Taiwan Hikes

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South Section 2 南二段: A 7-Day Thru-Hike in Taiwan's Central Mountain Range

Posted by:  Anusha Lee
Published date: August 16, 2026
South Section 2 of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range, known locally as Nan Er Duan (南二段), is a remote 7-day high-mountain traverse from Xiangyang to Dongpu. The approximately 89-kilometer route passes Jiaming Lake, crosses nine of Taiwan's 100 Peaks, and eventually joins part of the Japanese-era Batongguan Traversing Trail.
Unlike many long mountain traverses in Taiwan, cabins are available along the route, so hikers who successfully obtain all the required cabin reservations may not need to carry a tent. However, long days, limited water, changing weather, and several remote sections make this a route for experienced and well-prepared hikers.
I completed this challenging trek in November 2025 and was awed by the spectacular landscapes, diverse vegetation, and the hike itself. However, I also had a close encounter during the journey, and I hope you can learn from my mistakes.
Disclaimer

Table of Contents:

Trail Information:

Trail Name: br /> Distance: km ( miles)
Route type:
Ascent/Descent: m/m
Best Time to Go:
Permits: Not required
Difficulty Level: trail difficulty

Peaks or Places to Reach

2026 Yushan Permit Application Guide

The hardest part of Yushan isn't the climb — it's the permit. My 2026 Yushan permit application guide walks you through the government site screen by screen, so you don't lose a date to a missed checkbox.
Get the 2026 Yushan Guide →

Planning a permit-free hike by bus?

Skip the research. This guide covers 41 relaxing, permit-free trails in every Taiwan county — with trailhead maps and the exact public transport to reach each one. Everything you need to just show up and hike.

Get all 41 trails + maps →

2026 Yushan Permit Application Guide

The hardest part of Yushan isn't the climb — it's the permit. My 2026 Yushan permit application guide walks you through the government site screen by screen, so you don't lose a date to a missed checkbox.
Get the 2026 Yushan Guide →

Planning a permit-free hike by bus?

Skip the research. This guide covers 41 relaxing, permit-free trails in every Taiwan county — with trailhead maps and the exact public transport to reach each one. Everything you need to just show up and hike.

Get all 41 trails + maps →

2026 Yushan Permit Application Guide

The hardest part of Yushan isn't the climb — it's the permit. My 2026 Yushan permit application guide walks you through the government site screen by screen, so you don't lose a date to a missed checkbox.
Get the 2026 Yushan Guide →

Planning a permit-free hike by bus?

Skip the research. This guide covers 41 relaxing, permit-free trails in every Taiwan county — with trailhead maps and the exact public transport to reach each one. Everything you need to just show up and hike.

Get all 41 trails + maps →

How to Get There -

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2026 Yushan Permit Application Guide

The hardest part of Yushan isn't the climb — it's the permit. My 2026 Yushan permit application guide walks you through the government site screen by screen, so you don't lose a date to a missed checkbox.
Get the 2026 Yushan Guide →

Planning a permit-free hike by bus?

Skip the research. This guide covers 41 relaxing, permit-free trails in every Taiwan county — with trailhead maps and the exact public transport to reach each one. Everything you need to just show up and hike.

Get all 41 trails + maps →

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