There are many breathtaking hiking trails in Yangmingshan. One of the easiest to get to from Taipei is Shamao Shan, which is one of the most southernmost trails you can access in the park.
You can get to the top in 30-60 minutes. There are two entrances, one on the south not too far from Chinese Culture University (trail start 1), and one closer to the main road of Yangmingshan (trail start 2). The hike is not hard, though the trail is not lit at night so be careful when going down (I’ve heard there are macaques here!)
From the top, you can see the well-known Yangmingshan mountains, Qixing Mountain and Datun Mountain. You can also see a bit of the ocean to the west, and that’s where the sunlight will come from at sunset time.
In the fall, the trees lining the mountains in front of you will have a shade of red and orange. The silvergrass plants will blow in the breeze and give a beautiful frame to your sunset pictures.
Getting to Shamao Shan is best with your own car/scooter. But you can also take the 230 bus from Beitou to Dingbanling and walk about 5 minutes to the trail start 1, or take bus 260 from Main Station to the Zion Church stop and walk about 5 minutes to trail start 2.
Nearest Station(s)
- Dingbanling | Last 230 bus: 22:45 (Timetables)
- Zion Church | Last 260 bus: 22:00 (Timetables)
Entry
Free
Lit After Dark?
No
Sunset Perspective Rating (1-10; 1 is the least perspectives to see the sunset, 10 is the most)
2
Crowded Factor (1 is the least crowded, 10 is the most crowded)
3
Hike Difficulty (0-10; 0 = no hike, 1 = easiest, 10 = hardest)
4
Return Factor (1-10; 1 = simplest, 10 = hardest/most dangerous)
6
Popular for Night Views?
No
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