Yu Shan
Mountain Taiwan's highest peak and prominent alpine mountain
Yushan (Jade Mountain), Taiwan’s highest peak, draws hikers and climbers to its alpine trails and viewpoints within Yushan National Park; permits required for summit attempts.
Yu Shan, also known as Jade Mountain, is the highest peak on Taiwan at 3,952 metres above sea level. It is the central high point of the Yushan Range and a prominently visible mountain in central-southern Taiwan.
Trails to the main summit traverse alpine terrain and require physical fitness and preparation; many hikers use park-managed mountain huts for multi-day ascents. The area around the peak features alpine ecosystems, granite ridgelines and panoramic views over surrounding ranges.
The mountain became a focus for conservation with the establishment of Yushan National Park to protect high-mountain habitats and to manage climbing access. The peak has long been significant for local indigenous groups.
Yu Shan is located inland in central-southern Taiwan within Yushan National Park; the nearest major urban gateway is Chiayi and access is via mountain roads and park trailheads.
- Elevation: Elevation 3,952 metres, the highest peak in Taiwan and in the East Asian island arcs of the region.
- Park access: Located within Yushan National Park and accessed by maintained trails that require permits for overnight stays.
Tips for Visiting Yu Shan #
- If you plan to summit, arrange permits and Paiyun Lodge reservations well in advance through Yushan (Yushan National Park) - overnight summit attempts have quota controls and require official approval.
- Aim for autumn for the most stable weather and to avoid Taiwan's summer typhoon season and heavy rains; check park notices before you go and allow extra acclimatization time because Yushan is Taiwan's highest peak (3,952 m).
- Treat the climb as high‑altitude trekking: plan for slow pace and an extra day to acclimatize rather than trying a rushed summit attempt in one go.
Best Time to Visit Yu Shan #
Best to attempt Yushan in autumn or spring when weather is more stable; summit conditions are alpine and much colder than lowlands.
Weather & Climate near Yu Shan #
Yu Shan's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 11°C. Heavy rainfall (4443 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (340 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (378 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (563 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (583 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (727 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (655 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (464 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (244 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
