HIKING MOUNT YUANSHAN TO SANXIA OLD STREET (LEVEL 2) ROCKY MOUNTAIN

A full day out of the city: about two hours on trail, a rope scramble up rocky ground, a giant bell halfway, and a sweet tofu pudding (tohua) waiting in Sanxia at the end.

How the day goes

It starts easy. From the bus stop it's a 45-minute walk to the trailhead, then 30 minutes uphill on a natural path to the Yuanshan scenic area for photos at the big bell and the temple. After that it gets harder: the last climb to the peak uses ropes, with gorges on both sides.

What it costs

The hike is free. Bus 916 is 15 NTD and bus 910 is another 15 NTD. Snacks on Sanxia Old Street usually cost 50–200 NTD. The local favorites to look for are horn croissants, pig blood cake, almond tea and brown sugar cake.

What to bring

• Hat, UV protection and a raincoat

• EasyCard with at least 200 NTD on it for transport

• Lunch. This one is important, because you'll be eating on the ridge.

• 1.5 L of water or other drinks

Rain plan

Light rain means the hike still happens. Heavy rain means it's cancelled. On Friday night the host posts an update saying whether the hike is on, postponed or cancelled, so check it before you set out.

Ground rules

Be respectful. If you've only just met people in the group, don't hug them, hold hands, call the girls baby or honey, or put your arm around anyone's shoulders in photos. That can count as sexual harassment. This is Taiwan, not Hollywood.

This is a free hike. The hosts aren't responsible for any incidents, accidents or lost belongings, so please get your own insurance before you join.

Stay in the loop

WhatsApp: 0963087647. Join a LINE group for updates: Group 1 or Group 2.