If you’re interested in this hike or any others, contact us at info@taiwan-adventures.com

Spring is here and the rhododendrons are beginning to blossom

The hike through the forest to Chiyoushan is beautiful

Passing some fallen giants

The sun appears late in the afternoon as we reach the peak of Chiyoushan

A rainbow appears over Chiyoushan

A stormy beginning to the day

Climbing down the last section to Pintianshan

Onwards and upwards, the group heads to the peak of Pintianshan

No views, but high spirits all the same! Well done for bagging 2 peaks in 2 days!

The hot spring town of Guguan is set high in the mountains about an hour east of Taichung City. Despite its proximity to the big city, this area is a world away from the bustle and industry of the western plains. The air is clean and crisp, rivers flow with crystal clear water, and a short walk can take you to some astonishing views that make you feel like you are a million miles from the hectic cities.

Many years ago, this was a stop-off town on a busy route over the Central Cross-Island Highway that connected Taichung in the west with Hualian (and Taroko Gorge) in the East. Unfortunately, the 921 earthquake caused massive destruction to huge sections of the road, and it hasn’t been able to reopen since.

Since the road has been closed, the town of Guguan has lost a lot of the many tourists that would flock there on their way over to Taroko. While that is sad news for the town, it is great news for visitors as the town still isn’t overrun with tourists and remains a relaxing place to spend a few days. While hot springs are the main reason the town is famous, there is much more to do here than just soak in a hot tub!

A short drive from the town center is the Baxian Forest Recreation Area. During the Japanese Occupation Era, this was one of the centers of the Japanese-run logging industry. At this time a Japanese newspaper printed a story about the 8 wonders of Taiwan, Baxian was named amongst them. The others were Taroko, Keelung, Danshui, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Eluanbi (Kenting) and Shoushan (Kaohsiung). Nowadays the logging has long stopped, and even the once thriving villages in the mountains are little more than ruins in the forest. This makes Baxian an exceptionally peaceful place to stroll around, inside the recreation area there are a few short trails much vaunted by twitchers as this is one of the best places on the island for spotting birdlife. The recreation area also boasts some lovely wooden villas and cabins that are very reasonably priced.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, Baxian is still a great place to base yourself as you take on the Seven Heroes of Guguan! The Seven Heroes are seven varied hikes in the area around Guguan. Some of the hikes are short and suitable for anyone, but there are several really challenging day hikes for those that want to push themselves.

The biggest and baddest of the Seven Heroes is Baxianshan. At a height of 2366 meters above sea level (climbing 1200m in under 6km), it really is a tough climb. Although the forest all the way up is beautiful, there isn’t really much in the way of views on this one.

Next in line is Malunshan, only a mere 50 meters shorter than Baxianshan, but a fair bit easier on the legs. Don’t get too comfortable though, the second kilometer is a brutal ascent that takes the breath away from all but the fittest of hikers. There isn’t really a view at the peak, but the trail is so good that you won’t care. The route up to Malunshan also takes you past the ruins of the old logging village of Xinshan. There isn’t much left of what was once a village with a population of around 300, but it is a special experience walking around the ruins and imagining how tough life must have been for the students of the elementary school that once stood there.

Dongmaoshan is the Hero that has the views. And it has serious views. From the peak of this old Taipower maintenance road, you will get 360 degree views of the surrounding areas that can go on for miles in good weather. It is worth getting up early for this hike to make sure you hit the peak before lunch time as the clouds tend to roll over in the afternoon. The hike is stunning the whole way, but again steep in places!

A shorter, but equally interesting, hike is the Hero of Tangmadanshan. It’s a short, but steep hike (notice a pattern here?!) to the peak of Tangmadanshan. From there it is possible to take a different route back down via the Butterfly Gorge Waterfall. This is a stunning waterfall that you can jump into the base of and cool off on a hot summer day!

After all of that hiking, you are going to want to do some relaxing, and there is a vast choice of hot spring hotels to do just that in. We recommend crossing over the river from the main road and checking out the newer hotels on the other side, rather than the ones near the 7-11. If you do have some time in the town, it is worth visiting the Guguang Hot Spring Cultural Center. Although the ‘museum’ isn’t that great, just outside there are some amazing pictures of the building of the Central Cross-Island Highway that are definitely worth taking a look at.

If you are planning on visiting Guguan and the Seven Heroes, it pays to check road conditions and trail conditions with the Forestry Bureau as this is a mountainous area and prone to landslides in extreme weather. It’s also worth noting that any information about hiking the Seven Heroes is scarce in the area so make sure you have maps and clear instructions before setting off.

Typhoon Saola caused extensive damage to many parts of Taroko National Park. Fortunately the roads to and through the gorge are now fully open again. Occasionally there are restrictions at Swallow’s Grotto and the traffic is only allowed through on the half hour. Be aware that on the Taroko Website the English version and Chinese version of the road and trail closures often do not agree with each other. Call ahead to make sure, 03-8621100~6 or check the Taroko website ENGLISH / CHINESE

Trails

Zhuilu Old Trail OPEN!  The best day hike in the whole of Taiwan.  Park and mountain entry permits required.  Only open from the east trail head to the 3.1km mark which still includes the best bit.  (Not mentioned on the English site)

Baiyang Trail - OPEN!  The bridge and tunnel are now open again giving hikers access to the waterfall at the end of the trail.

Dali-Datong – CLOSED  Suffered extensive damage. From what we gather it will take months to fix this trail.

Shakadang – CLOSED  Also severely damaged with whole sections of the trail completely missing.  Again it may take many months to get this trail back up and running.

Tunnel of Nine Turns - CLOSED  This one’s been shut for some time and continues to be.

Lüshui Trail - OPEN!.  Nice short trail starting at the mountaineering centre and ending near the Heliu Campsite

Wenshan Hot Springs – OPEN!  The pools in the river have been washed away.  When the water levels drop, someone  is bound to build these up again.  The small pool in the cave is still there.

Lotus Pond Trail and Meiyuan Zhucun Trail – CLOSED  The first suspension bridge is out.  May take some time to repair.

Huoran Pavilion Trail - OPEN!

Eternal Spring Shrine - OPEN!  Lots of tour buses, but few people make the short and very pleasant walk over to the shrine.

Lüshui Wenshan Trail CLOSED Hoping to see this great hike open again soon.

If you’re interested in visiting Taroko Gorge, get in contact with us.  We can arrange trips that include river tracing, rafting, cycling as well as hiking and sightseeing.

If you’re interested in doing this hike, or any other hike in Taiwan, contact us!

The first night we camped out at the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Park.  In the past, camping here meant finding a space on the road and pitching your tent there, but now there are proper camping facilities including showers and covered areas for cooking and relaxing under.  At night, with the moon not in sight, we were treated to views of the milky and literally billions of stars.

The next day we began the long walk to the Jiaminghu Cabin.  The trail begins in a pine forest and passes by the Xaingyang Cabin which is currently being renovated and should be open in September 2012.

After walking for around 4 hours we reached a small campsite, from here the trial climbs very steeply up to the Xiangyang famous tree, a lone juniper tree that looks a lot like a bonsai tree!

By now the clouds were rolling in and so it was decided to skip the Xiangyang Peak and instead head directly to the Jiaminghu Cabin.  The cabin is fairly basic, but it has a good water supply and small kitchen for cooking in.

After arriving at the cabin we recieved news that a typhoon was on it’s way and so the decision was made to head down from the mountains a day earlier.  This meant the next morning we were up at 2am so that we’d have time to make to the lake.

All night the cabin was surrounded by strange sounds and when we got up to prepare breakfast, we were greeted by half a dozen pairs of eyes staring at us.  It turned out the noises we’d heard were barking deer!  Presumably they come down to drink from the cabin’s open water source.

The hike to Jiaming Lake goes via Sanchashan, a 3469m peak and one of Taiwan’s top one hundred mountains.  We made it to the top for a surprisingly chilly sunrise.

From the peak, you can’t see the lake, but as you head down, passing the helipad, it finally becomes visible.  Pretyphoon weather is almost always fine and this day was no exception.  We had absolutely perfect clear skies.  We could see Yushan to the north, Beidawu to the south, Taidong to the east and Tainan to the west.  It was simply breathtaking.

We headed down to the lake, enjoying the warming rays of the sun as it finally got above the mountains.  Unfortunately because of the new schedule, we didn’t have a tremendous amount of time to spend at the lake and after 20 minutes or so, we began the walk back to the cabin.

After packing up, we headed back down to the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Park.  Again as the day wore on, the clouds began to roll in again, but some of us were lucky enough to get a view of the great cliff.  The road down at the bottom is the now closed Southern Cross Island Highway.

The walk down was uneventful, but everyone made it.  Congratulations to everyone who came!   Thanks for making it a memorable trip!

If you’re interested in doing this hike, or any other hike in Taiwan, contact us!

If you’re interested in doing the single ascent of Jade Mountain, contact us at Taiwan Adventures

The view from the top of Yushan was fabulous

The beginning of the hike is at the Dongpu Hostel where we stayed for night to acclimatize. The first part involves walking the 2.4km road to get to the trailhead proper. From there it’s a fairly gentle walk in to reach the Paiyun Cabin.

Hiking towards the Paiyun Cabin at Yushan

Once at the cabin we took a quick break before heading to the peak. It gets a lot steeper from the cabin with seemingly endless switchbacks, but you’re rewarding with amazing views as the tree line gives way.

Part of the steep climb to the main peak of Jade Mountain

The last few hundred metres are particularly steep, but chains and ropes are fixed into the rock to make the climb easier.

A tricky section, but don’t worry, there are plenty of chains to hold on to

Yushan is one of the top 49 most prominent mountains in the world and so the views from the very top are especially good on day with great weather like we had.

Hikers resting and admiring the views from the top of Jade Mountain, Taiwan

Everyone in the group made it to the peak in record time. Well done to everyone who came!

Congratulations to everyone!!!!

If you’re interested in climbing Yushan (Jade Mountain), contact us at Taiwan Adventures.

August 19-22, 2012
Deadline for sign up: July 8

Jiaming Lake is a large elliptical lake in the high mountains of southern Tawian. Once thought to be created by a meteor strike, it has since been shown to be of glacial origins. On the way to the lake we’ll climb two of Taiwan’s top 100 hundred mountains.  This is a tough 3 day hike suitable for advanced hikers.

For more information:
Contact us or check the facebook page.

Shuiyang Forest Lake (AKA Earthquake Lake)

August 24-26, 2012
Deadline for sign up: August 14

This August, we’ll be heading down south for a great weekend hike. The Shuiyang Forest Lake (水漾森林) (AKA Earthquake Lake) will be the highlight of this 3 day, 2 night excursion.  The forest was flooded after an earthquake and a rock slide that left the trees standing in eerie beauty.  This is a great hike for any level of hiker.

For more information:
Contact us or check the facebook page.

July 7 -8, 2012
Deadline for sign up: June 5

We’re planning to do the tough, single day ascent of Yushan (Jade Mountain) on July 8th.  Yushan is Taiwan’s tallest mountain at 3952m and with the Paiyun Cabin still closed, we’re going give the one day hike a go. Please note that this is a very difficult hike to do in a single day, only suitable for advanced hikers.

For more information:
Contact us or check the facebook page.

Jialuo Lake Camping Trip (Jialuohu)

July 14-15, 2012
Deadline for sign up: July 6

The hike to the beautiful Jialuo Lake is suitable for intermediate or higher hikers.  It’s a 5 hour hike through a lush forest filled with moss, ferns, and ancient trees.  Chill out and camp by the in soft alpine grass.  This is a favorite hike of most the partners at Taiwan Adventures.

For more information:
Contact us or check the facebook page.

White Water Rafting and Taroko Gorge

July 20-22, 2012
Deadline for sign up: June 16

Taroko Gorge is THE must-visit place for anyone spending any time in Taiwan.  In addition to a day of white-water rafting, on the second day we’ll hike up to a remote aboriginal village and spend some time swimming in the crystal clear, idyllic Shakadang Stream.

For more information:
Contact us or check the facebook page.

Snow Mountain Weekend Hike

July 27-29
Deadline for sign up: June 20

Snow Mountain is Taiwan’s second highest and one of the most beautiful. On the way to the peak, we’ll cross another one of Taiwan’s top 100 peaks, Snow East, and pass through the beautiful Black Forest before climbing the alpine cirque to reach the main peak.

For more information:
Contact us or check the facebook page.

The Zhuilu Trail

This was the original path built into Taroko Gorge. It provided the Japanese with access to and control over aboriginal settlements. The route used to stretch all the way up to Hehuanshan!

Admiring the view of Taroko Gorge on the Zhuilu Trail

Crossing the cliff section of the Zhuilu Trail, Taroko Gorge

The cicadas are out and about now that it's summer

Hiking the Zhuilu Trail

Shakadang

This short trail, 3.5km one way, follows a stunningly beautiful river to the 3D Cabin at the end. You only have walk a kilometer or so to get some great swimming holes. The water seems to have that gorgeous color no mater what the weather is like!

Shakadang in Taroko Gorge has some great spots for swimming

Swimming in Taroko Gorge

Lushui-Wenshan Old Trail

Another trail built by the Japanese, this one begins at the mountaineering centre and goes up the gorge to the Wenshan Hot Springs. In the summer it’s awash with bright greens and feels very tropical.

A superb view from the Lushui-Wenshan Trail, Taroko Gorge

Crossing a suspension bridge on the Lushui-Wenshan Trail

Some interesting flora

Wenshan Hot Springs

These natural springs were closed for a number of years and have finally been reopened. The water is sulphuric and very hot. A great place to soak weary feet and the river makes a great spot to cool off in too!

Relaxing in the river by the Wenshan Hot Springs

The Wenshan Hot Springs are set in a beautiful river valley

Cycling

From Wenshan we cycled the whole way down the gorge back the B&B in Xincheng. This has got to be the best way to experience Taroko Gorge!

Cycling down Taroko Gorge

Cycling down Taroko Gorge

Thanks to everyone who came! It was a great weekend in our favourite place in Taiwan!

If you’re interested in hiking in Taroko Gorge, contact us or check out the facebook group for more upcoming group hikes!

Breakfast at the Qika Cabin, Snow Moutain, Taiwan

The trees begin to give way to grass as we make our way up Snow Mountain

A group begins the climb up the Crying Slope

The rhododendrons are in full bloom now

Taking a break on Snow Mountain's East Peak

Heading towards the 369 Cabin, Snow Mountain

A great sunset!

The stars come out at the 369 Cabin

At the peak of Snow Mountain, well done, guys!

Hiking through the Black Forest

The Black Forest is always a spectacular sight year round

The team, congratulations on making it to the top!

Interested in doing this hike? CONTACT US or look for MORE INFO.

Group Photo at Snow Mountain Peak, Taiwan

Day 1 – After meeting up we drove up to Wuling Farm, got geared up and hit the trail in the dead of night.  There was some light drizzle but as we were under the cover of the trees, we really didn’t notice it much. The Qika Cabin was fairly quiet when we arrived, though not so much in the early morning as the other groups prepared to head out.

Day 2 – The rain from the previous day left, and we awoke to beautiful blue skies.  This day was a relatively easy one so we took our time getting ready and had a good breakfast of sausages, eggs, bagels and plenty of coffee.

A great morning at the Qika Cabin

The hike began through the pine forest and as we headed upwards, the forest began to thin out and we could see the snowy peaks of Nanhudashan and Zhongyangshan on the northern tip of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, a sure sign that we too would get to see some snow on the peak.

Looking towards the central mountain while climbing Snow Mountain

The snow covered peaks of Nanhudashan, Taiwan

It was a tiring climb up to the East Peak of Snow Mountain, but we were rewarded with a glimpse of the main peak and some wonderful views towards the Holy Ridge.

Hiking up the crying slope, Snow Mountain, Taiwan

A glimpse of Snow Mountain through the clouds

We made it to the 369 cabin in the late afternoon and after eating, hit the sheets early.

Day 3 - It was a noisy night in the 369 Cabin as ever but not too cold.  We awoke to a small amount of frost at an ungodly 2.30am.

The hike to the peak goes through the Black Forest –  an old forest of tall Taiwan White Firs which is a beautiful place during the daytime.

Hiking through the black forest in winter

As we came out of the forest and entered the cirque, the sun was beginning to rise and we just made it to the top in time to see the sun pop out from behind Zhongyangshan producing a spectacular shadow of Snow Mountain to the west.

Sunrise from the summit of Snow Mountain, Taiwan

After a quick break and some photos we headed down and back to Taipei. A great hike! We hope everyone enjoyed the trip as much as we did and thanks for joining us!

Hiking down from Snow Mountain

-Stu

If you’re interested in hiking Snow Mountain, CONTACT US or JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP to see what hikes we have coming up in the near future