Yangmingshan National Park

Address: Yangmingshan National Park - Beitou & Shilin Districts, Taipei, Taiwan

Website: https://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/

Hours: Park open daily (access 24 hours); visitor center hours vary

Admission: Free (park access). Some attractions/parking may charge fees.

Yangmingshan is a volcanic mountain area and national park immediately north of Taipei known for hot springs, fumaroles, hiking trails and seasonal flower displays. The park covers volcanic peaks, grasslands and forested slopes and is one of Taiwan’s most accessible mountainous recreation areas.

Prominent attractions include Qixing Mountain at about 1,120 metres, scenic crater and fumarole areas such as Xiaoyoukeng, and a series of hot-spring sites and public gardens. Flower seasons for cherry blossoms and calla lilies draw significant local and visitor interest.

The area was designated and developed for conservation and public recreation in the 20th century and later managed as Yangmingshan National Park, combining geological features with leisure facilities and walking trails. Visitor infrastructure includes trailheads, public bus links and hot-spring facilities.

Yangmingshan lies roughly 10 to 15 kilometres north of central Taipei, within the municipality, and is commonly accessed by bus or car from the city for day trips and short hikes.

• Proximity to Taipei: The park is roughly 10 to 15 kilometres north of central Taipei and is easily reached by public transport from the city, making it a common day-trip for residents and visitors.
• Highest peak and safety: Qixing Mountain at about 1,120 metres is the highest summit and offers well-marked hiking trails; the volcanic fumarole areas are popular but follow posted safety signs.

What to See#

• Qixing Mountain: Qixing Mountain (Qixingshan) is the highest peak in the Yangmingshan area at about 1,120 metres and is a popular summit for hikers offering wide views over Taipei.
• Xiaoyoukeng fumarole area: Xiaoyoukeng is an active fumarole and geothermal area with visible steam vents and sulfuric deposits that illustrate the park’s volcanic geology.
• Lengshuikeng: Lengshuikeng is a grassed valley with hot-spring facilities and a small visitor area used for relaxation and birdwatching.

From central Taipei, take the Taipei Metro Tamsui-Xinyi (Red) line to Jiantan Station, then transfer to a Yangmingshan-bound bus (the R5 shuttle is the common route) for a roughly 30-40 minute ride to the park entrances; expect a short walk (5-20 minutes) from the final stop to major trails and visitor areas. By car, follow Provincial Highway 2 / Yangmingshan Road north from central Taipei - Yangmingshan lies about 15-20 km northwest of downtown Taipei and typically takes 30-60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

• Visit early in the morning on weekdays (before 9:00) for the clearest views of Taipei and to avoid the mid‑day flower‑field and trail crowds, especially in peak blossom season (late Feb-Mar).
• Start at the Yangmingshan National Park Visitor Center/National Park Headquarters to pick up up‑to‑date trail maps, weather warnings and suggested routes; many hikers skip the center and miss useful trail closures/conditions.
• Most visitors stick to the flower displays and Xiaoyoukeng fumaroles - to escape the crowds head for less‑visited trails east of Qixing Mountain or the Zhuzihu terraces for quieter walking and different seasonal blooms.