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Taiwan Mountains Map & Hiking Trails Comparison
Spot the 8 highest peaks on Taiwan Mountains Map. Plus, the table offers a quick overview of some of the best Taiwan mountains for hiking:
| Difficulty | Taiwan Mountains | Elevation Gain | Hiking Distance (Round Trip) | Hiking Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Yangmingshan (Qixingshan Main Peak) | 579m | 5.4km | 2.5h | Beginners, Families, Parent-child outings |
| Alishan (Datashan) | 563m | 7km | 4h | ||
| Lulinshan | 200m | 2.8km (Loop) | 1.5h | ||
| Hehuanshan | 150m | 1.2km | 1h | ||
| Grade B | Shuishe Great Mountain | 1,200m | 10.8km | 6-8h | Intermediate Hikers |
| Beidawu Mountain | 1,400m | 20km | 10h | ||
| Grade C | Taroko Chui-lu Cliff | 600m | 6.2km | 4h | Adventure lovers |
| Grade C+ | Yushan Main Peak | 1,350m | 21.8km | 12-16 hours (Single Push); 14 hours (Standard 2-day/1-night) | "Hundred Peaks" challengers, High-altitude adaptors |
1. Taroko Chui-lu Cliff (1,000m): My Top Taiwan Mountains Hiking Thrill
That 1,000m sheer drop? This trail gets my heart pumping every time. It's a thrilling Taiwan Mountains hiking experience along a vertical cliff!
You'll walk on a narrow, 90cm wide path pressed against a 700-meter sheer rock face. Below, the Liwu River winds like a jade ribbon. The views are breathtaking, but definitely not for the faint of heart!
- Elevation Gain: 600m
- Round-Trip Distance: 2km
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
- Permit: Limited to 96 people per day; needs booking 2 weeks in advance.
- Best for: Adventure lovers, seekers of breathtaking views.
For survival, you must wear non-slip hiking shoes; the rocky path can be slippery. For the best views, aim to enter between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, as clouds often roll in later.
As a local, I'd strongly advise caution after heavy rain – rockfall risk is high! If it's stormy, consider the beautiful Shakadang Trail instead. On sunny days, wear UV arm sleeves; there's no shade, and the sun reflecting off the rock can really burn!
2. Yangmingshan (1,120m): My Go-To Taipei Mountain Hiking
At 1,120m, Yangmingshan is perfect for breathing in fresh air right near the city. It's an accessible way to enjoy the Taiwan Mountains without going far – truly Taipei's backyard escape!
My favorite is the Qixingshan Main & East Peak Loop: 5.4km with a 579m elevation gain, taking about 2.5 hours. Reaching the summit gives you amazing panoramic views of the Taipei Basin and active sulfuric fumaroles!
- Elevation Gain: 579m
- Round-Trip Distance: 4km
- Estimated Time: 5 hours
- Best for: Beginners, families, parent-child outings.
For a hidden gem, try a night visit to Dream Lake. Bring a flashlight to spot the unique "Taiwanese Isoetes" (Taiwan quillwort) – it glows like a starry carpet! You can also bring your own eggs to the Geothermal Valley and boil them in the 82℃ hot springs. They're delicious with soy paste!
As for seasonal delights, in March, the stunning calla lily fields at Zhuzihu are a sea of white, and in June, gorgeous hydrangea walls transform Zhuzihu.
How to Get to Yangmingshan from Taipei (2025)
3. Shuishe Great Mountain (2,059m): A Taiwan Mountain Hike for Bird Views of Sun Moon Lake
You won't believe the panorama of Sun Moon Lake from up here at 2,059m! It's one of those Taiwan Mountains that offers rewards for a climb. This hike is challenging, but the bird's-eye view of the lake is absolutely worth every step.
- Elevation Gain: 1,200m
- Round-Trip Distance: 8km
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
- Best for: Intermediate hikers.
My favorite viewpoint is at the 2km mark, where you take a fork to the west into a bamboo forest to glimpse the heart-shaped Lalu Island. At the summit, you will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake.
One crucial tip: start your hike before 10 AM in summer due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and bring hiking poles – those steep, muddy sections can be slippery!
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4. Alishan's Mt. Datashan (2,663m): A Unique Taiwan Mountain Experience by Train
Taking that historic train right up to 2,663m and the trailhead? Pure magic. This makes exploring the Taiwan Mountains in Alishan unique and exciting!
My classic route from Younger Sister Pond to Mt. Datashan is 3.5km with a 563m elevation gain, taking about 2 hours. Check it on our Alishan map! The trail runs alongside the railway, with steam trains whistling through the cedar forest.
- Elevation Gain: 563m
- Round-Trip Distance: 7km
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
- Best for: Beginners, families, parent-child outings.
The mountain top is perfect for stargazing due to no light pollution. As a cultural bonus, at the trail's end, you can learn to make bamboo rice with Tsou hunters – their grilled wild boar with mountain pepper salt is a must-eat!
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5. Mt. Lulinshan (2,862m): Where We Get the Best Yushan Main Peak Views
This is where I go for that jaw-dropping panorama of Taiwan's highest point - Yushan Main Peak.
The route from Tataga Visitor Center to Lulinshan is a lovely 2.8km loop, with a 200m elevation gain, taking about 1.5 hours. It's a very relaxing stroll, often accompanied by friendly Taiwan Laughing Thrushes!
- Elevation Gain: 200m
- Round-Trip Distance: 8km (loop)
- Estimated Time: 5 hours
- Best for: Beginners, families, parent-child outings.
For photography, the observatory ruins offer a fantastic foreground; in April, frame the peak with blooming Yushan rhododendrons and a snow-capped summit for epic shots!
For a sea of clouds, visit between 9-10 AM in autumn and winter when cold and warm air currents create rolling cloud waterfalls.
I often recommend combining this trip with Linjhihshan (a 3-hour loop) to collect both "Lulin" and "Linjhih" mountain certificates!
6. Beidawu Mountain (3,092m): One of Taiwan's Tallest Peaks for Cloud Hikes
When the clouds roll in at 3,092m, it's like hiking through a dream. It's one of the tallest mountains in Taiwan known for its stunning sea of clouds.
The one-way distance is 10km, with an elevation gain of 1,400m, taking about 10 hours for the full round trip. You'll trek through beautiful hemlock forests, arrow bamboo grasslands, and massive rock formations that feel like a "stone temple."
- Elevation Gain: 1,400m
- Round-Trip Distance: 20km
- Estimated Time: 10 hours
- Best for: Intermediate hikers.
For a high probability of seeing the cloud sea, I recommend visiting after rain clears up, especially during the northeast monsoon season (October to March) – the chance of clouds is over 70%!
The best spot to witness this spectacle is from the "Cloud Ridge Cabin" terrace at the 4.5km mark; it's perfect for sipping coffee and watching the clouds roll in.
A crucial safety alert: the last 1.5km involves navigating a narrow ridge with ropes. If it's windy, absolutely wear a helmet!
7. Mt. Hehuanshan (3,422m): Taiwan's Stunning "Winter Wonderland"
Yes, we get snow! And it's stunning up here. Hehuanshan is one of the more accessible of Taiwan's highest peaks to experience winter scenery. It transforms into a beautiful "winter wonderland" in Taiwan in December!
Even without special gear, you can enjoy the snow on the Main Peak, which is just a 1.1km paved walk (40 mins) – you can even push a stroller up here! For more dramatic views, try the Hehuanjian Mountain, a short but steep 0.1km climb (20 mins) for amazing ice formations and snow-covered trees.
- Elevation Gain: 150m
- Round-Trip Distance: 1km
- Estimated Time: 40 minutes
- Best for: Beginners, families, parent-child outings.
Between December and February, you can rent snow chains and drive up to Wuling for snowball fights and snowman building (Songxue Lodge even offers free hot ginger tea!).
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In May and June, hike the Shimen Mountain Trail to see a sea of vibrant red rhododendrons.
8. Yushan Main Peak (3,952m): My Ultimate Taiwan Mountain Hiking Challenge
Taiwan's highest peak – it's a beast, but totally worth it! Conquering Yushan Main Peak, the true king of Taiwan Mountains, is a badge of honor for any Taiwan Mountains hiking enthusiast.
- Elevation Gain: 1,350m
- Round-Trip Distance: 8km
- For a Single Push: 12-16 hours (start around 2 AM)
- For a Standard 2-Day/1-Night: 14 hours total hiking (staying at Paiyun Lodge)
- Best for: Hundred Peaks challengers, high-altitude adaptors.
To conquer this king, you need to be strategic with permits. My biggest tip for the summit is the lottery strategy: apply 60 days in advance on the official website for a bed at Paiyun Lodge (success rate is about 15%).
Alternatively, you can do a "single push" starting at 2 AM. The last 200 meters before the main peak is what I call the "deadly 200m" – it's a windy rock face where you need to hold onto chains and sometimes crawl. Make sure your backpack is weighed down with rocks so it doesn't blow away!
The soul-stirring moment comes when you reach the summit just before sunrise to watch the first golden rays split the clouds and light up Taiwan's most expensive mailbox (you need special hiking stamps to send postcards from here!).
Planning Your Taiwan Mountains Adventure: My Insider Advice
Planning is key for your Taiwan Mountains hiking trip. Here are some popular routes I recommend:
Hike Mt. Yangmingshan from Taipei on a Day Trip
For a day trip, explore Mt. Yangmingshan from Taipei.
You can start your day relaxing at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, explore the steamy Geothermal Valley, then hike up to Yangmingshan (5.4km with a 579m elevation gain, taking about 2.5 hours) for scenic spots like Zhuzihu's calla lilies and Qingtiangang's vast grasslands.
Combine Sun Moon Lake Cruising with Shuishe Great Mountain Hiking
Kick off your Sun Moon Lake tour with a relaxing cruise.
The next day, challenge yourself with a rewarding day hike up Shuishe Great Mountain for those incredible panoramic views. It's a 10.8km round trip, taking 6-8 hours.
Experience a Alishan Day Trip Paired with the Mt. Datashan Hike
For a classic Alishan day trip plus the Mt. Datashan hike, start by taking the charming Forest Train from Alishan Station to Zhaoping Station.
From Zhaoping, walk to Sister Ponds (Younger Sister Pond), where you can embark on a rewarding hike to Mt. Datashan. This 7km round-trip hike has a 200m elevation gain and takes about 4 hours.
After your ascent, return to the Sister Ponds area to continue a classic sightseeing route. Wander through iconic spots like Three Brothers, Four Sisters, Golden Pig Blessing, Forever Love Trees, Magnolia Garden, and Shoujhen Temple, concluding your walk at Xianglin Service Area.
To head back, take a shuttle bus from Xianglin Service Area to the Alishan Forest Park entrance.
Ready for the Trails? My Local Tips for Hiking Taiwan Mountains
As a local who loves these trails, I've got insider advice for your Taiwan Mountains hiking adventure. Always consider permits, best seasons, and essential gear.
- Permits
Peaks over 3,000m require both a Mountain Entry Permit (from the National Police Agency website) and a National Park Entry Permit.
Popular trails like Taroko Chui-lu Old Trail (96 daily limit) and Yushan (lottery for Paiyun Lodge, apply 1-2 months ahead) need advance booking.
- Safety Is Key
B-grade trails and above often warrant a satellite phone, while C/C+ grades (like Chui-lu and Yushan) require a guided group.
- Seasonal Strategy
May to October is ideal for avoiding typhoons and high-mountain avalanche risks. For a unique snow experience, Hehuanshan in December-February is fantastic, but requires proper anti-slip gear.
- Essential Gear
Keep it smart and light. A-grade trails need only sports shoes and a windbreaker. B-grade trails add hiking poles and a headlamp. For C/C+ grade trails like Zhuilu (Chui-lu), a helmet and safety ropes are essential.
Go Hiking Taiwan Mountains with Asia Odyssey Travel
If you're looking for a hassle-free way to hike Taiwan Mountains, Asia Odyssey Travel can help! We take care of everything from permits to guides, ensuring you to enjoy the beauty of these mountains without the stress of planning.
We offer diverse Taiwan tours – from Taiwan group tours to specialized Taipei tours, Food Tours, Sun Moon Lake tours, and Alishan tours.
We provide all-inclusive services: well-planned Taiwan itineraries, local guides, quality accommodation, seamless Taiwan transportation, and 24/7 support, removing all planning stress.
Our insider Taiwan travel guides also cover essential topics like Is Taiwan Worth Visiting, Things to Do in Taiwan and the Best Time to Visit.
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