Tianmu Historic Trail — Attraction in Taipei

The trail has three different parts- the first two are all steps but for the most part the steps are in decent condition. There is a little pond with some benches after the first stretch and a nice pagoda with a drinking water fountain to rest at after the second. The third part is the best- it is a shaded flat trail covered with pebbles. If you're really lucky (or not, depending on how you look at it), you might spot monkeys in this part. There are clear instructions on both sides of this stretch on what to do if you do encounter them; read them carefully when you go there for the first time. The trail takes you all the way to the main road on Yangmingshan; turn right when the steps end and you hit the tarmac road. Turn left after a steep climb up this road, and you should get to the main road with a few eateries, a McDonald's and I think, a Mosburger.

There are a few diversions at various parts of the trail that take you through or to different places (one takes you through a temple with lots of terracotta warrior like sculptors and another one to a waterfall) but you'd be better off going with someone more familiar with...

The stairs are an excellent workout and the wide gravel trail is well shaded by the lush trees and vines.

We are still hoping to see the machaques ... but so far every time we have gone there are groups of children running and shouting or adults with loud individuals who talk constantly - despite the signs asking people to be courteous / keep quiet.

Perhaps an early morning hike will yield better results.

Regardless, the exercise is good, the view in a few spots is pretty and we love getting a treat at the Dream Bakery at the top of the mountain.

Some days depending on the direction of the wind, you can smell the gases from hot springs on the next hill over ... and if you are bothered by such smells take that into consideration.

There are drinking fountains and a few spots for stopping and having a snack along the way, so be sure not to over do it if you aren’t in good...

Really difficult hike if you start from the bottom. It took us 30 mins power walking. We're quite fit and we found it x10 harder than Xiangshan elephant mt trail lol. It's shaded by trees but still a super humid path. I like that it's a quieter trail though, very few people mostly locals and it had stunning views of the forest, trees and city. Also, if you adventure you can find the beautiful waterfall called Ciufen. Ask locals for directions like we did if you can't find it but it's a very slippery dangerous path down but worth the 1 hr trip!

You will burn lots of calories, lots of beautiful palm trees and tropical leaves scenery. Very remote jungle atmosphere to...