Exploring Yangmingshan – Taipei’s Scenic and Popular Travel Destination

Exploring Yangmingshan – Taipei’s Scenic and Popular Travel Destination

There’s a place in Taipei where you can enjoy the breathtaking flower landscapes of the four seasons, savor delicious mountain produce cuisine, relax in comfortable hot springs, and discover hidden gem cafes and scenic restaurants offering a panoramic view of Taipei City at night.

That place is none other than Yangmingshan National Park.

As a well-known attraction in Taipei, Yangmingshan is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, making it a must-visit location.

This article aims to provide you with all the necessary information about Yangmingshan, so that you can make the most out of your visit.

*Cover image credit: @im.gina_lifestyle 

Where is Yangmingshan National Park?

Yangmingshan National Park is situated on the northern outskirts of Taipei, covering an area of approximately 11,334 hectares, with elevations ranging from 200 meters to 1,120 meters.

How to Get There

Getting to Yangmingshan is very convenient, with several transportation options available:

  • Take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to JianTan Station, and then take one of the following buses: Red 5, 303, 260, 681, or 1717.
  • Take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to ShiPai or Beitou Station, and then take one of the following buses: Small 8, Small 9, 128, 129, or 230.

Once you arrive at Yangmingshan, if you want to shuttle between the various attractions, you can take the bus 108.

TIPS:
I strongly recommend that you get two useful tools to make your travel go smoothly:EasyCard & 4G SIM Card.
With EasyCard, you can explore Taiwan easily; with the local 4G SIM card, you will find your destination easily, check the latest public transport schedules immediately, and share your vacation photos or videos with your family and friends anytime, anywhere.

If you find taking the bus inconvenient, renting a car for self-driving is a more convenient option!

Rental car information is provided below.


However, it is recommended to hire a car if you want to save time as bus schedules are limited.

Yangmingshan Private Car Charter

Discover Yangmingshan National Park your way with a 6-hour private car charter from Greater Taipei. Customize your itinerary and explore the park’s natural beauty at your own leisure.

What to do in Yangmingshan National Park

#1 Flower Viewing

Yangmingshan offers various seasonal highlights throughout the year.

From February to March, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom season, while March to April is the perfect time to pick calla lilies at Zhuzihu(竹子湖).

From May to June, the mountain is adorned with beautiful hydrangea flowers, and from October to December, the hillsides are covered in Silver grass.

February to March: Cherry Blossom Season

March to April: Calla Lily Season

May to June: Hydrangea Season

October to December: Silver Grass Season

#2 Outdoor Attractions

Qingtiangang(擎天崗)

Qingtiangang is probably the most famous scenic spot for a outing, with endless rolling grasslands and a winding gravel trail that attracts many people for hiking and photography.

You can also see cows leisurely wandering around the area.

Xiaoyoukeng(小油坑)

Another must-see scenic spot in Yangmingshan is Xiaoyoukeng, the “Volcanic Geological Landscape,” where steam and bubbling mud emerge from bottomless holes in the mountain gorge.

The vent constantly emits white smoke, and the presence of sulfur, along with the collapsed terrain, creates a unique and spectacular scenery.

Menghuanhu Lookout(夢幻湖)

Menghuanhu is a stunningly beautiful lake surrounded by swamps.

Often shrouded in mist, this creates a dreamy and mysterious scene that will take your breath away.

Lengshuikeng(冷水坑)

Lengshuikeng is located at the foot of Seven Star Mountain in Yangmingshan National Park.

The name “Lengshui” comes from the fact that the temperature of the hot springs here is lower than other hot springs, hence the name “cold water”; “Keng” refers to a depression formed by a fault collapse.

There is a unique milk-colored lake called “Milk Lake” here, as well as free hot spring baths, foot baths, and well-established trail construction, including the Jing Shan suspension bridge.

The surrounding area is densely forested and the scenery is beautiful with cool and refreshing air, making it the best resource of this place.

Erziping Trail(二子坪步道)

Erziping Trail is an easy and family-friendly hiking trail, measuring approximately 1.8 kilometers in length.

It features a gentle slope and a wide path, which can be completed in just 20-30 minutes each way.

As you stroll along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature.

At the end of the trail lies Ershuei Ecological Pond, a serene and picturesque body of water surrounded by more of the park’s stunning flora.

Flower Experiment Center(花卉試驗中心)

The Flower Experiment Center is the ideal destination to appreciate flowers, boasting a park area of around a dozen hectares with different flowers to enjoy in every season.

Here, you can take as many pictures as you like and it is definitely worth a visit!

#3 Hidden Gem Cafes

VVG Hideaway(好樣秘境)

VVG Hideaway is a highly renowned, dreamy café that not only offers Southern European-style cuisine in its white glasshouse, but also lets you bask in the warm sunshine and gentle breeze in its lush, European-style courtyard.

Every corner is decorated with exquisite green plants, making it perfect for taking photos and capturing stunning shots while you enjoy your desserts.

  • VVG Hideaway(好樣秘境)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2862-6488
    • Hours:Mon – Sun 11:00~19:30

CAMA COFFEE ROASTERS Yangmingshan(豆留森林)

CAMA COFFEE ROASTERS in Yangmingshan caught everyone’s attention when it first opened by infusing new life into coffee and light bites within a Japanese-style old house built in 1937.

As you stroll around the 600-square-meter outdoor courtyard with bamboo forest, you’ll breathe in the aroma of coffee, making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon and enjoy the serene and relaxing atmosphere.

  • CAMA COFFEE ROASTERS Yangmingshan(豆留森林)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2861-1218
    • Hours:Mon – Fri 09:00~19:30 | Sat – Sun 9:00~20:00

SAVAGE GARDEN(野人花園)

SAVAGE GARDEN is a plant store, so every corner of the shop is filled with a variety of green potted plants, giving the feeling of being in a hidden forest.

You can breathe in the fresh air of Yangmingshan and immerse yourself in the glasshouse surrounded by greenery, feeling as if you’re one with nature.

  • SAVAGE GARDEN(野人花園)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 963-594-237
    • Hours:Thu – Mon 11:00~20:00 | Tue – Wed Closed

#4 Hot Springs

Manger Flower Village (馬槽花藝村)

Manger Flower Village is a well-known old-school hot spring that boasts a picturesque mountain view and lush greenery, allowing visitors to indulge in the pleasure of soaking in a natural hot spring amidst the great outdoors.

The village also features an attached restaurant where visitors can enjoy delectable cuisine after a relaxing soak, making for a truly rejuvenating experience.

  • Manger Flower Village (馬槽花藝村)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2861-6351
    • Hours:Mon– Sun 24hr

CHECK inn SELECT Taipei Yangmingshan(雀客藏居)

CHECK inn SELECT Taipei Yangmingshan is an internationally-renowned tourist hotel that offers stunning panoramic views and high-quality white sulfur springs.

The public pool area features large, bright glass windows and a beautiful Japanese-style garden, making for a truly immersive and authentic experience.

Come and soak in the luxurious white sulfur hot springs while enjoying the serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery at CHECK inn SELECT Taipei Yangmingshan.

  • CHECK inn SELECT Taipei Yangmingshan(雀客藏居)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2861-6661
    • Hours:Mon– Sun 24hr

Yangmingshan Tien Lai Resort & Spa(陽明山天籟渡假酒店)

Yangmingshan Tien Lai Resort & Spa incorporates natural aesthetics into its design with a simple and modern approach that captures the essence of the local Yangmingshan vibe.

Surrounded by picturesque mountains, soothing streams, and the chirping of birds and insects, the resort showcases a truly unique and distinctive character.

Come and experience the serene beauty of Yangmingshan Tien Lai Resort & Spa, where natural elegance and modern design harmoniously coexist.

  • Yangmingshan Tien Lai Resort & Spa(陽明山天籟渡假酒店)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2408-0000
    • Hours:Mon– Sun 24hr

Kawayu-spa(川湯溫泉)

The decor at Kawayu-spa is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese street in Kyoto, immersing guests in an authentic and nostalgic atmosphere.

After enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot springs, you can dine in a charming Japanese-style wooden house, adding to the overall experience.

Come and enjoy the unique ambiance of Kawayu-spat, where you can indulge in a peaceful soak and savor a delicious meal in a picturesque setting.

  • Kawayu-spa(川湯溫泉)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2874-7979
    • Hours:Mon– Sun 06:00~01:00

#5 Night View

The Top(屋頂上)

The Top is a popular restaurant with a panoramic view of the city.

It’s designed with a Bali Villa Style theme, and offers multiple seating areas of varying heights, mostly outdoors.

Despite the dim lighting, the stunning city skyline creates a romantic ambiance for dining under the night sky.

  • The Top(屋頂上)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2862-2255
    • Hours:Mon – Sun 17:00~03:00

Chousan(草山夜未眠)

Chousan has always been a popular night view restaurant on Yangmingshan.

While sitting at the table, you can enjoy the million-dollar night view of Taipei, look up to the stars, and savor delicious food.

You can even enjoy live music performances by the resident singer, making it a super romantic experience.

  • Chousan(草山夜未眠)
    • Get Location
    • Tel:+886 2 2862-3751
    • Hours:Mon – Fri 16:00~03:00 | Sat – Sun 15:00~03:00

Where can you go nearby?

#1 Beitou(北投)

There is nothing better than soaking in the hot spring during the cold weather or after a tired of trip, not only can relieve the fatigue, relax the body and mind but also some hot springs have the benefits for the skin.

Fortunately in Taipei also have a place to take hot springs, Beitou is the most famous area for hot springs, add it to your last destination before leaving Taiwan, for eliminating your tired body and mind after getting around Taiwan.

In addition to hot springs, there are many attractions and foods that you should never miss….

#2 Shilin Night Market(士林夜市)

Shilin Night Market is the most popular night market in Taiwan, also the biggest night market in Taipei that owns many delicious foods.

To save your time looking for food in such a big night market, we will introduce the best 7 must-eat Shilin Night Market food…

#3 National Palace Museum of Taiwan(國立故宮博物院)

Found in 1965, the National Palace Museum is the popular museum in Taiwan, and today it houses a collection of over 700,000 works, from painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, lacquerware, ceramics, jade to rare books and historical documents.

The National Palace Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the histories of the 5,000 years Chinese cultures, if you want to know about more history and culture, don’t miss this one of the largest museums collectIng ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks in the world…

Recommended Yangmingshan Tour Packages

If you are short on time or unsure how to plan your itinerary, I recommend utilizing the KLOOK travel website.

They offer a variety of reasonably priced packaged tours for Yangmingshan for your reference.

Here are a few recommended tour packages:

Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour

  • Professional guide services are available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Vietnamese.
  • Transportation services are included for convenient access to the various sights in Yangmingshan and Beitou.
  • Insurance coverage is provided by the supplier.

Yangmingshan Half-Day Private Hiking Tour in Taipei

  • A guided tour with an experienced and reliable private tour guide to ensure you are safe and have the best experience!
  • Chill or challenge yourself with different levels of hiking trails: easy, moderate, and challenging
  • A chance to conquer Taiwan’s highest dormant volcano—Qixing Mountain!

Private Yangmingshan Volcano Tour

  • Private tour of Yangmingshan National Park
  • Breathtaking views of fumaroles and cityscapes
  • Hiking on scenic grassy trails
  • Choose leisure or hiking route to Seven Star Mountain
  • Hotel pick-up available for convenience

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Yangmingshan National Park, I highly recommend including it in your upcoming travel plans.

This magnificent park offers breathtaking natural beauty and a serene escape from the bustling city.

Lastly, if you have any questions regarding your trip to Yangmingshan National Park, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. I will be more than happy to assist you!

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