An Insider’s Guide to Taipei: Hiking and Wellness
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, proudly features several beautiful and easily accessible hiking areas. These include Yangmingshan National Park, Maokong, and, of course, the Four Beasts Scenic Area, renowned for its iconic and Instagram-worthy Elephant Mountain. Within these regions, you can discover a wide range of options, from full-day getaways to picturesque 1-hour hikes and leisurely afternoon strolls.
If you’re seeking relaxation or a wellness retreat, Taipei also offers numerous wellness spas, hot springs, and massage clinics. Continue reading to explore the top hiking and wellness destinations in Taipei.
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail & Four Beasts Scenic Area
Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan, stands as one of Taipei’s shortest yet most rewarding day hikes. Despite its modest elevation of only 183 meters above sea level (approximately 600 feet), the steep incline of the staircase may present a challenge for some. Conveniently situated within walking distance of the Taipei 101 area, it’s the perfect choice for an afternoon excursion.
The Elephant Mountain Trail system offers numerous entry and exit points throughout the Four Beasts Scenic Area. However, the most popular and picturesque route commences just behind Xiangshan MRT Station. You can start by walking down Xiangshan Park and ascending a small hill to access this trailhead.
As you begin your ascent, the trail immediately becomes steep, passing by temples, gardens, forests, and meandering through several large boulders and outdoor gyms on the way to the peak. Along the journey, you’ll encounter numerous viewpoints, each providing a slightly higher perspective of Taipei than the last. The final viewpoints include a series of three prominent boulders near the summit, which have gained fame as an Instagram-worthy spot. Additionally, there’s a final viewing platform at the top of Xiangshan that offers panoramic vistas of the entire Taipei Basin. On clear days, you can even catch sight of Yangmingshan to the north and Wugu to the west.
If you’re interested in extending your hike while staying close to the Taipei MRT System, you can consider combining your Elephant Mountain hike with some of the other peaks within the Four Beasts Scenic Area, such as Tiger Mountain (also known as Hushan), and Nangang Mountain.
Insider’s Tip: Pick a fair weather day and start your climb in the late afternoon to beat the heat. Plan to reach the summit just before sunset to enjoy the most dynamic view of Taipei. The way down is lit up with street lamps so there is no need to worry about it getting dark.
Yangmingshan National Park
A mere stone’s throw away from the bustling streets of downtown Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is Taipei’s hiking, trail running, and nature walking mecca. The National Park covers the grassy peaks of the Datun Volcano Group, which overlooks the Taipei Basin from the North. The park is home to over a dozen dormant volcanoes, which have created a natural playground full of post-volcanic attractions like hot springs, fumaroles, and other exciting geological features.
Year-round attractions include hiking Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano, Qixing Mountain, checking out hot spring fumaroles, and taking in the epic views of the Taipei Basin and the Northern Coast from various vantage points around the park. In addition to the park’s many trails, each season brings its unique charm: cherry blossoms in spring, butterflies in summer, silver grass in autumn, and hot springs in winter.
The park features a network of hiking trails that wind through lush forests and serene meadows, offering visitors ample avenues to connect with nature. The Qingtiangang Loop Trail, for instance, meanders through rolling high-altitude grasslands, while the Xiaoyoukeng Arrow Bamboo Trail, leads to steaming sulfur pits. Yet another, the Qixingshan Trail from Lengshuikeng, presents a challenging ascent to reach the park’s numerous grassy peaks.
Suggested Trails: Xiaoyoukeng Arrow Bamboo Trail (easy/accessible), Qingtiangang Grassland (moderate), Mt. Datun (difficult)
Beitou Hot Springs & Thermal Valley
Nestled at the base of Yangmingshan National Park, the district of Beitou is home to the relaxing Beitou Hot Springs and the captivating Thermal Valley, often referred to as “Hell Valley” because of the continuous billowing steam that envelops it. Serving as a popular destination for wellness and relaxation, the Beitou Hot Springs public baths offer an affordable and calming experience, albeit with the possibility of moderate crowds due to their public nature.
For a quieter public bathing experience, or a private room, check with any of the dozens of hot spring hotels in the area. Most will have both group bathing pools and private saunas available for the day, as well as overnight lodging options.
A visit to Beitou wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Thermal Valley, the very source of the region’s renowned hot spring waters. Additionally, the Hot Springs Museum, originally built in 1913 as a bathhouse, now stands as a testament to the district’s rich cultural heritage, offering insights into its storied past.
Insider’s Tip: A trip to the Beitou Hot Springs is a great addition to any day spent exploring and hiking through Yangmingshan. This is precisely the foundation of our Yangmingshan and History of Hot Springs Tour.
Maokong Tea Growing Area
The Maokong Tea Growing Area, located on the southern side of Taipei, is a picturesque tea growing region that is also home to relaxing hillside trails, mountain-side tea houses, and famous glass-bottomed Maokong Gondola.
Reaching this idyllic retreat is a breeze, whether you opt for a taxi, a public bus, or the Maokong Gondola. If you choose the latter, embark from the Taipei Zoo MRT Station and alight at Maokong Station. Most of the trails and tea houses are conveniently located along Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Rd, which is situated just behind Maokong Station.
A short distance from the station, the Zhangshu Trail beckons, leading you downhill along Lane 38 and into the heart of tea terraces. This scenic path is adorned with several pavilions that offer shelter from the elements, making it an inviting destination for exploration.
Foot and Body Massages
While Taiwan is known for its strong work ethic, it also boasts a well-developed wellness industry. This sector encompasses a wide range of options, from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics to street-level establishments specializing in foot massages (the more popular ones can get quite busy on weekend evenings) to full-service spas.
Most establishments in Taiwan offer a variety of popular massage techniques:
- Thai massage: a blend of acupressure, stretching, and rhythmic compressions.
- “Tui na” massage: involves pushing, stretching, and kneading muscles similar to shiatsu.
- “Zhi ya” massage: a technique concentrating on acupressure points.
- “You ya” massage: a gentler massage that uses essential oils for a soothing experience.
In general, you tend to get what you pay for. While budget-friendly street-level businesses provide basic relaxation, for a more indulgent experience with high-quality essential oils and skilled massage therapists, it’s advisable to seek out highly-rated spas. Fortunately, upscale spas are readily available throughout most neighborhoods, and the prices are typically about half of what you would pay in the United States or Europe.
