Teapot Mountain (無耳茶壺山)

An absolute classic at Taiwan’s northeast coast, Teapot Mountain is great for those of you who love hiking and sunsets and the ocean coast all in one. And as an added bonus, the hiking part offers a small climbing section to get to the very top, if you’re feeling adventurous. And it’s worth noting, Teapot Mountain is great as part of a visit to nearby Jiufen and Mt. Keelung, as well as Jingaushi, Golden Waterfall, and Yin Yang Sea.

The Teapot Mountain Trail’s full name in Chinese actually refers to the teapot as having no ear/handle. So picture a sideways teapot without a handle, and that’s what the rock structure at the top does kind of look like.

But don’t go for the handle-less teapot; go for the beautiful scenery that you see on the way up! On a clear day, from the start of the trail you’ll see the unique yellowish water of Yin Yang Sea, and as you go up you’ll get higher and more beautiful perspectives of the coast.

Actually some of the best views in terms of sunset are near the beginning of the trail. But if you do continue up, there are multiple platforms where if it’s not foggy, the views will be spectacular. If you go to the very top, the view of the surrounding mountains, the red pavilion perched above the ocean, and the clouds above or even below you, together are a treat for the eyes and the camera.

Multiple photographers will wait out near the top for the sunset and any dramatic clouds to roll in, but be aware that it’s often very very windy up here. And when you come down, there are no lights – be sure to bring a light to avoid a pitch black return journey through the cool mountains.

Now, getting to Teapot Mountain is not as motion-sickness inducing as other mountain hikes in Taiwan, but it nonetheless will require a bit of narrow windy mountain road maneuvering regardless of where you’re coming from. You can certainly drive to Teapot Mountain, but paid parking is limited near the trail entrance especially on weekends, and you might have to park pretty far away and walk.

Bus 1062 is the best public transit option because it stops right at the entrance. From Main Station, you can take the train (or MRT) to Songshan Station, then get on the 1062 there, where you should ride until Quanjitang. You can also take MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and get on the 1062 from there. Or from Main Station, you can first take bus 205/257/276 to Jin An Park, then get on bus 1062.