Lion’s Head Mountain Trail, Xindian

This is the sunset you get without leaving the city and without much of a climb. Xindian’s Lion’s Head Mountain – not to be confused with the bigger one down in Hsinchu and Miaoli – is a short ridge right behind the town, and from its platforms you look west down the Xindian River as it bends past the apartment blocks, with range after range of hills going gray behind. On a clear evening the sun drops behind the far ridge with the buildings on top of it in silhouette.

It’s an easy hike. From the trailhead it’s about 20 minutes to the first platform, and another 20 or so to the top platform, mostly on steps and a well-kept path. The views are good rather than great – the sun sets behind hills rather than into water, and trees get in the way at some of the pavilions – but for the effort it’s hard to beat, and you’ll likely have it more or less to yourself.

The night view is the other reason to come: the lights of Xindian and the river come on beneath you as the sky fades, and Taipei glows off to the north. I don’t believe the trail is lit, so bring a light for the way down. Bitan is a short walk away if you want somewhere to eat afterwards.

The Green 9 (綠9) bus stops close to the Changchun Road trailhead at Dadi Shiji (大地世紀). Otherwise it’s a bit of a trek from MRT Xindian Station – allow 20-25 minutes on foot. Parking near the trailhead is limited.