Tonghou Taiwan: A Complete Guide to the Scenic Mountain Trail

Looking for a quiet hiking escape near Taipei?

Tonghou Taiwan is a peaceful mountain area known for green forests, clear river water, and the famous Tonghou Traversing Trail.

This trail is also known as Tonghouyueling Trail (桶後越嶺步道).

It connects the Wulai area in New Taipei City with the Yilan side of northern Taiwan. The route is loved by hikers because it feels natural, calm, and far from city noise.

Tonghou is not a busy city. It is for people who love trees, rivers, fresh air, and quiet mountain paths.

This guide will explain Tonghou in a simple way. You will learn where it is, what the trail is like, how hard it is, what to pack, how to plan transport, and what to do nearby.

Travel note: Trail access, transport, and conditions can change after storms or typhoons. Always check the official trail page and recent hiking reports before you go.

Quick Facts About Tonghou Taiwan

The official Taiwan Forest Recreation page lists Tonghouyueling Trail as a 7 km linear two-way trail with a primitive mountain trail road condition.

official Tonghouyueling Trail page

Introduction to Tonghou, Taiwan

Tonghou is a scenic mountain area in northern Taiwan. It is often linked with the Tonghou River and the Tonghou Traversing Trail.

The area feels wild and quiet. You can see forest views, river water, rocks, birds, and mountain plants.

It is a great place for people who want a nature trip in Taiwan.

What Is Tonghou?

Tonghou is written as 桶後 in Chinese.

The name is linked to its location behind Datong Mountain. Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency explains that Tonghou means it is located behind Datong, also called “big bucket” mountain.

In travel and hiking, Tonghou usually means the mountain area and trail near Wulai and Yilan.

So when people say “Tonghou Taiwan,” they often mean:

• Tonghou River
• Tonghou Traversing Trail
• Tonghouyueling Trail
• A scenic forest route near Wulai
• A mountain crossing toward Yilan

Why Tonghou Is Popular with Nature Lovers

Tonghou is popular because it feels peaceful.

It is not full of city noise. It is not packed with tall buildings. It is a green place with water, trees, rocks, and fresh air.

Hikers like Tonghou because it gives them a quiet escape from Taipei. The trail area follows mountain scenery and river views.

This makes Tonghou a good choice for:

• Nature lovers
• Hikers
• Photographers
• Slow travelers
• People who want a day trip from Taipei
• People who enjoy rivers and forests

What This Guide Will Cover

This guide will cover:

• Where Tonghou is located
• What the Tonghou Traversing Trail is
• Trail distance and difficulty
• History and meaning of Tonghou
• Things to see on the trail
• How to plan transport
• Best time to visit
• What to pack
• Safety tips
• Nearby places like Wulai and Jiaoxi
• A simple day trip plan

Where Is Tonghou Located in Taiwan?

Tonghou is in northern Taiwan.

The trail area is linked with Wulai District in New Taipei City and the Yilan side near Jiaoxi.

This location is one reason Tonghou is special. It gives travelers a way to move from the Taipei mountain area toward Yilan through forest and river scenery.

Tonghou’s Location Between Wulai and Yilan

Tonghou sits in the mountain area between Wulai and Yilan.

Wulai is in New Taipei City. It is known for hot springs, waterfalls, mountain views, and Atayal Indigenous culture.

Yilan is on the eastern side of northern Taiwan. Jiaoxi, in Yilan County, is also famous for hot springs.

The Tonghou Traversing Trail is often described as a route from the Wulai side toward the Yilan side.

Why the Location Makes Tonghou Special

Tonghou feels special because it sits between two different travel areas.

On one side, you have Wulai.
On the other side, you have Yilan.

Between them, you get forest, river, and mountain paths.

This makes Tonghou feel like a real nature crossing. You are not just walking in a city park. You are moving through a quiet mountain route.

The area has:

• Subtropical forest
• River valleys
• Mountain air
• Old paths
• Green scenery
• Quiet nature

Nearby Places Travelers Should Know

If you visit Tonghou, you may also hear about these nearby places:

• Wulai Hot Springs
• Wulai Old Street
• Tonghou River
• Jiaoxi Hot Springs
• Nanshi River
• Atayal cultural areas
• Yilan County

These places can make your trip more complete.

You can hike in the day. Then you can relax in the hot springs later.

Tonghou Traversing Trail: The Main Highlight

The main reason people search for Tonghou is the Tonghou Traversing Trail.

This is the famous mountain trail in the area.

It is also called Tonghouyueling Trail or 桶後越嶺步道.

What Is the Tonghou Traversing Trail?

The Tonghou Traversing Trail is a historic forest trail in northern Taiwan.

It follows the Tonghou River area and crosses mountain land between Wulai and Yilan.

The official Taiwan Forest Recreation page lists the trail as Tonghouyueling Trail and gives the trail length as 7 km.

Some hiking tours describe the full walking day as longer because they include extra forest road sections, access roads, or transport-related walking. For example, Parkbus describes a Tonghou trip with 12 km of forest road plus 6.8 km of the actual trail, making the total hike about 19 km from Wulai to Yilan County.

So, when planning, check the exact route you are taking.

The official trail may be 7 km. But your full hiking day may be longer.

Route Overview: From Wulai to Yilan

Tonghou is often done as a point-to-point hike.

That means you do not always finish where you started.

Many hikers start from the Wulai side and finish toward the Yilan or Jiaoxi side. This makes transport planning very important.

The route can feel exciting because it is not just a short loop. It is more like a mountain crossing.

You start in one area and end in another.

Trail Distance and Hiking Time

The official trail length is 7 km.

But full hiking routes can be longer if they include forest roads or extra access sections. Parkbus describes one full route as about 19 km from the drop-off in Wulai to Yilan County.

For many hikers, Tonghou can be a half-day or full-day plan.

Your total time depends on:

• Your hiking speed
• Weather
• Trail conditions
• Transport
• How often do you stop
• Whether you include forest road sections
• Whether you start from Wulai or Yilan

Do not rush this trail. It is better to enjoy the forest and river views.

Trail Difficulty: Is Tonghou Easy or Hard?

Tonghou is usually best described as a moderate hike.

The official page lists it as a primitive mountain trail. That means hikers should be ready for natural trail conditions, not a smooth city path.

For experienced hikers, it may feel easy to moderate.

For beginners, it may feel more challenging because:

• The area is remote
• Transport can be tricky
• The path may be uneven
• The weather can change
• River and forest areas can be slippery

If you are new to hiking in Taiwan, it is better to go with a group or a guide.

The History and Meaning of Tonghou

Tonghou is not only a pretty hiking place. It also has history.

The trail has links to Indigenous travel routes and older mountain paths.

What Does Tonghou Mean?

Tonghou means the area is behind Datong Mountain.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency explains that Tonghou is named because it is located behind Datong, also known as “big bucket” mountain.

This makes the name easy to remember.

Tonghou means something like “behind the bucket.”

Atayal Indigenous History of the Trail

Tonghou also has links to the Atayal people.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says the trail was once used by Atayal people for hunting and mountain travel. It was also one of the major trails used by Atayal people in Wulai to travel between mountains.

This gives the trail cultural meaning.

It is not just a hiking route. It is part of local history.

Why Tonghou Is More Than Just a Hiking Route

Tonghou is more than a forest walk.

It is a route with nature, history, and culture.

When you walk here, you are moving through a place that people used long before modern travel.

That makes the trail feel deeper and more meaningful.

What Makes Tonghou Trail So Beautiful?

Tonghou is beautiful because it feels natural.

The scenery is simple but powerful.

You get trees, water, rocks, birds, and fresh air.

Tonghou River and Clear Mountain Water

The Tonghou River is one of the best parts of the area.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says Tonghou Creek moves through the mountains and forms rapid currents, short waterfalls, lakes, and shoals.

This makes the trail feel alive.

You may hear water while you walk. You may see small pools and river rocks. You may want to stop and rest near the water.

Always be careful near rivers. Rocks can be slippery.

Forest Views and Subtropical Nature

Tonghou has a thick green forest.

This gives the trail a wild feeling.

The forest can feel cool and fresh, especially when compared with hot city streets.

You may see:

• Ferns
• Broad-leaved trees
• Mossy rocks
• Birds
• Insects
• Butterflies
• Green mountain views

Seasonal Views and Mountain Air

Tonghou can feel different in each season.

Spring may bring fresh green plants.
Summer can feel hot and wet.
Autumn may bring cooler air.
Winter can be quieter but still damp.

In Taiwan, mountain weather can change quickly.

So always check the forecast before you go.

Wildlife, Plants, and Quiet Nature

Tonghou is a nice place for slow walking.

Do not rush. Look around. Listen to the forest.

You may hear birds. You may see insects or small animals. You may notice plants that you would miss if you walk too fast.

This is one of the best parts of hiking in Taiwan.

How to Get to Tonghou Trail

Getting to Tonghou can be the hardest part of the trip.

The trail is not like a city park with a metro station beside it.

You need to plan transport well.

Getting to Tonghou from Taipei

Many visitors start from Taipei and travel toward Wulai.

Wulai is the common starting area for many Tonghou trips.

From Taipei, travelers usually need to use a mix of transport. This may include MRT, bus, taxi, private car, or a hiking shuttle.

The exact route can change based on your starting point and the trailhead you choose.

Why Transportation Can Be Tricky

Transport is tricky because Tonghou is remote.

The trail is also often done as a point-to-point hike.

That means you may start on the Wulai side and finish on the Yilan side.

Parkbus notes that there is no public transit to the trailheads on either side. Taiwan Outdoors also says there is no public transportation to reach either side of the Tonghou Traversing Trail.

This is very important.

Do not only plan how to get there. Plan how to leave, too.

Best Transport Options for Visitors

Good transport options may include:

• Private car
• Hiking group
• Guided tour
• Shuttle service
• Taxi arranged in advance
• Local driver arranged before the trip

If you are visiting Taiwan for the first time, a group hike or guided trip can make the day much easier.

It can also reduce stress because transport is handled for you.

Starting from Wulai vs Starting from Yilan

Some people start from Wulai. Others may start from the Yilan side.

Both options can work. But the best choice depends on transport, weather, and trail conditions.

The Wulai side is often more common for Taipei-based hikers.

The Yilan side may work better if you are already staying near Jiaoxi.

Always check your route before starting.

Best Time to Visit Tonghou, Taiwan

The best time to visit Tonghou depends on the weather.

Because it is a forest and river trail, rain matters a lot.

Best Months for Hiking the Tonghou Trail

Spring and autumn are often good times for hiking in Taiwan.

The weather can be cooler than summer. The forest also looks fresh and green.

Good months may include:

• March
• April
• May
• October
• November
• Early December

These months can still have rain, so always check the forecast.

Weather to Watch Before You Go

The weather is very important for Tonghou.

Be careful with:

• Heavy rain
• Typhoon season
• Storm warnings
• Landslide risk
• Slippery paths
• High river water
• Trail closures

Because Tonghou is a mountain route, conditions can change after storms.

Check the official trail page, weather forecast, and recent hiking reports before you go.

Summer, Winter, and Shoulder Season Tips

Summer can be beautiful but hot and humid.

It can also bring heavy rain or storms.

Winter can be cooler, but the trail may still be wet.

Shoulder seasons are often better. You may get nicer hiking weather and fewer crowds.

What to Pack for Tonghou Trail

Packing well makes the hike safer and easier.

Tonghou is a nature trail. Do not treat it like a short city walk.

Hiking Gear You Should Bring

Bring simple but useful hiking gear.

Good items include:

• Hiking shoes
• Small backpack
• Rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Trail map
• Phone
• Power bank
• Hat
• Light towel
• Dry socks

Wear shoes with a good grip. Forest trails can be wet and slippery.

Food, Water, and Safety Items

Bring enough food and water.

You may not find shops once you are near the trail.

Pack:

• Water
• Snacks
• Lunch
• First aid kit
• Offline map
• Power bank
• Personal medicine
• Emergency contact info

Do not depend only on the mobile signal. Some mountain areas may have weak service.

What Not to Forget for a River and Forest Trail

For Tonghou, also bring:

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof bag
• Extra socks
• Small trash bag
• Light rain cover

Keep your trash with you. Do not leave anything in the forest.

Safety Tips Before Hiking Tonghou

Tonghou is beautiful, but it needs planning.

The trail is not in the middle of a city. Be prepared.

Check Trail Conditions Before Starting

Before your hike, check:

• Weather forecast
• Trail closure notices
• Recent trail reports
• River conditions
• Typhoon warnings
• Transport options

The official Taiwan Forest Recreation trail page is a good place to start for trail facts, trail length, route type, and contact details.

Do Not Hike Alone If You Are New to the Area

If you are new to hiking in Taiwan, do not go alone.

Go with a friend, hiking group, or guide.

This is a remote trail. If something goes wrong, it may take time to get help.

A group can also help with transport.

Be Careful Around Rivers and Slippery Paths

Tonghou has river views, wet rocks, and forest sections.

Be careful when walking near water.

Do not step on rocks if they look slippery. Do not enter fast water. Do not cross a river if you are unsure.

Safety matters more than photos.

Respect Nature and Local Rules

Tonghou is a natural area.

Please follow simple rules:

• Stay on the trail
• Take your trash home
• Do not damage plants
• Do not disturb wildlife
• Keep noise low
• Respect local signs
• Follow closure notices

This helps protect the forest for other visitors.

Things to Do Near Tonghou

Tonghou can be part of a bigger trip.

You can add Wulai, Jiaoxi, or other nature spots to your plan.

Visit Wulai Hot Springs

Wulai is famous for its hot springs.

After a hike, a hot spring can feel relaxing.

Wulai also has mountain views, local food, and a peaceful town feeling.

It is a good match with a Tonghou trip.

Explore Wulai Old Street

Wulai Old Street is a nice place to walk before or after your nature trip.

You can find snacks, small shops, and local food.

Wulai is also known for the Atayal culture. Take time to learn and respect the local history.

Relax in Jiaoxi Hot Springs

If you finish near Yilan, Jiaoxi is a great place to relax.

Jiaoxi is famous for its hot springs. Many travelers visit after hiking.

It is a nice way to end a Tonghou day trip.

Add Nearby Nature Spots to Your Trip

If you have more time, you can explore more of northern Taiwan’s nature.

Look for:

• Wulai nature areas
• Yilan countryside
• Jiaoxi hot spring town
• River walks
• Forest trails
• Scenic mountain roads

Keep your plan simple. Tonghou is best when you do not rush.

Suggested Tonghou Day Trip Itinerary

Here is a simple plan for a Tonghou day trip.

Change it based on your transport and hiking speed.

Morning: Travel from Taipei to Wulai

Start early.

Travel from Taipei toward Wulai. Eat breakfast before you go. Buy snacks and water.

Check the weather one more time.

Make sure you know your return plan before you start hiking.

Midday: Hike the Tonghou Traversing Trail

Begin the hike when you are ready.

Walk slowly and enjoy the forest. Stop near safe river spots. Take photos, but do not rush.

Follow the trail signs. Stay with your group.

Afternoon: Finish Near Yilan or Return Toward Wulai

If you are doing the full point-to-point route, finish toward the Yilan or Jiaoxi side.

This is where transport planning matters.

Make sure your ride or shuttle is already arranged.

If you are not doing the full crossing, plan a shorter nature walk and return the same way.

Evening: Hot Springs or Local Dinner

After hiking, relax.

You can visit hot springs in Wulai or Jiaoxi. You can also enjoy a simple local dinner.

A warm meal after a hike feels great.

Is Tonghou Trail Worth Visiting?

Yes, Tonghou is worth visiting if you enjoy nature.

It is one of those places that feels calm and fresh.

It is not about famous city sights. It is about forest, water, and mountain air.

Best Reasons to Visit Tonghou

Visit Tonghou if you want:

• A scenic mountain trail
• A peaceful forest hike
• River views
• A nature escape from Taipei
• A route between Wulai and Yilan
• A less crowded outdoor trip
• A hidden gem in northern Taiwan

It is a great place for travelers who like quiet beauty.

Who Will Enjoy This Trail Most?

Tonghou is best for:

• Intermediate hikers
• Outdoor travelers
• Nature photographers
• Slow travelers
• People who like rivers
• People who enjoy forest trails
• Travelers who can plan transport well

You do not need to be a mountaineer. But you should be ready for a real hiking day.

Who May Not Like Tonghou?

Tonghou may not be right for you if:

• You want easy public transport
• You dislike remote trails
• You do not want to plan transport
• You want a short city walk
• You are not comfortable with changing weather
• You want shops and cafés near the trail

It is a beautiful trail, but it needs preparation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Tonghou

A few mistakes can make the trip stressful.

Try to avoid these.

Starting Too Late in the Day

Do not start too late.

Mountain trails can take longer than expected.

Start early so you have enough daylight.

Not Planning Return Transport

This is one of the biggest mistakes.

Tonghou is often a point-to-point hike. You may not end where you started.

Plan your return ride before you hike.

Ignoring Weather and Trail Updates

Do not ignore rain or typhoon warnings.

Rain can make paths slippery. Storms can affect river conditions and cause trail problems.

Check weather and trail updates before leaving.

Packing Too Light for a Remote Trail

Do not bring only your phone and a small bottle of water.

Bring enough food, water, rain gear, and safety items.

A little extra planning can help a lot.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tonghou Taiwan

Where is Tonghou in Taiwan?

Tonghou is in northern Taiwan. It is linked with the mountain area between Wulai in New Taipei City and Yilan County.

What is Tonghou famous for?

Tonghou is famous for the Tonghou Traversing Trail, also called the Tonghouyueling Trail. It is known for forest views, river scenery, and mountain hiking.

Is Tonghou Traversing Trail difficult?

The trail is usually seen as moderate. The official trail is 7 km long, but full hiking routes may be longer depending on access roads, forest roads, and transport plans.

How long is the Tonghou trail?

The official Taiwan Forest Recreation page lists Tonghouyueling Trail as 7 km. Some full-day hiking routes may be longer when they include forest road access or extra walking sections.

Can beginners hike Tonghou?

Beginners may be able to hike Tonghou with good planning, good weather, and a group. But it is better for people who already have some hiking experience.

Is public transport available to Tonghou?

Public transport is limited. Parkbus and Taiwan Outdoors both note that there is no public transportation directly to the trailheads on either side. Arranged transport or a hiking group can make the trip easier.

What is the best time to visit Tonghou?

Spring and autumn are often good times to hike Tonghou. The weather can be cooler than summer. Still, always check the rain and typhoon conditions before going.

Is Tonghou safe for solo hikers?

Solo hiking is not the best choice for new visitors. Tonghou is remote, and transport can be tricky. It is safer to go with a group, friend, or guide.

Final Thoughts on Tonghou Taiwan

Tonghou, Taiwan, is a beautiful place for a calm mountain hike.

It has forest paths, river views, fresh air, and a quiet feeling.

The Tonghou Traversing Trail is the main highlight. It is a scenic route between the Wulai area and the Yilan side of northern Taiwan.

But this is not a trail to visit without planning.

You should check the weather, trail conditions, transport, and your route before you go.

If you prepare well, Tonghou can be a wonderful nature escape. It is a great choice for travelers who want to see a quieter side of Taiwan.

Tonghou is not loud or flashy.

It is simple.
It is green.
It is peaceful.
And that is what makes it special.