Free Tour in English: Taipei's Hidden Hiking Trail with Nature, Temples, and Tea Tasting

 🚩 Who is this tour recommended for?

• Nature lovers or first-timers in Taiwan who want to enjoy casual hiking and see panoramic views of the city 
• People who have already visited the main attractions in Taipei City and are eager to explore less touristy spots not well-known among international travelers 

Thinking about hiking in Taiwan but don’t want to exhaust yourself? Here’s the perfect itinerary for you! 😎

Although Taipei is often associated with the image of a modern city (think Taipei 101), it’s surprisingly home to more than 100 hiking trails! 🤔Within the capital city, there's even a 92km hiking path popular among local hikers called the Taipei Grand Trail. You can check out the YouTube clip by National Geographic Taiwan below (spoken in English) before booking this tour.

📷 TAIPEI GRAND TRAIL: Unveiling the Secrets (National Geographic - English)

• Learn more: https://youtu.be/JcqqrzU8gKg?si=lYTdZMTKMxU55UEK (YouTube)

On this tour, I’ll take you to Section 4 of the Taipei Grand Trail for a taste of this famous hiking route. We’ll explore some of the steepest paths in Neihu, a neighborhood with a unique blend of nature and culture, and visit one of the largest temples in Taipei. In addition to enjoying panoramic views of the city and connecting with nature, I’ll share historical and religious fun facts that only locals know, as I’ve been living in this neighborhood for more than 20 years. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to shop for local agricultural products or savor Taiwanese oolong tea and traditional tofu pudding (douhua)! 🍵🍮

🌳This tour includes the following stops:

• Meet up at Exit 1 of MRT Dahu Park Station (Brown Line)
• A walk through the park along the Dagouxi River
• Yuanjue Waterfall, perhaps the most accessible waterfall in Taipei
• Yuanjue Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Neihu
• Bishan Temple, a Taoist temple and the largest in this neighborhood
• Baishihu Suspension Bridge
• Tea time at a local bakery (tea house)

We’ll take the local bus back to MRT Neihu Station (Brown Line).

❗Insider Tips:

• Although this is NOT a super challenging hike, if you rarely exercise or never go hiking, please reconsider your physical condition before making a reservation
• Wear suitable walking shoes; sneakers or trainers will be fine!
  Bring your EasyCard or coins for the local bus (a single trip costs TW$15)
• While offering walking tours is just my hobby (and yes, I am one of the few licensed Spanish tour guides in Taiwan), your tips will be highly appreciated! 😄 There’s no fixed amount for tipping, but for reference, the minimum hourly rate according to Taiwanese law is around €6/hour or TWD 183/hour (and 80% of Taiwanese earn much more than this)

🌊 Additional Information:

• This tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers for a confirmed departure. If the minimum is not met, I’ll provide information for you to explore Taipei on your own
• If the weather is bad and it’s unsafe to hike, I’ll recommend alternative tourist sites for you to explore. For me, the safety of travelers is always the top priority! 🫶