Trail Moments📸

A day exploring Jiaoxi, Yilan 🌿

When people think of Jiaoxi, they usually picture hot springs, but honestly, there’s so much more to see. I spent a day there recently, and it turned out to be one of my favorite little adventures.

My main goal was to hike Matcha Mountain, and let me tell you, the name fits! everything’s so green it really looks like matcha powder everywhere. The trail starts near the Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi, which is already a beautiful spot on its own. I stopped there first to take a few photos (and catch my breath before even starting 😂). The forest around the entrance felt super calm, like stepping into another world.

Not far from there is Wufengqi Waterfall, and it’s totally worth a detour. The air there is cooler and filled with the sound of rushing water — such a nice break before the hike.

As for the climb… yep, stairs everywhere. It’s not as scary as it looks, but it definitely gets your legs working fast. I had to stop a few times, but honestly, every rest stop came with such pretty views that I didn’t even mind. Even if you don’t make it to the peak, the trail itself feels rewarding. fresh air, green hills, and that peaceful vibe that makes you forget about your phone for a while.

If you’re planning to go:
– Bring plenty of water and wear comfy shoes — the stairs get real after a while.
– Go on a sunny day if you can. the views (and your photos) will look so much better.

I’m already thinking about coming back one day to reach the top. It’s one of those trails that makes you want to try again, just to see what’s waiting beyond the next turn. 🌿✨

Post by bongjih | Oct 30, 2025