Taoyuan Valley Trail｜A Stunning Ridge Where Mountains Meet the Sea, A Hidden Paradise in Northern Taiwan

📍 Location At the border of Gongliao District, New Taipei City, and Toucheng Township, Yilan County 📞 Contact Number 03-978-0727 (Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration) 🕒 Opening Hours Open year-round 🎟️ Admission Free entry ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • By car: It is recommended to navigate to "Taoyuan Valley Trail Neiliao Route (Xiao Family Village)," which is the shortest and most accessible trailhead. Parking spaces are available nearby. • By public transport: Take the Taiwan Railways to Gongliao Station, then transfer to New Taipei City Bus F832 or F833 and get off at "Neiliao Neikeng (Taoyuan Valley)" stop. From there, it's about a 3-minute walk to the Neiliao trailhead. Note that these shuttle buses operate only on weekdays and have no service on weekends, so it's advisable to check the schedule in advance. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Taoyuan Valley is located at the border of Gongliao District, New Taipei City, and Toucheng Township, Yilan County, forming part of the tail ridge of the Snow Mountain Range. This area features expansive grasslands stretching for several kilometers, perched at an altitude of about 500 meters. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Guishan Island, the scenery is breathtaking, earning it the title of a hidden paradise in northern Taiwan. The trail offers four main routes: • Neiliao Route: A 1-kilometer one-way trail that takes about 30 minutes to reach the vast grasslands of Taoyuan Valley. The path is gentle and suitable for family outings. • Caoling Route: A 4.5-kilometer one-way trail connected to the Caoling Historic Trail, ideal for long-distance hiking enthusiasts. • Daxi Route: A 5-kilometer one-way trail that involves climbing nearly 3,000 stone steps, requiring a certain level of physical fitness. • Shiguanyin Route: A 3.5-kilometer one-way trail with steeper terrain, suitable for experienced hikers. It is recommended to choose a route based on your physical condition and available time. During the autumn and winter seasons, the grasslands of Taoyuan Valley are adorned with silvergrass swaying in the wind, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the blue ocean. Additionally, the trail is equipped with pavilions and viewing platforms for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery.