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National park · Taiwan

Yangmingshan National Park陽明山國家公園

Entry is free: go on a weekday before 9:00, climb Mt Qixing from Xiaoyukeng (2–3 h return), and ride bus 108 (NT$60 day pass) between trailheads instead of walking the roads.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
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Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

113 km²

approximate

Established

1985

Best months

Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 5
  • East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
  • East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
  • Taiwan ↗Check visa-exemption length, passport validity and the online arrival card (TWAC) on the official sites before you fly.
  • Taiwan ↗An EasyCard (or iPASS) covers MRT, buses, local trains and many convenience-store purchases; buy one at the airport or a station.
  • Taiwan ↗When a local government declares a typhoon day, transport and sights can close for the day; follow the official notice, not the forecast alone.

At a glance

Country
Taiwan
Area
113 km²
About 113 km² across the Datun volcano group, roughly 16 km northeast of central Taipei (check).
Established
1985
Best months
Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Permits
For some areas
Base
Taipei

Yangmingshan is the volcano group northeast of Taipei: fumaroles, sulfur vents, hot springs, grassland and the city's highest peak, all inside a national park with no entrance gate and no entry fee. The cost of a day here is transport, not tickets. Trails are basalt-paved and steep, and the weather turns fast — the same ridge can be clear at 10:00 and inside cloud by 14:00. Start early, pick one trailhead, and use the park shuttle rather than the roads.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1985.

Size and age

113 km² · national park since 1985

About 113 km² across the Datun volcano group, roughly 16 km northeast of central Taipei (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Taipei.

Why go

  • The highest point in Taipei City, Mt Qixing (1,120 m), is a 2–3 hour return climb from a bus stop.
  • Active fumaroles and sulfur crystals at Xiaoyukeng, reached on foot or by the park shuttle.
  • Free public sulfur baths at Lengshuikeng, plus paid hot spring hotels in the valleys.
  • Qingtiangang's open grassland and the old Jinbaoli fish trail give a full day without leaving the city bus network.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanCaution
  2. FebCaution
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayGo
  6. JunCaution
  7. JulCaution
  8. AugCaution
  9. SepCaution
  10. OctBest
  11. NovBest
  12. DecGo
  • JanCold, wet, windy on the ridges; silvergrass is brown
  • FebRain and fog; cherry blossoms start at Yangming Park
  • MarAzaleas and cherry blossoms; still showery
  • AprMild, clearer; best all-round walking
  • MayWarm; afternoon thunderstorms build
  • JunHot and humid; haze cuts the views
  • JulTyphoon season; trails close in warnings
  • AugTyphoon peak; heavy rain, slippery basalt
  • SepStorm tails; grass at its tallest
  • OctDry, clear, comfortable; silvergrass in bloom
  • NovBest visibility of the year; cool
  • DecCold and often clear; strong wind on summits

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Yangmingshan National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cherry and azalea blossomFeb–Apr · Yangming Park and the Datun azalea area; weekends are packed.noyesyesyesnononononononono
Callalily fields at ZhuzihuMar–Maynonoyesyesyesnonononononono
Silvergrass on the high slopesOct–Nov · The plant the park was first named for.nononononononononoyesyesno
Migratory swallows at LengshuikengApr–Aug · Barn and Pacific swallows nest around the visitor centre in summer.nononoyesyesyesyesyesnononono
Water buffalo at QingtiangangAll year · Free-roaming; keep 10 m or more and never approach calves.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Venomous snakesApr–Oct · Present in scrub and grass; stay on trails.nononoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnono

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Taipei Main Station

Bus 260 from Civic Blvd along Zhongshan North Road, about every 10 minutes.

40–50 min

Open the page →

From Jiantan MRT

Bus Red 5 from the station to the park, about every 15 minutes.

30–40 min

Open the page →

From Beitou MRT

Bus 230 to the park, about every 30 minutes; minibus S15 runs hourly to Zhuzihu.

25–35 min

Open the page →

From Shilin MRT

Minibuses from Zhongzheng Road outside exit 1 cross the mountains; bus 108 loops inside the park.

30–45 min

Open the page →

From Taipei day-trip plan

Where Yangmingshan fits with the city's other sights and markets.

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Yangmingshan National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
XiaoyukengFumaroles, sulfur crystals and the main trailhead for Mt Qixing.Open; bus stop on the park loop.
LengshuikengMilk Lake, a visitor centre and free public sulfur baths.Open; baths have set sessions and close on some days.
QingtiangangOpen grassland on a lava terrace, with the Lengshuikeng link trail.Open; no vehicles, cattle graze nearby.
ZhuzihuFarming valley below the ridges; calla lilies in spring.Open; minibus S15 from Beitou.
Yangming Park and Yangming ShuwuLandscaped gardens, blossoms and the former presidential villa.Gardens open; the villa is by guided tour only.
Datun Nature Park and ErzihpingMarshy Datun Pond, boardwalks and the barrier-free Erzihping trail.Open; no private vehicles at Erzihping.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 9 approximate points in Yangmingshan National Park, north up123456789
Approximate positions across the Datun volcano group, for orientation only.
  1. 1Yangmingshan National Park headquarters · Headquarters≈25.156, 121.545Visitor information and bus stops nearby.Map ↗
  2. 2Xiaoyukeng · Trail≈25.177, 121.547Fumaroles and the Mt Qixing trailhead.Map ↗
  3. 3Mt Qixing main peak · Summit≈25.175, 121.5581,120 m; highest point in Taipei City.Map ↗
  4. 4Lengshuikeng · Ranger station≈25.168, 121.563Milk Lake, visitor centre and public baths.Map ↗
  5. 5Qingtiangang · Viewpoint≈25.166, 121.574Grassland terrace; water buffalo graze here.Map ↗
  6. 6Zhuzihu · Village≈25.167, 121.540Flower-farming valley and lookout.Map ↗
  7. 7Yangming Park · Town≈25.159, 121.540Gardens and spring blossoms.Map ↗
  8. 8Erzihping · Trail≈25.186, 121.525Barrier-free boardwalk; no private vehicles.Map ↗
  9. 9Tianmu Trail entrance · Gate≈25.122, 121.532Top of Zhongshan North Road Sec. 7.Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModerate2–3 h returnMt Qixing main peakSteep basalt steps from the Xiaoyukeng trailhead to Taipei's highest point; start before 9:00 to beat cloud and crowds.
ViewpointsEasy30–45 minXiaoyukeng fumarolesBoardwalks over active sulfur vents; stay on the path, the crust is thin and the gas is strong.
TrailsEasy1–1.5 h one wayLengshuikeng to Qingtiangang trailAbout 1.8 km of gentle paved path between the baths and the grassland.
WildlifeEasy1–2 hQingtiangang grassland loopOpen grass and old cattle trails; water buffalo graze here and are not tame.
TrailsHard3–4 h one wayJinbaoli Trail (Old Fish Trail)Historic stone path over the ridge toward Jinshan; arrange transport at the far end.
TrailsEasy1–1.5 hErzihping barrier-free trailAbout 1.7 km of level boardwalk and forest, open 08:00–18:00, with free wheelchair loan.
CultureEasy1 hLengshuikeng public sulfur bathsFree nude baths in set sessions; pre-wash before entering the roughly 40°C tub.
TrailsModerate1.5–2 h upTianmu TrailAbout 1,000 steps up from Tianmu past a 1940s water pipeline; entrance signposted at the top of Zhongshan North Road Sec. 7.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

TWD ranges · check
Fees for Yangmingshan National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreepersonNo gate and no entrance fee for the national park itself.
Bus 108 park shuttle day passTWD 60personUnlimited hops around the park loop during operating hours (check).
City bus from Taipei (260, Red 5, 230, S15)TWD 15–30personPay per ride with an EasyCard; Taipei Main Station to the park is about NT$30.
Lengshuikeng public sulfur bathsFreepersonFree, nude, separate buildings; bring soap and a cloth.
Private hot spring hotel soakTWD 400–1,200person2026 estimate; varies by hotel and by weekday or weekend.
Erzihping accessible trail facilitiesFreepersonFree; wheelchairs and baby trolleys can be borrowed.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry no permit

No ticket and no permit; the park is open roads and trails.

Yangming Shuwu (Chiang Kai-shek villa) permit or guide

Timed entry with a guided tour; book ahead at the visitor centre or online (check).

Erzihping area vehicle access permit or guide

Private vehicles are not allowed in; arrive by bus or on foot. No bicycles or motorcycles.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Stay on trails
Do not walk into scrub or off-path grass: venomous snakes and thin sulfur crust are both real hazards.
Fumarole areas
Keep to boardwalks and barriers at Xiaoyukeng and Lengshuikeng; gas and ground can be dangerous.
Water buffalo
Give them space, do not feed them, and back away slowly if one approaches.
Erzihping vehicles
No private cars, bicycles or motorcycles in the Erzihping area.
Hot spring baths
Pre-wash before entering; people with high blood pressure, heart conditions or open wounds should not soak.
Drones
Flying drones inside the national park needs prior approval (check).check
Litter and picking
Take rubbish out; do not pick plants, flowers or minerals.

Where to stay

In the park

Hot spring hotels in the park

Old Japanese-style inns and larger resorts around Yangmingshan and Xingyi Road; book weekends early.

Near the park

Beitou

Hot spring district on the MRT red line, 25–35 min from the trailheads by bus.

Near the park

Shilin and Tianmu

City hotels and hostels at the foot of the mountain, closest to the Tianmu Trail.

Near the park

Central Taipei

Widest choice of beds; bus 260 or Red 5 reaches the park in under an hour.

Safety

Sudden fog and rain medium

Carry a shell and a headlamp; basalt pavers get slick and visibility on the ridge can drop to a few dozen metres.

Heat and humidity in summer medium

Start before 9:00, carry 1.5–2 L of water per person, and turn back if thunder builds after midday.

Typhoons high

From July to September check the Central Weather Administration; trails and buses stop when warnings are issued.

Venomous snakes medium

Wear shoes that cover the ankle, watch where you step, and do not reach into grass or rock gaps.

Sulfur gas low

Do not linger in the vents at Xiaoyukeng if you have asthma or a respiratory condition.

Hot spring soaking low

Keep sessions short, hydrate, and skip the baths with heart or blood pressure conditions or open wounds.

Accessibility

  • The Erzihping trail is about 1.7 km of level boardwalk, open 08:00–18:00, with free wheelchair and baby trolley loan.
  • Visitor centres at Xiaoyukeng and Lengshuikeng have accessible toilets and step-free paths to the main viewpoints.
  • Mt Qixing, the Jinbaoli Trail and the Tianmu steps are steep and uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
  • Bus 108 and the city buses have low-floor vehicles on some runs; check the day's vehicle when boarding.

Visiting lightly

  • Take the bus: the park loop and the Taipei buses cut car traffic on narrow mountain roads.
  • Carry out everything you bring; bins are scarce on the trails.
  • Do not feed the water buffalo or any wildlife, and keep 10 m from grazing animals.
  • Use the free public baths at Lengshuikeng rather than a private soak if you want the lowest-impact option.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Yangmingshan National Park?

Nothing. There is no gate and no entrance fee. Your costs are transport and extras: about NT$30 for the bus from Taipei Main Station, NT$60 for the bus 108 day pass inside the park, and NT$400–1,200 if you add a private hot spring soak.

What are the best hikes in Yangmingshan National Park?

For most visitors: Mt Qixing from Xiaoyukeng (2–3 h return, steep basalt steps, best views), the Lengshuikeng to Qingtiangang path (about 1.8 km, easy), and the Erzihping barrier-free boardwalk (about 1.7 km, level). Stronger walkers add the Jinbaoli Old Fish Trail (3–4 h one way) or the Tianmu Trail's 1,000 steps.

When is the best time to visit Yangmingshan National Park?

October and November for the clearest skies and silvergrass, or March and April for mild weather and blossoms. Avoid July to September if you can: typhoons close trails and buses. Whatever the month, start before 9:00 — cloud usually builds on the ridge by early afternoon.

Do I need a car to visit Yangmingshan?

No. Buses 260, Red 5, 230 and S15 run from Taipei MRT stations to the park, and bus 108 loops between trailheads inside it. Roads are narrow and parking is limited on weekends, so the bus is usually faster.

Can I soak in the hot springs for free?

Yes, at the Lengshuikeng public baths: free, nude, separate buildings, in set sessions through the day, closed on some Mondays and a few Tuesdays a year. Bring your own soap and cloth and pre-wash before entering the tub.

Is Yangmingshan safe for a solo day hike?

Yes, with normal care. Trails are marked and paved, but they get slick in rain, fog can cut visibility fast, and venomous snakes live in the scrub. Stay on paths, carry water and a shell, and check the weather before a ridge walk.

Related

Things to do in Taipei Northern Taiwan Taiwan travel guide

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources