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

Taipei is one of the best cities for running in Asia. With dozens of kilometers of riverside bike paths, tree-lined parks in the city center, and easily accessible suburban mountain trails, it offers a diverse range of running experiences. This article selects ten routes, from flat riverside paths to challenging mountain trails, to meet the needs of all types of runners.

Riverside Routes

1. Dadaocheng Wharf → Shezi Island Loop

Distance: Approximately 15 km (loop)
Terrain: Entirely flat, asphalt surface
Elevation Gain: Nearly zero (5-10 meters)
Aid Stations: Convenience stores and vendors at Dadaocheng Wharf; fewer options on the Shezi Island section
Safety: ★★★★☆ (Separated lanes, but some sections have insufficient lighting)
Best For: Long-distance training, LSD workouts

This route loops around Shezi Island at the confluence of the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers, offering expansive views. In the early morning, you can see the sunrise reflecting on the river, while the evening brings spectacular sunsets. The flat surface is ideal for pace practice, but be mindful of the wind—there can be strong headwinds along certain river sections.

2. Guting Riverside Park → Huazhong Riverside Park

Distance: Approximately 8 km (out and back)
Terrain: Entirely flat, mixed surface (asphalt + red brick path)
Elevation Gain: No more than 5 meters
Aid Stations: Water fountains and vending machines at the Guting end and under Huazhong Bridge
Safety: ★★★★★ (Full lighting, emergency call buttons)
Best For: Daily training, speed work

A convenient route within walking distance of Guting MRT Station. The wide, flat riverside bike path is well-suited for interval training. Distance markers along the way make it easy to track your pace.

3. Rainbow Riverside Park → Meiti Riverside Park

Distance: Approximately 10 km (one way)
Terrain: Entirely flat, primarily asphalt surface
Elevation Gain: No more than 5 meters
Aid Stations: Water fountains every 2-3 km; abundant options at the Raohe Night Market end
Safety: ★★★★★ (Full lighting, more crowded)
Best For: Mid-distance training, group runs

The Keelung River section in Songshan is one of Taipei’s most popular running routes, bustling with runners in the evening and on weekends. The route features beautiful riverside scenery, passing landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and MacArthur Bridge. The well-maintained surface suits runners of all paces.

4. Dajia Riverside Park

Distance: Approximately 5 km (loop)
Terrain: Entirely flat
Elevation Gain: 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 is the most frequently used venue for road races in Taipei, with clear distance markings on the ground. The open views take in the Grand Hotel and Dazhi Bridge, and the environment is clean and comfortable.

Park and City Routes

5. Daan Forest Park

Distance: Approximately 2.2 km (one outer loop)
Terrain: Flat, sidewalk + dirt track
Elevation Gain: None
Aid Stations: Convenience stores at all four corners of the park
Safety: ★★★★★ (Ample lighting, many runners)
Best For: Daily easy runs, recovery runs

The most convenient running venue in the city center, directly accessible from Daan Forest Park MRT Station. The outer loop is asphalt, while the inner loop has a dirt track that reduces joint impact. The downside is heavy crowds on holidays—watch out for pedestrians.

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

Distance: Approximately 4 km (loop)
Terrain: Flat, sidewalks
Elevation Gain: 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 the heart of Taipei, perfect for enjoying the architecture while running. The downside is the number of traffic lights, which makes continuous pace training difficult. It’s recommended to set off before 6 AM when traffic and pedestrians are sparse.

Mountain Trail Routes

7. Elephant Mountain Trail (Full Out-and-Back)

Distance: Approximately 4 km (including ascent and descent)
Terrain: Stone steps + dirt trail
Elevation Gain: Approximately 180 meters (highest point at 183 meters above sea level)
Aid Stations: Plenty of options in the Xinyi District commercial area at the base
Safety: ★★★★☆ (Well-maintained trail, but caution needed on wet stone steps)
Best For: Trail running beginners, strength training

The most accessible mountain trail route right next to Taipei 101. Starting from the Elephant Mountain trailhead, you pass the Six Giant Rocks viewpoint before reaching the summit, then return the same way or connect to Muzhi Mountain. The stone step sections provide excellent leg strength training. The summit offers panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city.

Elevation Profile: The trailhead is at approximately 30 meters. The first 800 meters climb rapidly via dense stone steps to the Six Giant Rocks viewpoint at about 150 meters, followed by a gentler dirt path continuing to the 183-meter summit.

8. Yangmingshan Zhuzihu Loop

Distance: Approximately 8 km
Terrain: Access roads + mountain trail
Elevation Gain: Approximately 350 meters
Aid Stations: Restaurants and small shops in Zhuzihu
Safety: ★★★☆☆ (Some sections share the road with vehicles)
Best For: Trail running training, hill running

A running route that loops around Zhuzihu, starting from the Zhuzihu Police Station. The scenery is picturesque during calla lily season, but that’s also when crowds peak. It’s recommended to go on weekday mornings. The moderate elevation gain makes it excellent hill-running training.

9. Maokong Zhangshu Trail Loop

Distance: Approximately 6 km
Terrain: Stone slab path + dirt trail + access road
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 meters
Aid Stations: Teahouses 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 route loops along the Zhangshu Trail, passing tea plantations and pastoral scenery. The surface is primarily stone slabs and dirt with moderate grades. You can take the gondola up and run down to reduce the climbing burden.

10. Jiantan Mountain Hiking Trail

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

A hiking trail right next to Jiantan MRT Station, offering views of Songshan Airport plane takeoffs and landings along with the Keelung River. The trail is well-maintained, making it an excellent choice for a quick trail workout before or after commuting. The viewpoint at the “Old Place” (Lao Difang) observation deck has one of the best views in Taipei.

Route Selection Guide

Training Goal	Recommended Route	Reason
LSD long distance	Dadaocheng → Shezi Island	Flat, sufficient distance
Interval training	Guting Riverside	Flat, distance markers available
Recovery run	Daan Forest Park	Convenient, dirt track available
Hill strength	Elephant Mountain Trail	Dense stone steps, efficient in short distance
Trail running intro	Jiantan Mountain	Convenient transportation, well-maintained trail
Half marathon simulation	Rainbow → Meiti out-and-back	Suitable distance, great environment

Safety and Etiquette Reminders

Reflective gear is essential for night running: Some sections of the riverside have insufficient lighting
Respect lane separation: Runners should use the running path and not occupy the bike lane
Watch the weather on mountain trails: Stone steps become slippery in the rain; wear trail shoes with good grip
Carry your phone and water: Especially on mountain routes, ensure communication is available
Respect other users: Announce yourself when passing to avoid collisions

Taipei’s running routes are incredibly diverse. Whether you’re a competitive runner chasing speed or a casual jogger enjoying the scenery, you’ll find the perfect route for yourself.

Top 10 Recommended Running Routes in Taipei: A Complete Guide to Riverside, Trail, and Urban Safe Routes