June 13, 2013 ---- Xindian was our home for a year and we loved it more than any place we have ever lived in Taipei City. It is actually in New Taipei City; the suburban of Taipei City, and there is so much natural beauty to embrace. Nathan and I always looked for trails to hike. The Lion Head Mountain Trail 新店獅頭山登山步道 is actually only a 5 minute walk from our home. It is a steep trail with lots of wooden steps like any trail in Taiwan. Why are most trails in Taiwan overly built with steps? The only answer I could come up with is that the mountains in Taiwan are steep and wet from the all-season rain, so it is easier to maintain the trails if they build steps.
Nathan and I spent only a few hours on the Lion Head Mountain Trail. At the trail head, there was a clear map showing trails that branch out in many directions all over the mountain. We just first climbed up many flights of steps till we reached the highest pavilion overlooking Taipei City and then walked to other branch trails. There are many pavilions and overlook platforms along the trails, and we found the view of Xindian district, Taipei City, and the mountains south of Xindian to be absolutely stunning from this trail.
One thing to keep in mind when hiking in Taiwan mountains is to always bring bug repellent because Taiwan is a very wet country, and there are a lot of mosquitoes in the forests.
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| The trail head is about 5 minute walk from Xindian MRT Station. |
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| The view of Xindian |
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| The view of Taipei City |
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| Taipei City |
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| Range of mountains and very dense forests |
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| Xindian |
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| Xindian |
