Taiwan Nature Appreciation Hikes, 6 days

From the rolling grasslands of Yangmingshan to the Hiyama Giant Tree Forest Trail in Guanwu National Forest, this 6-day journey blends breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural history. Trek through Shei-Pa Leisure Farm’s panoramic trails, marvel at ancient trees older than empires, and stand atop Shaolai Mountain’s historic fire tower for sweeping views of Taiwan’s high-altitude beauty. Along the way, savour local Taiwanese flavours while staying in cozy mountain lodges and city hotels.

For the grand finale, hike up Changshou Mountain through Taiwan’s largest fir forest, then celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in Taipei. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking serenity off the beaten path, this trip offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Duration: 6 days

Itinerary

Trip Highlights

~ Explore Yangmingshan Qingtiangang’s rolling grasslands

~ Hike Wild Horse Mountain (panoramic views) and Shaolai Mountain (forest fire tower & Tianchi Lake at 2,600m)

~ Discover Taiwan’s endangered Guanwu Salamander

~ From bamboo forests on Changshou Mountain to Taiwan’s largest fir forest, each trail offers unique natural beauty

~ Enjoy night markets, farm stays, and high-altitude lake along the way

Day 1 Arrive Taipei – Yangmingshan Exploration

Welcome to Taiwan! (Please arrange flight arrival before 8.00 AM.)

Meet and greet with local hiking guide at Taoyuan International Airport before making our way to Yangmingshan Qingtiangang 擎天崗草原. The grassland is a popular scenic area located within Yangmingshan National Park. Known for its vast grasslands, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, it is a favourite destination for hiking and enjoying nature. Stretch your legs with a leisurely hike around the grassland.

Transfer to Taipei City for check-in. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free at leisure to perhaps enjoy some retail therapy at Ximending Walking District and/or savour delicious Taiwanese cuisine along Ximending Night Market.

Meal: Lunch

Stay: Hotel Riverview Taipei or similar

Day 2 Historic Sites & Mountain Retreat – Shei-Pa Leisure Farm

Enroute to Shei-Pa Leisure farm, make a visit to the Former Residence of Chang Hsüeh-Liang. Also commonly known as “the Young Marshal”, Chang Hsüeh-Liang was a Chinese general who is best known for his role in the Xi’an Incident in 1936, in which he arrested Chiang Kai-shek and forced him to form a Second United Front with the Chinese Communist Party against the Japanese. The house where he was kept under house arrest has been restored as a museum.

Enjoy lunch at Shei-Pa Leisure Farm before embarking on a 2 KM hike along the Wild Horse Mountain Forest Trail 野馬瞰山森林步道 (1,873 masl), enjoying panoramic views at certain sections of the route.

Bask in the atmosphere and view with an afternoon tea at the farm’s café.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Stay: Shei-Pa Leisure Farm or similar

Hiking Distance: approx. 2 KM Hike Elevation: approx. +40 M Hike Terrain: mixture of stairs, paved pathways and nature paths

Day 3 Giant Trees & Salamander Ecology

The Hiyama Giant Tree Forest Trail 檜山巨木群步道in Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area houses tall trees and is particularly lush and quiet with the clear singing of kingfishers. Five thousand-year-old red cypress trees stand tall into the clouds, making people realise how tiny we are when standing next to them.

Guanwu Salamander Ecological Center is the first ecological center in Taiwan with the theme of the endangered animal “Guanwu Salamander”. Combined with the habitat ecological trail, it fully presents the distribution status, living habitat, and habitat restoration status of the Guanwu Salamander, allowing visitors to better understand this precious endemic species in Taiwan. If time permits, take a relaxing stroll in the “Cloud and Mist Trail” where you can clearly see the sacred ridgelines of the Dabajian Mountain, Xueshan Mountain and other mountains.

Take a rest in the vehicle as we make our way to Taichung City.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: KUN Hotel or similar

Hiking Distance: approx. 4 KM Hike Elevation: approx. +300 M Hike Terrain: nature trails and boardwalks

Day 4 Daxueshan Forest Adventure

Embark on a nature immersion hike through the forests of Shaolai Mountain 稍來山. The mountain is 2,307 meters above sea level, ranked #39 in the Small 100 Mountains and #30 in the 100 Famous Mountains of Taiwan. At the summit stands a 10-meter-tall forest fire lookout tower, built in 1956 for rangers to monitor wildfires. Today, it serves as a scenic viewpoint, offering stunning views of Yuanzui Mountain.

After the hike, head towards Tianchi 天池 (heavenly lake). Situated 2,600 meters above sea level, it is a high mountain lake that never dries up all year round, with an area of about 0.4 hectares.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Qianhe Hut or similar (quad-share)

Hiking Distance: approx. 3.8 KM Hike Elevation: approx. +294 M Hike Terrain: forest trails

Day 5 Changshou Moutain – Return to Taipei

Hiking up Changshou Mountain 長壽山 (1,320 m asl) is a rewarding journey in itself. With the cool temperature of the intermediate mountain and the rich ecology of the Daxue Mountain Forest Recreation Area, it is a comfortable hiking route filled with interesting landscapes. The mountain houses the largest fir forest in Taiwan, a dense Mengzong bamboo forest and a mixed forest of dawn redwood trees.

After the hike, head back to Taipei and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Meal: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Riverview Taipei or similar

Hiking Distance: approx. 4.7 KM Hike Elevation: approx. +560 M Hike Terrain: forest trails

Day 6 Free Time & Departure

Official check out at 12.00 PM. Transfer to the airport.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ return airport group transfer at scheduled time;

~ 3 nights accommodation in hotels (single/twin-share);

~ 1 night farm stay (single/twin-share);

~ 1 night mountain lodge stay (quad-share only);

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 afternoon tea, 1 dinner;

~ transportation as per itinerary;

~ entrance tickets as per itinerary;

~ service of a Mandarin-Speaking local guide.

Exclusions

~ air/land travel to Taipei, Taiwan;

~ visa arrangement;

~ unscheduled transfers;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ any expenditure of personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Important Notes

~ A non-refundable deposit, 30% of the trip price, is required at the time of booking. If the actual trip price increases by more than 10% than the featured price, hikers may withdraw, and the deposit will be fully refunded.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Taipei, Taiwan when you have been informed to do so.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Taiwan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.

~ If the hiker presents difficulty in completing the day’s hike, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker and team in mind. The hiker can fast-track the hike by using public transportation (where available) or booking a private transfer at the hiker’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early during any time of the planned hiking day or make it a rest day and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking a private transfer at the hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	Taiwan
Hiking Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	04 – April, 05 – May, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November

Taiwan Nature Appreciation Hikes, 6 days