Author Yuci
Editor Tzu Hsuan Chan
For outdoor enthusiasts like you, this Taiwan attractions ‘Mountain Hiking Guide’ is a must-read! For beginners venturing into mountain climbing, terms like ‘Baiyue’ and ‘suburban mountains’ may sound familiar, but what are the differences? In simple terms, suburban mountains are generally located near major cities and counties, with altitudes below 1500 meters. The vegetation is not too complex, and the difficulty level is relatively low. Usually, you can complete the round trip on the same day. The commonly heard term ‘small Baiyue’ refers to 100 selected suburban mountains with distinctive features, carefully chosen by the Sports Administration to promote the sport of mountain climbing!
Intermediate mountains, with elevations ranging from approximately 1500 to 3000 meters, fall between suburban mountains and major peaks. The vegetation in this range is relatively diverse and complex, and the climate tends to be more humid. As a result, hikers may encounter muddy terrain or sections that require climbing, making the difficulty level sometimes comparable to that of higher mountains! If conquering minor peaks is no longer a challenge for you, then you definitely shouldn’t miss the upcoming list of intermediate Baiyue peaks that every mountain enthusiast must conquer.
A Must-Collect Outdoor Guide: Recommended Intermediate Baiyue Peaks in Taiwan
Gaodao Trekking 高島縱走
First up is the Gaodao Trekking, a traverse route from ‘Gaotai Mountain’ to the ‘Three Tashima Mountains.’ This abbreviation covers the trails that connect Gaotai Mountain, Xiaoshantian Mountain, Zhongshantian Mountain, and Dashantian Mountain. Located in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, the entire route takes you through straight and graceful cedar forests, with the sunlight filtering through, creating a comfortable hiking experience. The panoramic view from the higher observation decks is outstanding, allowing you to gaze far into the distance, including the Jianshi Tribe.
Chialo Lake 加羅湖
You must have seen the stunning photos taken by mountain enthusiasts with a mirror-like lake in the background. This lake is known as the ‘Scattered Pearls,’ resembling pearls scattered in the mountainous area of Yilan. Chialo Lake is located on the Central Mountain Range between Nanhu Mountain and Taiping Mountain. The ascent is steep, and the distance is considerable. It is typically recommended for a two-day, one-night journey, camping by the lake for the night. In the early morning, you can witness the most beautiful views of Lake Chialo!
Beidelaman Giant Trees 北得拉曼巨木步道
Hsinchu also boasts a cluster of giant trees! The Beidelaman Giant Trees trail spans only 2.6 kilometers, yet it offers a rich variety of forest landscapes. With an elevation gain of nearly 700 meters, the journey takes you through pristine forest trails, natural broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, and even red cypress woodlands. Along the way, you’ll traverse natural steps formed by rocks, stone steps, and tree trunks. There’s even a waterfall to marvel at. This intermediate trail is truly worth a visit!
Jiali Mountain, aka the ‘Taiwanese version of Mount Fuji’
加里山（台版富士山）
Jiali Mountain, located in Nanzhuang, Miaoli, is the highest peak in Miaoli, with an elevation of approximately 2,220 meters. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of high mountains such as Xueshan and Dabajian, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of a sea of clouds! The trail is surrounded by cedar, broadleaf forests, ferns, and other plants, creating an enchanting atmosphere as if wandering into a forest inhabited by mystical beings. The latter part of the trail features rope-climbing sections, increasing the difficulty and adding an element of excitement. Due to its trapezoidal shape, it is also known as the ‘Taiwanese version of Mount Fuji.’ In the past, this area served as a timber transportation route during the Japanese colonial period, and remnants of the railway tracks for wooden carts can still be seen, submerged in the cedar forest, giving it a special historical ambiance.
This article is reproduced under the permission of ReadyGO. Original content can be found at the website of Ready Go.
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