Need a break from the city? Here are some of the best spots in and around Taipei to hike and connect with nature.
Known as a paradise for nature lovers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts, Taiwan offers countless ways to step outside and explore. This list highlights places to visit when you want to escape the city noise, with recommendations from locals—our very own team based in Taiwan—as well as students who have studied abroad with us. Whether you’re hoping to take on a more challenging hike or simply explore a new corner of the city, Taiwan has plenty to offer. Even better, the Taipei Metro (MRT) directly connects you to many of the spots on this list.
Hiking Spots
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
This hike is a Taipei classic. It’s a short but steep climb that leads to one of the most photographed views in the city, overlooking Taipei 101. Because of its accessibility (about a 10 minute walk from the MRT statio) and incredible sunset views, it’s also one of the busiest trails in Taipei—but worth visiting at least once.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Four Beasts. Elephant Mountain is part of a network of four connected peaks: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Tiger. Although Elephant Mountain draws the most visitors, the other trails tend to be quieter while offering equally beautiful views. Interestingly, the highest point in the area isn’t one of the “beasts,” but nearby Mount Nangang.
Maokong
Maokong is known for its scenic teahouses and mountain views. You can take the famous Maokong Gondola up the mountain—or bike your way up—and spend the afternoon relaxing at a traditional tea house. It’s a popular spot for tea culture, quiet walks, and stunning nighttime views of the city.
And as one of our students shared, it’s surprisingly easy to get to from Taipei:
“When they described a mountaintop teahouse and rainforest hike, I couldn’t have imagined taking Taipei public transit to get there. Yet, after a quick 30-minute bus ride, we were at the base of the mountains! As we crossed the street, I watched the rapidly ascending gondolas fly out of the station house and up the verdant face of the hill.” (Thomas Lu, blog here)
Taroko Gorge
Located on Taiwan’s east coast near Hualien County, this is one of the most famous natural landscapes in Taiwan. The park features several scenic hiking trails that wind through cliffs, tunnels, and rivers. It’s best explored over a couple of days!
Note: As of April 2026, parts of the area remain closed due to earthquake and hurricane damage.
Seven Stars Mountain (Qixing Mountain)
If you want to climb the biggest mountain in the city, this is the one. Qixing Mountain is the tallest point within Taipei and the highest peak in Yangmingshan National Park. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Taipei and the surrounding mountains.
Shei-Pa National Park & Yushan National Park
Shei-Pa and Yushan National Parks sit in the heart of the island and feature high peaks, deep valleys, and rich biodiversity. These parks offer several challenging hikes over 3000 meters in elevation including the Xueshan Main Peak Trail and Yushan Main Peak Trail as well as shorter day hikes like Xuejian Recreation Area trail and Tataka Recreation Area trails. These longer treks are ideal for experienced hikers looking to explore Taiwan’s wilder landscapes.
Please note that hikes like Xueshan and Yushan require a permit application process and there’s a competitive lottery system as well. If you’re interested in one of these hikes, reach out to CET staff as soon as you arrive to get advice on applying for permits (you’ll usually need to apply 1–2 months in advance).
One of our students went with their local roommate to the Xuejian trail and said, “My 6-mile hike was quite fun! I saw the coolest mushroom and frequently experienced panoramic views of the mountainscape. I even had the chance to meet a band of monkeys, who I must admit are not very friendly folks.” (Matthew Merritt, blog here)
Another group of students took on the Xueshan Main Peak in one very long, adventurous day, described in their photo essay here.
Teapot Mountain
Teapot Mountain sits above the historic mountain town of Jiufen, known for its steep streets, traditional tea houses, and ocean views. Fans of Japanese animation have made it especially popular, often noting that its atmosphere inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. While many visitors come just to explore the town, the surrounding hills offer excellent hiking trails—including the scenic climb to Teapot Mountain.
Matcha Mountain (San Jiaolun Mnt)
Mount San Jiaolun has been dubbed Matcha Mountain for the year-round lush green brush that crowns the mountain range you traverse through on the final leg of the trail arriving at the peak. Located just over the border in Yilan Country, the easy public transit commute makes this a worthy intermediate level day hike.
Parks
Not every nature escape in Taipei requires a hike. The city is also home to beautiful parks where you can take a break, wander shaded paths, or just relax.
Da’an Forest Park
Visitors often compare Da’an Forest Park to a smaller version of Central Park in New York City—a green oasis in the middle of a busy city. Here you’ll find a peaceful pond filled with wildlife, shaded walking paths, an amphitheater, recreational facilities, and plenty of open space to relax or wander.
Dajia Reiverside Park
Accessible from multiple gates along the Keelung River, this waterside park is the heart of outdoor recreation in Taipei. It’s especially lively in the early morning (4–8am) and from sunset into the night (6pm–1am), when running clubs and biking crews are out rain or shine.
The continuous pedestrian and bike paths—free of cars, scooters, and traffic lights—run along both sides of the river. Between the paths and the water, you’ll find a wide range of amenities, including tennis, badminton, and basketball courts, outdoor gyms, skate parks, mini golf, mountain biking tracks, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Drunken Moon Lake
Drunken Moon Lake sits within National Taiwan University’s campus. It’s a peaceful place to take a stroll while exploring one of Taiwan’s most beautiful university campuses. After walking around the lake, you can head into the nearby Gongguan neighborhood, known for its night market and many other restaurants, coffeeshops, and bubble tea stores catering to a student budget.
Zhongshan Park
Just blocks away from Taipei 101, Zhongshan Park sits beside the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Together they create a large green space in the middle of the city. The park has a pond, shaded sitting areas, and a gazebo.
Taipei Botanical Garden
Enjoy an array of flora and fauna in this large public garden-park, featuring a lake and many rest areas designed for relaxation and appreciating the vast biodiversity of native Taiwanese plant species. Located in southwest Taipei, this spot is easily accessible by metro.
Bonus: Hot Springs
After hiking trails and exploring city parks, another way to uniquely experience nature in Taiwan is visiting a hot spring! Thanks to the island’s volcanic landscape, Taipei is surrounded by natural geothermal springs—perfect for soaking and unwinding after a long day.
Many of Taipei’s most popular hot spring destinations are located in nearby areas like Beitou District and Yangmingshan National Park, both easily accessible by MRT or bus from the city center.
Beitou
Beitou District is Taipei’s most famous hot spring area and one of the easiest to visit from the city. Highlights include the historic Beitou Public Hot Spring, the beautifully preserved Beitou Hot Spring Museum, and the steaming geothermal pool at Thermal Valley. The entire neighborhood is walkable and filled with hot spring resorts, tea houses, and scenic paths.
Yangmingshan
Located just outside Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and natural hot springs. Several resorts and bathhouses in the area allow visitors to soak while enjoying mountain views and cooler temperatures than the city.
Wulai
Another popular hot spring destination is Wulai District, located south of Taipei. This scenic mountain town is known for its riverside hot springs, waterfall views, and Indigenous Atayal culture. Many visitors combine a soak in the hot springs with a walk through the old street and a visit to the nearby waterfall.
If exploring Taiwan’s mountains and parks sparks your curiosity, some students choose to spend more time here studying topics like sustainability and climate change while living in Taiwan for a semester—or even a summer. CET Taiwan lets students shape an experience that connects them to local culture and communities through electives, internships, and language pledge housing for dedicated Chinese-language learners.