Ever wanted to just get away from it all for a bit? Visitors to Taipei are often taken aback by the bustling streets, tightly packed buildings, and dense crowds at popular tourist attractions. The sprawling metropolis of Taipei and New Taipei may feel endless, but the city is actually located in a giant basin and is surrounded on all sides by mountains. No matter which direction you go, you’re bound to find a hiking trail where you can marvel at Taiwan’s lesser-known natural beauty and biodiversity. Taipei is also one of the few places in the world that you can arrive at a hiking trail by subway. We’ve selected four mini hikes in and around Taipei that are sure to help you relax, snap that perfect nature shot, or just sweat it out.

Xiang Shan (Elephant Mountain)

Image credits: @george17168

Arguably the most well-known trail in Taipei, Xiang Shan is located within a ten minute walk of (you guessed it) Xiang Shan MRT Station. Xiang Shan is less of a hiking trail and more of a long set of staircases up to the top of the small mountain. This hike is definitely beginner-friendly. The main trail requires only about 30-40 minutes from base to peak with numerous benches along the way for those who need to take a breather. Xiang Shan’s main claim to fame is its unparalleled view of Taipei City, especially of Taipei 101. Climb up to the top of one of the massive boulders at the peak for an even better view. This trail is one of the few hikes in Taipei that is popular both during the day and at night, when hikers can enjoy Taipei’s flashy neon spread. Note that this trail is often more crowded than the other hikes mentioned on this list due to its convenience and ease of climbing. Xiang Shan is a great choice for travelers with a layover in Taipei looking for fresh air or casual hikers who want great views without sacrificing convenience.

Cha Hu Mountain (Teapot Mountain)

Photo credits: Alex Lee

For hikers willing to range a little farther for a more challenging hike, Teapot Mountain is a hidden treasure known mostly by Taiwan’s more avid hikers. Making your way to the trail head is half the challenge; Teapot Mountain Trail begins near the village of Jiufen Village, a popular tourist destination situated on the side of the mountain. Whether you choose to take a taxi or bus, hold on tight as you wind your way up impossibly narrow roads alternately overlooking mountain valleys and the nearby ocean. The trail itself is 3.5 km one-way. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and pack plenty of water, as the trail can be quite strenuous and sun exposure is high on the mountain. However, the views more than make up for the exertion. At multiple points along the trail, hikers can catch glimpses of the bright blue Pacific Ocean as well as the villages nestled in the mountains. During the Fall Miscanthus (silver grass) season, the mountain comes alive in shimmering waves. There are also rest stops and lookout points located throughout the hike. The trail is rarely crowded, making it a perfect choice for travelers looking to escape the crush of the city for the day.

Photo credits: @jajalaba0

Photo credits: Wiki

Qixing Mountain

Photo credits: fishopen770

Qixing Mountain is the tallest peak in Taipei at 1120 meters. It is part of the Yangmingshan mountain chain, the only national park in Taipei. There are actually three main trail entrances on different sides of the mountain, located at 550, 750, and 800 meters respectively. Buses travel between Taipei and the visitor’s center located at the 550 meter trailhead, so transportation is not an issue. Hikers can choose to go up on one trail and down on another for a change of scenery. The total distance from one side to the other is slightly more than 5 km, making for a 3-4 hour hike, so make sure you budget enough time before sundown. Much of the trail is surrounded by thick broadleaf forest full of small wildlife, but the trail opens up into a wide park around halfway up. Here hikers can rest and wander the paths before continuing on their way. There are also multiple observation decks offering different views along the way. Qixing Mountain is the most challenging hike on this list elevation-wise, but the national park highly values trail upkeep and safety, so it’s a good option for those who don’t want to go too far off the beaten path.

Photo credits: fishopen770

Photo credits: Wiki

Jinmian Mountain

Photo credits: Wiki

By far the least-known hike on this list, Jinmian Mountain is a must-visit for travelers who love to visit those hard-to-find places that will leave people asking, “How did you get that shot?” The mountain is composed mostly of exposed quartz arenite that sparkles in the sun, thus the name Jinmian, which means “Golden Face”. Like Xiang Shan, Jinmian Mountain is reachable by MRT. Simply ride to the Xi Hu station on the Brown Line; the trail is less than 1 km from the station. The trailhead opens at a small stream and waterfall and continues upward through historic areas from Taipei’s early construction boom. Jinmian Mountain was the source of much of the stone used during this period, and large boulders are still strewn about the mountain. If you’re considering this hike, make sure you pack shoes with strong traction. Parts of the trail with no stone stairs require hikers to climb along these boulders, making for a more off-road experience. The peak of Jinmian Mountain rises to a sharp point, lending itself to the mountain’s other name, Scissor Stone Mountain. Climbing up to the top offers a rare panoramic view of the entirety of Taipei (not to mention the great photo opportunity).

Photo credits: Wiki

Photo credits: Joey Yeh

Taipei truly is a city with something for everyone, and we definitely recommend taking a hike or two on your next trip there. The best part is that all of these hikes can be included in a day’s itinerary and don’t require complicated travel or an overnight stay. In addition, none of these trails require passes or admission. No matter if you’re a budget traveler, fitness enthusiast, or nature lover, you’ll love Taipei’s diverse mini hikes.