Alangyi Historic Trail (阿朗壹古道)

There are few trails that rival the stunning beauty of southern Taiwan’s Alangyi Historic Trail. What’s more, this trail holds a storied history. Weaving the past with the present for 7km along Taiwan’s last undeveloped coastline, this is the historic trail in Taiwan that you never knew you wanted to wanted to hike.

Overview of Alangyi Historic Trail

The Alangyi Historic Trail is a linear, bidirectional thru-trail that is 7km long and should be on anyone’s bucket list for hiking destinations in Taiwan. It’s realtively easy (to hike), but hard to get to and hard to sort out logistics for.

The total elevation gain is only around 340m; a rarity in mountainous Taiwan. There is no real technical hiking along the route, but does have a little bit of scrambling along the coast in sections. What it lacks shade; it makes up for in beauty. This is the Alangyi Historic Trail!

History of the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿朗壹古道)

Sadly, there are no pictures of the trail (that we can find) dating back to pre-ROC times. Our guide for the day did an incredible jobs sharing stories and legends about the trail.

Pre-Qing Dynasty

Before the Qing Dynasty, the area encompassing the Alangyi Historic Trail was inhabited by indigenous groups, notably the Paiwan, Bunan and Amis peoples. These communities utilized the coastal paths for hunting, trade, and communication between villages, much like other historic trails across Taiwan. The trail’s name, “Alangyi,” is derived from “Aljungic,” the traditional Paiwan name for the Anshuo Hamlet.

Qing Dynasty

After the 1874 Mudan Incident, the Qing Dynasty moved quickly to assert stronger control over eastern Taiwan and the island’s Indigenous communities. As part of this effort, the government constructed the Langjiao–Beinan Trail (琅嶠卑南道)—a major overland route linking Hengchun in the southwest to Beinan in the east.

The Alangyi section of this trail became a key segment along the Pacific coast, used for moving troops, goods, and officials. It allowed the Qing authorities to establish a firmer presence in remote areas and connected inland settlements to the sea. For those exploring the historical roots of hiking in Taiwan, the Alangyi trail offers a direct link to this era of early state-building, frontier management, and cultural encounters.

It is said that one should walk silently in sections of the Alangyi trail, as during the Qing Dynasty there were pirates and thieves that would often hide in the hills preying on travelers hiking the coast for trade, commuting or inter-marriage.

Today, the route is safe of course and draws visitors seeking meaningful adventure travel in Taiwan, offering both physical challenge and a glimpse into the layered colonial and Indigenous history of the region.

Japanese Colonial Period

Under Japanese rule (1895–1945), the trail’s strategic importance was certainly recognized. The Japanese authorities maintained and utilized it for resource extraction and military logistics. During the final stages of World War II, the Japanese military, anticipating an Allied landing on the southeast coast of Taiwan, deliberately destroyed segments of the original trail as a coastal defense strategy. During the Japanese occupation, this ancient road was still passable by vehicles, but afterwards the route was only passable by foot. Today, only a 4-kilometer stretch of the Alangyi Historic Trail remains intact. This surviving section starts at Xuhai Fishing Port in Pingtung County, passes by Mudan Nose and Guanyin Nose, and ends near the Dawa River at the border of Taitung County.

Due to long-term military control during the 20th century, this section of Taiwan’s coastline was never developed for major infrastructure. As a result, it has become one of the last untouched and rugged coastlines in the country—an increasingly rare sight. This preserved trail is now part of Taiwan’s National Trail System, offering hikers a rare chance to experience original stone trail remnants and dramatic coastal scenery.

Republic of China (Post-1945)

After 1945, the trail saw reduced official use. In the 1990s, plans emerged to extend Provincial Highway 26 through this coastal area, threatening the trail’s integrity and finally putting an end to the undeveloped, pristine natural environment. Environmental groups and local communities opposed the development, emphasizing the ecological and cultural significance of the region. Their efforts led to the designation of the area as the Xuhai-Guanyinbi Nature Reserve in 2012, halting the highway extension. There are moments like this all over the globe. Defining moments, where local stakeholders stand up for the environment to ensure its protection for generations.

Present Day

Today, the Alangyi Historic Trail is a protected area, accessible only with a permit and accompanied by a licensed guide. The trail winds through pebble beaches, mangroves, coastal forests, unique geology, and historic sites—diverse ecosystems in one hike. It stands as a testament to successful conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage.

One of Taiwan’s most stunning historic trails, Alangyi rewards few visitors with rich culture and wild coastal beauty. Few hike it, but many love it—Alangyi Historic Trail is pure Taiwan magic and a true bucket-list experience.

Hiking Alangyi Historic Trail (阿朗壹古道)

The route outlined here will take hikers along the 7km route from the north to south.

What you need to know

Is the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿朗壹古道) for you?

If you’re hiking in Taiwan, the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿朗壹古道) is one of the island’s most iconic routes. But is it for you?

This trail is suitable for those with beginner-novice hiking experience and moderate fitness levels. Though parts are loose or rocky, the Alangyi Trail is mostly easy and manageable for casual hikers. There is a total of only 340 meters of elevation. However, it does cover a lot of distance and people get tired while walking this far. The hike itself takes between 4-5 hours for most to complete.

The most challenging components to consider on this trail is the sun exposure, tides and rainfall.

• Sun Exposure – Besides a nice shaded area under a Banyan Tree, there is little shade on this trail. This area is where most guides will make designed stops for lunch.
• Tides – Most of the trail stays inland, but one section runs directly beside the surf. High tide may require removing boots and wading through shallow surf. This is usually no higher than one’s knees.
• Rainfall – Recent rain can affect trail conditions—timing your hike matters. There are two river crossings (one river / one creek), where water levels can reach mid-waste. The water is typically not moving too fast during these periods, but its something to be aware of.

Starting the Hike

The Alangyi Historic Trail can be hiked from either the south, Xuhai Trailhead or the north, Nantian Trailhead. Most hikers (both Taiwanese and visitors) hike from the south to North and hire local shuttles to take them back to their car. 

On the day we hiked this trail, we drove to Nantian, hiked the trail north to south and hired a local shuttle back to our car.

We met our guide at the trail head, packed up our gear and headed off down a dirt road closed to public traffic. After only a few hundred meters, we came upon one of the most iconic (and only) man-made structures along the entire trail. Known as the Liubetj Installation Art (南田裝置藝術). To help launch, the official (re) opening of the northern entrance of the trail, a Canadian artist named Dave Hind was invited for a residency to create a large-scale installation. During his residency, Hind collaborated with local Indigenous people and tattoo artists to created what is aptly named “Giant Hand”. The handprint design symbolizes mountains, waves and valleys, representing the areas deep cultural and natural connections. It was created using recycled scrap metal and marine debris. It shows a massive hand pulling up a string of ocean trash, symbolizing environmental awareness and ocean conservation.

Continuing along the dirt road, we eventually had to cross the Dawa River, which according to our guide, can rise over six-feet when the region receives consistent rain fall. Luckily it was all dried up when we were there in April.

Grabbing a Quick Refreshment

Shortly after crossing the river, visitors will arrive a small metal shack with some shaded area and some seating for weary hikers. Most locals hike this trail from south to north, so this would be an ideal location for a final rest before finishing the hike. The locals who man this shop help with trash removal (mostly from what washed up on the shore) and sell bottles of 鱼腥草 tea that has a natural cooling effect. As we were hiking this trail in reverse we picked up a bottle and stashed it away for later.

From here it was only another 500m before we arrived at the northern permit station. That makes it sound quite fancy, but it’s just a wood structure on the beach. regardless of the structure, it’s an important place to stop.

Applying and Checking Permits for Alangyi Historic Trail

Every hiker who enters the Alangyi Historic Trail and the Xuhai-Guanyinbi Nature Reserve, must apply for permits to enter. With out a permit, hikers are subject to pretty hefty fines and a run in with local police.

As part of the application process, groups or solo travelers must hire a local guide to escort them along this thru-hike. You guide will have the permit information with them, but you will have to show official ID (either passport or national ID card for local residents.

After signing in and showing your id, you can be on your way! If you’re hiking this south to north, there is similar control station in Pingtung.

Hiking the Most Secluded Beach in Taiwan

Now the real hike begins! From the control station, you simply head off, south along what is referred to as Nantian Gravel Beach (南田礫灘). This name does this stunning, remote beach zero justice. When we hiked the Alangyi Historic Trail it was low-tide which left a wide expanse of beach ranging from sand to gravel to larger river rocks.

Nantian Stones on Nantian Beach

Often times a walk is a just walk, regardless of how beautiful (or challenging) it is. One of the benefits of being required to hire a local guide on the Alangyi Historic Trail is that you get local insights, stories and interpretation from people who hike this trail a few times a year. They notice the small little changes or details that are often overlooked by visitors wow’d by the epic scenery. One example that our guide shared with us was what looked like an ordinary rock on the beach. It did have a unique white strip across it, but looked more or less just lime any other stone among a millionn others. It turns out these stones have a name and are referred to as Nantian Stones (南田石)

Up We Go! But Just a Bit!

With the mountains encroaching on the beach ahead, we continued walking along what has to be Taiwan’s biggest, undeveloped beach. Absolutely stunning. We were the only two people on this beach! As we approached the end of the beach our guide told us our first (and only) real ascent was waiting for us ahead.

From this first ascent, it is about 150m up driftwood-built stairs, which isn’t too bad, but with the morning sun on our backs it is where we really started to get hot. It’s pretty steep, but it is isn’t too bad when you consider just how mountainous Taiwan is.

When you reach the top of the first ascent, hikers are gifted one of the best views in Taiwan. Looking north, the turquoise waters meet the white sands and lush green jungles across Nantian Gravel Beach. Most hike Alangyi from south to north, so are rewarded with this view at the end of the trail. For us, it was a perfect way to kick off this hike in Taiwan.

After a short incline, you’ll hug the cliffs’ edge with amazing views east, north and south. The lucky hikers can spot green sea turtles below. The sea turtles migrate because of the great fish stock, clean waters and little human interaction. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any despite great sunlight and crystal clear water. Next time!

It would have made for a fantastic vantage point but it didn’t last too long. Only after a half a kilometers, you start the descent towards the waters. We ducked through short bushes and headed down a semi-steep staircase to meet the Philippine Sea.

Heading down to the coast

Arriving at the water’s edge, you’ll continue walking along the coast mostly trails close to the high-water marks. It’s not overly difficult terrain, but for the next few kilometers the views and long and beautiful!

The one spot along the Alangyi Historic Trail that can present some challenges for hikers and groups is at about the 4.5km mark (from the north). The section brings the trail close (and sometimes into) the water – depending on the tides. During high tides the ocean breaks right upon the rocks and might require hikers to take their boots off and wade into the water. The picture below shows this section low-mid tide. As you can imagine, our group was pleased to see that we keep our boots on this time!

Just after this section we finally bumped into the only other hikers we saw that day. While there were certainly probably others on the trail that day (a Thursday), we only saw four other hikers the whole day. It’s a popular trail but because it is so remote and difficult to get to, it probably isn’t too rare.

After navigating a few more bays, we reached one of the final beaches before heading into the coastal forest. Despite nearing the end of dry season (winter), the mountains were still a lush green and complemented the turquoise waters. Before hiking off into forest it was worth taking it all in.

The Abandoned Paiwan Ruins

Hiking from north to south, as you enter the forest line at about the 5km mark, you’ll notice stacked stones on your right hand-side. Our guide, Ljakuwang, informed us that this home had been built in the traditional Paiwan method. He believes it to be over 300 years old. There’s no interpretation here and with the state of disrepair, it is easy to miss. Ljakuwang told us that much work is being done elsewhere to rehabilitate and preserve these structures. You can find one of the best-preserved examples in Tjuvecekadan, a Paiwan village in northern Pingtung County.

Tall reeds and bushes surrounding the structure now bury most of the historical remains. It’s with mixed feelings that we see sights like this in Taiwan.As visitors, we must recognize that preserving these historic sites isn’t mandatory—it’s a choice, not a given. On the other hand, seeing them slip further into disrepair makes one think about what stories, practices and connections between people and place might also erode and disappear over time.

From here, hikers will continue hiking with slight shade cover for a few hundred meters before popping back out on the beach for the last glimpses of the ocean and views north from where you’ve come.

From here you pop out on a grassy trail and head towards the southern control station in Xuhai, Pingtung County. You did it. You’ve hiked from one county in Taiwan to another.

Best Time to Hike Alangyi Historic Trail

With little shade and occasional heavy rain, the best time to hike the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿塱壹古道) is October–May—cooler temps and drier skies. This allows for cooler temperatures and coincides with the country’s dry season.

Note that the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿塱壹古道) is closed July–August due to high water levels and potential typhoons. It also gives the staff a chance to make trail repairs from the coming busy fall and winter seasons.

Since the trail crosses the Xuhai Guanyinbi Nature Reserve (旭海-觀音鼻自然保留區), hikers must apply for permits and hire a local guide. With only 300 hikers allowed daily on the trail, permits for the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿塱壹古道) can be hard to get. Like other trails that traverse nature reserves in Taiwan, like Mian Yue Line in Alishan National Forest, your best bet is to apply for a mid-week hike, as it is typically less busy. If the daily quota is full, permits go to a lottery—reducing your chances of getting approved for the Alangyi Historic Trail (阿塱壹古道).

What to Bring when Hiking the Alangyi Historic Trail

When hiking in Taiwan, consider your capabilities before heading out. When it comes to the kinds of equipment or resources one should bring when hiking this trail in Taiwan, we’ve provided a list below:

• Water – About 1.5L of fresh drinking water. There are no water sources on the trail. Maybe more if the weather is sunny and hot.
• Food – There are no food services along the Alangyi Historic Trail. However, guests can order a pre-made “Hunters Box” lunch when they secure their permits and guide. If visitors are not purchasing the lunch box, they should bring a lunch and ample snacks and fruit to keep energy levels up throughout the day. Chocolate and candies never hurt a hiker—go ahead and pack these officially approved trail snacks!
• Washrooms – There are no toilets available along this entire route. Prepare any personal items you may use, but always remember to pack out what waste you make.
• Sun Protection – About 90% of the trail is exposed—bring sunscreen, a hat, and sun-protective clothing to stay safe in the sun.
• Camera/Phone – Reception is not very good along most portions of this trail. Particularly in the middle 3-6km, where reception not available. We suggest downloading our GPX file in advance and a preferred mobile app that can run offline to help navigate without the Internet.
• Clothing / Gloves / Equipment – It really depends on the time of the year you are hiking, but always consider the weather when preparing for your hike. We advise bringing rain gear and sun-protective clothes in the warmer months. Bringing a pair of gloves is not necessary on this trail, however hiking poles may come in handy.

How to Get to Alangyi Historic Trail (阿朗壹古道)

As a thru-hike, visitors can hike the Alangyi Historic Trail from either the north or south. f you’re driving, you’ll need to arrange a local shuttle to return to your car after the hike. Another option you may wish to consider is booking a private trip, where we take the pain out of planning and cover all the details including guide, transportation, permits and a local “Hunters Box” lunch. No convenient public transportation is available in this area.

Driving to Pingtung Trailhead in the south: If you are driving to the southern trailhead, you can set this as your location – HERE. The drive is mostly on secondary highways, with the last few kilometers along a single-lane, paved road. This drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from Kaohsiung. There is ample parking in the village of Xuhai (旭海). There are also a few, great campsites with ocean views that might be an option for overnights the day before you hike. As always, be careful while driving in Taiwan. 

Driving to Taitung Trailhead in the north: If you are driving to the northern trailhead in Nantian (南田), you can set this as your location – HERE. This drive is actually much more comfortable that the drive to the southern trailhead as it is only a few kilometers off the major highways. There is a small roundabout, where public vehicles must stop and turnaround. Don’t park in this roundabout, but rather on the along the side of the road. Parking is available for about 20 cars or so. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Taitung City and around 2 hours from Kaohsiung.