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 at a Glance#
About Yu Shan#
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.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (340 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (378 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (563 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (583 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (655 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (464 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (244 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.