Best trails in Yangmingshan National Park
Located in between Taipei and New Taipei City, Yangmingshan National Park is known for its hot springs, cherry blossoms, and Taiwan's tallest dormant volcano, the Seven Star Mountain. Yangmingshan also features poisonous snakes, sulfur deposits, and miles of hiking trails with scenic views.
Top trails
- (285)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrStarting from the Lengshuikeng visitor area, the trail is a steep and continuous ascent on a well-maintained stone staircase. The path leads hikers through vast fields of swaying silvergrass and dwarf bamboo, characteristic of the mountain's upper slopes. The windswept summit is marked by a large wooden post and offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, the view encompasses the entire Taipei basin, the other volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan, and the island's northern coastline.
- (146)•Moderate•2.1 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrQixing Mountain (also Cising) stands as the highest and most central peak in Yangmingshan National Park. All trails are well-maintained with stone steps and converge at the windswept main peak. The summit is the ultimate reward, offering a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the entire national park, the Taipei cityscape, and the northern coast on clear days.
- (272)•Hard•3.0 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrQixing Mountain Nursery Line Trail (七星山登山步道苗圃線) This trail is mostly shaded and has a lot of stairs. The views from the peak are stunning, however it is recommended to check the weather before coming. For views, it is preferred to come on a sunny and not cloudy day so that your views will not be hindered.
- (173)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail begins at the Qingtiangang Grassland, an expansive alpine terrace that has formed a stunning pastoral landscape. This area is famous for its resident herd of water buffalo, which often roam peacefully in the meadows. The initial part of the trail follows a gentle path across these open hills. The central part of the route follows the Dingshan-Shitiling Trail, a classic ridge walk that undulates over several small peaks. The path alternates between exposed grassy ridges with...
- (114)•Hard•3.0 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThe Ancient Road route offers a classic forest-to-ridgeline ascent. The view from the summit is the ultimate reward for the strenuous ascent. It offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama that, on a clear day, encompasses the entire Taipei basin, including the iconic Taipei 101, the surrounding volcanic cones of the national park, and the northern coastline bordering the East China Sea.
- (87)•Moderate•2.4 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrQixing Mountain (also Cising) is the highest and most central peak in Yangmingshan National Park. The trail ascends through iconic fields of silvergrass and bamboo groves before reaching the exposed ridges. The trail is well-maintained with stone steps and converges at the windswept central peak. The summit is the ultimate reward, offering a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the entire national park, the Taipei cityscape, and the northern coast on clear days.
- (87)•Hard•9.4 mi•Est. 6–7 hrTaipei Grand Hike: Section 1 and 2 (台北大縱走 1-2) This long trail is broken up into multiple parts, section 2 ends at Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center (小油坑遊客服務站). This trail will take you to see Taiwan's most gorgeous mountains and stunning views of various landscapes. At the visitor center, you can opt to grab a map to learn about the nearby surroundings and history, in addition there are bathrooms there.
- (63)•Hard•15.2 miThe trail takes travelers through a variety of distinct ecosystems. The lower trails wind through subtropical broadleaf forests and quiet Japanese cedar and bamboo groves. As the paths ascend the major peaks like Qixing Mountain, the dense forest gives way to the iconic high-altitude grasslands, vast fields of silvergrass that ripple in the wind. Yangmingshan is particularly famous for its seasonal beauty. It is one of northern Taiwan's premier destinations for viewing cherry blossoms in the...
- (64)•Hard•4.2 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThe trail starts with a steep stone staircase ascending from Lengshuikeng through arrow bamboo and silvergrass fields. After reaching the high ridgeline, the path leads first to the summit of Qixing Main Peak, the highest point in Taipei. Upon returning to the Lengshuikeng area, hikers can visit the milky white sulfur hot spring foot bath to soothe their tired feet or walk across the scenic suspension bridge, making for a perfect end to the hike.