island’s loftiest – and climbing it is considered a rite of passage for many local people.
But Xueshan – Snow Mountain – is arguably more spectacular, with a trail that traverses bamboo groves,
razor-edged cliffs and wildflower-strewn pastures. It’s a two-day hoof to the 3,886m summit: you’ll get
there just before dawn, in time to see the golden sunrise spill over Taiwan’s saw-toothed highlands. You’ll
need a good guide: Taiwan Adventures is highly recommended, and takes care of all hiking permits and
meal arrangements.
Taiwan has plenty of mountains to explore on
foot (Getty/iStockphoto)... And the day hikes are pretty spectacular too
You don’t need thighs of steel to see Taiwan’s natural beauty writ large. The forested hills around the capital
are ideal for refreshing yomps and sparkling city views, while the trails through Wuling National Forest lead
to waterfalls, cherry blossom groves, and thickly tangled jungle – where wild monkeys hoot in the treetops.
Taiwan Adventure Outings offers intrepid day hikes for all abilities.
Alternatively, venture to Taroko Gorge to tackle the Zhuilu Old Trail: a three-hour walk that crosses rope
bridges and untamed rainforest before emerging onto one of the world’s most jaw-dropping pathways.
Hand-chiselled into a smooth cliff-face, with a 1,100m drop just a misplaced step away, the trail is just 50cm
wide in some places – but the views will (almost) take your mind off the fright. Below, the Liwu River
thunders tirelessly, while the mountains soar up, up, into the clouds.
You can cycle around the entire island
You’ll cover some serious ground on the Taiwan Cycle Route No1. It circumnavigates the island – taking in
beaches, forests and cities – on a mix of dedicated bike tracks and main roads with cycle lanes. The 968km
trail takes 10-12 days to complete, but can easily stretch to three weeks with plentiful sightseeing and rest
days.
Tight on time? The trail between Hualien and Taitung – also known as Highway 11 – is a three-day coastal
jaunt that’s suitable for beginners. There are beaches to explore, villages to rest in and opportunities for
hiking and surfing along the way. Happily, Taitung is the hot springs capital of Taiwan: your legs will thank
you for a soothing soak at the trail’s end.