Running Tourism: Exploring Taiwan’s Cities on Foot

The combination of travel and running has given rise to “Run Tourism,” an emerging form of travel. Using your feet instead of transportation and exploring a city from a runner’s perspective, you’ll discover countless corners you’d never see from behind a car window. Taiwan, a small yet beautiful island, is perfectly suited for running tourism.

What Is Running Tourism

The core concept of running tourism is: while traveling, plan a running route that both fulfills your daily training and allows for in-depth exploration of your destination. It doesn’t require a specific race as the goal—just a pair of running shoes and a route plan.

According to a 2023 travel trends report, more than 15% of travelers worldwide incorporate running activities into their trips, and this figure is even higher in Taiwan, estimated at 20–25%.

Recommended Running Routes in Six Taiwanese Cities

1. Taipei: The Complete Stage for Urban Runners

Recommended Route: Daan Forest Park → Ren’ai Road → Xinyi Road → Songshan Cultural Park → Keelung River Riverside (approx. 12 km)

Highlight Attractions: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Songshan Cultural Park, near Raohe Night Market

Best Time: 6–8 AM or 6–8 PM

2. Tainan: A Run Through Time in the Historic Capital

Recommended Route: Chihkan Tower → Confucius Temple Cultural Park → Anping Old Fort → Along the Canal → Eternal Golden Castle (approx. 15 km)

Highlight Attractions: Over 20 temples, historical buildings from various eras, traditional markets

Best Time: 5:30–7:30 AM, when the scenery around sunrise is most beautiful

3. Taichung: The Blend of Art Museum and Greenways

Recommended Route: Taichung Park → Calligraphy Greenway → Taichung City Art Museum → Jingcheng Road → National Chung Hsing University Affiliated High School (approx. 10 km)

Highlight Attractions: Sun Moon Lake, the exterior of National Taichung Theater, around Rainbow Village

Best Time: 5–7 PM, when the Calligraphy Greenway offers stunning dusk views

4. Kaohsiung: A Run Through the Industrial Aesthetics of the Harbor City

Recommended Route: Pier-2 Art Center → Love River → Lotus Pond → Kaohsiung Harbor Lookout (approx. 12 km)

Highlight Attractions: Cargo ship views at Kaohsiung Harbor, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the hill of the British Consulate

Best Time: Early morning or after sunset, when the Love River nightscape is enchanting

5. Hualien: Between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range

Recommended Route: Beside Hualien Harbor → Seaside Park → Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park → Hualien City Center (approx. 8 km)

Highlight Attractions: Pacific coastline, Qixingtan pebble beach (can be extended)

Best Time: Early morning, when the Pacific sunrise is spectacular

6. Yilan: A Run Through the Fields of an Agricultural Town

Recommended Route: Luodong Sports Park → Zhongshan Park → Yilan City Center → Dongshan River Water Park (approx. 10 km)

Highlight Attractions: Lanyang River views, scenery near the National Center for Traditional Arts

Best Time: Early morning, when Yilan’s morning mist makes the views dreamlike

Practical Preparation for Running Tourism

Lightweight Gear

The key to travel running is keeping things light. Recommendations:

• Running Shoes: Bring only one pair; choose versatile shoes that balance comfort and durability
• Running Apparel: Quick-dry fabrics, rotate 2–3 sets
• Waist Pack or Armband: For your phone, energy gels, and keys
• Collapsible Water Bottle: Convenient for hydration without taking up luggage space

Route Planning

• Use Strava’s Route feature or Google Maps to preview routes
• Refer to route suggestions from local running communities (Facebook running groups for each city)
• Confirm hydration points along the route in advance (convenience stores, water fountains)

Safety Considerations

• Carry local emergency contact information
• Inform your travel companions or hotel of your route and expected return time
• Slow down when running in unfamiliar cities, and observe your surroundings as you go

What You Gain from Running Tourism

“Exploring a city by running shows you ten times more than taking a taxi. You’ll discover those old noodle shops tucked away in alleys, grandmothers airing quilts in temple squares, or elderly men practicing tai chi in the corner of a park—this is the real face of Taiwan.” — A Taiwanese running tourism enthusiast

Running tourism adds a story to every journey.

Related Reading

• Running Tourism: City Travel with Racing as the Goal
• Running Tourism: A Marathon Map Across All Taiwanese Counties and Cities
• Combining Running with Travel: Planning Trips to Join Local Races on Business Trips
• Combining Running with Commuting: The Taiwanese Practice of Run Commuting