Keelung Mountain Trail
Hike the Keelung Mountain Trail for breathtaking 360° views of Jiufen, the ocean, and mountains. Free and accessible, it's perfect for sunrise or suns...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical golden hour views
Keelung Mountain Trail
Best Time
Magical golden hour views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike the Keelung Mountain Trail for breathtaking 360° views of Jiufen, the ocean, and mountains. Free and accessible, it's perfect for sunrise or sunset.
"Unbeatable and my most memorable hike in Taiwan. I'll do it again in a heartbeat!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly stairs, so good footwear is essential for a comfortable climb .
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's limited shade, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Keelung Mountain Summit
360-degree vistas of Jiufen, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains. See Taipei 101 on clear days!
Sunrise Spectacle
Keelung Mountain Summit
Witness the sky transform into a golden canvas. Arrive before dawn for the most magical experience.
Sunset Glow
Keelung Mountain Summit
Watch the mountains and sea bathed in warm, golden light as the sun dips below the horizon.
Jiufen Old Street Vista
Trail overlooking Jiufen
Glimpse the iconic red lanterns and bustling streets of Jiufen from above, especially beautiful at dusk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Arrive early for sunrise, around 4:15-4:30 AM, to beat the crowds and enjoy the changing light.Prepare for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly stairs, so good footwear is essential for a comfortable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's limited shade, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
📱 Use Phone Torch for Dawn
If hiking before sunrise, a phone torch is helpful, though it gets lighter quickly.
🚗 Parking Near Trailhead
Park at the 'Jiufen Parking Lot' and walk to the trailhead.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly stairs, so good footwear is essential for a comfortable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's limited shade, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
📱 Use Phone Torch for Dawn
If hiking before sunrise, a phone torch is helpful, though it gets lighter quickly.
🚗 Parking Near Trailhead
Park at the 'Jiufen Parking Lot' and walk to the trailhead.
🌫️ Check Weather Forecast
Fog can obscure views, so check conditions before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from Keelung Mountain, calling it a highlight of their Taiwan trip. The trail's accessibility and free entry are major pluses, though the continuous stairs can be demanding. Some note that fog can obscure the views, and heat can be an issue without shade.
"Free of charge. Amazing views. You’d need around 30 mins to climb. Be aware of high temperatures in multiple places there are no shade so if you climb during peak heat time 🥵 it might be problematic. The hike is not challenging there are stairs all the way up. Multiple pavilions will allow you to have break and snack."
Krzysztof Turczyn
"Really beautiful viewpoint! Really worth the hike. It’s all stairs going up (1575 stairs) - took me around 30 minutes to reach the top, and around 20-25 minutes to get back down.
Not for people with weak knees because after the way down you will have you legs shaking! I would say it’s the the easiest hike but it’s also not so long so it’s nice 🌿🍃"
Hen Ezra
"Great views and not too hard hike - mostly stairs, starting elevation is high so you can get really good views even just after 10min, doable even if you’re in a rush! You can even see Taipei 101 in the distance"
Penny Brant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a TRA train from Taipei to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a bus heading towards Jiufen. The trailhead is a short walk from Jiufen Old Street. Alternatively, some visitors park at the 'Jiufen Parking Lot'
The entrance is generally well-marked and about a 10-minute walk from Jiufen Old Street. Look for signs pointing towards the mountain trail.
Yes, you can drive and park at the 'Jiufen Parking Lot'.
From Jiufen Old Street, it's a pleasant 10-minute walk to the Keelung Mountain Trail entrance. Enjoy the scenic route as you approach the hike.
While buses go to Jiufen, the final approach to the trailhead is typically a walk from the bus stop or parking area. It's a short and easy walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Keelung Mountain Trail is free to access, making it a great budget-friendly activity.
The trail is open 24/7, allowing for early morning sunrise hikes or late evening sunset views.
No advance booking is required as the trail is free and open to the public at all times.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's always wise to check local advisories, especially after adverse weather events.
Yes, the trail is open at night, but it's recommended to bring a flashlight or use your phone's torch for safety.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace. The descent is usually a bit quicker.
It's considered a moderate hike, primarily consisting of stairs. While not extremely challenging, it's a continuous uphill climb.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of Jiufen, the Pacific Ocean, Keelung Islet, and the surrounding mountains.
Yes, there are multiple pavilions along the trail where you can rest and take a break.
Yes, it's suitable for beginners due to its well-maintained stairs and relatively short duration. However, those with knee issues should be cautious on the descent.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for stunning photos. Golden hour provides beautiful hues on the landscape.
Capture the panoramic summit views, the winding trail, the distant Jiufen Old Street, and the vast ocean. Don't forget the unique cloud formations if present.
The summit offers the most expansive 360-degree views. Various points along the trail also provide excellent photo opportunities with different perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots, but keep it light for the hike.
Yes, fog can create a mystical and atmospheric mood for photography, offering a different kind of beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring extra snacks and drinks, and consider starting the hike earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes. The relatively short duration means it won't take up an entire day, leaving time for other Jiufen explorations.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Money-saving tips: Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated tourist prices. Utilize public transportation like trains and buses to reach Jiufen, which is generally more economical than taxis or private car hires.
🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Chasers
Pro-tip: While the trail is open 24/7, remember to bring a flashlight or use your phone's torch for safety if hiking in the dark. The experience of watching the day begin or end from such a vantage point is truly unforgettable and a highlight for many visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Keelung Mountain Trail Experience
Many travelers highlight the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit as the main draw. On a clear day, you can see as far as Taipei 101 in the distance, along with the charming town of Jiufen, the bustling Keelung Port, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
+2 The trail is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset vistas, where the sky and landscape are bathed in stunning golden hues.While the hike is generally considered moderate, it's important to be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, as the stairs can be demanding on the knees, especially during the descent.
Getting to Keelung Mountain Trail
From there, it's a short and pleasant 10-minute walk to the trailhead, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of the region before your hike.For those relying on public transport, taking a TRA train to Ruifang Station is a common first step. From Ruifang, you can catch a bus that heads towards Jiufen. Once you arrive in Jiufen, the trailhead is easily accessible by foot from Jiufen Old Street.
It's worth noting that while the trail itself is free and open 24/7, access to parking and public transport schedules should be confirmed, especially during holidays or off-peak seasons. The accessibility makes it a convenient addition to any itinerary exploring the northeast coast of Taiwan.
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