by PeterTaipei is indeed a bustling city–a place where people all seem to compete with each other to see who walks faster. However, it’s also a basin nurtured by winding streams and green hills, providing its people easy access to nature. Sick of the sound of cars and scooters? Why not slow down a bit and follow my footprints into the woods?
Xianjiyan Trail (仙跡岩) How to get there: At Jingmei Station (景美站), take exit 1 and make a U-turn immediately to your left and go through the Jingmei night market all the way to the end. Behind the block you are facing is the start of the trail. Xianjiyan is most famous for an instagram check-in spot where you can have a picture of you sitting in a tree with spectacular scenery in the background (like my photo here!). Personally I would say the best time to visit is at night, since it would be less crowded and much cooler. However, please note that the trail is quite dark during nighttime and thus hiking alone is not recommended (be safe!). In terms of its difficulty, most parts of the trail are paved with concrete steps and are thus suitable for all ages. Although it doesn’t have the most promising-looking start, the view from the top is definitely worth the hike. Seeing the dazzling lights of the city below you is like drowning in a galaxy of stars. In sum, if you are seeking a sense of achievement but are not ready to sweat, Xanjiyan is the perfect hiking spot for you. *There are 13 starting/ending points in total. Hikers can freely choose where to get on the trail and where to get off. Jinmian Mountain (金面山) How to get there: At Xihu Station (西湖站), take exit 1 and make a U-turn immediately to your left and go through a traditional market. Turn right at the end and keep going straight. Turn left into the lane at the Family Mart. Jinmian Mountain is best known for its steep, rocky ridge and desert-like landscape. Another attraction of this trail is the splendid panorama of Taipei it provides from the mountain top, where you can see airplanes taking off from Songshan airport. Be sure to put on sunblock and wear a cap before you hike, since there is little shade along the trail and you can easily get sunburned. Unlike Xianjiyan Trail, Jinmian Mountain is a spot that guarantees its visitor an intense hiking experience. Although the total height of the mountain isn’t very great, this trail is definitely the hardest of the three. It’s a huge test of stamina and some sections may even require the work of both hands and feet. Make sure you bring enough water/sports drinks because it is rare that hikers don’t end up being breathless and soaked in sweat (stay hydrated!). In short, if you are looking for a chance to challenge yourself, Jinmian Mountain will definitely satisfy you. Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail (三貂嶺瀑布群) How to get there: Hop on a train heading toward Su’ao/Fulong at Taipei Main Station and hop off at Sandiaoling Station. Ask the station staff how you can get to the trail and be prepared to be told, “there’s only one way.” Sandiaoling Trail is probably the one that most qualifies as “a walk in the woods.” It’s a mild, relaxing hiking spot where you will automatically quiet down to listen to the sounds of silence. Roaming along the trail, the trees seem to bow at your coming and create shade for you. Although its total ascent is the highest among the three, most of the trail is surprisingly smooth. However, there are indeed some sections that are rather slippery or challenging (as shown in the photo). The greatest feature of the trail is the three waterfalls hikers will meet along the hike, Hegu Falls, Motian Falls, and Pipa-Dong Falls. My personal favorite is Pipa-Dong, since there’s a place below the waterfall where you can rest your feet in the streaming water and look back over at the valley you just trekked through. In sum, if you have a day off, why not leave behind mundane urban life and go check it out? a
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May 2024
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