A Guide to Taiwan Lesser 100 Peaks

What are the ‘Lesser 100 Peaks’? What to Know Before You Go

The Taiwan Lesser 100 Peaks project (臺灣小百岳) was initiated by the government in 2003 to promote hiking for all, making it the perfect starting point for beginner hiking in Taiwan. The selection criteria focus on “accessibility,” choosing 100 representative peaks perfect for day hikes near urban areas, with relatively clear hiking trails.

This list is not static; it is dynamically adjusted based on actual trail conditions and feasibility to ensure the system’s utility and safety. Therefore, when planning your trip, you should not only confirm whether your route requires a permit via the “Online Application for Taiwan National Park Permits” but also check the official announcements on the “Taiwan Forest Recreation” website for the latest trail information.

Regional Mountain Analysis & Data

Northern Region

Mountain (No.) City/County Elevation (m) Difficulty Time (Hrs)
Qixing Mt. Main Peak (002)Taipei City1,120T2 (★★)1.5 – 3.0
Guanyin Mt. (005)New Taipei616T1 (★)2 – 3
Jilong Mt. (006)New Taipei588T1 (★)1.5 – 2.5
Yuan Mt. (019)New Taipei321T1 (★)0.5 – 3.0

Qixing Mountain Main Peak (七星山主峰)

Key Features: Notable post-volcanic activity, including fumaroles and sulfur crystals.
Difficulty Analysis: Well-maintained trail with a steady incline. Rated as easy to moderate.

Guanyin Mountain (觀音山)

Key Features: Volcanic terrain with large lava rock formations. Great views of the Tamsui River estuary.
Difficulty Analysis: Mostly stone steps, well-equipped trail. An easy suburban hike, perfect for beginners.

Jilong Mountain (基隆山)

Key Features: A landmark of Jiufen. Covered with silver grass in autumn. Offers 360-degree ocean and mountain views.
Difficulty Analysis: An easy trail composed mainly of well-maintained stone steps.

Yuan Mountain (鳶山)

Key Features: Features a unique “Rainbow Wall” rock formation along the traverse route.
Difficulty Analysis: The main peak is easy. The traverse route includes rugged paths and rope-assisted climbs, raising the difficulty to moderate.

Central Region

Mountain (No.) City/County Elevation (m) Difficulty Time (Hrs)
Jiali Mt. (034)Miaoli2,220T3 (★★★)7 – 8
Huoyan Mt. (035)Miaoli602T2 (★★)3
Toukoushan (041)Taichung859T2 (★★)4 – 5

Jiali Mountain (加里山)

Key Features: Dense cedar forests and remnants of old logging railways.
Difficulty Analysis: Moderate to difficult. Significant elevation gain and a steep final section requiring scrambling and ropes. Not for beginners.

Huoyan Mountain (火炎山)

Key Features: A classic badlands landscape with spectacular eroded gullies and cliffs.
Difficulty Analysis: Easy to moderate. Some narrow ridges and loose gravel require caution.

Toukoushan (頭嵙山)

Key Features: Known for its unique log trails built to protect the terrain.
Difficulty Analysis: Moderate. The log trails are challenging for balance, leg strength, and knees.

Southern Region

Mountain (No.) City/County Elevation (m) Difficulty Time (Hrs)
Duli Mt. (060)Chiayi816T1 (★)2.5 – 3.5
Weiliao Mt. (073)Pingtung1,427T2 (★★)6 – 8
Lilong Mt. (079)Pingtung1,062T2 (★★)5 – 8

Duli Mountain (獨立山)

Key Features: Integrated with the Alishan Forest Railway, which spirals around the mountain three times.
Difficulty Analysis: Easy. The trail consists of well-maintained stairs with a gentle slope, a popular choice for family outings.

Weiliao Mountain (尾寮山)

Key Features: The latter part of the trail features a pristine forest with rich mid-elevation flora.
Difficulty Analysis: Moderate to difficult. The challenge lies in the long distance (18km round trip) and over 1200m elevation gain, requiring excellent stamina.

Lilong Mountain (里龍山)

Key Features: The highest peak on the Hengchun Peninsula, offering views of the Taiwan Strait.
Difficulty Analysis: Moderate. The trail is continuously steep, and the hot, humid climate makes it physically demanding.

Eastern Region & Outlying Islands

Mountain (No.) City/County Elevation (m) Difficulty
Sanjiaolun Mt. (083)Yilan1,029T2 (★★)
Kalabao Mt. (086)Hualien2,397T3 (★★★)
Dulan Mt. (093)Taitung1,190T2 (★★)
Taimali Mt. (094)Taitung1,337T1 (★)
Hongtou Mt. (097)Lanyu552T2 (★★)

Sanjiaolun Mountain (三角崙山)

Key Features: Famous for the “Matcha Mountain” view, with its summit covered in arrow bamboo.
Difficulty Analysis: Moderate. The final section is a steep, slippery climb requiring ropes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the difference between the ‘Lesser 100 Peaks’ and the ‘100 Peaks’?
A: The main differences are elevation and difficulty. The ‘100 Peaks’ (百岳) refer to representative high mountains over 3,000 meters, which are extremely challenging. The ‘Lesser 100 Peaks’ (小百岳) are mostly suburban mountains near cities with lower elevations and clearer paths, designed to promote hiking for everyone and are more suitable for beginners or families.
Q: Do I need professional gear to hike the Lesser 100 Peaks?
A: Not necessarily. For routes like Guanyin Mountain and Duli Mountain mentioned in this guide, comfortable athletic shoes are sufficient. However, for more difficult ‘intermediate-level mountains’ like Jiali Mountain or Weiliao Mountain, it is strongly recommended to wear professional hiking boots, use trekking poles, and be fully prepared. Please be sure to prepare your gear according to the difficulty level of each mountain.
Q: Do all ‘Lesser 100 Peaks’ require a mountain entry permit?
A: Not all of them. However, if your route enters a National Park controlled area or a Mountain controlled area, you must apply according to the law. The safest approach is to check and confirm on the ‘Online Application for Taiwan National Park Permits’ website when planning your trip to avoid breaking the law.
Q: If I’m a hiking beginner, where do you recommend I start?
A: We recommend starting with easily accessible and well-maintained suburban mountains in the northern region, such as Guanyin Mountain (觀音山) (No. 005) or Jilong Mountain (基隆山) (No. 006) mentioned in this guide. These hiking trails have simple conditions and are not too long, making them ideal Taiwan day hikes to help you build confidence and enjoy the fun of hiking.

Further Reading