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Entrance to Yangming Park. Photo by Abasaa.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Yangmingshan National Park

Entrance to Yangming Park. Photo by Abasaa.

Yangminshan National Park is one of Taiwan’s busiest national parks for a reason. It is considered one of the best hiking spots in Taiwan, as well as one of the first urban quiet parks in the world. Visitors can enjoy the mountainous terrain, which includes numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and cherry blossom viewing areas. Aside from that, the park is home to 1,400 different plant species and Mount Qixing, Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano.

Yangmingshan National Park is located in the northwestern part of Beitou. After WWII, the KMT government renamed the mountain Yangmingshan and established a park on it.

Yangmingshan National Park is Taiwan’s only park with volcanic terrain and hot springs. It is located near Shamao and Qixing Mountains, with Datun Mountain to the right and Guanyin Mountain in front. Yangmingshan National Park is an ideal summer destination due to its breathtaking mountain scenery and pleasant weather. The park’s total area is 11,338 hectares.

1. Yangmingshan National Park was first known as Caoshan

During the Qing Dynasty, the area now known as Yangmingshan National Park was first known as Caoshan, or Grass Mountain in English. Locals named Datun Mountain Caoshan. This was mainly because the area was constantly set on fire to deter thieves from stealing the rich mineral deposits in the post-volcanic region.

Daitan National Park was established during the Japanese occupation. President Chiang Kai-shek renamed Caoshan Yangmingshan in 1950 to honor Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Yangming. The area was rezoned to include Jinshan in 1963, and Yangmingshan National Park, was established on that basis.

2. Yangmingshan National Park has 97  mountains

Mt. Qixing Main Peak. Photo by Wei-Te Wong.

Yangmingshan National Park is located between the Taipei City districts of Beitou and Shilin. The park has 97 named mountains. Mount Qixing, also known as Seven-Star Mountain in English, is the tallest dormant volcano in the park. Mount Qixing is 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) above sea level and provides panoramic views of downtown Taipei. Other notable mountains in Yangmingshan National Park are:

• Mount Datun
• Mount Zhuzi
• Mount Xiaoguanyin
• Mount Caigongkeng 

3. The park has numerous hiking trails

Hiking in Yangminagshan National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular hiking destinations. It should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting the country.

Visitors can enjoy the mountainous terrain, which features numerous hiking trails. The trails include:

• Jinbaoli Trail
• Mount Datun Three Peaks
• Tianmu Trail
• Shamaoshan
• Mount Qixing
• Lengshuikeng to Qingtiangang Trail
• Erzihping Trail
• Mount Huangzui

4. Yangmingshan National Park has four hot springs

Public Hot Springs, Wulai, Taipei. Photo by Teo Romera.

Yangmingshan has many hot spring areas to enjoy. There are four hot spring areas:

• Area bordering the park
• Lengshuikeng
• Macao
• Gengziping

The quality, temperature, and healing benefits of each spring are all unique and different. This is because of the area’s frequent volcanic thermal activity and diverse mineral composition.

5. There is a summer home in the park

Yangmingshuwu, is a historically significant structure located in the park. This was once the summer residence chosen by late President Chiang Kai-shek himself.

This two-story traditional Chinese building was built in 1969. It was originally known as the Zhongxing Hotel because it housed foreign visitors before being renamed Yangmingshuwu in 1975.

Yangmingshuwu, is painted green to represent nature. It’s considered a fine fusion of nature and culture. Guided tours are available inside the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek, which displays its immaculate interiors and art collection.

6. Vegetation in the park changes with seasons

Flower clock, at Yangmingshan National Park. Photo by eazytraveler.

The park’s overall flora distribution is heavily influenced by the volcanic terrain. Low temperatures and high humidity during winter have caused “altitude migration” of plant species.

The park’s floral life is divided into three major categories: aquatic, grassland, and forest vegetation. Aquatic plants are mostly found in crater marshes and reservoir ponds. The vegetation within the park frequently changes appearance to coincide with seasonal changes. This makes it a spectacular sight not to be missed.

7. Yangmingshan National Park is a habitat for several wildlife

The park’s diverse terrain and abundant vegetation have provided an excellent habitat for various wildlife activities.

Yangmingshan National Park is home to 122 different bird species. The park is at full capacity from March to October. This is because migratory birds spend these months in the park’s warmer climate.

During the summer, there is a danger of dangerous snakes in the park’s forested areas. The park has many posters informing and warning visitors about the possibility of encountering venomous snakes. It’s very unlikely to  come across one of these snakes, as long as one sticks to the marked trails.

There are over 165 species of butterflies, and their presence is most noticeable from May to August. Many other species contribute to Yangmingshan National Park’s rich biodiversity.

8. The park has a seasonal scenery

Yangmingshan National Park’s climate patterns are subtropical and warm temperate. It has prominent seasonal monsoons, due to its latitude and elevation above sea level.

During the summer, the south-west monsoons bring thunderstorms in the afternoon. Rainbows appear across mountain valleys as the rainy mist dissipates, revealing a different side of Yangmingshan on rainy days.

Silver grass forms an undulating sea of flowers in October. As the season progresses, red maple leaves adorn the treetops. They intertwine with golden leaves to form the famous “Datun Autumn Scene.”

In the winter, the northeast monsoons dump freezing rains on the mountains. During cold spells, the combination of high humidity and cold temperatures turns the park into a foggy and misty world. Snow even falls around the mountain areas, covering everything in a silvery whiteness.

9. Juansi waterfall at Yangmingshan National Park

Waterfall at Yangmingshan National Park. Photo by Kuocw 416.

This easy one-hour hike that follows an artificial watercourse offers a relaxing walk. There’s plenty to see for nature lovers and bird watchers as you traverse forest and stream.

Juansi Waterfall, crosses the Jingshan suspension bridge, and ends at the Lengshuikeng Visitor Center. The stone path on this hike can become slippery.

10. The park has significant natural scenery resources

Aside from the volcanic and geothermal activities mentioned, Yangmingshan National Park also has significant natural scenery resources. They include unique mineral beds, rock strata, and clear creeks radiating outwards.

Along with camphor, tea, and sugar, sulfur has become one of Taiwan’s Four Commodities. The history of sulfur mining in the Yangmingshan area is significant in Taiwan’s history and development.