The Jinbaoli Trail Yangmingshan is one of the best places near Taipei to combine mountain scenery with Taiwan’s trading, migration, farming, and military history.
Also known as the Fish Road Historic Trail, the ancient route once connected the fishing communities of Jinshan with settlements around Shilin and the Taipei Basin. Fish sellers, tea merchants, sulfur workers, farmers, soldiers, and other travellers crossed Yangmingshan long before modern mountain roads were constructed.
Today, visitors can walk through grasslands, forests, stone paths, old bridges, former rest stations, and historic ruins while imagining the difficult journeys made by earlier generations.
However, parts of the trail are temporarily closed for maintenance from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Visitors should therefore plan the correct route rather than following an outdated online itinerary. The current recommended walk begins at Qingtiangang, descends toward Xuyan Bridge, and returns to Qingtiangang without continuing toward Tianlai or the Shanghuang Creek trailhead.
For a supported hiking experience with private transportation from Taipei, explore our Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure. Route selection can be adjusted according to your fitness, preferred scenery, and available time.
Table of Contents
✨ Jinbaoli Trail at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official English name | Jinbaoli Trail |
| Chinese name | 金包里大路 |
| Other name | Fish Road Historic Trail, 魚路古道 |
| Location | Yangmingshan National Park |
| Historic connection | Jinshan, Yangmingshan and Shilin |
| Historical total length | More than 30 kilometres |
| Current suggested route | Qingtiangang–Xuyan Bridge loop |
| Current route distance | Approximately 5.4 kilometres |
| Estimated walking time | Approximately 3.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Main terrain | Grassland, forest paths and stone steps |
| Starting point | Qingtiangang |
| Suitable for | Active travellers and history lovers |
| Current partial closure | May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027 |
Yangmingshan National Park describes the wider historical trail as more than 30 kilometres long. It transported fish, tea, sulfur, and other goods and contains historic remains such as stone houses, shrines, bridges, water channels, and stone stoves.
2026–2027 Jinbaoli Trail Closure Notice
Important trail update: Sections between the Shanghuang Creek parking-area entrance and the Fish Road junction, and between Xuyan Bridge and the Tianlai trailhead, are closed for trail-improvement work from May 1, 2026, until April 30, 2027.
During the closure, visitors should not attempt the old one-way route from Qingtiangang to Shanghuang Creek or Tianlai.
The national park currently recommends this alternative:
Qingtiangang → Japanese Trail → Xuyan Bridge → Jinbaoli Trail → Jinbaoli Gate → Qingtiangang
This route is approximately 5.4 kilometres and takes around 3.5 hours, depending on weather, rest stops, photography time, and individual fitness.
Trail conditions and reopening dates can change. Check the latest Yangmingshan National Park announcements before departure.
1. What Is the Jinbaoli Trail?
The Jinbaoli Trail was once an important route across the mountains of northern Taiwan.
Before the construction of modern roads, travelling around the northern coast and into the Taipei Basin required considerable time. The mountain route provided a more direct connection between Jinshan, historically called Jinbaoli, and communities around Shilin, historically known as Bazhilan.
The entire route was not simply one perfectly defined stone road. It developed as a network of paths used during different periods for trade, farming, transportation, military movement, and communication.
Yangmingshan National Park identifies it as one of the area’s most representative cultural trails and an important former route between Jinshan and Shilin.
Today, the name Jinbaoli Trail commonly refers to the preserved mountain section around Qingtiangang and the northern slopes of Yangmingshan.
2. Why Is It Called the Fish Road?
Jinshan developed around fishing communities on Taiwan’s north coast. Before refrigeration and modern vehicles, fresh fish needed to reach consumers quickly.
Fish carriers would leave the coastal area, climb into Yangmingshan, cross the mountains around Qingtiangang, and continue toward Shilin and Taipei. Some reportedly began walking at night so that their fish could arrive at the market the following morning.
This association gave the path its other well-known name:
Fish Road Historic Trail — 魚路古道
However, fish was not the only product carried along the trail. The route was also used to move:
- Tea
- Sulfur
- Agricultural products
- Daily necessities
- Tools and equipment
The national park therefore also records names such as the Fishermen’s Trail, Tea Trail, and Marching Road.
3. What Can You See Along the Jinbaoli Trail?
The Jinbaoli Trail is valuable because it combines natural scenery with visible traces of human history.
Depending on the open route, visitors may encounter:
Qingtiangang Grassland
Qingtiangang is one of Yangmingshan’s most recognizable landscapes. Its open grasslands, mountain ridges, mist, and grazing cattle create a very different atmosphere from central Taipei.
It is also a practical starting point for the current Jinbaoli Trail route.
Remain on the designated trail and respect fences and warning signs around the cattle. Yangmingshan National Park identifies Qingtiangang as an area where free-ranging cattle can present a risk to visitors.
Jinbaoli Gate
The stone gate marks an important point along the historic mountain route. Walking through it creates a strong sense of leaving the open Qingtiangang grassland and entering an older transportation corridor.
Stone Steps
Parts of the original trail were constructed with stone steps. These surfaces helped travellers cross steep and frequently wet mountain terrain, although they can become slippery during or after rain.
Bai-erkan Water Source
Water sources and channels were essential to travellers, farmers, and settlements in the mountains. They are reminders that the road once supported everyday life rather than existing only as a recreational hiking trail.
Old Quarry
Stone was collected locally for houses, paths, walls, bridges, and other structures. The quarry illustrates how residents used materials available in the volcanic mountain environment.
Hanbing’s House
Hanbing’s House, also called Hanbing Residence, was once a stopping and supply point along the route.
Travellers could rest and obtain food, straw sandals, and simple necessities before continuing their journey. The remains have been preserved as one of the Fish Road’s most representative historical sites.
Xuyan Bridge
Xuyan Bridge is a picturesque stone bridge surrounded by forest and flowing water. It is one of the most photographed historical features along this section of the Jinbaoli Trail.
Under the temporary 2026–2027 route arrangement, hikers should return toward Qingtiangang from around this area rather than continuing into the closed section.
4. The Jinbaoli Trail and Japanese Trail
Visitors may see signs for both the Jinbaoli Trail and the Japanese Trail.
These are related but historically different routes.
Jinbaoli Trail
The older Jinbaoli route often follows a more direct line across the mountain. Sections contain steeper stone steps and reflect the needs of people travelling on foot while carrying goods.
Japanese Trail
The Japanese Trail was developed during the Japanese colonial period with military transportation in mind. It follows a gentler gradient and was made wide enough to move military equipment.
The two routes intersect in several places, making it possible to create a loop rather than walking exactly the same path in both directions. The current official route uses the Japanese Trail on the descent toward Xuyan Bridge and the older Jinbaoli route for the return climb.
This combination gives hikers the opportunity to compare two different forms of historical road construction.
5. How Difficult Is the Jinbaoli Trail?
The current Qingtiangang–Xuyan Bridge loop is generally a moderate hike.
It does not require technical climbing, but visitors should be prepared for:
- Long stone stairways
- Uneven surfaces
- Wet and slippery stones
- Forest paths
- Sustained uphill walking on the return
- Rapid weather changes
- Mist and reduced visibility
- Limited facilities after leaving Qingtiangang
The official recommended route is approximately 5.4 kilometres and takes around 3.5 hours. The broader historical route from Lengshuikeng through Qingtiangang toward the Shanhuang Creek area was previously listed as approximately 6.5 kilometres, but that through-route is currently affected by the closure.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
Active beginners can usually manage the open loop when conditions are dry, but it is not a completely flat sightseeing walk.
Travellers should be comfortable with:
- Walking for three to four hours
- Climbing stone steps
- Hiking on wet terrain
- Carrying their own water and personal supplies
Anyone with heart conditions, high blood pressure, knee difficulties, or limited mobility should assess the route carefully. Yangmingshan National Park specifically advises visitors with relevant health conditions to evaluate their physical ability before attempting the longer route.
For a private hiking day with route options selected according to fitness, consider the Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure.
6. What Should You Bring?
Yangmingshan weather can change quickly, even when Taipei is sunny.
Bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Drinking water
- Snacks or a light lunch
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Hat
- Personal medication
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Portable power bank
- Offline map
- Small first-aid kit
The national park recommends carrying water, food, rain protection, personal medication, and suitable hiking supplies. Visitors should also take their rubbish away and avoid leaving waste on the trail.
Do not rely on being able to buy food or drinks after leaving the Qingtiangang visitor area.
⛰️ Discover Yangmingshan with a Private Guide
Walk through volcanic landscapes, historic trails, open grasslands, and peaceful forests with private transportation from Taipei.
👉 Explore Our Yangmingshan Hiking Tour.
7. When Is the Best Time to Hike?
The Jinbaoli Trail offers a different atmosphere throughout the year.
Spring
Spring brings fresh greenery and seasonal flowers throughout Yangmingshan. Rain and mist are common, so waterproof clothing is important.
Summer
Summer is lush but can be hot and humid. Begin early, bring sufficient water, and monitor afternoon weather.
Autumn
Autumn is especially attractive when silvergrass covers the Yangmingshan slopes. The open scenery around Qingtiangang can be particularly photogenic.
Winter
Winter often brings cool temperatures, strong wind, fog, and rain. The landscape can be atmospheric, but hikers need warm and waterproof clothing.
Avoid hiking during typhoon warnings, heavy-rain advisories, thunderstorms, or official trail closures. Wet stone steps and mountain streams can become hazardous after prolonged rain.
Read more:
Taiwan Hiking: My Misadventures on the Top 10 Mountains in Taiwan
8. How to Get to the Jinbaoli Trail
The easiest starting point for the current route is Qingtiangang.
Public Transportation from Taipei
Common options include:
- Take the S15 bus from MRT Jiantan Station to Qingtiangang.
- Travel to Yangmingshan Bus Station and transfer to the 108 park shuttle bus.
- Use other Yangmingshan buses and transfer according to the current service schedule.
Bus services can be crowded on weekends, holidays, and during flower or silvergrass seasons. Mountain weather and traffic can also affect arrival times. The national park currently identifies S15 and the 108 shuttle among the main public-transport options for reaching Qingtiangang.
Check the latest timetable before departure.
Private Transportation
Private transportation is more convenient for travellers who:
- Want an early start
- Are unfamiliar with Taipei’s bus system
- Are travelling with children or older family members
- Want to carry extra hiking equipment
- Plan to combine the hike with Beitou, Tamsui, or other attractions
- Prefer hotel pickup and drop-off
Our Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure includes private transportation from Taipei and offers routes for different fitness levels. The existing product currently provides three hiking options ranging from approximately 11 to 22 kilometres, with a guide and driver.
Because the Jinbaoli Trail has a temporary closure, confirm whether it can be included in your selected route before booking.
9. How to Include Jinbaoli Trail in a Private Taipei Tour
The Jinbaoli Trail can be the main activity of a private hiking day or part of a broader northern Taipei itinerary.
Option 1: Private Yangmingshan Hiking Day
Best for active travellers who want the day to focus on trails, nature, and panoramic mountain scenery.
Explore the Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure and tell us that you are interested in a historical trail experience.
A possible customized schedule could include:
Taipei hotel pickup – Qingtiangang – Jinbaoli Trail open loop – lunch – seasonal Yangmingshan attraction – return to Taipei
The route depends on the current closure, weather, and group ability.
Option 2: Yangmingshan and Beitou
After a cool and sometimes wet mountain hike, Beitou is a natural place to relax.
Our Yangmingshan and Beitou Private Day Tour combines Yangmingshan scenery with Beitou’s hot-spring history and geothermal environment.
A customized hiking version could include:
Taipei pickup – Qingtiangang – shorter historical trail walk – Beitou Thermal Valley – Beitou Hot Spring Museum – private hot-spring experience – Taipei drop-off
Travellers who prefer an evening experience can also consider the Beitou Hot Spring and Yangmingshan Night Tour.
Option 3: Yangmingshan and Tamsui
The Jinbaoli Trail once linked inland communities with the northern coast and Taipei’s trading areas. Combining Yangmingshan with Tamsui therefore creates an interesting mountain-to-water journey.
See our Yangmingshan and Tamsui Private Tour.
A possible itinerary could include:
Taipei pickup – Qingtiangang – short Jinbaoli historical walk – Yangmingshan viewpoints – Tamsui Old Street – riverside sunset – Taipei drop-off
Option 4: An Easier Mountain Alternative
Travellers more interested in waterfalls, indigenous culture, an old street, and hot springs than a long historic hike can visit Wulai.
See our Wulai Day Tour from Taipei.
Wulai is not connected to the Jinbaoli Trail, but it is another excellent choice for experiencing the forested mountains surrounding Taipei at a more relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jinbaoli Trail
Is Jinbaoli Trail the same as the Fish Road Historic Trail?
Yes. Jinbaoli Trail is commonly called the Fish Road Historic Trail because fish carriers once transported seafood from Jinshan across Yangmingshan toward Shilin and Taipei.
Where does the Jinbaoli Trail begin?
The historical route extended between Jinshan and the Taipei Basin. For the current recreational route during the 2026–2027 partial closure, Qingtiangang is the most practical starting point.
How long does the Jinbaoli Trail take?
The currently recommended Qingtiangang loop is approximately 5.4 kilometres and takes around 3.5 hours. Hiking time depends on fitness, weather, trail conditions, and rest stops.
Is the Jinbaoli Trail currently open?
Part of the trail remains open, but sections toward the Shanghuang Creek parking area and Tianlai trailhead are closed from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Follow the official Qingtiangang–Xuyan Bridge loop and check current park announcements before visiting.
Is Jinbaoli Trail suitable for children?
Active older children with previous hiking experience may enjoy the shorter route. The stone steps, wet surfaces, and return climb may not be appropriate for very young children.
Can I visit Jinbaoli Trail without a car?
Yes. Public buses serve Qingtiangang, but services can be crowded and travel times may be affected by mountain traffic.
Can Justaiwantour arrange a Jinbaoli Trail tour?
A Jinbaoli Trail experience may be arranged as part of a customized Yangmingshan hiking day, subject to current trail conditions and closures. Contact us with your travel date, group size, ages, fitness levels, and preferred hiking time.
Final Thoughts: Is Jinbaoli Trail Worth Visiting?
The Jinbaoli Trail is much more than a path through Yangmingshan.
Its stone steps, bridges, abandoned homes, grasslands, and forest paths preserve the story of people who crossed northern Taiwan carrying fish, tea, sulfur, equipment, and everyday supplies. Walking the trail allows visitors to experience both Yangmingshan’s natural environment and an important chapter of Taipei’s development.
Because of the temporary 2026–2027 closure, visitors should follow the currently recommended Qingtiangang loop rather than attempting the old through-route.
For private transportation and a hiking route suited to your group, book the Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure. You can also combine the mountain experience with a Yangmingshan and Beitou Private Day Tour or a Yangmingshan and Tamsui Tour.
For a completely customized experience, contact Justaiwantour and tell us your preferred hiking distance, fitness level, travel date, and other places you would like to visit.