Top 10 Best Running Routes in Taipei City: From Riverside to Mountain Trails

Taipei is one of the best cities in Asia for running, offering dozens of kilometers of riverside paths, tree-lined parks in the city center, and easily accessible mountain trails on its outskirts, providing a diverse range of running experiences. This article highlights ten routes, from flat riverside paths to challenging mountain trails, catering to runners of all levels.

Riverside Routes

1. Dadaocheng Wharf → Shezidao Loop

• Distance: About 15 km (loop)
• Terrain: Entirely flat, paved road
• Elevation Change: Almost none (5-10 meters)
• Aid Stations: Convenience stores and vendors at Dadaocheng Wharf; fewer options along the Shezidao section
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Separated bike/running lanes, but some sections have insufficient lighting)
• Best For: Long-distance training, LSD (Long Slow Distance) runs

This route circles Shezidao at the confluence of the Keelung River and the Tamsui River, offering open views. At dawn, you can see the sunrise reflecting on the river’s surface, and in the evening, a spectacular sunset. The flat surface is great for pace training, but be aware of wind direction — headwinds along the river can sometimes be strong.

2. Guting Riverside Park → Huazhong Riverside Park

• Distance: About 8 km (round trip)
• Terrain: Entirely flat, mixed surface (asphalt + brick paving)
• Elevation Change: No more than 5 meters
• Aid Stations: Water fountains and vending machines at the Guting end and under Huazhong Bridge
• Safety: ★★★★★ (Fully lit, emergency call buttons)
• Best For: Daily training runs, speed training

A convenient route just a short walk from Guting MRT Station, with a wide, flat riverside bike path ideal for interval training. Distance markers along the way make pace calculation easy.

3. Rainbow Riverside Park → Meiti Riverside Park

• Distance: About 10 km (one way)
• Terrain: Mostly flat, primarily paved road
• Elevation Change: No more than 5 meters
• Aid Stations: Water fountains every 2-3 km, abundant options near Raohe Night Market
• Safety: ★★★★★ (Fully lit, high foot traffic)
• Best For: Mid-distance runs, running club group training

The Songshan section along the Keelung River is one of Taipei’s most popular running routes, busy with runners in the evenings and on weekends. The route offers beautiful riverside scenery, passing landmarks like Rainbow Bridge and MacArthur Bridge. The surface is well-maintained, suitable for runners of all paces.

4. Dajia Riverside Park

• Distance: About 5 km (loop)
• Terrain: Entirely flat
• Elevation Change: None
• Aid Stations: Water fountains and vending machines in the park, vendors on weekends
• Safety: ★★★★★ (One of the safest running venues)
• Best For: Beginner runners, family running, group training

Dajia Riverside Park is the most commonly used venue for Taipei road races, with clear distance markers on the ground. The open views offer sights of the Grand Hotel and Dazhi Bridge in the distance, and the environment is clean and pleasant.

Park and Urban Routes

5. Daan Forest Park

• Distance: About 2.2 km (one outer loop)
• Terrain: Flat, sidewalk + dirt track
• Elevation Change: None
• Aid Stations: Convenience stores at all four corners of the park
• Safety: ★★★★★ (Well-lit, many runners)
• Best For: Daily easy runs, recovery runs

The most convenient running venue in the city center, directly accessible from Daan Park MRT Station. The outer loop has a paved surface, while the inner loop has a dirt track that’s easier on the joints. The downside is heavier foot traffic on weekends, so watch out for pedestrians.

6. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall → Presidential Office Area

• Distance: About 4 km (loop)
• Terrain: Flat, sidewalk
• Elevation Change: None
• Aid Stations: Dense convenience stores along the route
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Some sections require waiting at traffic lights)
• Best For: Sightseeing runs, morning jogs

This route passes through historic landmarks in central Taipei, perfect for enjoying the architecture while running. The downside is the number of traffic lights, which isn’t ideal for continuous pace training. It’s recommended to head out before 6 a.m. when traffic and pedestrians are light.

Mountain Trail Routes

7. Elephant Mountain Trail (Round Trip)

• Distance: About 4 km (including ascent and descent)
• Terrain: Stone steps + dirt mountain trail
• Elevation Change: About 180 meters (highest point at 183 meters elevation)
• Aid Stations: Ample options in the Xinyi District shopping area at the foot of the mountain
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Well-maintained trail, but be careful when stone steps are wet)
• Best For: Trail running beginners, strength training

The most convenient mountain trail running route next to Taipei 101, starting from the Elephant Mountain trailhead, passing the Six Giant Rocks viewing platform to the summit, then returning the same way or connecting to Thumb Mountain. The stone steps are excellent strength training for the legs. The summit offers panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city.

Elevation Profile: The trailhead is at about 30 meters; the first 800 meters climb rapidly via dense stone steps to about 150 meters at the Six Giant Rocks viewing platform, then continues on a gentle dirt path to the 183-meter summit.

8. Yangmingshan Zhuzihu Loop

• Distance: About 8 km
• Terrain: Farm road + mountain trail
• Elevation Change: About 350 meters
• Aid Stations: Restaurants and small shops in Zhuzihu
• Safety: ★★★☆☆ (Some sections shared with vehicle traffic)
• Best For: Trail running training, hill running

Starting from the Zhuzihu Police Station, this route loops around Zhuzihu. The scenery is picturesque during calla lily season, but that’s also when it’s most crowded. It’s recommended to visit on weekday mornings. The elevation gain is moderate, making it great training for mountain road running.

9. Maokong Camphor Trail Loop

• Distance: About 6 km
• Terrain: Stone-paved path + dirt trail + farm road
• Elevation Change: About 250 meters
• Aid Stations: Tea houses and small shops at Maokong Gondola Station
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Well-maintained trail)
• Best For: Easy trail running, weekend long runs

Starting from Maokong Gondola Station, this loop follows the Camphor Trail, passing tea gardens and pastoral scenery. The surface is mostly stone paving and dirt, with moderate gradient. You can take the gondola up and run down to reduce the climbing burden.

10. Jiantan Mountain Nature Trail

• Distance: About 5 km
• Terrain: Stone steps + dirt mountain trail
• Elevation Change: About 130 meters
• Aid Stations: Around Jiantan MRT Station, Shilin Night Market
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Well-maintained trail, popular)
• Best For: Short-distance trail running, mountain trail running for beginners

A nature trail right next to Jiantan MRT Station, offering views of planes taking off and landing at Songshan Airport and scenery along the Keelung River. The trail is well-maintained, making it an excellent choice for a quick mountain trail workout before or after commuting. The view from the old lookout platform is among the best in Taipei.

Route Selection Recommendations

Safety and Etiquette Reminders

1. Reflective gear is a must for night runs: Some riverside sections have insufficient lighting
2. Watch for bike lane separation: Please run in the running lane, don’t occupy the bike lane
3. Watch the weather on mountain trails: Stone steps become slippery when wet — wear trail running shoes with good grip
4. Bring your phone and water: Especially on mountain trail routes, to ensure you can stay in contact
5. Respect other trail users: Call out when passing to avoid collisions

Taipei’s running routes are so diverse that whether you’re a speed-focused competitive runner or a leisure jogger who enjoys the scenery, you’ll find the best route for you.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Taipei’s Cycling Network: Riverside Routes and Bike Lanes
• Recommended Taipei City Jogging Routes: From Daan Forest Park to Riverside Parks
• Complete Guide to Taipei Riverside Bike Paths: The Traffic-Light-Free Trek Along the Tamsui and Keelung Rivers
• Complete 50km Taipei Riverside Bike Path Guide: An In-Depth Tour of the Urban Green Corridor