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Xiuguluanshan

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Mountain
—°3
Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)

Weather…

Xiuguluanshan is the highest peak of the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan and the third-highest mountain on the island, reaching an elevation of 3,825 meters. Located within Yushan National Park on the border of Nantou and Hualien counties, it serves as the central pillar of Taiwan's rugged interior. Geologically, the mountain is composed of metamorphic rocks such as slate and quartzite, formed during the rapid uplifting of the island's main range. Xiuguluanshan is famous for its hauntingly beautiful 'silver forests,' which consist of dead Formosan junipers (Juniperus squamata) that have been bleached white by the elements over decades. The mountain is also the primary source of the Xiuguluan River, the largest river system in eastern Taiwan, noted for its spectacular whitewater gorges. Its massive height and central location provide climbers with an unparalleled 360-degree view of almost all Taiwan's major peaks. The ascent is technically demanding due to the thin air and unpredictable alpine weather conditions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141517202223242322201814
Rain mm645879972292692363372661058353

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to this high-altitude peak requires a valid entry permit for Yushan National Park and is reached via multi-day hiking trails starting from the Dongpu or Tataka trailheads.
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Best season
The best seasons for climbing are spring and autumn to avoid the summer typhoon season and the heavy winter snows that can make the high ridges extremely dangerous for hikers.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain is rugged and alpine, characterized by steep rocky ridges, scree slopes, and dense subalpine shrubbery, offering panoramic panoramic views of the central mountain range.
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What to bring
A complete high-altitude hiking kit is essential, including sturdy mountain boots, thermal layers, high-quality rain gear, a sleeping bag for cabin stays, and trekking poles for stability.
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Parking
Limited parking is available at the various trailheads like Tataka, which serve the entire Yushan National Park area; these areas often require early arrival due to high demand.
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Safety
Hikers must be prepared for high-altitude sickness, rapid weather changes, and technical sections on the trail; always carry a map, a whistle, and enough supplies for emergencies.
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Time needed
Reaching the summit typically requires a challenging 3 to 4-day round trip trek, including overnight stays in designated mountain cabins or campsites along the high-altitude route.

Geography

Coordinates
23.53030, 121.06640

Facts

  • The peak stands at 3,825 meters, the highest in the Central Range
  • It is the source of the Xiuguluan River, eastern Taiwan's largest river
  • The mountain is known for its dead 'white' juniper forests
  • It is the third-highest mountain in Taiwan after Yushan and Xueshan
  • Geology consists mainly of metamorphic slate and quartzite
  • The summit provides a view of nearly all peaks over 3,000 meters in Taiwan

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yushan National ParkYushan National Park10 km · SExplore →
YushanYushan13 km · SExplore →
GuanshanGuanshan24 km · SEExplore →
Sun Moon LakeSun Moon Lake24 km · SWExplore →
QixingtanQixingtan25 km · NWExplore →
Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power PlantMingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant28 km · SWExplore →
ChishangChishang29 km · NEExplore →
WusheWushe29 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Xiuguluanshan (3)

Wushuangshan🌿 nature

Wushuangshan is an isolated peak characterized by steep cliffs within the rugged mountainous terrain of the Xiuguluanshan region.

Zhushan🌿 nature

Zhushan rises as a massive mountain dome above the high-altitude trails of the Xiuguluanshan mountain range.

Benxiangshan🌿 nature

The rocky summit of Benxiangshan forms part of the central mountain ridge near the Xiuguluanshan massif.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty of the climb?
This is a demanding mountain requiring good fitness.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, a mountaineering permit and registration are mandatory.
What is the best season?
Autumn and winter are best as they are drier.
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, there are mountain huts, but they must be reserved.
Is the trail family-friendly?
No, this mountain is not suitable for children or inexperienced hikers.
Xiuguluanshan: where is it located?
Xiuguluanshan is located in Taiwan.
Xiuguluanshan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Wushuangshan, Zhushan, Benxiangshan.
Xiuguluanshan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Xiuguluanshan: why is it worth visiting?
Xiuguluanshan is the highest peak of the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan and the third-highest mountain on the island, reaching an elevation of 3,825 meters.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Hualien — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Hualien
The gateway to the spectacular Taroko National Park, known for its marble industry and beaches.
Xiulin — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Xiulin
Xiulin is the gateway to the majestic Taroko Gorge, offering pristine pebble beaches along the Pacific.
Qixingtan — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Qixingtan
A scenic pebble bay near Hualien, famous for its deep blue waters and views of the Central Mountain Range.
Lushan Hot Spring — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Lushan Hot Spring
A scenic mountain village in Nantou, famous for its healing alkaline hot springs and picturesque alpine setting.
Ruisui — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Ruisui
A hub for adventure and wellness, famous for Xiuguluan River rafting and rare iron-rich 'golden' hot springs.
Chongde — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Chongde
A spectacular village at the foot of the Qingshui Cliffs, ideal for kayakers and nature lovers.

History & landmarks

Taroko Gorge — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Taroko Gorge
An impressive marble gorge carved by the Liwu River, offering spectacular hiking trails.

Nature

Xiuguluan River — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Xiuguluan River
The Xiuguluan River winds through the deep gorge of the eastern mountain range and is famous for rafting adventures.
Liyu Lake — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Liyu Lake
Liyu Lake is the largest inland lake in eastern Taiwan and is surrounded by lush green hills.
Qingshui Cliff — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Qingshui Cliff
Spectacular cliffs that drop almost vertically into the Pacific Ocean.

More places

Ruisui Ranch — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Ruisui Ranch
A well-known farm in the Hualien Valley, popular for its fresh dairy products and idyllic scenery.
East Rift Valley — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
East Rift Valley
A fertile valley located between the Central and Coastal mountain ranges.
Qilaishan — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Qilaishan
A rugged mountain known as the "Black Mountain" due to its extremely steep cliffs.
Taroko National Park — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park is famous for its massive marble gorges and the deep canyon of the Liwu River.
Farglory Ocean Park — Xiuguluanshan (Taiwan)
Farglory Ocean Park
A theme park right on the Pacific coast, focusing on marine life, shows, and amusement rides.