Yushan Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions of Yushan, Taiwan's highest mountain, and experience the best of outdoor adventures and scenic views. Plan your travel itinerary, know where to stay, what to eat, and learn about the local culture, customs, and safety measures.


Introduction to Yushan

Yushan is one of Taiwan’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Also known as Jade Mountain, it is the highest peak in the country and East Asia, standing at around 3,952 meters tall. Located in the Yushan National Park, Yushan is famous for its picturesque valleys, scenic mountain range, stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and rich flora and fauna. Adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike come to Yushan to explore its stunning panorama, indulge in outdoor activities, and learn about Taiwan’s rich history and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Yushan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Yushan Visitor Center: It houses a wealth of information about the park’s flora, fauna, geology, and history. All visitors must stop at the center to obtain park permits and hiring guides.
  2. Shanfeng Recreation Area: A popular destination for families, this area offers various recreational activities like fishing, camping, and hiking.
  3. Zhongjheng Memorial Park: Honoring former Taiwanese president Chiang Kai-shek, this park boasts beautiful gardens, sculptures, and stunning views of Yushan’s mountain range.
  4. Pingdong Aboriginal Cultural Park: Witness the culture of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes through exhibitions, cultural performances, and handicraft or souvenir shops.

Natural Attractions of Yushan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Yushan National Park: The park is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, with plenty of hiking, camping and outdoor activities available. It is best to check-in advance the park’s trail restrictions to prevent overcrowding.
  2. Paiyun Lodge: This mountain refuge lodge is a popular starting point for many hiking trails around the park.
  3. Chacha National Trail: One of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the park, this 10km trail offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys.
  4. Swallow Grotto Trail: A beautiful trail with stunning views of the Liwu River and its marble gorge. It is also famous for its swallows that flock to the gorge in spring and summer.
  5. Qilai Mountain Trail: This trail offers stunning views of Yushan from a different angle, with opportunities to spot rare bird species and wild animals like the Formosan black bear and the Taiwan serow.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yushan

Yushan is a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails that offer incredible views and challenging terrain. Here are some top hiking and biking routes around Yushan:

  1. Main Peak Trail: A difficult route that requires a permit and a guide, the trail offers breathtaking views of Yushan’s beautiful panoramic vistas and stunning landscapes.
  2. Yushan Transverse Trail: This 28km transverse trail traverses the mountain range from east to west, showcasing beautiful alpine plants and mesmerizing panoramic views of nearby peaks.
  3. Batongguan Historic Trail: An ancient route used by traders in the past, this historical path is now a hiking trail that offers stunning views of Yushan’s fall foliage season, cherry blossom season, and other natural beauty.
  4. Yushan Bike Trail: A cycling route that winds its way from the lower elevations of the national park to its higher elevations, passing through some of the most scenic landscapes of Yushan.

Best Things to Do in Yushan: Activities and Tours

  1. Overnight camping and hiking to see the sunrise from the top of Yushan
  2. Hike through the scenic misty forests of the park and admire the diverse flora and fauna
  3. Walk along the breathtaking cliffs of the Swallow Grotto trail and witness the beauty of the Liwu River
  4. Visit the picturesque Hehuan Mountain, a popular sightseeing spot, for sweeping views of Central Taiwan or Taiwan’s east coast.
  5. Try traditional local dishes that are unique to the mountain regions of Taiwan, like bamboo rice, wild boar meat, and indigenous cuisines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yushan

For travelers looking to spend an entire week in Yushan, here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Arrive in Yushan and settle into your accommodation
2 Spend a day exploring the Zhongjheng Memorial Park and learning about Chiang Kai-Shek’s history
3 Hike the Swallow Grotto Trail or the Qilai Mountain Trail
4 Spend a day exploring the Yushan Visitor Center and its exhibits
5 Hike the Yushan Transverse Trail, traversing across the mountain range
6 Bike through the Yushan Bike Trail and try some of the local dishes
7 Hike the Main Peak Trail and catch a gorgeous Yushan sunrise before departing for home

Food and Drink Scene of Yushan

Must-Try Dishes

Yushan’s cuisine is famous for incorporating local ingredients, including bamboo shoots, mushrooms, wild mountain vegetables, and foraged herbs. Here are some dishes you cannot miss:

  1. Bamboo Rice: steamed rice mixed with bamboo shoots and flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
  2. Rurou Fan: ground meat (usually pork or wild boar) cooked with sticky rice and flavored with wild herbs and spices.
  3. Wild vegetable soup: a soup made using locally foraged mountain vegetables and flavored with spices and herbs.
  4. Yushan Tea Eggs: local eggs boiled with tea leaves, soy sauce, and spices, giving the yolks a unique marbled pattern.
  5. Wild Boar Meat: roasted or stewed wild boar meat seasoned with herbs and mountain spices.

Local Beverages

  1. Oolong Tea: a popular tea grown in Taiwan’s high-altitude regions known for its robust and floral flavor
  2. Yushan Spring Water: pure and fresh water sourced from Yushan’s pristine mountain streams that are considered the best drinking water in the country.

Where to Stay in Yushan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Baiyun Lodge: a popular mountain refuge lodge located on the Main Peak Trail and is the perfect base for starting your hike
  2. Yushan Youth Activity Center: a cozy hostel located minutes away from Shanfeng Recreation Area
  3. Shuei Yue Homestay: cozy homestay situated in the Lantian village, offering comfortable accommodations and scenic views
  4. Tangyue Resort: a 4-star hotel situated near the Yushan Visitor Center, offering guests luxurious facilities and a breathtaking view of the mountain.

What to Buy in Yushan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade aboriginal crafts and embroidery from local shops or street markets.
  2. Tea from locally grown tea farms served in Yushan’s teahouses
  3. A Formosan black bear plush toy or Taiwan serow bamboo carvings as a keepsake to remind you of your trip to the Yushan mountains.

Local Culture and Customs of Yushan

Visitors should be respectful of the local culture and customs in Taiwan, especially in Yushan, known for its aboriginal communities.

  1. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples, aboriginal reserves, or other cultural sites.
  2. Visitors should learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or the local languages to communicate with locals respectfully.
  3. Visitors should respect the environment and refrain from littering or damaging local flora and fauna.
  4. Visitors should respect the privacy of locals and seek permission before taking pictures or filming in their villages.

Best Time to Visit Yushan

The best time to visit Yushan is from November to May, as the weather is cool and dry, allowing tourists to experience Yushan’s natural beauty at its best. During the summer months, Taiwan can experience extensive rainfall or tropical depressions that linger around the mountain ranges, which can result in trail closures or occasional landslides.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yushan

Do:

  1. Obtain park permits and hire guides at the Yushan Visitor Center.
  2. Bring appropriate gear and equipment, including hiking shoes, headlamps, and rain gear.
  3. Keep a steady pace and gradually climb to avoid altitude sickness.
  4. Respect the park’s wildlife and avoid feeding animals.

Don’t:

  1. Hike alone or at night without a guide.
  2. Stray from marked trails or camp in restricted areas.
  3. Smoke or make a fire in the park.
  4. Litter or leave trash behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yushan

  1. Stay on designated trails to avoid slips and falls.
  2. Be cautious when hiking on the Main Peak Trail, especially during rainy or snowy conditions.
  3. Wear appropriate hiking gear and bring enough water and supplies for the hike.
  4. Avoid high altitude hikes if you suffer from respiratory or heart conditions.

Health in Yushan

  1. Come with altitude acclimation and avoid sudden exposure to high elevations, especially if you are not used to it.
  2. Be prepared for temperature changes as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, especially at higher elevations.
  3. Bring insect repellent and protect yourself against ticks or other poisonous insects that may be found in the forest.

Getting to Yushan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Yushan is situated in central Taiwan and is easily accessible from major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Airports Near Yushan

  1. Taichung International Airport: The closest airport to Yushan is around 100 km away from the park
  2. Kaohsiung International Airport: The airport is approximately 250 km away from Yushan Park.

Both Taichung and Kaohsiung airports are well connected to other major Asian cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Bus Stations Near Yushan

  1. Nantou Bus Station: The main bus station in Nantou City, where you can find direct buses to Yushan National Park and its surrounding regions.
  2. Lishan Bus Station: A smaller bus stop in the Lishan region, that offers distinct scenic views of the park.

Other Options

  1. Private car or Taxi: Taxis or rented cars are an alternative option to get to Yushan National Park
  2. Hiking: Some visitors choose to hike to the park from nearby towns like Lishan or Dongpu.

How to Get Around in Yushan

To get around Yushan, there are several options available:

  1. Walking or Hiking: Yushan offers numerous hiking trails for visitors who want to explore the park on foot
  2. Car or Scooter Rentals: Visitors can rent a car or scooter from nearby towns and use these to travel around the park.
  3. Buses: Public transportation is present through the Yushan Trailhead bus station, offering wagon shuttles to various trailhead stops within the park. Visitors can book them in advance from the Yushan visitor center.

Where to Go Next from Yushan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Sun Moon Lake: One of Taiwan’s most popular attractions, known for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere, located just a two-hour drive from Yushan.
  2. Taichung: The cultural and economic heart of central Taiwan, offering a multitude of night markets, art galleries, and lively concerts, just a few hours away from Yushan.
  3. Alishan Mountain: Famous for its picturesque forest landscape, stunning cherry blossoms, and high altitude cloud sea views, located just a 2.5-hour drive from Yushan.

Conclusion

Yushan offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors, with its panoramic vistas, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. From hiking to biking, camping to fishing, and exploring the mountain reserve, visitors can discover the mountain range’s wonders and satisfy their adventurous spirit. So, plan your trip to Yushan and experience Taiwan’s majestic outdoors like never before.

Monthly mean precipitation on Yushan. Monthly mean precipitation on Yushan.