Little known to many visitors, expatriates and even some locals, Taiwan is blessed with stunning mountain scenery. While most people are familiar with the bizarre rock formations of Yehliu Geopark on the northeast coast and have had the opportunity to peer into the depths of Taroko Gorge in eastern Taiwan, fewer bother to look deeper—or rather higher—to the peaks that make the island one of the hiking world’s best-kept secrets.
At 3,952 meters, the summit of Jade Mountain in central Taiwan is higher than any other in East Asia. Despite the elevation, climbing the mountain can be done by anyone with a reasonable fitness level. As soon as renovations are finished on a key lodge on the main approach trail, Jade Mountain will likely regain its spot as the most visited high mountain peak in Taiwan. The summit is known for being one of the best places in Taiwan to catch a sunrise and, if skies are really clear, for offering views of both the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Taiwan Strait to the west.
Xue Mountain—the name means snow—in northern Taiwan is the country’s second-highest peak and the trek to its 3,886-meter summit is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. One noteworthy section of the trail passes through the Black Forest, which looks like it could have been lifted from the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books on Middle Earth. Xue Mountain is also the place to go in the winter for expats who miss snow, or for locals who have yet to experience it.
While acquiring the permits needed to climb Taiwan’s high mountains can be difficult, in terms of actual hiking time, most can be conquered in a weekend. For those who are less focused on the tallest peaks, the island has hundreds of mid-elevation hikes leading to picturesque hot springs, remote lakes and waterfalls. On mountains bordering the plains, there are also hundreds of trails that wind through lush forests, providing an easy escape from hot, busy cities. For hikers, nature lovers and other outdoor enthusiasts in the know, Taiwan’s mountains offer an enduring bounty of natural beauty.
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Neil Wade is a professional photographer and co-founder of Taiwan Adventures, a company dedicated to helping the adventurous discover the country’s beautiful natural areas.
This picturesque Chinese hemlock tree has become something of an icon to mountaineers in Taiwan. The tree can be seen while hiking the very steep Sixiu Hiking Trail in Shei-Pa National Park.
Shuiyang Forest Lake, or Earthquake Lake, is a mysterious place found in the Shanlinsi Forest Recreation Area. The lake was formed during the devastating earthquake on September 21, 1999, when a landslide closed one end of the valley.
On a clear morning, the view from Jade Mountain’s main peak is unrivaled. From this perspective, one can see Jade Mountain’s southern peaks and other ranges far beyond.
The Holy Ridge Trail is undoubtedly the most coveted hike in Taiwan. It follows a stunning ridgeline that begins at Tao Mountain and traverses for more than 3,000 meters to Xue Mountain in Shei-Pa National Park. The ridge is a testament to beauty and danger, as the weather can quickly change from clear, warm skies, to snow and sleet in a matter of minutes.
Songluo Lake, like many of Taiwan’s famous mountain lakes, is really just a shallow frog pond. But also like many of the others, it makes a great place for camping.