TAIPEI
DAY HIKES
Thanks to its subtropical setting , there are plenty of quick nature getaways accessible from Taipei . Elephant Mountain is a perennial favorite : spend 40 minutes hiking up a series of steep stairs to a vantage point with views of Taipei 101 — once the world ’ s tallest building . For monkey sightings , Tianmu Old Trail is a great place to start ; it ’ s a leisurely 2.5-mile loop shaded by plenty of trees . There ’ s also Qixing Mountain , Taipei ’ s highest peak , which is accessible via Yangmingshan National Park . The area is flush with geothermal activity and home to a series of sulfuric vents . Night hike enthusiasts can enjoy firefly season between late April and early May in the Bitan Scenic Area , with a well-paved concrete trail — just make sure to bring a flashlight . And for those who want a real challenge , the Taipei Grand Trail is a sprawling , 57-mile network of paths that cuts across the city . Tackle it a section at a time ; it ’ s not meant to be done in one go . All of these trails are accessible via public transportation and are just a stone ’ s throw away from the city . image : shutterstock
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