Page 49 - Why Taipei Matters

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Hiking Above the City

Taipei sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, making For tea lovers, Maokong and Nangang boast a long
it ideal for hiking. The 92km Taipei Grand Trail connects history of tea cultivation. Today, with the involvement
various mountain paths, tracing the city's skyline. Each of a new generation of tea farmers, the industry blends
section is perfect for a day trip. The trail climbs from tradition with creativity. You can take the Maokong
200 to 1,100 m in elevation, offering stunning views and Gondola up to the mountain and enjoy a cup of the
varied terrain. famous Muzha Tieguanyin or Wenshan Paochong
tea , along with special tea-infused dishes such as
To the north is the Datun Volcano Group, located Tieguanyin Tea Smoked Chicken or Tea Leaf Fried Rice—
in Yangmingshan National Park. It is known for all while taking in the beautiful views of the Taipei Basin.
geothermal activity and rich wildlife—look out for Whether hiking through the tea fields, visiting Zhinan
Formosan macaques! Higher up, you will find sweeping Temple, or relaxing with dessert at a local teahouse, it is
views of the Guandu Plain. easy to plan a soothing, tea-themed day trip.

Other great trails include Jiantan Mountain, where
you can watch airplanes take off and land. Heading
east from Jiantan leads to Baishihu, where visitors
can enjoy seasonal strawberry picking. The Elephant
Mountain Trail, located in Xinyi District, offers one of
the best views of Taipei 101, especially during New Year
Eve's firework.

Tieguanyin Tea