Yangmingshan National Park Taipei
Taipei's volcanic national park offers stunning grasslands, hiking trails, and scenic vistas, a perfect natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Yangmingshan National Park Taipei
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taipei's volcanic national park offers stunning grasslands, hiking trails, and scenic vistas, a perfect natural escape.
"Picturesque park up in the mountains with beautiful trees, flowers, streams, and more."
🚗 Hire a Car/Taxi
Buses are inconvenient. A private car or taxi offers flexibility to see multiple spots easily.
🛵 Rent a Scooter
GoShare by Gogoro is recommended for exploring at your own pace.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Qingtiangang Grassland
Shilin District, Taipei City
Vast, rolling grasslands offering stunning panoramic views, reminiscent of Switzerland. Perfect for picnics and photography.
Xiaoguanyin Shan Trail
Yangmingshan National Park
A rewarding loop hike offering breathtaking vistas and a chance to experience the park's diverse flora and fauna.
Qixing Mountain
Yangmingshan National Park
Taipei's highest dormant volcano, offering accessible trails with rewarding summit views, even in foggy conditions.
Maple Viewing Spots
Pingjing Street & Qingshan Road
Experience the fiery red of autumn maple leaves, with observation decks offering stunning mountain panoramas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Weather
Getting Around Yangmingshan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Car/Taxi
Buses are inconvenient. A private car or taxi offers flexibility to see multiple spots easily.
🛵 Rent a Scooter
GoShare by Gogoro is recommended for exploring at your own pace.
🎒 Pack Food & Water
Food options are scarce. Bring your own lunch and snacks to enjoy amidst nature.
🧥 Dress for Changing Weather
Pack layers, an umbrella, and a jacket. It can be windy and rainy, even on sunny days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Car/Taxi
Buses are inconvenient. A private car or taxi offers flexibility to see multiple spots easily.
🛵 Rent a Scooter
GoShare by Gogoro is recommended for exploring at your own pace.
🎒 Pack Food & Water
Food options are scarce. Bring your own lunch and snacks to enjoy amidst nature.
🧥 Dress for Changing Weather
Pack layers, an umbrella, and a jacket. It can be windy and rainy, even on sunny days.
🗺️ Get a Park Map
Visitor centers offer maps to supplement navigation apps for your hikes.
👟 Stroller-Friendly Options
Erziping Trail is wheelchair accessible. Xiaououkemg recreation area is manageable with a stroller.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Yangmingshan National Park for its stunning natural beauty, accessible trails, and breathtaking views, especially Qingtiangang Grassland. Many appreciate it as a free, natural escape from Taipei. However, some find the public transportation inconvenient and recommend private transport for a better experience.
"Didn’t get to explore too much cos of the rain, but I did the Qixing trail and had a very nice time. Only takes 1h30 to walk to the top then I walked down the other way. Even in the fog and rain I still had a great time."
Anya Claire
"Picturesque park up in the mountains with beautiful trees, flowers, streams, and more. Great view of the sunset and there are multiple areas for cherry blossom viewing. It’s free to enter, but can get a little bit crowded."
Isabelle K
"Very beautiful park and very big.. i will recommend you to hire private taxi or car because waiting for the bus is very inconvenient.. buses are less and tourist are too much.. Also it is hard to stand in the mountain roads.. buses have very very few seats and u have to stand the entire time.
You can enjoy fullest if u hire Scotty or a car or taxi to visit this place.. food options are almost null so don’t forget to pack your foods for lunch … also it is wise to take an umbrella and a jacket for changing weather. Some places are really windy so prepare with a tight fitted cloths.
There are different places .. and trails.. don’t forget to study about the whole thing before you go there.. In total, Yangmingshan National Park boasts over 20 notable attractions, including natural wonders, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks."
Naaziisha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the MRT to Shilin Station and then catch the S15 bus. Alternatively, buses like the 260 from Taipei Main Station go to Yangmingshan [^SEO]. For more convenience, consider a private taxi or renting a scooter like GoShare.
Getting around can be challenging. Buses are infrequent and can be crowded. Renting a scooter or hiring a private car/taxi is highly recommended for exploring the park's various attractions.
While some Reddit users mention Uber, it's generally more reliable to use local buses or pre-arranged taxis, especially for returning from more remote areas of the park.
You can take a bus or a taxi between Beitou and Yangmingshan. Some visitors combine a visit to Beitou's hot springs with Yangmingshan in a day trip.
It takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour by bus from Taipei's central areas to Yangmingshan National Park. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Yangmingshan National Park is free to enter, making it an accessible natural escape from the city. [^R]
The park is open 24 hours, allowing for early morning hikes or late evening stargazing, though specific facilities may have limited hours.
No advance booking is required as the park itself is free to enter. However, if you book tours or specific activities, check their individual booking policies.
Yes, there are visitor centers where you can pick up maps and get information about the park's trails and attractions.
Spring offers cherry blossoms, while autumn boasts beautiful maple leaves. However, the park is beautiful year-round, with cooler temperatures recommended in July. 
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Qingtiangang Grassland for its scenic views, hike the Xiaoguanyin Shan Trail or Qixing Mountain for panoramic vistas, and enjoy the seasonal beauty of the maple leaves.
Absolutely! Yangmingshan has over 100 km of trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Xiaoguanyin Shan loop and Qixing Mountain trails are popular choices.
While Yangmingshan is known for its volcanic activity and hot springs, the main hot spring areas are often associated with the nearby Beitou district. You can combine a visit to both.
The Erziping Trail is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers. Some areas like Xiaououkemg recreation area are manageable, but a baby carrier is recommended for easier navigation.
You might spot wild water buffalo at Qingtiangang Grassland and various bird species along the trails.
📸 📸 Photography
Qingtiangang Grassland offers wide-open, picturesque landscapes. The summit of Qixing Mountain provides stunning views, and during autumn, the maple-lined streets are incredibly photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for landscape photography. Early mornings also provide clearer skies and fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive grasslands and mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The summit of Qixing Mountain and various viewpoints along the roads offer excellent opportunities to capture the sunset over Taipei.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the park's official regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting the Qingtiangang Grassland. Its open, relatively flat terrain is great for kids to run around and enjoy the expansive views. While a baby carrier is recommended for navigating some of the more uneven paths, the park's natural beauty and opportunities for spotting wildlife like water buffalo can be engaging for children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Renting a scooter via services like GoShare offers a sense of freedom and independence to discover hidden gems at your own pace.For those who prefer not to drive, the bus system, while sometimes inconvenient, can still get you to key areas. Solo travelers can also find it easier to navigate public transport or join organized day tours if they prefer not to worry about logistics.
The park's designation as the world's first Urban Quiet Park also means you can find peaceful spots to escape the city bustle. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
During autumn, the vibrant red maple leaves along Pingjing Street and Qingshan Road create stunning photographic opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural beauty. Remember to pack a versatile lens kit, a sturdy tripod, and be prepared for changing weather conditions to capture the park's essence in all its glory. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Yangmingshan: Transportation Tips
To truly experience the park's vastness, consider renting a scooter, with GoShare by Gogoro being a popular choice among locals and tourists.
When planning your transport, remember that weather can change rapidly. If you opt for a scooter, ensure it has a full battery, and be aware of charging or battery swap stations available near educational institutions like 'wenhua da xue'.
Hiking and Trails in Yangmingshan
For a rewarding day hike, the Xiaoguanyin Shan Trail offers a beautiful loop with stunning scenery [^R]. It's recommended to allocate about six hours to complete this trek [^R].For those seeking a more challenging ascent, Qixing Mountain, Taipei's highest dormant volcano, provides accessible trails leading to the summit. Even in foggy or rainy conditions, the views can be quite dramatic and memorable [^R]. The park also offers more accessible options; the Erziping Trail is noted for being wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers [^R].
When planning your hike, always check the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly. It's advisable to go during the early morning or near dusk to avoid the midday heat, especially during warmer months like July [^R]. Carrying sufficient water and snacks is crucial, as amenities can be sparse within the park.
Seasonal Beauty: Flowers and Foliage
Autumn brings a different kind of magic, as the park's maple trees turn fiery red. Areas like Pingjing Street and Qingshan Road, particularly around the Maple Observation Deck, become prime spots for admiring the stunning red maple leaves. This seasonal foliage attracts photographers and nature lovers alike.
Beyond these seasonal highlights, Yangmingshan is a year-round destination. The Qingtiangang Grassland offers a serene, rolling landscape that is picturesque in any season. The park's volcanic origins also contribute to its unique geological features, making it a fascinating place to explore regardless of the time of year.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit