of Houtong with the even more...
ere is a weekend hike that is not too technical, but has great scenery. To get to the trail head you have two convenient options. From Taipei take a train to Keelung and transfer to bus No. 103 (bus stop opposite...