Taipingshan Day Tour from Taipei or Yilan
- Visit Taipingshan Villa, Jianqing Historic Trail and Jiuzhize Hot Springs in one day from Taipei or Yilan.
- Walk Jianqing Historic Trail, a mossy old forest railway named one of the world's 28 most beautiful trails.
- Boil eggs or corn in the hot spring pools at Jiuzhize, or soak in the outdoor baths.
- Round-trip shared ride from Taipei Main Station, with a Yilan Station stop and guaranteed departure from 2 travelers.
- A private charter option offers hotel pickup in Taipei, New Taipei or Yilan and a flexible itinerary.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Private tour, Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom, Summer Festival, Autumn Maple, Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks, Forest bathing, Eco-tourism |
| Transport | Charter car |
Product Info
Latest Update
Jiuzhize Hot Springs: the family bathhouses (including the accessible bathhouse) have been closed for renovation since April 1, 2024 and are not available.
Hot spring facilities still open: the outdoor nude bathing areas (separate for men and women), the hot spring egg-boiling pools and the outdoor hot spring spa area.
The status of each facility at Taipingshan is subject to the park's official announcements. Check the product page or the official Taipingshan website before departure. No separate notice will be given.
Itinerary Information
Shared Tour
Duration: about 10–11 hours
Meeting times differ on weekdays and holidays, as defined by the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration.
Weekdays (Monday–Friday, except special national holidays and long weekends)
Stop 1: 7:00 am, East Gate 3, Taipei Main Station (meet the staff in a KKday vest)
Stop 2: 8:00–8:10 am, Yilan Train Station (pickup time at this stop may vary with traffic; check messages from the service staff before departure and feel free to contact them on the day)
Holidays (Saturdays, Sundays, special national holidays and long weekends)
Stop 1: 6:30 am, East Gate 3, Taipei Main Station (meet the staff in a KKday vest)
Stop 2: 7:30–7:40 am, Yilan Train Station (pickup time at this stop may vary with traffic; check messages from the service staff before departure and feel free to contact them on the day)
Return: back to Taipei Main Station
Vehicle: assigned by group size on the day (5-seater / 9-seater)
Shared tour schedule
10:00 am Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area – Zhen'an Temple – Cypress Primeval Forest Trail – Tieshanlin Trail (about 2.5–3 hours; you may buy a Bong Bong Train ticket yourself if you wish to ride)
12:30 pm Regroup at Taipingshan Villa
12:50 pm Jianqing Historic Trail (about 40 minutes)
2:20 pm Jiuzhize Hot Springs: join the hot spring soak or try cooking food in the hot spring, at your choice (about 60–90 minutes)
3:20 pm On the way down, depending on traffic, the schedule and conditions on the day, the service staff will arrange a short stop for restrooms and a break. If a suitable stop is available, you may buy local snacks such as Sanxing scallion pancakes or tea-smoked braised snacks (at your own expense). Actual stops and items depend on the staff's arrangements and shop opening hours on the day; specific shops or products are not guaranteed.
Return to Taipei Main Station / Yilan Train Station
Please note: the drive to Taipingshan is long, and Bong Bong Train tickets are sold on-site only in limited numbers. To give every traveler the best chance of buying a ticket and riding the train, please arrive before the meeting time.
Private Charter
Duration: about 10 hours
Pickup/drop-off: within the charter service area (if your location is outside the area, message us after booking to ask about the surcharge)
Vehicle: 5-seater / 9-seater
Suggested charter itinerary
6:30 am Depart from Taipei city
9:30 am Taipingshan Villa (496-step trail, cypress primeval forest, or buy a Bong Bong Train ticket yourself to Maoxing; about 1.5–2 hours)
or Cueifong Lake Trail (about 40 minutes–1 hour)
12:30 pm Jianqing Historic Trail (about 30 minutes)
1:30 pm Jiuzhize Hot Springs and hot spring cooking (about 1 hour)
2:30 pm Return to Taipei city
(This is a suggested itinerary; stop times can be adjusted to your needs.)
Charter pickup/drop-off area
Taipei City: Zhongzheng, Datong, Zhongshan, Songshan, Da'an, Wanhua, Xinyi, Neihu, Nangang, Wenshan (excluding mountain areas), Shilin (excluding mountain areas), Beitou (excluding Yangmingshan)
New Taipei City: Banqiao, Yonghe, Zhonghe, Tucheng, Sanxia (excluding mountain areas), Shulin, Yingge, Sanchong, Xinzhuang, Taishan, Linkou, Luzhou, Wugu, Bali, and the area around the Xindian Interchange
Yilan: downtown areas around Jiaoxi and Yilan train stations
Attractions
- Taipingshan Villa
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area covers a wide area, including Tuchang, Renze, Zhongjian, Lantai, Bailing, Shangping, Taipingshan, Cueifong Lake, Sandie Falls and Duli Mountain. In maple season, the red maples lining the central stairway glow fiery red in the sunlight like a painting, and walking up the steps feels like passing through a tunnel of red leaves. In winter you may even see snow. The changing scenery through the seasons is why Taipingshan is a must-visit. - Taipingshan Bong Bong Train
The Bong Bong Train created Taiwan's modern sightseeing trolley culture while preserving the heritage of forestry machinery. Its open, windowless carriages carry you through forest and across iron bridges, breathing in the scent of the trees, for the most distinctive experience at Taipingshan.
* Because of damage along the line from Typhoon Gaemi, only part of the route has reopened for safety reasons; full service is expected to resume early next year. Other attractions in the park are not affected. Current route and fares:
- The route is shortened from 2.6 km to a 1 km section, turning back at the 1 km point (passengers stay on board); the round trip takes about 20 minutes.
- The fare is temporarily NT$80 for all ticket types (normally NT$180 full fare and NT$120 concession).
- The first train still departs at 7:30 am, and the last train is extended from 2:30 pm (3:30 pm in summer) to 4:00 pm. Trains leave every hour and half hour (81 seats each), 18 runs a day, with on-site ticket sales starting at 7:00 am as usual.
* If you wish to ride, go on your own: Bong Bong Train tickets are round-trip, sold in limited numbers each day and on-site only (no advance booking). Please queue at the ticket office yourself. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to drive and walk from the park entrance ticket booth to the Bong Bong Train ticket office.
* Bong Bong Train service: round trip from Taipingshan Station to Maoxing Station (3 km), departing every half hour between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm daily.
Maintenance days: the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month; the train does not run on these days (if a national holiday falls on a maintenance day, maintenance moves to the next day).
Q4 2025: October 14, 28; November 11, 25; December 9, 23
Q1 2026: January 13, 27; February 10, 24; March 10, 24
Q2 2026: April 14, 28; May 12, 26; June 9, 23
Q3 2026: July 14, 28; August 11, 25; September 8, 22
Q4 2026: October 13, 27; November 10, 24; December 8, 22
Maintenance days and timetables are subject to the official website and on-site announcements. - Jianqing Historic Trail
The only trail in Taiwan selected as one of the world's 28 most beautiful trails, this former Taipingshan forest railway is now a stunning walking path. Its signature feature is the moss-covered old railway track; with mist drifting in from time to time, it looks like a fairyland. - Jiuzhize Hot Springs
The newly completed egg-boiling area has two egg-boiling pools decorated with playful Ota tree frog sculptures, plus a new giant elephant's ear pavilion and public restrooms for a more comfortable visit. Bring your own ingredients or buy eggs, corn and more at the service center. The Jiuzhize Nature Trail next to it offers fresh mountain air and lovely scenery, ideal for a family outing. - Cueifong Lake Trail (available on charter tours)
Cueifong Lake at Taipingshan is the largest alpine lake in Taiwan and the highest lake in Yilan. Fed by rainwater from the Taipingshan mountains, it is surrounded by green peaks. Because the narrow mountain road makes it hard to reach, it feels like a hidden gem, and a walk around the lake trail is refreshing and beautiful. - Taiwan Beech Trail
The Taiwan Beech Trail is 3.8 km one way, returning on the same route; the golden beech forest can be seen between 3.4 km and 3.8 km. Best viewing period: mid-October to mid-November in past years, though leaf conditions vary with the weather. Updates on leaf color and leaf fall are posted on the Taipingshan Facebook page.
FAQ
Q1: Can I ride the Bong Bong Train at my own expense?
A: Tickets cannot be booked in advance. All tickets for the day go on sale at 7:00 am and are sold on-site only in limited numbers. We suggest coordinating timing with the service staff on the day before deciding whether to buy a ticket.
Q2: Is there anywhere to buy food on the mountain?
A: The ground floor of Taipingshan Villa has a small shop and a café with a simple, pricier selection. You may also buy lunch beforehand and bring it up the mountain.
Q3: If I add a soak at Jiuzhize Hot Springs, will the staff wait for me?
A: Because of the shared-tour schedule and the crowds at the hot springs, please ask the service staff on the day whether there is enough time for a soak.
Q4: Can I bring a suitcase on this tour?
A: Space in the vehicle is limited, so please travel light. Leave us a message if you have special needs.
Trail along the tunnel of lush foliage in Taipingshan
Dazzled by the autumnal colors of Taipingshan during maple season
Get lost in the misty Taiwan Beech Trail
Ride the historic Bonb Bong Train through the winding mountain trail and inhale the natural aroma through the train's distinctive open-carriage structure
Visit in winter to witness Taipingshan covered in glistening snow
See Jianqing Historic Trail in Taipingshan, one of the most scenic trails dubbed the first "Quiet Trail" by CNN
Jianqing Historic Trail when it snows
Bring your own ingredients to cook in the hot springs!
Buy an egg or corn on-site and boil them at Jiuzhize Hot Springs' brand-new volcanic cone
Take a gulp of a bowl of hearty Aiyu jelly (image source: Feng Sheng Aiyu)
Purchase Notice
- This is a shared tour: you will travel in a shared vehicle with other travelers.
- For the safety of each traveler and the interests of others in the group, travelers aged 70 and over, travelers with limited mobility, or travelers whose health makes the trip less suitable may join only if accompanied by family or friends. Thank you for your understanding.
- The route or time spent at each stop may be adjusted due to traffic congestion, facility maintenance or similar circumstances.
- Please arrive on time at each meeting point. No refund will be given if you cannot continue the tour because of lateness or other personal reasons.
- For charter tours, check that your pickup and drop-off locations are within the service area; locations outside the area incur an extra charge.
- Natural scenery depends on the weather. No refund will be given if you are unable to see it for this reason. Thank you for your understanding.
- For Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area admission fees, see the official Taipingshan website.
- Services and the itinerary will be adjusted on a rolling basis in line with government regulations.
- In the event of snow, the road to Taipingshan is placed under traffic control and the tour can only run with 9-seater vehicles. KKday will assess the weather and contact travelers in advance. If it snows on the day and the tour runs as usual, snow chains must be fitted at the foot of the mountain, and the cost (about NT$3,000–4,000 per vehicle) will be shared by the travelers on that day.
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
After your booking is confirmed and the tour is confirmed to depart, your voucher will be updated by 7:00 pm the day before departure and resent to your email, with the tour details included in the voucher. Please check it and keep your phone reachable.
This is a shared tour. The vehicle type is assigned by group size, and seating is first come, first served; seats cannot be reserved in advance. Thank you for your understanding.
If the number of participants for the English/Japanese service is fewer than 6, the service will be changed to Chinese. Customer service will notify travelers one day before departure and refund the language fee difference — NT$ 300 per person for English and NT$ 700 per person for Japanese. Please note this before booking.
A small vehicle is guaranteed on the day, and no separate tour guide is arranged. Because the drive is long, the service staff mainly provide commentary on board. Some driver-guides may use translation apps to communicate with travelers. KKday will not issue refunds for this, so please take note before booking.
If arrival times are affected by traffic congestion or crowds, riding the Bong Bong Train or soaking at Jiuzhize Hot Springs cannot be guaranteed on this tour. Please book only if you accept this.
Taipingshan looks very different in each season. Natural scenery depends on the weather, which is a force majeure factor. Thank you for your understanding.
Mountain weather changes quickly. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and waterproof, non-slip hiking shoes (rain is fairly likely on the mountain and uneven paths can be slippery). You may also want to bring trekking poles, rain gear, sun protection and insect repellent.
The Taipingshan route has many mountain roads. You may take motion sickness medicine if needed; please bring your own and take it 60 minutes before boarding.
Scenery is a gift of nature and cannot be predicted with 100% accuracy. Please assess conditions yourself before booking. Refund requests due to poor viewing conditions will not be accepted.
The time spent at each stop and the driving times in the itinerary are for reference only. The order may be adjusted or changed due to actual traffic or crowds without prior notice.
Departure shuttle times may vary depending on traffic conditions. Please make sure to check messages from the service staff beforehand, and feel free to contact them on the day of your trip.
FAQ
1. What is the best season to visit Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area?
Taipingshan offers unique charm in every season. Spring (March-May) is ideal for viewing cherry blossoms and azaleas, with a high chance of seeing sea of clouds. Summer (June-August) is pleasantly cool, making it a great escape from the heat, with lush greenery. Autumn (September-November) is the prime time to admire red maple leaves and Taiwan Beeches. In winter (December-February), you might witness a snow-covered wonderland and captivating rime ice formations. We recommend choosing a season based on the scenery you wish to experience.
2. Besides driving, what are the recommended transportation options to Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area?
If you're not driving, consider joining a day tour that includes transportation. For example, chartered car services departing from Taipei city or Yilan Train Station can save you the hassle of transferring between public transport and take you directly to major attractions like Taipingshan Villa, Jianqing Huai Gu Trail, and Jiuzheze Hot Springs. These options usually come with friendly staff, making your journey more comfortable and convenient for a deep immersion into the mountain beauty.
3. How would you plan a day trip including Taipingshan Villa, Jianqing Huai Gu Trail, and Jiuzheze Hot Springs?
For a day trip, it's recommended to first visit Taipingshan Villa to admire its surrounding scenery. Afterwards, take a stroll along the Jianqing Huai Gu Trail, hailed as one of the most beautiful trails globally, and experience the blend of railway remnants and the forest. In the afternoon, head to Jiuzheze Hot Springs to enjoy natural hot spring baths or try the fun of cooking with hot spring water. This itinerary allows you to fully experience the diverse charm of Taipingshan, balancing natural landscapes, cultural history, and relaxation.
4. What dining and rest facilities are available around Taipingshan Villa?
Taipingshan Villa is the main rest stop in Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. The surrounding area has restaurants offering Chinese cuisine for visitors' convenience. There's also a convenience store where you can purchase souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and basic supplies. Accommodation is also available within the villa, but day trip itineraries do not include overnight stays. Visitors can take a break here, replenish their energy, and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.
5. What are the unique features of the Taipingshan Bengbeng train ride experience?
The Taipingshan Bengbeng train was originally a forest railway for transporting timber and has now been repurposed for tourism. Riding the Bengbeng train is a unique way to experience Taipingshan's forestry history. Along the way, you'll travel through dense forests, feel the gentle mountain breeze, and admire the natural scenery of the primeval forest. The 'beng beng' sound the train makes as it travels is the origin of its name and adds a touch of fun to the journey. This experience allows you to delve deeper into Taipingshan's ecology and human history.
6. What are the distinct features of Jianqing Huai Gu Trail and Jiuzheze Hot Springs respectively?
The Jianqing Huai Gu Trail is renowned for its unique nostalgic atmosphere and natural scenery, once recognized as one of the most beautiful trails in the world. The trail preserves remnants of old forest railways, such as tracks and cart wheels, combined with the misty mountain landscape, creating a picturesque and poetic ambiance. Jiuzheze Hot Springs, on the other hand, is famous for its natural sodium bicarbonate springs, whose waters have a distinctive light blue hue and are known for their skin-softening properties. This location also features an egg-boiling pool, allowing visitors to experience cooking with hot spring water and enjoy a different kind of hot spring pleasure.
7. What are the booking methods and meeting points for a Taipingshan day trip itinerary?
To book a Taipingshan day trip, you can do so through the KKday platform, which offers convenient shuttle services, allowing you to explore Taipingshan without having to plan your own transportation. Meeting points typically include locations like Taipei Main Station or Yilan Train Station, allowing you to choose a suitable boarding point based on your needs. We recommend booking in advance to ensure a smooth participation in the tour and enjoy a comfortable and attentive travel experience.
8. Besides the Bengbeng train, what other characteristic landscapes and activities are worth experiencing in Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area?
In addition to the Bengbeng train, Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area offers a variety of other characteristic landscapes and activities. You can explore 'Cuifeng Lake', which is Taiwan's largest high-mountain lake, with a pleasant walking trail around it. Or visit the 'Taipingshan Primeval Forest Park' to experience the grandeur of the giant tree area. Furthermore, the park boasts rich biodiversity, ideal for bird and plant observation, and may host special ecological guided tours in different seasons.
