Xueshan Mountain
Second-highest peak in Taiwan with alpine ecosystems
Xueshan (Snow Mountain) towers in central Taiwan as the island's second-highest peak; multi-day hikes, alpine flora, high-altitude ridgelines and mountain huts attract experienced hikers.
Xueshan at a Glance#
Address: Xueshan (Snow Mountain), Shei‑Pa region, Taiwan - summit at 3,886 m
Website: https://www.ntnp.gov.tw/
Admission: Permit fees may apply for mountain trails; park/entry fees vary
About Xueshan#
Xueshan (Snow Mountain) is a major peak in northern Taiwan and the island’s second-highest mountain at 3,886 metres. It forms part of the Xueshan Range and is a prominent destination for multi-day hiking and alpine ecology study.
Trails to the summit traverse montane forest, high-altitude meadows and rocky ridgelines; ascents typically require an overnight stay at a high mountain hut or campsite and appropriate mountain experience. The area is noted for subalpine conifer species and seasonal alpine flowers.
The mountain sits within protected areas that regulate access and trail use to conserve fragile high-elevation habitats. Xueshan is a recognised landmark for mountaineering in Taiwan and is approached from trailheads in the island’s central-north region.
Xueshan is located in central-northern Taiwan within the Xueshan Range, inside the boundaries of national or regional protected areas; the peak lies inland from the northeastern Pacific coast and is reachable from nearby mountain passes and trailhead towns.
- Elevation and rank: At 3,886 metres it is Taiwan’s second-highest mountain and a major objective for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
What to See#
- Summit and alpine trails: A summit area reachable by established hiking routes that pass through alpine forest and subalpine meadows, supporting many high-elevation plant communities.
How to Get to Xueshan#
The usual approach to Xueshan starts from the Shei‑Pa/Wuling area; buses and tour services run from Taichung during hiking season. Mountain huts and official trails require registration and sometimes fees; check the Shei‑Pa National Park office for current regulations.
Tips for Visiting Xueshan#
- Summit attempts should be done via licensed mountain guides unless the party is highly experienced with alpine navigation.
- Acclimatize at lower huts before attempting the summit; altitude and weather are the main risks.
- Check trail closures on the official park site - rockfalls and snow can force temporary closures.
Best Time to Visit Xueshan#
Best climbed in autumn for stable conditions and clearer skies; avoid typhoon season and the coldest winter months unless properly equipped and experienced.
Weather & Climate near Xueshan#
Xueshan's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 11°C. Heavy rainfall (4262 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 2° | -8° | 131 mm | overcast | 88% | 8.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.7h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 3° | -8° | 210 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 5° | -4° | 396 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 7° | -1° | 425 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 564 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.2h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 585 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.5h |
| July | Poor | 6° - 11° | 6° | 589 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Poor | 6° - 11° | 5° | 580 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 10° | 3° | 406 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 6.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 201 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 5.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.5h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 88 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.8h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 4° | -6° | 87 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |