Geography
Yushan National Park is situated in the outside backcountry of Nantou County ( 南投縣 ) and it is where the heart of Taiwan, Yushan, is located. Yushan National Park ( 玉山國家公園 ) is a furrowed expanse of 103,121 hectares ( 398.15 square miles ) of mountainous land, bearing 3 % of Taiwan ’ s entire land area. Holding the tallest batch in Taiwan and northeast Asia at a whack 3,952 metres ( 12,966ft ) above ocean degree, Yushan National Park is most known for Yushan, or Mount Jade, which is its english translation and as otherwise known. Its appoint is derived from its winter imagination, as a dense across-the-board of coke covering Yushan is believed to resemble sword hack.
Reading: Yushan National Park
Yushan National Park finds itself situated among nearby parks and refreshment areas. To the west of the ballpark lies Alishan National Forest Recreation Area ( 阿里山國家風景區 ), while Huandong Coastal Reserve ( 花東沿海保護區 ) is located further east from the ballpark. Sancha Mountain ( 三叉山 ) and the Xiangyang Mountain Special Scenic Area ( 向陽山特別景觀區 ) both model north of the ballpark .
Geology
Yushan National Park besides offers a thrilling assortment of geological rock surfaces due to regular seismic activity, as the island of Taiwan balances on potent tectonic plates. 
The fault escarpment in Laonong, on the Batongguan Traversing Trail, displays the drift in fault lines as some faults have vertically shifted, causing them to rise amidst the inactive fault lines that lay dormant. The Great Precipice found on the Yushan Peaks Trails is an excellent collector’s item of geological curiosity as prehistoric marine based fossils and rippled marks in the rock evidence the batch ’ s ancient past as part of the ocean ocean. Yushan National Park boasts two range of the highest peaks in Taiwan, as the Central Mountain Range ( 中央山脈 ) and the Yushan Range ( 玉山山脈 ) intersect the park. Encompassing a sum of 120 peaks at an elevation above 3,000 metres ( 9,842 foot ), Yushan National Park is a hikers ambition and attracts ball-shaped recognition as a hike mecca. The natural elevation difference is 3,600 metres ( 11,811 foot ) owing to the many steep cliffs, dense valleys, and deep canyons. Yushan National Park is considered to be one of the most scenic national parks in Taiwan as it offers a variety show of vastly different landscapes from alpine grasslands to gushing waterfalls, cragged mountain ridges and thick, exuberant forests. There are five focal mountains in Yushan National Park : 
The most popular of these is Yushan Main Peak, being the tallest and most challenge extremum, and is slightly of a taiwanese pilgrimage to summit the batch. The East Peak, which is a far 1.2 kilometer ( 0.7 michigan ) plug away from the Main Peak, is the next hard rise, being the irregular highest bill and belong to one of Taiwan ’ s Ten Major Summits. The North Peak ’ s ridge silhouette resembles a camel ’ s back as two humps jut out of the batch vertex, and it is this prototype that is printed on the NT $ 1000 note. The South Peak, covered wholly in black shale, provides a contrasting geological set, while the West Peak is lined with lavishly dense forests. other major peaks in the park include Xiuguluan Shan ( 秀姑巒山 ), Mabolasi Shan ( 馬博拉斯山 ), Guanshan ( 關山 ), Yun Feng ( 雲峰 ) and Xiangyang Shan ( 向陽山 ) .
Ecology
Yushan National Park holds a excellent and interest variety show of animals, birds, and insects. There are over 65 species of mammals that inhabit the parking lot, most of which are protected by wildlife conservation by the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan. In addition, 233 species of birds, of which 29 species are local anesthetic to Taiwan, roam the park ’ second skies, while 16 species of fresh water fish occupy the batch rivers and streams. furthermore, the ballpark contains a colossal 1,574 species of insects ( including 285 species of butterflies ), 46 species of reptiles, and 21 species of amphibians. 
half of Taiwan ’ s native plant species are grown in Yushan National Park. A staggering 2,055 species of flowers ( comprising 475 monocots and 1,580 dicots ) together with an incredible selection of 2,522 plants coexist in the parking lot. A capture diversity of 433 species of ferns can be found, while 230 kinds of mosses and 147 types of fungi are discovered in the ballpark .
Human History
The park besides holds diachronic meaning. During the japanese Occupation Era, Indigenous peoples were forced to flee in the mountains, and the japanese build up police stations in the mountains in an effort to patrol and police the Indigenous peoples. Although nowadays abandoned, these patrol stations, vitamin a well as school buildings, calm remain and can be seen when navigating the Battongguan Traversing Trail, offering a glance into the persecute life of autochthonal peoples during this era. The first sighting of Yushan was recorded during the Qing Dynasty by American captain, W. Morrison in 1857. As W. Morrison was leaving Anping Harbour aboard the Alexandra in Tainan, he noted the sight of the imposing flower of Yushan in the far distance. It is the first western text file acknowledging Yushan. During the japanese invasion of Taiwan, Yushan ’ s surrounding area was recognised for its variety of biodiverse nature, and plans were drawn in the 1930s to create a national park. however, these plans were thwarted by the onset of World War II, and Yushan National Park only received its official status as a home parking lot on 10 April 1985 by the min government. In late years, Yushan has become a symbol of Taiwanese identity, as it proudly appears on the NT $ 1000 note. 
Zhang Zhing Temple
Major Hiking Trails
Yushan National Park has four visitor centres dispersed at different locations. Tataka Visitor Centre is located near the Tataka Saddle Trailhead, northwest of the park in Nantou County. Meishan Visitor Centre sits on the Southern Cross Island Highway and is the gateway to the parking lot from the south. Nanan Visitor Centre is located in the east of the expansive park in Zhuoqing Village of Zhuoxi Township in Hualien County. Shueili Visitor Centre is besides located in Nantou County, however it sits barely outside of the park. It is celebrated to add that in regulate to scale any batch in this park or to trek one of the many cragged hiking trails, one first base needs to apply for a permit. Yushan National Park official web site has details on how to apply for this allow. Yushan National Park offers hikers an abundance of trails to wander in its mint natural beauty .
Yushan Peaks Trail
Yushan Peaks Trail holds the key journey to Yushan Main Peak. It besides offers hikers the opportunity to head to the Yushan West Peak, Yushan East Peak, Yushan North Peak, Yushan South Peak and Dongsiaonan Peak. Hikers start the travel at the Tataka Saddle Trailhead, besides known as Tatajia Saddle, following in the lapp direction. It is an 8.5 kilometer ( 5.3 security service ) climb from Tataka Saddle to Paiyun Lodge. Paiyun Lodge offers lie and accommodation to hikers, so if hikers decide to split the hike in two days, and they have pre-arranged their accommodation at Paiyun Lodge, they can display panel there for the night. 
It is decidedly possible to hike Yushan Main Peak in one day, however this will be a very arduous journey so one needs to be in optimum physical condition. From Paiyun Lodge, it is a far 2.4 kilometer ( 1.5 security service ) hike to the summit of Yushan Main Peak, but because of the steep climb, unaffixed rocks, and the high altitude, hikers need to take caution. The opinion from Yushan Main Peak is spectacular, taking in the distinguished view of the surrounding peaks. Hikers can set off to Yushan West Peak from Paiyun Lodge, which is a further 2.2 kilometer ( 1.4mi ) hike, however ensure that there is adequate time to get there and back before sunset. Visibility is all-important when hiking as loose rocks and cloudy paths could cause a austere injury. For hikers wanting to hike to Yushan North Peak, just carry on the travel from Yushan Main Peak, however, ensure that time is aplenty to return within daylight hours back to Paiyun Lodge or Tataka Saddle. As already stated, the East Peak is a 1.2 kilometer ( 0.7mi ) trek from the Main Peak, while the South Peak and Dongsiaonan Peak is a bite foster afield from Paiyun Lodge. Hikers wanting to reach these two peaks have the option to rest at Yuanfong Cottage, provided it has been arranged ahead, before reaching the peak
Batongguan Traversing Trail
The Batongguan Traversing Trail offers both idyllic scenic views and concern historic remains. This trail is a tangle of lush forest leading to heavenly, cascading waterfalls. 
Yunlong Waterfall is a strike goddess of nature, sitting high at 70 metres ( 230 foot ) as body of water tumbles down its long neck. This sandbag sight can be enjoyed from the safety of the handily placed suspension bridge. This trail has numerous audacious suspensions bridges that let crossing over deep gorges and angered rivers, which offers a cool so far imperial view of the farming and natural process below. Dashuiku, 37.8 kilometer ( 23 nautical mile ) from the Dongpu Trailhead and 3,210 megabyte ( 10,531 foot ) above ocean level, offers a unlike perspective as it boasts huge plains of batch eatage situated around a placid alpine lake. The area of Dafen, which is 22 kilometer ( 13.7mi ) from Dashuiku, is a former trade position, and this is where there distillery remains an honest-to-god patrol place, school, and ammunition storehouse. The Batongguan Traversing Trail was formed during the Qing Dynasty as a means to create a path connecting the rugged east to the urbanized west. During the japanese Occupation Era, extensions to this trail were added to police the aborigines who were forced to flee in this cragged area. The Batongguan Traversing Trail offers a historical position of Taiwan during the japanese Occupation Era, and artefacts such as bottles, tools or coins can inactive be discovered obscure in the grassy plains. This eight day moderate level hike covers 96 kilometer ( 60mi ) in distance spanning from east to west across Yushan National Park. The trail can either begin or end at the Dongpu Trailhead in Nantou County, a hot spring town, and it continues all the way to the Shangfeng Trailhead, 6 kilometer ( 3.7mi ) shy of the Nanan Visitor Centre near Zhuoxi, in Hualien County. 
There are many smaller trails on this extensive route that can be accomplished in a day. One such trail is the democratic 14 kilometer ( 8.7mi ) stretch of the Walami Trail, beginning from the Shangfeng Trailhead.
It needs to be highlighted that while this trail receives regular maintenance, typhoons may collapse some paths along the trail, making it highly challenging to progress safely with the hike. Formosan black bears ( 臺灣黑熊 ) are besides known to stumble across this route, and if one is spotted nearby, it is best to remain steady and make no sudden movement. alternatively, gingerly column inch away creating distance, and once out of sight then hasten to an sphere that is safe from the bears .
Southern Section Two Trail
The southerly Section Two Trail is reserved for badly skilled hikers. Most of the drag operates at 3,000 metres ( 9,840ft ) above sea level, and climbs of 1000 metres ( 3,200ft ) are soon met with descents of 1000 metres ( 3,200ft ), as one zigzags their manner up and down this punishing trail. One incentive is that the route is barren of crowd due to its challenging course involving exorbitant climbs, dramatic cliffs, and high altitude. It is not only the arduous nature of the hike that appeals to staunch hikers, but this trail is known for its changing landscape as one ascends through the clouds to a majestic position of rugged backcountry then being met with shagged grassy plains and cragged cliffs upon descent. Jiaming Lake ( 嘉明湖 ), which lies a mere 11.6 kilometer ( 7.2mi ) from the Xiangyang Trailhead, is an attractive alpine lake, sitting at an elevation of 3,310 metres ( 10,859ft ) and is considered to be therefore pass and brooding that it looks like a large pearl had been deposited in the mountain. 
The southerly Section Two Trail is a point-to-point rise, so one can start the hike at either point from the Xiangyang trail head situated on the South Crossland Highway or from the Dongpu trail head. The length of this rise is 89.3 kilometer ( 55.4 michigan ) and it is estimated to take seven days to complete the full hike, but once again, hikers have the option of hiking only a part of the trail .
Mabolasi Crossing Trail
possibly the most strenuous and challenging drag as it is considered as one of the four capital obstacle courses in the hike world, the Mabolasi Crossing Trail lines the northeast ridge of Yushan National Park. The Mabolasi Crossing Trail measures 96.3 kilometer ( 59.8mi ) across eight days, starting at Dongpu Trailhead in Nantou County and commencing at the exit of Yulin Bridge of Yuli Forest Trail, in Hualien County. Highlights of this trail are the brush views of the dramatic, raw, rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains from Xiuguluan Mountain and Mabolasi Mountain, act one and two peaks respectively of the Central Mountain Range. 
This trail is reserved only for the most advance hikers who can manage to remain composure in the front of its chillingly steep cliffside walks and unstable rough terrain. extreme caution must be heeded when traversing the cliffside paths between Malijianan Mountain and Maliyawenlu Mountain, and hiking ropes are badly recommended to ensure guard amidst broadly rocky terrain and intense erect drops. Crossing the gnarled Wulameng escarpment will be a foreground for the brave, as it involves navigating mentally ill terrain on a mountain cliff. The Zhongping Forest Trail, which is the last 17 kilometer ( 10.5 mile ) stretch of this hike, is lined with dense brush of trees and veiled with batch mist and moss-grown overgrow paths, making the scenic travel a bonny spectacle .
Xinkang Crossing Trail
An align of vastly different landscapes is displayed along this 64 kilometer ( 39.7 michigan ) hiking route that rests on the southeast boundary of Yushan National Park. Tranquil lake views of Jiaming Lake, fields of grassland on Sancha Mountain, incredibly steep cliffs of Xinkang Mountain and its distinctive looking extremum are some celebrated features that this lead unveils. The Xinkang Crossing Trail can pack a few bloodcurdling moments as the landscape is excessively steep, and frankincense the use of hiking ropes is strongly endorsed. As most of this drag sits at an elevation of 3,000 metres ( 9,842 foot ), it presents a problem in the miss of body of water sources along the route, so hikers need to plan in advance to ensure a bountiful provide of water to last the duration of the five day raise. 
The completion of the first day ’ south hike leads to the fantastic alpine beauty of Jiaming Lake, which provides hikers with a last-minute opportunity to refill their water supply if it is worryingly low. Hiking the Xinkang Crossing Trail feels like one is literally climbing through clouds due to its high elevation, while the nature of the hike is fabulously beastly and the terrain physically taxing .
Southern Cross-Island Highway Three Mountains and Guan Mountain Hiking Route
The southerly Cross-Island Highway Three Mountains and Guan Mountain Hiking Route offers a serial of trails that can be completed individually or as one farseeing hiking trail. thus completing this trail can last from one day to four days depending on the route choose. This road welcomes the likes of intermediate level hikers who want more of a relatively easy and short raise, but who still desire to witness the dramatic mountain scenery. 
The three mountains are Kuhanuoxin Mountain, Taguan Mountain, and Guanshanling Mountain, and the away mountain being Guan Mountain. Guan Mountain is a dramatic piece of rock, as it bears resemblance to the form of a pyramid. Each batch has its own trail head, each of which is dotted along the southern Cross-Island Highway. While this trail attracts more people based on its short circuit course and friendlier terrain, all four mountains have an elevation of over 3,000m ( 9,840ft ), indeed a steep climb is guaranteed .
Where To Stay
Paiyun Lodge
Paiyun Lodge sits at an elevation of 3,402m ( 11,161ft ), and is only a mere 2 kilometer ( 1.2 mile ) from the peak. For hikers wishing to break their climb to Yushan Main Peak into a two day hike, there is only one hostel offer lodging on this mountain. If hikers want to spend the night on the mountain, there are no camping options available, so it is essential to bible a seam in the charge. With lone one hundred beds available and taking into account the popular nature of the hike, hikers need to reserve their descry here at least thirty five days to four months in advance to secure a quad. When hikers apply on-line for their license to hike Yushan, they will be provided with the option to ledger their arrest at Paiyun Lodge, provided that it is at least thirty five days prior to their raise. 
There is a quota of twenty four beds that is allocated to foreigners who plan to hike during the week ( Sunday night to Thursday night ), however this is not offered over the weekend, so foreigners have a better chance of securing a bed during the week. There is only one room to get to Paiyun Lodge, and that is up. Just off the New Central Cross-Island Highway 18 lies the Tataka Saddle, the trail head to Yushan National Park, which hikers need to climb 8.5 kilometer ( 5.3mi ) to reach Paiyun Lodge. Food is provided at a price. Meals and bed must be reserved at least seven days before your slip. In the event that meals are not booked ahead, it is essential to bring your own premade food to the lodge. Water is provided should you wish to boil your food or make yourself a cup of tea or chocolate .
Dongpu Lodge
Some hikers opt to stay at Dongpu Lodge before they start their rise up Yushan Main Peak or if they wish to embark on one of the nearby trails. This lodge is situated precisely off Highway 18 merely 3.3 km ( 2.1mi ) away from the Tataka Saddle trail head. Before beginning the trail, a visit to Tataka Police Squad is required to present your hiking let. From there a shuttle service operates dropping you off at the trail head and late picks you up. The shuttle service operates between 6:30am to 5pm and runs both ways every fifteen minutes. If you are heading off in the early hours of the dawn to begin your hike, you will credibly have to walk 3.3 kilometer ( 2.1mi ) to the trail head. Unlike Paiyun Lodge, you do not need to apply for a let to stay at this hostel. It should be noted that the facilities of this club are more on the humiliate side, then do not expect luxury discussion as it is a elementary rest space. While there are many campsites and cabins along trails to offer rest, all of which require a permit for lodge, if one is searching for comfort in a newly made bed and hot showers, then there are other options to stay equitable 20 km ( 12.4mi ) outside Yushan National Park in Alishan. Another option is to stay in XInyi, precisely 40 km ( 24.9mi ) away. 
Alishan
accommodation is bountiful in Alishan. There is the Cing Shan Hotel situated right on the doorsill of the beautifully scenic Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The four star Alishan Hotel promises the most luxury as it houses a resort hotel and health center, while the Alishan Tea Homestay offers sweeping mountain vistas. All options offer free Wi-Fi and flat blind televisions in every room. 
Xinyi
One besides has sufficient options if staying in Xinyi. One popular attraction in Xinyi is the Dongpu Hot Spring, which is a superb direction to relax bore and aching muscles after a long sidereal day of hiking. Accommodation ranges from Dongpo Ti Lun Hotel that is situated in the Dongpu Hot Spring Village to the much loved and cozy Umas Hostel and the highly rated Tabakai Homestay .
How To Get To Yushan National Park
If you are coming from the big cities of Taipei, Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung, take the string to Chiayi. once at the Chiayi Train Station, several options are available. Hop on the 7322 busbar, which operates four times a day, headed to Alishan. This travel will take 2 hours and 8 minutes. once in Alishan, transfer to the twice casual 6739 bus headed to Sun Moon Lake which is a 41 minute travel to Tataka Visitor Centre. Another option is to take a taxi from Chiayi which would cost around NT $ 2000 to NT $ 2500, or to hire a car for the 86 kilometer ( 53 secret intelligence service ) travel and drive there directly taking 1 hour and 23 minutes along the New Central Cross-Island Highway 18. If come from Sun Moon Lake, board the doubly daily 6739 bus to Tataka Visitor Centre which is a near three hour journey. 
Sun Moon Lake If one finds oneself on the east coast of Taiwan, the best option would be to drive directly to Yushan National Park. Driving to the Tataka Visitor Centre from Hualien is a mammoth travel, taking good over five hours and driving 260 kilometer ( 161mi ). The drive is even more intense from Taitung, crossing 358 kilometer ( 239mi ) over five hours and twenty dollar bill minutes.
From Hualien, the Nanan Visitor Centre in Yushan National Park is the closest in distance, and is a one hour and forty five minute drive across 96 kilometres ( 60 security service ). From Taitung, the travel spans 86 kilometer ( 53mi ) taking one hour and thirty five minutes. The Nanan Visitor Centre is 6 kilometer ( 3.7mi ) from where the Batongguan Traversing Trail and the Xinkang Crossing Trail begins. 
Nanan Visitor Centre
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