Following the trail is to follow the guidance of the ancestral spirit and to tramp on the paths that have preserved the life of indigenous peoples. Taiwan Outdoors has compiled a resource of famous Historic Trails across Taiwan. Many of these historic trails that are deeply related to the indigenous peoples of Taiwan since the Qing rule and the Japanese Occupation period. Each Historic Trail has a dedicated page with information and resources to help visitors and residents discover the beauty of some of Taiwan’s most interesting hiking trails. Enjoy exploring!
Exploring Taiwan’s Historic Trails
Caoling Historic Trail
草嶺古道
Caoling Historic Trail (草嶺古道) is over two hundred years old and is one of the most spectacular trails in Northern Taiwan.
Pingxi Historic Trail
坪溪古道
This trail was once an important travel route in northern Taiwan, used extensively during the Qing Dynasty period.
Tonghou Traversing Trail
桶後越嶺步道
Located in the far southeastern area of Wulai District, about 1.5 hours from Taipei, the Tonghou Traversing Trail is one of Taiwan’s most picturesque historic trails.
Syakaro Historic Trail
霞喀羅古道
The Hapen Crossing Ridge Trail connects New Taipei City and Yilan. The round trip is about 14km and takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. The forest is filled with broad-leaved trees.
Fuba Cross-Mountain Trail 福巴越嶺古道
Coming Soon.
Alangyi Historic Trail
阿朗壹古道
Coming Soon.
Tefuye Historical Trail
特富野古道
The Tefuye Ancient Trail was originally a hunting path opened by the Tsou indigenous people. During the Japanese Rule, the second half was rebuilt into the Shuishan Line Railway for lumber transportation.
Jinshuiying Historic Trail
浸水營古道
The Jinshuiying Historic Trail begins at Shuidiliao in Fangliao, Pingdong and it travels over the Central Cordillera before ending up in Dawu in Taidong. The cross mountain trail is considered as one of the oldest cross mountain trails.
Ruitai Historic Trail
瑞太古道
Coming Soon.
Fenrui Historic Trail
Coming Soon.
Hapen Historic Trail
哈盆越嶺古道
The Hapen Crossing Ridge Trail connects New Taipei City and Yilan. The round trip is about 14km and takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. The forest is filled with broad-leaved trees.
Batongguan Historic Trail
八通關古道
Located in Yushan National Park, the Batongguan Historic Trail is said to be Taiwan’s first cross-highway. Developed during the Qing Dynasty, the trail holds historical within the aboriginal community.
More Coming Soon
More coming soon.
More Coming Soon
More coming soon.
More Coming Soon
Stay tuned for more of Taiwan’s Historic Trails.
The History of Taiwan’s Historic Trails
These trails with great historical background have been abandoned after the war. It was not until the 1970s when many scholars and government units began to conduct investigations, field studies and research that these trails regained people’s attention. Many were even restored and preserved. The development of the historic trails in Taiwan has an inseparable relationship with the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. Through the understanding of these trails, future generations can further understand the history of Taiwan indigenous peoples over the past 400 years.
