Just a short ride from Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park offers a perfect natural retreat with stunning volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and rejuvenating hot springs. Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature enthusiast, or just looking to relax away from the city buzz, this mountain paradise has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your day trip.
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The park features remarkable natural volcanic landscapes centered around the Datun Volcano Group. Beyond enjoying breathtaking mountain views from the summit, you can choose from numerous interconnected trails linking different attractions as you immerse yourself in nature. For more detailed trail information, check the official website.
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Table of Contents
Seasonal Highlights
Yangmingshan National Park is planted with various flowers including cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, azaleas, calla lilies, and camellias. Each flower season attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the blooms. Every season in Yangmingshan offers something different to see.
Spring (March–May): Yangmingshan truly shines during flower season, when cherry blossoms, azaleas, and calla lilies burst into full bloom. Zhuzihu Valley and Yangmingshan Park are the go-to spots for flower viewing.
Summer (June–August): With its higher elevation, Yangmingshan provides a cool escape from Taipei’s sweltering summer heat. While summer lacks flowering displays, it’s the perfect time for butterfly watching. The best spot is along the Datun Mountain Road in Datun Nature Park, where you can immediately spot different varieties of purple and blue crow butterflies. Qingtiangang Grassland is ideal for picnics, and the shaded forest trails offer a refreshing retreat.
Autumn (September–November): The rolling hills of Qingtiangang and Mt. Qixing become covered in golden silvergrass, making this the best season for scenic hikes and photography. When fall arrives, the entire forest turns fiery red with maple leaves, creating picture-perfect scenery. Taipei’s Aowanda Lohas Manor is the place for maple viewing from mid-to-late November through December, with diverse maple species and rich natural ecology.
Winter (December–February): While Yangmingshan isn’t high enough for regular snowfall, it occasionally gets snow during cold snaps. Misty landscapes and occasional frost create a dreamy atmosphere. It’s also the ideal time to soak in the Lengshuikeng Hot Springs and enjoy the warm, relaxing waters amidst the cool weather.
Getting to Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan is easily accessible from Taipei via bus, taxi, or scooter rental. The most convenient route is taking Bus 260 or the S15 from Taipei Main Station or Jiantan MRT Station. The ride takes about 40 minutes, dropping you off near key attractions.
Driving or riding a scooter offers the most freedom. You can enter from Shilin or Beitou direction, following Yangde Boulevard uphill, reaching the park in about 30 minutes. Be aware of weekend traffic controls—Yangde Boulevard operates one-way uphill from 7:00-15:00 on weekends, requiring alternate routes when leaving.
For group travelers, hiring a private car or taking a taxi is a good option. Private car tours provide more flexibility without frequent transfers. A taxi from downtown Taipei to Yangmingshan Terminal costs about NT$300-500, depending on your starting point.
Within the park, you can take the 108 shuttle bus or walk between attractions. The 108 shuttle connects major sights including Yangmingshan Terminal, Xiaoyoukeng, Lengshuikeng, Qingtiangang, and Zhuzihu. Tickets cost NT$15 per ride, or you can use an EasyCard or day pass (NT$60) for unlimited rides—perfect for independent travelers.
Exploring Yangmingshan: Key Areas and Attractions
1. Xiaoyoukeng Area – Volcanic Wonders
This geothermal area is famous for its steaming fumaroles, sulfur vents, and rugged landscapes. A visit here offers a unique chance to witness Taiwan’s volcanic activity up close. For adventurers, the short but steep hike up Mt. Qixing (Seven Star Mountain), the highest peak in Taipei, rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors wearing silver jewelry should take note—silver will turn black when it comes in contact with sulfur!
Best Photo Spot: The summit of Mt. Qixing, offering sweeping cityscape and mountain views.
2. Qingtiangang – Rolling Grasslands
This vast, open plateau is perfect for picnicking and enjoying scenic mountain views. The rolling hills, fresh air, and grazing cattle create a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. It’s also a great spot for easy hiking and sunset watching.
Recommended Trail: The Qingtiangang Circular Trail (1km), an easy loop with scenic views.
Best Photo Spot: Sunset over the grasslands with grazing cattle.
3. Lengshuikeng – Hot Springs and Nature Trails
A great place to unwind, Lengshuikeng offers a free, slightly cooler natural hot spring bath. Lengshuikeng (“Cold Water Pit”) is actually a lake formed by lava damming between Mt. Qixing and Mt. Qigu. Despite its name meaning “cold water,” the water here isn’t cold at all (about 40°C)—it’s called “cold water” because its temperature is lower compared to other hot springs in the area.
The nearby Milk Lake, a small milky-colored pond containing sulfur minerals that give it a dreamy light milky appearance, adds to the area’s tranquil charm. While you can’t bathe directly in Milk Lake, there are walking paths around it for visitors to stroll and appreciate the scenery. The paths around Milk Lake are relatively flat and perfect for leisurely walks, with free foot baths and hot springs available nearby.
Another attraction is the Jingshan Suspension Bridge, a hidden walkway bridge nestled in lush green forests connecting the Jingshan and Lengshuikeng areas. This bridge spans about 70 meters across a valley, surrounded by dense forest on both sides.
Recommended Trail: Lengshuikeng to Qingtiangang Trail, a relaxing hike connecting two scenic spots.
Best Photo Spot: The boardwalk near Milk Lake, perfect for misty landscape shots.
4. Zhuzihu – Calla Lily Fields & Local Delicacies
Zhuzihu is located in a valley between Mt. Datun, Mt. Qixing, and Mt. Xiaoguanyin at an elevation of about 600 meters. It’s famous for its spectacular seasonal flower fields and unique farm-to-table cuisine. From March to May, the grand Calla Lily Festival takes place, allowing visitors to stroll through vast fields of elegant white flowers, participate in flower-picking experiences, photo contests, and even pick callas to take home. From August to September, daylilies bloom, covering Zhuzihu in beautiful golden colors.
Beyond the captivating flower fields, Zhuzihu is also an excellent place to taste authentic mountain cuisine. The previously mentioned daylilies are also a delicacy during August-September and taste great simply stir-fried. November to April is yam season, supplying the Taipei region with high-quality yams. The surrounding restaurants use Yangmingshan’s abundant natural ingredients to create seasonal specialties:
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoot dishes and seasonal wild vegetables.
Summer (June–August): Refreshing wild vegetables, paired with the romantic scenery of hydrangea season.
Fall (September–November): Mountain-grown sweet potatoes and taro dishes like pan-fried sweet potato cakes and taro rice.
Winter (December–February): Warming, nourishing free-range chicken hotpot and ginger sweet potato soup—perfect choices for cold weather.
Additionally, arrow bamboo shoots, white-cut chicken, and taro ice cream are must-try local delicacies. Whether you’re flower-viewing, taking photos, or sampling rustic mountain flavors, Zhuzihu is an unmissable spot during your Yangmingshan trip.
5. Yangmingshan Park Area – Iconic Landmarks
The central area of the park features the famous Flower Clock, a beautifully landscaped garden that bursts with seasonal blooms. Located in the park’s main plaza, the clock face is designed with green grass as its base, interplanted with flowers that bloom in different months, symbolizing the passage of time. Each full hour, the clock chimes with pleasant music, adding to its charm.
The Flower Clock is not only a visual highlight but also a creative fusion of botany and landscape design, transforming the abstract concept of time into a tangible experience. It serves as an educational and artistic feature, reminding visitors of the cycles of life and the changing seasons. During spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas make the area especially stunning, making it one of the best photo spots in Yangmingshan.
Best Spots for Night Views
Yangmingshan is also a great place to enjoy Taipei’s night views. As the sun sets, the mountain transforms into a magical spot for viewing the city lights. Some of the best places to enjoy Taipei’s glittering skyline include:
1. Zhuzihu Night View Platform – Excellent Views of Taipei’s Night Scenery
Zhuzihu isn’t just a springtime flower-viewing destination—its observation platform is equally worth visiting after dark. From here, you can gaze down at Taipei’s brilliant city lights with a wide panoramic view, perfect for visitors who prefer a tranquil atmosphere. Since Zhuzihu is at a higher elevation, evenings can be quite cool, so it’s advisable to bring a jacket to avoid catching cold.
2. Xiaoyoukeng Parking Lot – Perfect Night Photography Spot
Xiaoyoukeng isn’t just famous for its geothermal landscapes; its parking lot is also a great place to enjoy the night view. With less light pollution, you can clearly see Taipei’s vibrant city lights at night, making it especially suitable for night photography enthusiasts. Since Xiaoyoukeng is located on a high mountain road, it’s recommended to drive there and be mindful of mountain weather changes to avoid fog affecting your viewing experience.
3. Baiyun Villa – Romantic Mountain Night Views
Baiyun Villa is located on the mountainside of Yangmingshan with an open view overlooking the sparkling lights of Taipei city. It’s a popular hiking trail during the day and becomes a hidden viewing spot for couples and photography enthusiasts at night. Due to its high elevation, nighttime temperatures are cooler, so it’s recommended to bring a jacket.
4. Yonggong Road – Perfect Angle to View Greater Taipei
Along Yonggong Road, there are multiple viewing platforms, making it one of the best routes for enjoying Taipei’s night views from Yangmingshan. The highlight here is minimal light pollution with clear night visibility, capturing the city lights of Taipei 101 and the Shilin Night Market area. Driving is the most convenient way to get here, and you can briefly stop along the road to experience the peaceful nighttime atmosphere.
5. Lin Yutang House – Culture and Night Views Combined
Lin Yutang’s former residence isn’t just a must-visit spot for literature enthusiasts—after dusk, it also provides an exceptional night view. The surroundings are serene with fewer tourists, allowing you to peacefully gaze at Taipei’s myriad of lights from afar, making it especially suitable for visitors wanting to avoid crowds while leisurely enjoying the night scenery.
Whether for a romantic date, night photography, or simply finding a quiet place to appreciate Taipei’s urban light and shadow, these viewing spots are excellent choices in Yangmingshan.
Yangmingshan Night View Restaurant | The Top Rooftop
“The Top Rooftop” is located on Yangmingshan in Taipei and offers an exceptional dining experience with night views. Situated on the back mountain of Yangmingshan, it features a terraced design that provides magnificent views of Taipei city at night. The restaurant has a very romantic atmosphere with Balinese Southeast Asian-inspired architecture, making it perfect for couples’ dates.
The restaurant has several areas with different views and design styles. Only the indoor private rooms can be reserved, while the outdoor area and general indoor seating operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that there’s a minimum spending requirement, different areas offer different menus (Western cuisine/stir-fry/BBQ), and reservations are not accepted on holidays.
Address: No. 33, Alley 4, Lane 61, Kaishuan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2862 2255
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Website
Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Arrive early and visit Xiaoyoukeng for an up-close look at volcanic steam vents.
Midday: Hike up Mt. Qixing or explore the serene Qingtiangang Grassland for a picnic.
Afternoon: Visit Zhuzihu Valley for flower viewing and try some local delicacies, then relax at Lengshuikeng Hot Springs.
Evening: Stop by the Flower Clock before heading back to Taipei for a delicious night market meal.
Summary
Yangmingshan National Park is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty just outside of Taipei. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, soaking in rejuvenating hot springs, or admiring vibrant seasonal blooms, this destination offers a refreshing escape from city life. The best times to visit are spring (March–May), when cherry blossoms and calla lilies are in full bloom, and autumn (September–November), when the skies are clear and the weather is pleasantly cool.
To make the most of your trip, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat, as the weather can change quickly. A camera is essential for capturing the stunning landscapes and floral displays that make Yangmingshan a year-round paradise for nature lovers.
Of course, if you want to explore comfortably and stress-free, a private car tour is your best choice—check it out below!
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