Wangyou Valley

Visiting Wangyougu (望幽谷) remains one of my most cherished memories from living in Taiwan. When I first arrived, I didn’t know much about the island beyond Taipei, so I was eager to explore beyond the city. Scrolling through Google Maps one day, I stumbled upon this coastal spot near Keelung, the photos looked breathtaking, with lush green cliffs and the Pacific stretching endlessly below. I knew I had to go. That place was Wangyougu (望幽谷). Getting there takes a bit of effort. Wangyougu is located on the scenic east coast of northern Taiwan, technically within Ruifang District near Keelung. To get there, I took the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) to Keelung Station, and then transferred to a local bus heading toward Wangyougu. Public transit in this region can be slow and infrequent, so I’d recommend checking the bus schedule in advance and allowing plenty of time for travel. There’s an alternative route that may be faster if you set off from Taipei, which I've mentioned up above in the accessibility description. Once you arrive, begin the hike at Badouzihuanbao Park (八斗子環保公園), where you'll find a long flight of stairs greeting you. Don't worry as this is the steepest part of the trail! From there, the path winds upward through coastal vegetation, eventually opening up to the Wangyougu viewing platform, where panoramic views can be seen of the rugged shoreline and turquoise waters. From the platform, continue along the Wangyougu Coastal Trail (望幽谷濱海步道), which is marked on Google Maps. The trail leads you further along the cliffs with stunning ocean views at every turn. The full route is moderately challenging, especially in summer when the sun beats down and shade is limited. I’d highly recommend going in spring or autumn, when the weather is cooler and the breeze off the ocean feels refreshing. The trail shall lead you back to land where you can take a bus back to the city. Overall, the climb can be tough, but I can confidently say it’s worth every step. The natural beauty, the sound of waves crashing below, and the sense of quiet solitude make Wangyougu one of the most memorable hikes I’ve done in Taiwan.