Hi! I’m Jamie, the creator of Unlocking Taiwan — a travel blog dedicated to revealing the hidden beauty of Taiwan’s mountains, wild hot springs, and spiritual culture.
I started this site because I believe Taiwan is one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the world. Beyond the night markets, Taipei 101, Alishan and Sun Moon Lake, this island is packed with real wilderness adventure — alpine ridges, river-fed hot springs, century-old trails once used by Indigenous people and early traders, and temples where people still pray for health, peace, and prosperity.
Taiwan: Asia’s Hidden Outdoor Paradise
With more than 275 mountains over 3,000 meters and over 150 established hiking trails, Taiwan has one of the most dramatic landscapes in Asia.From easy day hikes to multi-day ridge traverses, the island offers hiking trails for every level of adventurer. Taiwan also hides over 150 wild hot springs, many tucked deep in river valleys or beside waterfalls.
Thanks to Taiwan’s compact geography and convenient public transportation, it’s possible to summit a peak in the morning and relax on a beach by sunset.
As CNN Travel put it
“There’s no better or easier way to tap into Taiwan nature than by hiking… Within one hour from Taipei, you can be strolling past steaming volcanic fumaroles, bubbling hot springs, canopies of cherry blossoms or towering bluffs above the sea.”If you’re into adventure, Taiwan has it all — hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, surfing, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the steam of a hot spring after a long trek.
My Outdoor Experience
My outdoor life is grounded in experience, not just Google searches — every hiking trail, hot spring, and cultural ritual I share here, I’ve personally visited or participated in.
Taiwan Mountains (10+ years)
- Climbed 150+ mountains across Taiwan
- Summited 50+ of the Baiyue (Top 100 Peaks over 3,000 meters)
- Explored countless hiking trails and wild hot springs
International Travel & Hiking
- Traveled to 20+ countries as a backpacker
- Summited major peaks including:
- Mount Fuji (Japan)
- Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia)
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
- Always seeking outdoor adventures and meaningful cultural experiences
Why I Created Unlocking Taiwan
During my hikes and travels, I’ve often met foreign travelers who had no idea that Taiwan offers so much outdoor beauty beyond famous destinations like Yushan (Jade Mountain) or Xueshan (Snow Mountain). Many struggled with permits, trailhead access, or simply figuring out where to begin.
That’s why I created Unlocking Taiwan — to make it easier for international hikers and outdoor lovers to explore Taiwan. The name reflects my mission:
To “unlock” the most beautiful outdoor places across the island, from scenic hiking trails to wild hot springs — including some hidden gems that rarely appear in guidebooks or mainstream travel sites.
Whether you’re into wild hot springs, mountains, or spiritual traditions, this site is your comprehensive Taiwan outdoor guide.
What You’ll Find Here
- Hiking guides to scenic and lesser-known trails in Taiwan
- Scenic spots like wild hot springs and waterfalls
- Cultural experiences connecting you to Taiwan’s spiritual traditions and Indigenous heritage
- Taiwan travel tips for using public transportation to reach hiking trails and other outdoor spots — plus how to apply for hiking permits (because not everyone rents a scooter/car, and permits can be confusing!)
All the places featured here have been personally visited — not staged, not filtered, and never shared just for clicks. I only share spots I truly believe are worth visiting for their real, unedited beauty.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about Taiwan travel, hiking trails, or wild hot springs? Or just want to say hi?
Send me a message or reach out on Instagram or Youtube — I’m happy to help you plan unforgettable outdoor adventures in Taiwan.
This is my hometown, and I’m so proud to share it with the world.