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Free tour

Free tour in English: Hidden Hiking Trail near Downtown Taipei

Duration: 3h and 30min
Languages: English, Spanish
Guru: Shiheng
Registered on May 09, 2018

Hey there!:) I am Shiheng from Taipei...an enthusiastic road cyclist, an amateur violinist, a data analyst (SQL/GA4 geek) during the week, and of course, your English/Spanish/Chinese tour guide in Taipei! I started the journey as a part-time tour guide outside regular office hours since 2017. Right after studying in Spain, Denmark, and Slovenia for my master's degree and joining free walking tours in 20 European countries myself, I felt that walking tour is a great way to share my knowledge about the history, nature, and culture of Taiwan with foreign travelers like you, and also for me to learn more about your own culture. This is exactly why although I do NOT make a living out of walking tours - unlike most tour guides you meet in touristy countries - I still obtained the official tour guide license and spend my weekends with travelers from all around the world. It's simply my passion! I speak native Chinese (Mandarin) and Taiwanese, kind of master English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and also know a bit of German and Catalan. As I have worked and studied in several countries in Europe and Asia, my friends are mostly from Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. So, if you happen to be from these regions, I am pretty sure that you will understand the Taiwanese culture more easily from the stories I prepare for you. So far, I have accompanied 2,000+ international travelers from 40+ countries to explore Taipei/New Taipei/Keelung, and I look forward to seeing you as well 😀 Are you a foodie, nature lover, or culture explorer? If so, I am exactly your ideal go-to person! Book a tour with me or send me a private message to personalize your itinerary (especially if you are passionate about hiking, cycling, and food)! 🚴🏻‍♂️

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

🚩Who is recommended to join this tour?

  • Nature lovers or first-timers to Taiwan hoping to go for casual hiking and see panoramic views of the city
  • People who have seen main attractions in Taipei City and are now eager to explore the less touristy places not well-known among international travelers


Thinking about hiking in Taiwan but don't want to exhaust yourself? Well, here is the best itinerary for you! 😎

Although normally associated with the image of a modern city (well, Taipei 101), Taipei is surprisingly home to more than 100 hiking trails! 🤔 On this tour, I will take you to one of the steepest paths in the neighborhood called Neihu and the biggest temple here. In addition to enjoying the panoramic view of Taipei and getting closer to the amazing nature, being a citizen who has been living in this neighborhood for more than 20 years, I will also share some historical and religious fun facts that only locals know. At the end of our tour, you will have the opportunity to buy some local agricultural products, or try the Taiwanese oolong tea and typical tofu pudding (douhua)! 🍵🍮

🌳This tour includes the following stops:

  • We take advantage of nature in the park along the Dagouxi River
  • Yuanjue Waterfall, perhaps the most accessible waterfall in Taipei
  • Yuanjue Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Neihu
  • Bishan Temple, a Taoist temple that is the largest in that neighborhood
  • Baishihu Suspension Bridge
  • Tea time at a local bakery (tea house)
  • We will take the local bus to return to Neihu subway station


Insider Tips:

  • Although this is NOT a super challenging hike, for people who rarely exercise or never do hiking, please reconsider your physical condition before making the reservation 
  • Wear suitable walking shoes; sneakers/trainers will be just fine!
  •  Bring your EasyCard or coins to take the local bus, a single trip costs TW$15
  • While offering walking tours is just my hobby (and yes I am one of the few licensed Spanish tour guides in Taiwan), your tips will be highly appreciated! 😄 There is no fixed amount regarding how much the travelers should tip, but as helpful information, the minimum hourly rate according to Taiwanese law is around 6 EUR/hour or TWD 183/hour


🌊Besides:

  • Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers for a confirmed departure. If the minimum is not met, I will share information for you to explore Taipei by yourself 
  • If the weather is bad and it is not so safe to go hiking, I am going to recommend some tourist sites where you can explore on your own. For me, the safety of travelers is always above all things! 🫶

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Dahu Pk, Neihu District, Taipei City,...
    Dahu Pk, Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan 114
    View on map

    Outside exit 1 of Dahu Park Station (Brown Line) you can find me wearing camouflage hat and sign showing "GuruWalk"

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Dagouxi Waterfront Park
  • 2
    Outside visit
    Cataratas Yuanjue

    Perhaps the most accessible waterfall in Taipei City! This is where the locals in Neihu always come to appreciate the nature and learn about the geology of Taipei

  • 3
    Free admission
    Yuanjue Temple
  • 4
    Free admission
    Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple

    This temple might not be as famous and busy as Longshan Temple in the city center, but this is exactly why we are exploring the spot. Being a gigantic temple sitting on a slope in Taipei's suburbs, it provides a breathtaking panoramic view just as the well-known Elephant Mountain does. Come visit, and you will be "wowed"!

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Baishihu Suspension Bridge
  • 6
    Free admission
    Mingguwu Bakery

    After the short walk, we will enjoy some local tea and snacks here to refresh ourselves a bit before heading back to the metro station.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    MRT Neihu Station

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
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