Plizio Visual Lab
Yushan National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
national-park
Weather…
Water temperature…
Yushan National Park in central Taiwan hosts the island's highest mountain range, centered on Yushan (Jade Mountain, 3952 m). Established in 1985, the park covers 103,121 hectares and protects a diverse alpine ecosystem. Its elevational gradient spans subtropical broadleaf forests up to alpine tundra, supporting endemic species such as the Taiwan serow and Mikado pheasant. The park contains more than 30 peaks above 3000 m, deep gorges, and high-altitude lakes. It serves as a major watershed for several rivers, including the Zhuoshui and Gaoping. Annual precipitation exceeds 4000 mm in the upper reaches. The main trail to Yushan's summit is a popular climb, attracting thousands annually. The park also preserves cultural heritage of the Bunun and Tsou indigenous groups.
- Location: Taiwan
- Top sights: Batongguanshan · Zhizhushan · Dashuikushan
- Nearby: Qixingtan (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 64 | 58 | 79 | 97 | 229 | 269 | 236 | 337 | 266 | 105 | 83 | 53 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to Yushan National Park is typically via Taiwan's well-connected central highways, often using scheduled buses from major cities. Local tour operators frequently facilitate transport to the main trailheads and various hiking starting points.
Best season
The convenient season for a visit is generally late autumn and early spring, when the weather is comfortably cooler and much more predictable. Summer months frequently bring heavy rainfall and potential typhoons to this exposed mountainous environment.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is largely alpine and very steep, requiring good physical fitness and absolute surefootedness on uneven and rocky mountain paths. The higher elevation hiking trails can be quite demanding, meaning some prior hiking experience is essential.
What to bring
Your gear should definitely include sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots, layered warm clothing, and a highly reliable form of rain protection. Plentiful water supplies and emergency trail snacks are absolutely essential for longer mountain excursions.
Parking
Parking spaces are typically available in very limited numbers near the major visitor centers located at the edges of the national park. It is frequently recommended to leave your private car in nearby valley towns and utilize shuttle bus services.
Safety
Proper acclimatization is crucial due to the extreme altitude in order to effectively avoid the dangerous symptoms associated with altitude sickness. Sudden weather changes are frequent, so local weather advisories should always be taken very seriously.
Time needed
For a basic exploration of the main trails, you should typically allocate at least one or two full days of your overall travel itinerary. A complete summit ascent generally requires a well-planned multi-day trek with scheduled overnight cabin stays.
Geography
Facts
- Yushan's main peak is 3952 meters above sea level.
- The park was established on January 1, 1985.
- Its area covers 103,121 hectares.
- It contains over 30 peaks exceeding 3000 meters.
- Annual precipitation in high altitudes reaches up to 4000 mm.
- The park hosts at least 94 mammal species, including the Formosan rock macaque.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Yushan National Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is hiking in Yushan National Park?
Trails range from easy to challenging; climbing the peak requires physical fitness.
Best time for mountain climbing?
Autumn usually gives the most stable weather for high-altitude treks.
Do I need a guide?
For difficult peak treks, a certified mountain guide is highly recommended.
How do I protect myself from altitude sickness?
Avoid rapid ascent and drink plenty of water to help with acclimatization.
Is wild camping allowed there?
No, camping is only allowed in authorized campsites with a permit.
Yushan National Park: where is it located?
Yushan National Park is located in Taiwan.
Yushan National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Batongguanshan, Zhizhushan, Dashuikushan.
Yushan National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Yushan National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Yushan National Park in central Taiwan hosts the island's highest mountain range, centered on Yushan (Jade Mountain, 3952 m).
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Taiwan →
Nearby cities
Nantou
The only capital of a landlocked county in Taiwan, surrounded by rolling hills.
Caotun
The largest township in Nantou County, serving as an agricultural and commercial center.
Wushe
Wushe is a picturesque mountain village in central Taiwan, known for its history and magnificent cherry blossoms.
Qixingtan
A scenic pebble bay near Hualien, famous for its deep blue waters and views of the Central Mountain Range.
Lushan Hot Spring
A scenic mountain village in Nantou, famous for its healing alkaline hot springs and picturesque alpine setting.
Maolin
A nature lover's paradise, famous for the winter migration of millions of Purple Crow butterflies.
Ruisui
A hub for adventure and wellness, famous for Xiuguluan River rafting and rare iron-rich 'golden' hot springs.
Zhiben
East Taiwan's premier hot spring destination, nestled in lush forests and steeped in indigenous Puyuma culture.
Taitung
A relaxed coastal city in eastern Taiwan, strongly influenced by indigenous cultures.
Dakeng
The 'Yangmingshan of Taichung', featuring diverse hiking trails with iconic wooden log stairs.
Douliu
The administrative capital of Yunlin County, famous for pomelos and historic streets.
Sanxiantai
A striking island featuring an iconic eight-arch bridge, famous for its unique rock formations and local legends.
Taichung
Taiwan's second largest city, famous for its pleasant climate and cultural museums.
Yuanlin
A prosperous small city that combines traditional orchards with modern development.
History & landmarks
Sun Moon Lake
The largest natural lake in Taiwan, famous for its picturesque scenery and the rich culture of indigenous tribes.
Alishan National Scenic Area
A high-altitude mountain resort known for its breathtaking sunrises, seas of clouds, and historic forest railways.
Chishang
A picturesque township in the East Rift Valley, famous for its premium rice and endless paddies without power lines.
Hsinshe (Xinshe)
A scenic district in Taichung famous for its annual 'Sea of Flowers', mushroom farms, and European-style castles.
Rainbow Village
A former military settlement in Taichung, saved from demolition by a veteran who painted vibrant, colorful murals.
Nature
More places
Yushan
At 3,952 meters, it is the highest peak in Taiwan and a symbol of the island.
Jade Mountain (Yushan)
Jade Mountain is the highest point in Taiwan and a major landmark attracting mountaineers from around the world.
Xitou Nature Education Area
A dense bamboo forest and research area offering a cool and tranquil atmosphere.
Qingjing Farm
A scenic mountain farm famous for its sheep herds and lush green pastures.
Mount Hehuan
Mount Hehuan is a popular destination to experience snow in subtropical Taiwan, as it is accessible via well-maintained roads.
Hehuanshan
An accessible 3,000-meter peak that is often covered in snow during winter.
Xiuguluanshan
The highest point of Yushan National Park outside of the main Yushan peak itself.
Guanshan
One of the most prominent peaks in the southern section of the Central Mountain Range.