Yangmingshan National Park: Hiking Qixingshan - Xiaoyoukeng

If you like this view and are keen on hiking just keep reading!

Once a day in Hongkong I discovered an amazing hiking blog. You were just able to follow the photographs to reach unique hiking spots, waterfalls, peaks. I want to share the same idea with a post about hiking in the Yangmingshan National Park (my aim: to reach the highest peak Qixingshan (1'120 m) and then further to Xiaoyoukeng).

Start early and take the first connection with bus #9. You can find the Bus Station just behind the MRT Station Beitou:

It takes around 20 minutes then get off 2nd Parking Lot (1 stop before Xiaoyoukeng):

There is a useful information map. You can do many things and maybe you decide for another hike...

Then turn right and enter the park area:

This is the visitors centre and you can see the direction sign:

Maybe the centre is worth a visit. I went just straight to the hike and always followed the Mt. Quixin Main Peak Trail.


So follow the sign and walk a bit up the street. After 2-3 minutes you will enter the park and start walking the steps:

Yes, there are many steps. Just follow them!

If you're lucky you'll spot some jumping squirells:

Keep on walking...

No, we didn't finish yet. Go on! The foot steps are getting bit steeper now:

Don't forget to turn your sight around from time to time. You'll got the first great views over Taipeh City...

...cause 5 minutes later: There is no view anymore.

The weather conditions are changing every minute. So be sure to bring a rain jacket. It was freaking windy on the top. I had to hold myself on the wooden thing during picture time:

Now the descent starts. After 5 minutes walking down the fog is gone... You can see over Taipeh - amazing!

Panorama 1:

Panorama 2 :

Now guess what - follow down the stairs...

Some Sulfur spots - smells like rotten eggs but impressive anyway!

You made it... as soon as you can see the Bus Station:

Bus 108 brings you straight back to Taipeh or to another hiking spot - because: The whole thing takes you just 4-5 h (Start and end at Beitou Station). If you are a bit more ambitious you can do one more peak!

Have fun and take care. Bring your equipment as usual. And - prepare your legs for hundreds of steps!

#On My Way Hostel
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