Looking for a short hike that leaves a lasting impression? Welcome to Eryanping Trail, a scenic spot just an hour from the Alishan National Recreation Forest Area. This trail may be short, but its mesmerizing sunsets and sea of clouds will make you want to linger forever. Conveniently located next to a bus stop, Eryanping Trail is easy to visit. However, it can be tricky to fit this must-see destination into your Alishan itinerary while relying on public transport. Continue reading...
2 months ago • 1 min read
As 2024 comes to a close, it has been an unusual year here in Taiwan. We faced devastating earthquakes that forced us to pause our pride, Taroko, and we dealt with an overwhelming number of typhoons in October and November. Many activities were interrupted by these natural disasters. However, as they say, “Man plans and God laughs.” Yet, there are still many good things in 2024. I traveled to Europe for 3 weeks, did my first high mountain solo hike to Yushan North Peak this month, did a 3-day...
3 months ago • 1 min read
After spending three days in Alishan in November, I realized there is much more to explore beyond the well-known attractions. In this post, I will share some places I visited that extend beyond the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. I hope to discover and share hidden gems in the broader Alishan region with you in the future. Stay tuned! Continue reading...
4 months ago • 1 min read
I've been asked about the Mianyue Line hike for a while, so I decided to hike this rail trail. Like the Jancing Historic Trail, the Mianyue Line demonstrates its unique beauty. Unlike the Jancing Historic Trail, the Mianyue Line is much longer, with several bridges and tunnels that can satisfy your hiking bud. Join me as I explore this iconic railway trail, uncovering highlights like Shihou Station and breathtaking mountain scenery. Make this trail in a day or camp there to immerse yourself...
4 months ago • 1 min read
If you have hiked Mt. Dabajian, you might have been to Guanwu without knowing it. Guanwu Forest Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy Taiwan's forests and unique landscape. There are several trails to stroll and immerse yourself in nature. And don't forget to see the Holy Ridge right before Guanwu Villa, a popular long-distance trail in Taiwan. In this post, you can glimpse the highest mountain in Guanwu, Mt. Jhen, and more information about Guanwu. Continue reading...
5 months ago • 1 min read
If you plan a trip to Smangus and its renowned Giant Tree Trails, why not maximize your adventure by adding more trails to your itinerary? After all, it’s not every day you get to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Jianshi, Hsinchu. Spend a rewarding weekend hiking both the iconic Smangus Giant Tree Trail and the beautiful Zhenxibao Cypress Trail! (There's a story behind the name of this tree: Human Transformed into A Monkey.) In Zhenxibao, you’ll find two captivating routes:...
5 months ago • 1 min read
If you're a fan of majestic trees, the Smangus Giant Tree Trails is a must. I've hiked this trail several times, including a memorable trek through the Three Sisters route. But this particular hike is one to savor—where you can truly appreciate nature's grandeur, soak in the stunning landscapes, and connect with the rich Indigenous culture, all without breaking a sweat (or just a little bit.) Continue reading... Other things: Several trails are closed due to the landslides caused by Typhoon...
5 months ago • 1 min read
This is a short trail in Dulan, Taitung. The difficult (or taxing) part is to get to the trailhead. (There is no view on the summit. This is from the ridge at 1.75 km.) It will be easier if you drive or ride a scooter. If not, walking up to the trailhead isn't too bad. You will see the beautiful Taitung shore. About typhoons - my very straightforward thoughts Typhoon Krathon just hit Taiwan in the past few days. When the Central Weather Bureau issues a sea warning for the typhoon, all the...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Imagine the thrill of discovering the tallest tree among 950 million trees spreading in 2.19 million hectares (5.4 million acres). This seemingly impossible mission was accomplished by a dedicated group in 2014. The Three Sisters, Taiwania Cryptomerioides, were the first ones they found, and their discovery went viral in 2017 after collaborating with a team from Australia to capture their magnificence in photos. I joined a group hike early this year to see those stunning giant trees. The...
6 months ago • 1 min read