Day trip in Taipei: A Guide to the Best Hiking Trails and Scenic Spots in Yangmingshan National Park


Taipei is a beautiful city that combines fast pace and order. Unlike other metropolises, it has a national park that is only 30 minutes away by car, and a mountain view that is 20 minutes away by foot.

Even in the busy areas, you can feel the elegance and slowness of the green trees. If you want a real slow life trip, go to the scenic Beitou and Shilin, where you can take a bus to the mountain and enjoy the phytoncide, mountain vegetable dishes and fresh air of Yangmingshan.

 

A Guide to the Best Hiking Trails and Scenic Spots in Yangmingshan National Park

The Yangmingshan vertical walking route we introduce is a beginner level that can be completed in 2-3 hours. The hiking trail starts with a gentle slope along Yangde Avenue, then turns right to a steep stone step trail at Miaopu Trailhead. After 1.6 kilometers, you will reach Qixing Mountain Park, where you can see the whole Taipei Basin.

The trail to Lengshuikeng is relatively easy, and you can see the green mountains, blue sky, and white clouds. Along the way, you can also see the fairy-like Dreamy Lake and the scenery similar to Yilan Matcha Mountain.

 

Recommended itinerary and route

Morning Brunch Time: Cama Coffee Roasters Bean Forest

Afternoon Trail Time: Miaopu Trail> Qixing Mountain Park> Dreamy Lake Wetland Park> Lengshuikeng

Evening Dinner Time: Grass Mountain Chateau

台北陽明山|風和日麗練腳力,享受慢活山系森呼吸 | CJ夫人愛度假 @ Funliday 旅遊回憶、遊記攻略、行程規劃

 

9:00 a.m. Cama Coffee Roasters Bean Forest

Cama Coffee Roasters Bean Forest Cama coffee is known for its fast drinks, but it also has a 600-ping garden coffee shop on Yangmingshan. The bamboo forest and the old house create a poetic atmosphere. You can enjoy a brunch with eggs, meat, and salad, or choose a more luxurious option with smoked salmon or bacon and beef. You can also try roasting your own coffee beans from a variety of origins and roasts. Next time, come and be a roaster and coffee master for a day!

 

11:00 a.m. Miaopu Trail

There are many ways to reach the main and east peaks of Qixing Mountain, but I recommend the Miaopu Trailhead, which has the most altitude difference and distance. It’s a good way to train your legs after a full breakfast. You can see the green trees, hear the nature sounds, and feel the sun rays along the way. The mood becomes lighter, but the stairs are challenging. It takes an hour to walk 1.6 kilometers, but there are seats for rest every 15-20 minutes. You can breathe the fresh air and slow down your thoughts. It’s very healing!

 

12:00 p.m. Qixing Mountain Park

After an hour, you can finally reached the top of the mountain! Qixing Mountain Park is 882 meters high, with a flat lawn and a wide view. The breeze and air are cooler than the ground. You can see the whole Taipei city from the cliff. Qixing Mountain Park is a reward for everyone who comes here. Many regular climbers bring their own picnic and hot tea, and enjoy the slow life in the afternoon. It’s so cozy!

Keep walking to Lengshuikeng after a break. The trail to Lengshuikeng is easier than the stairs of Miaopu, and some sections are on the ridge. It’s a good extension for those with better fitness. The trail goes up and down, and you can see the green mountains, blue sky, and white clouds when the sky is clear. It’s very quiet, but sometimes it’s windy and foggy, and the scenery is limited. It feels like I have entered the secret realm of Spirited Away.

 

12:45 p.m. Dreamy Lake Wetland Park

Almost noon time, there are almost no people (because they are having lunch) around here, you can enjoy the natural movement of Dreamy Lake Wetland Park by yourself, the sound of frogs, insects, and birds, and the aquatic organisms swaying in the wind.

 

14:00 p.m. Lengshuikeng

Lengshuikeng has a new name, Taipei’s Matcha Mountain! The mountains are green and the ridges are undulating. The climbers are small and fragile in it, as if a gust of wind could blow them away. The end of the Yangmingshan vertical walk brings we to the greatest harvest, which is to cherish nature more. Human beings are too young and inexperienced compared to nature. The only thing we can do is to slow down our pace, not disturb or destroy, and appreciate her.

 

15:30 p.m. Grass Mountain Chateau

After exercise, you can reward yourself with a visit to the Grass Mountain Chateau before it close(10:00-17:00), the former residence of President Chiang Kai-shek. You can enjoy a Chinese set meal at Yinhe Hall and admire the view of the Guandu Plain from the wooden windows. You can also learn about the history and culture of the guest house and see some art works inspired by Yangmingshan or nature.

 

About Yangmingshan National Park trail

The routes in Yangmingshan are complex, if it is your first time there, I recommended to go with a friend and follow the marked trails and national park plans. If you are not used to exercising regularly, be careful to assess over longer than 3 kilometers trails, to avoid getting stuck in the mountains and endangering yourself. If you want to gradually train your physical fitness, you can also start from the friendly trails such as Xiangshan, Hushan, and Maokong.

It is recommended to wear a hat with a brim, not only to block the sun, but also to prevent insects from falling from the treetops and meeting you. To be more cautious, you can wear breathable and sweat-wicking casual clothes and a pair of non-slip shoes, and prepare some simple dry food, more than 1500cc of drinking water, towels and rain gear!

 

More Popular Day Tour in KLOOK

Klook.com