Taipei Travel

The Essence of a City Embraced by Nature

Text & Photos from 《Why Taipei Matters》

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Taipei is a city where urban life and nature coexist in harmony. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, nearly half of the city is made up of hills and green spaces. With hot springs, forests, rivers, and farmland all within reach, Taipei makes it easy to go from the bustling city center to the peace of nature in under 30 minutes. Just hop on public transit or follow a connected trail, and a world of outdoor adventure opens up.

Hiking Above the City

Taipei sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, making it ideal for hiking. The 92km Taipei Grand Trail connects various mountain paths, tracing the city's skyline. Each section is perfect for a day trip. The trail climbs from 200 to 1,100m in elevation, offering stunning views and varied terrain.▲Maokong Gondola

To the north is the Datun Volcano Group, located in Yangmingshan National Park. It is known for geothermal activity and rich wildlife—look out for Formosan macaques! Higher up, you will find sweeping views of the Guandu Plain.

▲Taipei Grand Trail Section 2: Datun Mountain (Photo Credit: Geotechnical Engineering Office, Taipei City Government)

Other great trails include Jiantan Mountain, where you can watch airplanes take off and land. Heading east from Jiantan leads to Baishihu, where visitors can enjoy seasonal strawberry picking. The Elephant Mountain Trail, located in Xinyi District, offers one of the best views of Taipei 101, especially during New Year Eve's firework.
 
For tea lovers, Maokong and Nangang boast a long history of tea cultivation. Today, with the involvement of a new generation of tea farmers, the industry blends tradition with creativity. You can take the Maokong Gondola up to the mountain and enjoy a cup of the famous Muzha Tieguanyin or Wenshan Paochong tea , along with special tea-infused dishes such as Tieguanyin Tea Smoked Chicken or Tea Leaf Fried Rice— all while taking in the beautiful views of the Taipei Basin. Whether hiking through the tea fields, visiting Zhinan Temple, or relaxing with dessert at a local teahouse, it is easy to plan a soothing, tea-themed day trip.

Bike, Stroll, and Cruise Through Taipei

The final section of the Taipei Grand Trail features a 38km riverside bike path that weaves together a variety of scenic waterfront landscapes. Each stretch of the river offers its own unique charm and character.▲Heshuang No.21 Riverside Park (Photo Credit: Hydraulic Engineering Office, Taipei City Government)

▲Jingmei River Bikeway (Photo Credit: Hydraulic Engineering Office, Taipei City Government)



Taipei’s riverside cycling network follows the curves of the Tamsui River, Keelung River, Xindian River, and Jingmei River, connecting the city’s edge with the beauty of nature. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy the rich wetland ecosystems, mangrove forests, panoramic views of Guanyin Mountain and the sunsets over Guandu. Shezidao offers an open, expansive view where the river meets the skyline, inviting visitors to experience the peaceful harmony of water and sky.

For visitors who want to experience Taipei from the water, the “Taipei River Cruise” offers a scenic ferry route along the Tamsui River between Dadaocheng and Tamsui, connecting two historic districts through stories of nature and culture. With the gentle breeze on the river and a changing view of the city’s cultural landmarks and natural surroundings, these river cruises provide a refreshing perspective on Taipei.▲Dadaocheng Wharf

Other special experiences include night cruises, sunset tours, floating dining events, and the riverside light-bites market at Dadaocheng and Guandu Wharf. No matter the season or time of year, Taipei River Cruise present delightful surprises that reflect Taipei’s vibrant festival spirit, making every riverside journey a unique and memorable experience.▲Dadaocheng Dwarf Container Market

Discover Taipei’s Hot Spring Escapes

Located on the northern edge of the Taipei Basin, the Datun Mountain Range is an ancient volcanic area rich in geothermal resources, with a continuous flow of hot springs that has become a defining feature of the region. The name “Beitou” comes from the Ketagalan tribal word “Pataauw,” meaning “witch,” a reference to the mystical steam rising from the area’s geothermal vents.▲Beitou Thermal Valley

During the Japanese era, Beitou’s hot spring industry flourished, transforming the area into a renowned spa destination. The former Beitou Public Bathhouse, now the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, was once a vibrant hub for social gatherings and leisure. Another local landmark, the Beitou Museum, was originally the luxurious Jiashan Hot Springs Hotel, the most prestigious hot spring resort of the Japanese era. After World War II, its elegant architecture made it a popular filming location for Taiwanese cinema in the 1960s, earning Beitou the nickname “Taiwan’s Hollywood.”
▲Beitou Hot Spring Museum

▲Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Today, visitors to Beitou can enjoy a variety of hot spring experiences—from free public footpaths and open-air baths to high-end hot spring hotels, ensuring everyone can find their ideal way to relax. Follow the well-planned roads and walking trails uphill to explore natural attractions such as Thermal Valley, Sulfur Valley, and Longfeng Valley, where you can witness the dramatic volcanic landscapes shaped by geothermal forces up close.  (Photo Credit: Grand View Resort Beitou)

▲Sulfur Valley