Yangmingshan National Park is the national park closest to an urban center in mainland Taiwan, officially established on September 16, 1985. Centered on the Tatun Volcano Group, it encompasses Qixing Mountain (1,120 meters, the park's highest peak), the Xiaoyoukeng fumaroles, Sulfur Valley, and Datun Nature Park. Calla lilies and hydrangeas bloom around Zhuzihu every February to March, and pampas grass is a highlight in autumn.
Yangmingshan National Park was officially established on September 16, 1985, covering about 11,600 hectares; its highest peak, Qixing Mountain, rises 1,120 meters within the park.
Highlights of Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan National Park sits on the northern edge of the Taipei Basin. Geologically it belongs to the Tatun Volcano Group, one of the few volcanic systems in Taiwan that still has geothermal activity. Qixing Mountain's main peak is the highest point in northern Taiwan; the summit trail has a noticeable gradient, and on clear days you can see from the Taipei Basin to the mouth of the Tamsui River. Xiaoyoukeng is a strong fumarole field with a heavy sulfurous odor and visible yellowing of the ground, offering a close-up look at volcanic geothermal activity.
Zhuzihu is the remnant of a volcanic lake basin within Yangmingshan, now used as agricultural land planted with calla lilies and hydrangeas. The hydrangea season (February to March — exact timing depends on the year's temperatures) draws large numbers of visitors; in autumn the pampas grass around Datun Nature Park turns white and is also a popular viewing destination. Yangmingshan Bus Terminal near Yangde Avenue provides access to the mountain; traffic control measures on weekends can be checked on the city government's announcements.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- Take the MRT to Jiantan or Shilin Station, then transfer to a mountain bus to reach Yangmingshan Bus Terminal and individual attractions. Bus schedules and routes can be checked on the Greater Taipei Bus Dynamic System.
- The national park is open year-round. Entrance fees vary by attraction, and some popular spots may operate on a reservation or capacity-limit system on weekends. Check the Yangmingshan National Park official website in advance.
- Mountain weather is changeable; rain gear should be carried throughout the year, and temperatures are noticeably lower in winter.
Nearby connections
- Beitou Hot Spring Area is along the route down from Yangmingshan and can be added for a soak or a visit to Beitou Hot Spring Museum after descending.
- There are restaurants and small eateries near Yangmingshan Bus Terminal where you can refuel before heading to individual attractions.
Source: Yangmingshan National Park official information and public geological data. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Yangmingshan National Park established?
It was officially established on September 16, 1985.
What is the highest peak in Yangmingshan?
Qixing Mountain, at 1,120 meters, also Taipei's highest point.
When is the hydrangea season at Zhuzihu?
Roughly February to March each year, though exact timing depends on temperature.
Sources
- 陽明山國家公園全球資訊網 — 成立年份與面積
- 陽明山國家公園 - 維基百科 — 成立日期