Yushan National Park is the largest national park in Taiwan, home to Yushan, the highest peak in Northeast Asia at 3,952 meters, and an iconic goal for Taiwan's mountaineers. Established in 1985 with a total area exceeding 100,000 hectares, it spans Nantou, Chiayi, Hualien, and Kaohsiung, preserving a complete ecosystem from subtropical broadleaf forests to alpine tundra.
Yushan National Park's management office was established on April 10, 1985. It is Taiwan's second national park and its largest by area (officially 103,121.4 hectares), spanning Nantou, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Hualien. Its main peak, Yushan, stands 3,952 meters above sea level — the highest peak in Northeast Asia.
Highlights of Yushan National Park
The main entrance on the Nantou side of the park is located in the Tatajia area of Xinyi Township, at an elevation of about 2,610 meters — the trailhead for ascending the main peak. The full round trip to the summit is approximately 21.4 kilometers and requires an overnight stay at Paiyun Lodge; applying for park entry and mountain hut permits is a mandatory step before departure. For those who do not plan to summit, the area around Tatajia Saddle and the Tatajia Visitor Center still offers views of conifer forest scenery and the possibility of spotting wildlife (Formosan black bears, Swinhoe's pheasants, and others live here, though sightings are not guaranteed).
Beyond mountaineering, the park has multiple graded trails. The Batongguan Historic Trail (a Qing-dynasty route) is historically significant but requires a multi-day traverse for the full length. The Dongpu area, on the edge of the park, has abundant hot spring resources and can serve as an adjustment node at the start or end of an itinerary. The park prioritizes ecological conservation and has strict visitor management. Entry permit applications for the peak season (April to October) are highly competitive and must be submitted through Yushan National Park's official lottery system well in advance.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time Required
- By car: Take Provincial Highway 21 from Shuili to Dongpu, then turn toward Tatajia; the full drive takes about 2 hours. Large vehicles may be subject to restrictions on weekends — check official announcements before departure.
- Summit trips typically require 2 days and 1 night (staying at Paiyun Lodge); day hikes on trails near Tatajia can be completed in about half a day.
Nearby Connections
- Dongpu Hot Springs is near the park entrance — a soak before or after hiking is a good way to recover.
- Xinyi Township's plum orchards (approximately January to February plum blossom season) and Bunun indigenous cultural resources are abundant and can be combined with a Yushan itinerary.
Sources: Yushan National Park Headquarters official website, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency interpretive materials. Photos pending replacement with Dio's original shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Yushan National Park?
It covers over 100,000 hectares (officially 103,121.4 hectares), making it Taiwan's largest national park, spanning Nantou, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Hualien.
What permits are needed to summit Yushan?
Summiting requires both a park entry permit and a Paiyun Lodge bunk reservation, applied for through the official lottery system, ideally at least a month ahead during peak season.
When was Yushan National Park established?
The park's management office was established on April 10, 1985, making it Taiwan's second national park.
Sources
- 關於我們 - 內政部國家公園署玉山國家公園管理處 — 成立日期、面積、範圍官方資料
- 玉山國家公園 - 維基百科 — 面積數字交叉確認