Taipei Travel

TAIPEI #43 (2026 Spring)

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You Better Run, Run, Run
Taipei's Best Jogging Routes

TEXT & PHOTOS　VISION

Taipei is a city of runners, with thousands of athletes each year taking part in internationally certified marathons and road races held in the city. Unsurprisingly, these runners enjoy the same long, flat, and well-maintained riverside paths that cyclists enjoy. For relaxed daily jogs, the city's larger parks are perfect running locations as well.



Weather, Terrain, and Timing

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Given Taipei's hot and humid climate during much of the year, early morning and late afternoon are the most popular times to run. Night running is also a good option, as most paths are well-lit and safe after dark.

For runners seeking reliable shelter, an 800-meter shaded stretch along the Guandu Wharf-Zhishanyan route see next page is ideal for training in any weather. Located beneath the elevated Zhoumei Expressway, this uninterrupted section begins at Zhoumei Sports Park, near the Beitou Refuse Incineration Plant, and is well-suited for interval training or tempo runs.


▲Riverside path at Guandu

Many runners also appreciate routes that follow the natural curves of rivers and include gentle elevation changes. The paths along the Waishuangxi and Jingmei rivers, for example, offer subtle ups and downs that add variety without significantly increasing difficulty.


▲Rainbow Bridge

Practical considerations matter as well. Easy access via MRT stations, the availability of restrooms, and beverage vending machines all contribute to a route's popularity. Fortunately, Taipei's riverside paths are closely integrated with the public transport system, and facilities are plentiful along most routes.

Popular Riverside Routes

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The following five riverside routes are especially popular with runners:

Guandu Wharf – Zhishanyan
About 10km; right banks of the Tamsui, Keelung, and Waishuangxi rivers.
🚇Guandu, Zhishan

Gongguan (Treasure Hill Artist Village) – Muzha (Taipei Zoo)
About 10km; right banks of the Xindian and Jingmei.
🚇Gongguan, Muzha(Taipei Zoo)

Dadaocheng (Taipei Bridge) – Guting Riverside Park
About 9km; right banks of the Tamsui and Xindian.
🚇Daqiaotou, Guting

Yuanshan (Taipei Expo Park) – Rainbow Bridge (Raohe Street Night Market)
About 8km; left bank of the Keelung River.
🚇Yuanshan, Songshan

Xihu (Meiti Riverside Park) – Zhishanyan
About 10km; right bank of the Keelung and Waishuangxi rivers.
🚇Xihu, Zhishan

Parks, Trails, and Group Runs

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Beyond the riverside paths, some of Taipei's other larger parks are popular running destinations as well. Daan Park, for example, features a dedicated 1.5-kilometer red-gravel running track that nearly forms a loop within the park. Many runners also circle the park's perimeter on the surrounding spacious sidewalks, completing a 2.4-kilometer circuit. Youth Park, with its wide paths and relaxed atmosphere, is another favorite for easy and relaxed jogs.


▲Red-gravel running track in Daan Park

For those who prefer trail running, Taipei offers plenty of options. The stone-step trails around Elephant Mountain are particularly popular, attracting runners eager to test their stamina on steep climbs and descents. The combination of forest shade, city views, and challenging terrain makes this a go-to training area.

A final note – running in Taipei doesn't have to be a solo pursuit. Numerous running clubs welcome newcomers, and guided nighttime runs through the city offer a unique way to take in Taipei's landmarks after dark. To find a community, search for local running groups on Facebook or Strava, or book a guided sightseeing run through platforms such as Klook.

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Beitou Refuse Incineration Plant | 北投焚化爐
Daan Park | 大安森林公園
Elephant Mountain | 象山
Jingmei River | 景美溪
Youth Park | 青年公園
Waishuangxi River | 外雙溪
Zhoumei Sports Park | 洲美運動公園