Nestled just north of Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is a stunning natural retreat spanning 113 square kilometers across Taipei and New Taipei City. Renowned for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, cherry blossoms, and hiking trails, it’s one of Taiwan’s nine national parks and a favorite escape for locals and tourists alike. From the steaming fumaroles of Xiaoyoukeng to the serene grasslands of Qingtiangang, this guide will help you plan a memorable visit to this vibrant destination.
A Travel Guide to Yangmingshan National Park
Why Visit Yangmingshan National Park?
Yangmingshan offers a diverse mix of natural beauty and cultural history. Its volcanic terrain, including Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano, Qixing Mountain (1,120 meters), features sulfur vents, hot springs, and crater lakes. The park’s biodiversity includes over 1,400 plant species, 122 bird species, and colorful butterflies, making it a haven for nature lovers. Seasonal highlights like the Cherry Blossom Festival (February–March) and silver grass in autumn draw crowds, while historical sites like Chiang Kai-shek’s former retreats add cultural depth. Its proximity to Taipei—less than an hour’s drive—makes it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
How to Get There
Yangmingshan is easily accessible from Taipei via public transport, car, or tour:
By Public Transport: MRT and Bus: Take the Tamsui-Xinyi (Red) Line to Jiantan Station (Exit 1). From there, board bus R5, S15, or S17 to Yangmingshan Bus Terminal (fare: NT$15, 30–40 minutes). Alternatively, take bus 260 from Taipei Main Station (NT$30, 40 minutes). Park Shuttle: Inside the park, the 108 Shuttle Bus circles major attractions like Xiaoyoukeng, Qingtiangang, and Lengshuikeng (~NT$15 per ride, payable via EasyCard). Beitou Route: From Beitou MRT Station, take bus S8 or S9 to the park (~NT$15, 30 minutes).
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi from central Taipei costs ~NT$400–600 (30–45 minutes). Splitting the fare with a group makes it cost-effective. Apps like Uber or Taiwan Taxi are widely available.
By Car: Drive via Yangjin Highway (Highway 2A) from Taipei. Parking is available at major sites like the visitor center or Xiaoyoukeng (~NT$30–60/hour), but spaces are limited during peak seasons. Note: Some roads are closed to private vehicles on weekends, so check restrictions.
Guided Tours: Book a day tour through platforms like Klook, KKday, or Edison Tours (~NT$1,000–2,000), which include transport and a guide. Ideal for hassle-free visits combining Yangmingshan with Beitou or Tamsui.
Tip: Purchase an EasyCard at any MRT station for seamless payments on buses and the MRT.
Best Time to Visit
Yangmingshan is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique attractions:
Spring (February–March): Cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom, especially around the Flower Clock. The Yangmingshan Flower Festival attracts large crowds, so visit on weekdays. Temperatures range from 11–19°C. Summer (June–August): A cool escape from Taipei’s heat, with lush greenery and occasional showers. Mornings are best for clear skies (15–25°C).
Autumn (September–November): Silver grass blankets the hills, and maple leaves turn golden-red. Cooler weather (15–24°C) is ideal for hiking. Winter (December–February): Hot springs are a cozy highlight, and rare snow may dust Qixing Mountain. Expect cold, foggy conditions (9–11°C).
Weather Tip: The park’s weather is unpredictable, with frequent rain and cooler temperatures than Taipei. Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and water, especially for hiking.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Admission: Free for most areas, including hiking trails and scenic spots. Some attractions, like calla lily farms at Zhuzihu, charge a small entry fee (~NT$50–100). Hot Springs: Public hot springs (e.g., Lengshuikeng) cost ~NT$40–100, while private resorts charge ~NT$500–2,000.
Opening Hours: The park is open 24/7, but visitor centers operate from 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Hot springs and specific sites may have different hours.
Note: Drone use requires a permit applied for seven days in advance. Check the park’s official website for regulations.
What to See and Do
Yangmingshan’s attractions cater to hikers, photographers, and relaxation seekers:
Hiking Trails: Qixing Mountain (Mt. Cising): The park’s highest peak (1,120 m) offers panoramic views of Taipei on clear days. The 2.6-mile (4.2 km) trail is moderately challenging, with steep stairs and a 2–3-hour round trip. Start at Xiaoyoukeng or Lengshuikeng. Erziping Trail: A flat, 1.7-km accessible path through ponds and grasslands, ideal for families or casual walkers (30–60 minutes). Jinbaoli Trail (Old Fish Trail): A historic 6-km trail from Jinshan to Shilin, passing Qingtiangang. It’s moderately difficult and takes 3–4 hours. Note: The Qixing Main Peak trail from Xiaoyoukeng reopens January 7, 2025. Check the park’s Facebook page for updates.
Volcanic Landscapes: Xiaoyoukeng: A geothermal area with steaming fumaroles, sulfur crystals, and a strong “rotten egg” smell. Trails connect to Qixing Mountain and Lengshuikeng. Dayoukeng: A less-visited volcanic site similar to Xiaoyoukeng, accessible via a hike from Qingtiangang (1–2 hours).
Seasonal Highlights: Zhuzihu (Bamboo Lake): Famous for calla lilies (mid-March to April). Visitors can pick lilies for a small fee. No hiking required—just take bus 108 to Zhuzihu stop. Flower Clock: A colorful landmark surrounded by seasonal blooms, especially cherry blossoms in spring. A 5-minute walk from Hushan Rd. bus stops.
Hot Springs: Lengshuikeng Public Hot Spring: A budget-friendly option (~NT$40) with basic facilities. Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Beitou Hot Springs: Located just outside the park, Beitou offers luxurious private hot spring resorts (~NT$1,000–2,000). Combine with a visit to the Beitou Thermal Valley.
Cultural Sites: Yangmingshuwu (Zhongxing Guesthouse): A 1969 summer retreat of Chiang Kai-shek, now a historical site (~NT$50 entry). Guangfu Building: A 1971 Northern Chinese-style hall commemorating the Xinhai Revolution. Lin Yutang House: The former residence of the renowned scholar, popular for its cultural exhibits.
Qingtiangang Grassland: A wide, verdant valley perfect for picnics and photography. A 30-minute hike from Lengshuikeng or accessible by bus 108.
Where to Eat
Inside the Park: Options are limited. Convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven near Yangmingshan Bus Terminal) sell snacks and drinks. Small cafes near Zhuzihu offer local dishes like bamboo shoots or calla lily-themed desserts (~NT$100–300). Pack food and water for hikes, as trails lack facilities.
Nearby: Beitou and Shilin districts have diverse dining, from Shilin Night Market (20 minutes by bus) to upscale restaurants in Beitou’s hot spring resorts.
Tip: Try roadside vegetable markets near Zhuzihu for fresh produce or snacks.
Where to Stay
While Yangmingshan has limited lodging, nearby areas offer great options:
Beitou District (10–15 minutes by car): Grand View Resort Beitou (5-star): Luxurious with private hot springs (~NT$6,000–10,000/night). Asia Pacific Hotel Beitou: Mid-range with hot spring access (~NT$3,000–5,000/night).
Taipei City (30–40 minutes): Finders Hotel (Shilin): Budget-friendly, near Jiantan MRT (~NT$1,500–2,500/night). Yuanshan Grand Hotel: Iconic landmark with stunning views (~NT$4,000–7,000/night).
Yangmingshan Area: Tien Lai Resort: On the park’s edge, ideal for hot springs and nature (~NT$5,000–8,000/night). Note: It’s closer to the coast than central park attractions.
Booking Tip: Book via Agoda, Klook, or Expedia for deals, especially during cherry blossom season.
Tips for a Great Visit
Plan for Weekdays: Weekends, especially during flower festivals, are crowded. School holidays also increase visitor numbers. Hiking Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water (1–2 liters), snacks, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Trails can be steep and humid. Stay on marked paths to avoid venomous snakes.
Photography: Sunrise and sunset at Qixing or Datun Mountains are ideal for photographers. Tripods may require a permit. Combine with Beitou: A half-day in Yangmingshan pairs well with an afternoon at Beitou’s hot springs or Thermal Valley.
Check Trail Updates: Some trails (e.g., Qixing) may close for maintenance. Visit the park’s official website or Facebook page. Respect Nature: Don’t pick plants, feed wildlife, or camp in restricted areas.
Final Thoughts
Yangmingshan National Park is a breathtaking blend of volcanic wonders, floral beauty, and cultural heritage, all just a stone’s throw from Taipei. Whether you’re scaling Qixing Mountain, soaking in a hot spring, or snapping photos of cherry blossoms, the park offers something for every traveler. Plan your visit around the seasons, pack for unpredictable weather, and immerse yourself in this natural gem that showcases Taiwan’s diverse landscapes.
Happy travels!
