Day Hike Teapot Mountain Peak Trail in Taiwan
While searching for things to do around Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, I stumbled upon the Teapot Mountain Trail.
Picture this: greenest of green mountains, hiking (always a good idea), and stunning views.
Okay, say no more. Let’s go.
Let me tell you, it was love at first hike. The experience was nothing short of magical, and this activity quickly rose to the top of my Taiwan adventure list. What’s even better? For the most part, I had the trail all to myself! Whether it was the timing, I’m not sure. But one thing is: this hike is perfect if you want to do an easy to moderate day hike.
So, join me as I relive it and add the Teapot Mountain Trail to your Taiwan bucket list. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
General Info Teapot Mountain Hiking Trail
Teapot Mountain, also known as Wu Er Cha Hu Shan, stands tall at 599 meters and resembles a kettle without a handle from various vantage points.
The trail forms a scenic loop:
Distance: 4.5 km
Elevation gain: about 500 m
Hiking level: moderate, some roped sections
Average time: around 5 hours
If you’re short on time (like me) or energy, reaching the Teapot peak is already rewarding. Even if you opt for this shorter trek, you’ll still have some incredible views along the way. Heading up and down without completing the full loop takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Before You Start Hiking
It’s a privilege to wander; we must always protect such beautiful places. Remember to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace when you’re out hiking:
Plan ahead: Think about your trip before you go. Know the rules, prepare for the weather, and ensure you have all the gear you need (good hiking shoes, protective clothing, sunscreen, etc.)
Stay on the trail: Stick to the marked paths and avoid damaging the environment.
Pack out what you bring: Take your trash and belongings when you leave. Leave nothing but footprints.
Properly dispose of waste.
Leave areas as you find them: Preserve nature by not disturbing flora and fauna.
Be considerate of other hikers and respect their space.
Do not approach or feed wildlife.
Where is the Teapot Mountain Trail?
The Teapot Mountain Trail is located in northern Taiwan in the Jiufen district, on the eastern side of Taipei. Jiufen serves as the gateway to all sorts of hiking adventures. This trail is just a short distance from the town. The location is easily accessible and perfect for a day trip for travelers looking to escape the busy city life and immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.
How to Get There?
There are several easy ways to get to the start of the Teapot Mountain Trail.
If you’re staying in Taipei, hop on the Keelung bus 1062 from Exit 2 of MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. This scenic bus ride takes around 1.5 hours and departs every 30 minutes. Once you reach the last stop, Quanji Temple, you'll be right next to the trailhead.
Alternatively, if you’re coming from Keelung Train Station, catch bus 788 and get off at Jingguashi Gold Ecological Museum. From Ruifang Train Station, bus 856 will take you to the same stop.
For those driving, there’s a parking lot on the hill above the Gold Museum entrance, offering free parking for visitors.
Finding the Two Mountain Trailheads
You have two starting points to start your hike. First up is Quanji Temple, where you’ll spot signs leading to the parking lot. From there, soak in the wonderful views of the Yingyang Sea before following the stairs to the trailhead of Teapot Mountain.
Another way is to visit the Gold Museum and head toward the back to find the trailhead. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to Teapot Mountain. The trail itself is pretty straightforward—just be prepared for a lot of stairs!
Hiking the Trail
Alright, get ready for an exciting journey! The adventure starts with a stone and gravel path that transforms into a long staircase.
Tip: As you hike, you’ll find some refreshing shade to keep you cool. However, beyond that part in the beginning, expect most of the trail to be exposed to the sun. It’s essential that you cover up and consider bringing sunscreen to protect yourself.
Once you conquer the stairs, follow the paved road to reach a cute pavilion. You’ll get a first glimpse of Taiwan’s stunning northern coastline. Take a moment to soak it all in before continuing along the road for about 10 minutes until you reach another trailhead.
Keep an eye out for an English sign guiding you uphill via a dirt and gravel trail.
And brace yourself.
More stone staircases coming your way as you ascend towards the peak.
Just before the final climb, there’s another pavilion with awe-inspiring views of the entire region. At this point, you’re already quite high, and on a clear day, you can see so much around you. The sea and the green mountains are incredible—and so peaceful!
As you approach the peak, you’ll notice the landscape transition from green, with the peak standing out as a rocky outcrop. Prepare for a bit of a challenge, as there are two routes to choose from: climbing into the pile of rocks or bypassing it. If you climb inside, it is a fun experience; take it slow and watch where you place your feet. Always check the safety ropes to make sure you don’t fall.
Emerging from the cave, you’ll find yourself on the big rocks at the summit of Teapot Mountain! Take a well-deserved break, soak in the scenery, and simply enjoy the moment.
From Teapot Mountain to Jiufen
Once you’ve conquered the hike, it’s time to head back. But wait. Before hopping on the Taipei bus, I highly recommend swinging by Jiufen on your way back. This mountain village is nestled close to Teapot Mountain and absolutely charming.
Also, I had the best dumplings ever here. Just saying.
Jiufen gained worldwide popularity because it resembles the village in the anime Spirited Away. Although it’s never been officially confirmed if it inspired Miyazaki’s movie, fans from all over the world come to visit for the ambiance, narrow streets, and red lanterns. As a Spirited Away fan myself, I couldn’t resist stopping by Jiufen Old Street.
Not to mention the local garbage trucks that play a funny robotic version of Beethoven’s Für Elise.
Take the same bus you took upon arriving, bus 1062, and exit at Jiufen Old Street Station. Check the bus 1062 timetable for the last departure, and make sure not to miss this town.
From Jiufen Back to Taipei
Thanks to excellent transportation, getting back to Taipei from Jiufen is pretty easy. Head back to the 1062 bus stop using the same route you arrived at.
If, by chance, you miss the last bus, don’t worry. There are plenty of taxis to take you back. As always, check the timetable for the last departure time to avoid getting stuck in Jiufen.
But being stranded in this charming town isn’t the end of the world!
Final Thoughts
Exploring Taiwan offers so many unforgettable experiences. From mountain trails like this one to some stunning coastal spots, this relatively small island has diverse landscapes that will impress you.
Beyond the trails, Taiwan’s cities like Taipei, Hualien, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi are vibrant hubs of culture and great food—oooh, the food! Bustling night markets and wonderful historical sites await exploration.
Without a doubt, Taiwan will leave a lasting impression—it definitely left a hell of a good one on me.