Itineraries · 2 days
Taipei hiking weekend: ridges, tea hills and the coast
City views, volcanic peaks and a ridge above the sea.
Hiking
2 days · Taipei
Numbers follow the order of the trip. Open a destination for the full guide.
Day by day
The plan
This weekend pairs two very different landscapes: the volcanic plateau and hot springs north of the city, then the sharp ridges and old mining towns of the northeast coast.
Both days involve real trails, but no technical climbing. Good shoes, water and a flexible plan matter more than fitness.
Day 1
Yangmingshan and the city ridge
A day of contrasts: volcanic grassland in the morning and the classic Taipei 101 skyline at sunset.
Breakfast and bus to Yangmingshan
Eat early, then take the MRT to Jiantan and the bus up to Yangmingshan. Check the weather before committing to the ridge.
Qingtiangang grassland
Walk the easy loop across the old lava plateau, with buffalo grazing and mountains on every side.
Lunch in Beitou
Descend by bus to Beitou for lunch, then soak your legs in the public hot springs if you have time.
Qixingshan trail
If the weather is clear, climb Taipei's highest peak from Xiaoyoukeng. The final section is steep and exposed.
Xiangshan sunset
Finish the day on Elephant Mountain for the postcard view of Taipei 101 as the city lights come on.
Dinner in Xinyi
Walk down to Xinyi for dumplings or beef noodles, then take the MRT home.
Day 2
Teapot Mountain and Jiufen
A ridge walk above the northeast coast, followed by the lantern-lit lanes of Jiufen.
Train to Ruifang
Take a local TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, then a bus or taxi to Jinguashi.
Teapot Mountain trail
Climb the short, rocky trail to the Teapot Mountain viewpoint. The last section uses ropes and is exposed in wind and rain.
Lunch in Jinguashi
Eat near the old mining town, then visit the Gold Museum and the Japanese-era dormitories.
Golden Waterfall & Yin-Yang Sea
A short walk to the mineral-stained waterfall and the unusual yellow-blue sea at the coast.
Jiufen Old Street
Climb the stairs into the old street, try taro balls and find a teahouse with a view over the sea.
Blue hour and the bus back
Stay for the lanterns, then take bus 1062 or a taxi back to Taipei.
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