Jianqing Historic Trail: One of the World's Most Beautiful Trails

The Jianqing Historic Trail has been recognized by CNN as one of the 28 most beautiful trails in the world, and it truly lives up to its reputation! Walking along the moss-covered old railway tracks, surrounded by mist and towering trees, feels like stepping into an enchanted forest. Every corner is as picturesque as a painting. 🌫️🌿

One thing to note is that the trail often gets foggy, which adds a mysterious charm but also makes the path slippery. Be cautious while walking, especially if you're traveling with elderly or young children. Additionally, the trail is at a higher altitude, so temperatures can be quite low—remember to dress warmly! 🥶

🏞️【 Atmosphere/Facilities 】
The trail is very gentle overall, taking about an hour or so for a round trip, making it perfect for a family stroll. Along the way, you can see abandoned railway tracks, wooden trestle bridges, and winding paths through the forest, all remnants of the old Jianqing Logging Railway. Walking here, you can imagine the trains weaving through the woods back in the day, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere. 🚂

Midway through the trail, there are two suspension bridges that sway slightly as you walk across. Combined with the surrounding mist, it’s both thrilling and fun! These spots are also fantastic for taking photos. 📸

🚗【 Parking Information 】
1. Parking Lot: There is a parking lot near the entrance of the Jianqing Historic Trail, but it has very limited space, accommodating only about 10-12 cars. There’s also a designated parking area further away, but it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the trail entrance, which can be quite far.

2. Roadside Parking: If the parking lot is full, you’ll need to find white-line roadside parking along the Yilan County Route 1 (Taipingshan Highway). On busy weekends, you might have to park as far as 500 meters or more from the entrance and walk over.

3. Shuttle Service: Due to the limited parking, the authorities occasionally provide shuttle services from Taipingshan Villa, but this is not a regular service. It’s recommended to check official information before heading out.

⚠️ Tips: It’s highly recommended to visit on weekdays or head up early in the morning on weekends to secure a precious parking spot! Otherwise, parking and walking could take up a lot of time and energy.

🕰️ Opening Hours:
The trail is open 24/7, but for safety reasons, it’s best to leave before dark as it gets colder later in the day. 😅
The trail entrance is located at around the 22.3-kilometer mark on the Taipingshan Highway (Yilan County Route 1). Due to the limited parking, you might also consider staying at Taipingshan Villa to avoid parking hassles.

Post by lauyi_travel | Oct 10, 2025