Do you want a hike that's a little bit challenging, but more fun? Jinmianshan Trail is maybe not as iconic as Elephant Mountain, but the view is just as impressive, if not even better. There's even a famous rock at the peak where you can sit and dangle your feet over a cliff, with the amazing lush nature surrounding you. 

From Beimen WOW, ride the Green Line from Zhongshan Station in the direction of Songshan for two stops and get off at Nanjing Fuxing Station. Switch to the Brown Line, in the direction of Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off at Xihu Station and choose exit number 1. With the station at your back, walk straight north until the road ends at an elementary school. Turn right, and take a left turn when you see a Family-Mart. Follow this road straight and when it ends, turn right and then immediately left, just like before. This will take you to the stairs that mark the start of the Jinmianshan Trail. Walk up the stairs and when the path divides, pick the one on your right. Keep holding right and after about 30 minutes you'll end up at the peak of the mountain, with several big rocks that offer spectacular photos of Taipei and the surrounding green mountains. 

This hike is a little bit trickier to do than most others in Taipei. The start of the trail are stairs, but higher up they give way to actual rock climbing in order for you to reach the summit. Don't fret, there are ropes to hang on to the entire way. But because of this, shoes with a good grip are a must and we recommend not going after dusk or during a rainfall, when the rocks turn slippery. The peak offers a stunning 360° panoramic view of Taipei, so even though the climb is tough at times, it's definitely worth it.