Jiji Mountain Hiking Trail | Nantou Attraction

Jiji Mountain (Jiji Dashan) rises to 1,392 meters, making it the highest peak in Jiji Township and one of Taiwan's Xiao Baiyue (Little Hundred Peaks). The hiking trail is approximately 10 km in total, passing successively through bamboo forest, broadleaf forest, and secondary growth. The summit has a third-order triangulation marker, and on clear days you can see the Zhuoshui River alluvial plain and the distant Taiwan Strait — making this one of Nantou County's most representative day-hike routes.

Highlights of Jiji Mountain Hiking Trail

The Jiji Mountain trail starts from the edge of Jiji Township. The opening section passes through a dense bamboo grove — the rustle of bamboo and dappled shade are the quintessential shallow-mountain hiking experience in Taiwan. The middle section enters broadleaf forest with richer vegetation cover. The overall gradient is moderate: the roughly 10-kilometer round trip demands a reasonable level of fitness, but the path is clearly marked and suitable for hikers with basic experience.

The greatest draw of Jiji Mountain is the panoramic view from the summit. In clear weather, the Zhuoshui River plain stretches out below, the faint shimmer of the Taiwan Strait is visible in the distance, and the settlements and farmlands of Nantou's lowlands are spread out at your feet. The soft light around sunset gives the summit a beautiful layering of shadows — the best reward for the climb.

Making the most of your visit

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Full out-and-back hikeThe round trip is about 10 km. Set off before 7 a.m. and allow 5 to 6 hours. Carry plenty of water and trail snacks, and wear trail shoes with good grip.

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The bamboo grove sectionThe opening bamboo section is the most distinctly Taiwanese part of the trail. Early morning mist filtering through the bamboo creates a refreshing entrance into the mountain.

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Summit panoramaIn clear weather, the views near the triangulation marker are best; scan the Zhuoshui River plain below. Binoculars help bring the distant Taiwan Strait into sharper focus.

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Vegetation observationThe transition from bamboo to broadleaf forest is the trail's natural education highlight — notice how the plant communities change as you gain elevation.

Practical information

Getting there and time needed

The trailhead is on the outskirts of Jiji Township. Drive and park near the trailhead, or take the Jiji Branch Railway to Jiji Station and then walk or cycle to the start of the trail.
Allow 5 to 7 hours for the full round trip, including rest stops and time at the summit. Trails can be slippery during the rainy season; rockfalls are possible after typhoons — check trail conditions before setting out.

Nearby connections

Jiji Township is famous for its Jiji Branch Line railway tourism. After descending, cycle through Jiji's streets and visit sites like Wuchang Temple and the Green Tunnel.
From Jiji, head toward Shuili to connect with the Sun Moon Lake area, combining a railway day, a mountain hike, and lake scenery into one route.

Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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