Yangmingshan National Park

Overview

Yangmingshan National Park is a volcanic mountain park just 30 minutes from central Taipei, offering hot springs, fumaroles, hiking trails, and seasonal flower festivals across 11,455 hectares.

Highlights

• Xiaoyoukeng: An active volcanic fumarole area with boardwalks through steaming, sulfur-encrusted vents.
• Cherry Blossom Season: February brings stunning sakura displays along the park's main roads and trails.
• Qingtiangang Grasslands: A vast, rolling highland meadow with water buffalo grazing freely — surreal so close to a capital city.

History

Established in 1985, Yangmingshan was renamed from its original name Caoshan (Grass Mountain) by Chiang Kai-shek in honor of the Ming-dynasty philosopher Wang Yangming. The area was an important sulfur mining site during Japanese colonial rule.

Visitor Tips

• Flower Clock Season: Visit in February–March for cherry blossoms or May–June for hydrangeas along the Zhuzihu area.
• Hot Springs: After hiking, soak in the public hot spring baths at Lengshuikeng.
• Duration: 3–5 hours.