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Taipei, Taiwan
Start your trip in the capital and acclimatize with hikes up Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan National Park. Explore the lively Shilin Night Market for local street food like scallion pancakes and stinky tofu. The MRT makes it easy to reach trailheads on the city's volcanic outskirts.
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Jiufen, Taiwan
A short bus ride from Taipei, Wulai is a lush indigenous Atayal village nestled in a river gorge surrounded by forested peaks. Trek the Wulai Waterfall trail and soak in natural hot springs after a day on the mountain. Try aboriginal mochi and wild boar sausages from the village stalls.
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Yilan, Taiwan
Gateway to the dramatic Xueshan and Central Mountain Range trails, Yilan sits on the northeastern coast backed by towering peaks. The Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area offers serene alpine lakes and old-growth cypress forests. Don't miss Yilan's famous scallion flatbread and fresh seafood.
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Taroko, Taiwan
Taroko National Park is Taiwan's crown jewel, featuring breathtaking marble gorges, suspension bridges, and alpine trails like the Zhuilu Old Trail and Jhuilu Cliff Path. The Tianxiang area serves as a great base for multi-day hikes into the high mountain interior. Book trail permits well in advance as popular routes fill up fast.
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Alishan, Taiwan
Alishan is famous for its sea of clouds, sacred ancient cedar trees, and the iconic narrow-gauge forest railway that winds up through misty peaks. Wake before dawn to catch the legendary sunrise over Jade Mountain from Zhushan Viewing Platform. The area is also celebrated for its high-mountain oolong tea — pick some up at local farms.
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Jade Mountain, Taiwan
Jade Mountain, or Yushan, is Northeast Asia's highest peak at 3,952 metres and a must for serious trekkers. The classic two-day summit hike overnights at Paiyun Lodge, requiring permits obtained months ahead through Taiwan's Forestry Bureau lottery. The ridge trail rewards with panoramic views stretching to the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
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Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Set among rolling mountain ridges in Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest alpine lake and a gorgeous place to unwind after intense hiking. Cycle the lakeside path, visit the Wen Wu Temple, and take a boat to the Thao indigenous village on Lalu Island. The area is known for its red tea — a soothing reward after days on the trail.
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Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Wind down your mountain adventure in Taiwan's vibrant southern metropolis, with day trips to the nearby Maolin National Scenic Area and its purple butterfly valleys. The Cijin Island ferry, Lotus Pond pavilions, and Pier-2 Art Center offer a lively urban contrast to weeks in the highlands. Sample Kaohsiung's renowned milkfish dishes and explore the buzzing Ruifeng Night Market.