TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei residents and visitors can access multiple hiking trails directly from metro stations, offering convenient nature escapes without leaving the city. The Hushan Trail (虎山親山步道) in Xinyi District (信義區) provides a 2.5-kilometer (1.55-mile) walk suitable for families seeking leisurely outdoor activities. The trail features a vintage arch bridge and shaded paths, requiring approximately 1.5 hours to complete at a comfortable pace.
Near Xiangshan (象山) Station, the Tiaomi Trail (糶米古道) offers a historical journey dating back approximately 200 years. Farmers created this trail during the Qing (清) Dynasty to transport rice more efficiently to local markets. Hikers can view Taipei 101 from Miaogaotai Peak (妙高台), which stands at 275 meters (902 feet) and features structures constructed by soldiers during World War II.
At Yuanshan Scenic Area (圓山風景區), the Jiantan Mountain Trail (劍潭山親山步道) provides stone slab steps and a platform for viewing Taipei 101 and Songshan Airport (松山機場). The Pingding Ancient Canal Trail (坪頂古圳步道), near Shilin Station (士林站) and stretching 2.3 kilometers (1.43 miles), showcases colorful terraced fields. The trail also features the scenic Taozaijiao Bridge (桃仔腳橋) along its route.
The Hengling Ancient Trail (橫嶺古道), near Beitou (北投) Station and only 800 meters (0.5 miles) long, features a bamboo tunnel reminiscent of Kyoto, Japan. The trail runs through an ancient forest reserve filled with native trees and butterflies. Also in Beitou District, the Junjianyan Hiking Trail (軍艦岩親山步道) spans 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) and offers views of Shilin, Beitou, other cityscapes, and several mountain ranges.
Taipei's MRT system connects these trails, providing accessible nature escapes for residents and visitors seeking to explore the city's rich landscapes and historical paths. The trails offer diverse experiences, from family-friendly strolls to glimpses into Taiwan's past through Qing Dynasty routes and World War II-era structures. Whether exploring wetland ecosystems or bamboo tunnels, hikers find varied terrain throughout the greater Taipei area. ◼