May 2014: With stunning landscapes and beautiful fauna and flora from shore to shore, Taiwan is becoming a 'must visit' destination for hiking enthusiasts from across the globe. Whilst it is possible to hike in the 'Heart of Asia' throughout the year, the conditions are at their best in the autumn when the weather is slightly cooler and the air drier, meaning that those looking to take a hike to Taiwan this year should soon start planning their trip.

Ranging from gentle walks to extreme treks at up to 3,952m above sea-level and spanning a number of different climates from tropical to alpine, trekkers visiting Taiwan can rest assured that there are trails available to suit all abilities. Since 20% of the island is made up of protected land - either in the form of a national park, forest or state reserve - and a further 30% is made up of forest, it is guaranteed that all hikers visiting Taiwan will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this striking country.

Taiwan has a well-established network of hundreds of hiking trails throughout the country and the vast majority of these do not require a guide. Hiking tracks are rarely crowded and visitors are more likely to meet rambling locals than other international visitors. With so many trails, it is almost difficult to know where to start, so the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has put together a round-up of some of the most famous hiking trails in Taiwan.

North Taiwan - Wuling Sixiu trail, Shei-Pa National Park

The Wuling Sixiu trail takes approximately 3 – 4 days to complete and is one of the most challenging treks in Taiwan. Based in Shei-Pa National Park, the Wuling Sixiu is a group of four mountains, all of which are scaled and descended on this trek.

The trail kicks off with a 1,500m climb, after which hikers are rewarded with a view of the 'sea of clouds' above the Yilan Plain, before continuing up to Taoshan - the peak of Mount Tao - which is 3,324m above sea-level. The trail continues with a visit to the 'waterfall of rock', as well as a climb to the top of Mount Chiyou, which gives spectacular panoramas across Shei-Pa National Park. This is where hikers will spend the second night, enjoying incredible views of the Milky Way on clear evenings. On the third morning, those awake early enough will witness a spectacular sunrise above the Central Mountain Range, before heading on to Mount Pintian. Located 3,524m above sea-level, the last stretch of the trail is some 300m long and requires a strong nerve as it involves a number of narrow pathways, as well as fixed-rope sections with tremendous drops.

It is strongly advised that those wishing to follow the Wuling Sixiu trail do so with a qualified guide.For further information please visit www.spnp.gov.tw/en.

East Taiwan - Jhuilu Old Trail, Taroko National Park

The Jhuilu Old Trail, which is 10.3km in length, takes place in Taroko National Park and is one of the most spectacular and easily accessible hiking trails in Taiwan.

The Jhuilu Old Trail leads hikers along the only remaining section of the old Hehuan Mountain Road that is still intact. At its most challenging part, the trail leads hikers along the side of the Jhuilu Cliff, where hikers walk along an airy ledge that is just 60cm wide at its narrowest. The trail does offer stunning bird's-eye views of the Liwu River, which lies 500m below, but is not recommend for those who are likely to suffer from Vertigo. A number of hikers have been known to abandon their plans at the sight of where they are going!

Those looking for a gentler version of the Jhuilu Old Trail might want to consider the 'Lushui-Holiu Trail', which is just 2km long and gives the same stunning views of the gorge, without the gravity-defying cliff edges!

The Jhuilu Old Trail was reopened in 2008 on a permit-basis only. Please note that applications for the permit must be made at least a week in advance. For further information please visit www.taroko.gov.tw/en.

South Taiwan - The Beidawushan Trail

Beidawushan is the most southerly mountain in Taiwan, reaching over 3,000m above sea-level at its peak. The Beidawushan Trail, which is 10km in length, is one of the most popular overnight hikes in Taiwan as the majority of the trail is easy to follow and it promises some incredible panoramic views.

The Beidawushan Trail begins at an elevation of 1,520m and the majority of the path is clear and simple to follow. The second day of the trail includes a number of narrow ridges, as well as rope sections, but these are more than made up for by the 1,000-year-old red cedar tree that is 25m in circumference, as well as the Japanese-era shrines and rare forests of hemlock spruce. The trail ends at the summit of Beidawushan, from which visitors can observe both the Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait on a clear day.

The Beidawushan Trail does require transport to reach and whilst the journey to the trailhead may be complicated, the trail itself and the stunning vistas are bound to make up it.

West Taiwan - The Yushan Peaks, Yushan National Park

The Yushan Peaks trail is incredibly popular with visitors to Taiwan as it is suitable to anyone of average fitness. The trail itself takes place in Yushan National Park and leads to the main Yushan Peak.

Visitors on the trail to reach the main Yushan Peak will enjoy stunning views of the Cishan River, as well as a witnessing a variety of the different flora that Taiwan boasts, including rare hemlock forests and collections of dwarf bamboo. After an early start on the second day in order to reach the summit for sunrise, hikers will find that as the altitude increases, forests are replaced by beautiful flowers including rhododendron and stands of juniper, as well as lichens and alpine flowers at the very summit. Visitors reaching the summit of the main Yushan Peak will enjoy stunning views of Yushan National Park and can continue on to the Yushan West, North and South peaks should they desire.

Visitors wishing to follow the Yushan Peaks trail must pick up a pass from the Paiyun Visitor Centre on the day of the trail. For further information please visit www.ysnp.gov.tw/en.

For further information on Taiwan, please visit www.eng.taiwan.net.tw.

-Ends-

Media Information:

For media enquiries, please contact Jenny Groutage or Liam Colman The Brighter Group on jenny.groutage@brightergroup.com / Liam.colman@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880.