Yangmingshan National Park, Overview
| Admission Price | Free |
| Chinese Name | 陽明山 |
| Website | ymsnp.gov.tw/main_en |
Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan, boasts hot springs, diverse flora, and active volcanoes. Nature lovers, bird watchers, and hikers will relish it. Its springtime flower blooms captivate photographers. Those seeking tranquility should visit.
The best months to visit Yangmingshan National Park are February through April. These months have the best weather and give you the best chance to see flowers like cherry blossoms.
The best things to buy here include postcards, handmade souvenirs, or anything related to Yangmingshan from the gift shop inside the visitor’s center.
Follow these rules when at Yangmingshan:
- Don’t take anything from the park.
- Don’t sell stuff.
- No flying kites.
- No camping or setting campfires.
- Don’t feed wildlife.
- Don’t bring pets into the Park’s Ecological Protection Area.
How to get to Yangmingshan National Park
The Taipei MRT will not go to Yangmingshan National Park. The ways to reach this area are by bus, taxi, or Uber.
Here are all the buses that will go to Yangmingshan:
| R5 | 303 (Shuttle) |
| S26 | S15 (Shuttle) |
| 260 (Shuttle) | 108 |
| S19 | 108 (Shuttle) from Erziping |
| 230 | 260 |
| S18 | S16 |
| S9 | 303 |
| S15 | S7 |
| S6 | S25 |
| 260 | 681 |
| S8 |
You’ll want to get off at these stops upon reaching Yangmingshan:
- Yangmingshan
- Yangmingshan park Visitor Center
- Yangmingshan Park
- Yangmingshan Spring
It’ll take you around an hour to reach Yangmingshan via bus. I recommend leaving as early as possible to ensure you get the most out of your day trip.
What to do in Yangmingshan National Park Rules
Here are all the scenic spots I recommend checking out:
| Scenic Spot | Address | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangmingshuwu (Zhongxing Guesthouse) | 12 Zhongxing Road, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan | A former summer home for Chiang Kai-shek. | History buffs |
| Datun Nature Park | No. 53-2 Checheng, Xinhua Li, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City 25243 | Restored nature park. | Eco tourists |
| Xiaoyoukeng | 69 Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan | Watch sulfur deposits & steam vents. | Families |
| Lengshuikeng | No. 170, Lane 101, Jingshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City 11192 | Indoor bathing area. | Couples |
| Qingtiangang | 246 Lane 101, Jingshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan | Park w/ grasslands. | Families |
| Tianxiyuan Ecology Education Center | No. 45, Lane 336, Zhishan Road Section 3, Shilin District, Taipei 11143 | Learn about Yangmingshan’s biodiversity. | Families |
| Longfenggu | No. 200 Quanyuan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City 11247 | Farmer’s Market & steam vents. | Families |
| Headquarters Visitor Center | No. 1-20 Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City 11292 | Various exhibits. | Families |
| Flower clock | NA | Area adjourned with various flowers. | Families |
| Menghuan Pond | NA | Ecological conservation zone. | Families |
| Zhuzihu | NA | Farming village. | Families |
And of course, you’ll find various hiking paths. Let’s talk about those.
Yangmingshan National Park Hiking Paths
Here are the trails you’ll find in Yangmingshan:
| Path | Duration | Difficulty | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Datun | 4.2 hrs | Hard | 5.4 km |
| Mt. Zhongzheng | 3 hrs | Hard | 4 km |
| Mt. Caigongkeng | 50 min | Easy | 1.5 km |
| Erziping | 80 | Hard | 1.8 km |
| Mt. Miantian | 2.23 hrs | Moderate | 6.6 km |
| Qixing Mountain | 2.3 hrs | Moderate | 4.5 km |
| Mt. Shamao | 1.3 hrs | Moderate | 3.2 km |
| Menghuan Pond | 1.2 hrs | Easy | 2.5 km |
| Juansi Waterfall | 1.3 hrs | Hard | 2.2 km |
| Jinbaoli Trail (Yulu Historical Trail) | 4.3 hrs | Moderate | 6.6 km |
| Qingtiangang Circular Trail | 50 min | Easy | 2.4 km |
| Mt. Ding | 3 hrs | Hard | 6.6 km |
| Pingding Historical Canal | 1.15 hrs | Easy | 2.3 km |
| Yangjin Highway | 3.35 hrs | Hard | 5.2 km |
| Bailaka Highway | 1.20 hrs | Easy | 2.5 km |
| Lengshuikeng-Qingtiangang | 1.10 hrs | Easy | 1.8 km |
| Jingshan Road | 2.45 hrs | Hard | 5.2 km |
Yangmingshan National Park Travel Tips
Follow these tips when visiting Yangmingshan:
- Understand basic wilderness survival skills in case you get lost.
- Bring the following equipment:
- Flashlight (or headlamp) + spare batteries: In case it’s dark.
- Compass: Prevent getting lost.
- Whistle: To help rescuers find you.
- Map: To know where you’re going.
- Raincoat: In case it rains.
- Cell phone battery bank: Keep your phone charged.
- Wear boots: Prevent snakes from biting your ankles.
- Bring bug spray: Deter mosquitos.
- Watch your surroundings: For snakes & other critters.
