Syue mountain
Author: d | 2025-04-24
Tagged With: Syue Mountain. TaleOfTheTrail Syue Mountain (3886 MASL), Taichung, Taiwan. Posted on 7. November 2025 by Franc. Syue Mountain is the 2nd Highest Mountain in Taiwan
Syue Mountain Theme Pack Download - Syue
Check the earliest date to send your application here. Click "Shei-pa National Park Headquarters" for your Xueshan hike. Since "Hike Smart Taiwan Service" has been improved and made more straightforward, I have only included a short video and take the Yushan application as an example to help you understand how to use the website. Hiking Xueshan doesn't require a police permit. Itinerary you need for your hike: Day 1: Syue Mountain Trailhead ➔ Qika Hut ➔ Syue Mountain East Peak ➔ Sanliujiu Temporary Campground Day 2: Sanliujiu Temporary Campground ➔ Syue Mountain Main Peak ➔ Sanliujiu Temporary Campground ➔ Syue Mountain East Peak ➔ Syue Mountain Trailhead Please do your homework before you hike those popular trails. Several local governments have specific regulations for activities in mountain areas. Please read the post Essential Guide to Hiking Regulations in Taiwan to avoid unnecessary hefty fines. Gear for Snow Season The snow season is usually between mid-December/January and March. Shei-Park National Park has requirements for hikers during snow season. The gear list from Shei-Pa National Park during snow season: a helmet, hiking boots and crampons (at least 10 points), gaiters, an ice axe, a headlamp, snow goggles, warm & waterproof clothing, wool socks, waterproof gloves, and other essentials. Hike Consultation: Simplify Your Taiwan Hike with Our Services Tackling the intricacies of permit applications and deciphering public transport routes in Taiwan can be daunting. We're here to make your hiking adventure hassle-free. Our service takes care of all the nitty-gritty details, from permit applications to transportation arrangements, weather reminders, and more. Let us handle the complexities, so you can focus on the breathtaking trails and unforgettable experiences. Visit our commission page or click the button for all the details. Easier Route: Details about Hiking Xueshan Main and East Peak You might be curious why we started early on Day 1 since the hike takes around 6 hours. The main reason is that thunderstorms and torrential rains are typical in the mountains during the summer. Getting caught up in the rain is not fun, and the good weather usually turns overcast around noon. Day
Hikers up to Syue mountain. Hikers climbing up to Syue mountain
Posted by on 7. November 2019 Syue Mountain is the 2nd Highest Mountain in Taiwan at 3886 MASL. It’s a tough climb with mix of stony and scree surface heading to the summit but we were rewarded by clear skies to be amazed by the scenic landscape.#TaleOfTheTrailLooking BackLooking back, I’ve never seen myself as a Mountaineer or probably nowhere near to any fitness activity. My first international climb at Mount Kinabalu, I was wearing an ordinary backpack and just wearing compressions up high at 4,095 MASL at the summit. The second time, I had an uber heavy hiking bag approaching the switchbacks of Mount Fuji and getting amazed at the land of the rising sun view at 3,766 MASL summit. My third climb was both a struggle with the scree (broken rocks) surface heading to 3,677 MASL of Mount Semeru and a total adventure with the off roads heading to Mount Bromo. The Fourth Climb should have been Yushan, which is my last leg of the Asian Trilogy at 3,952 MASL but as fate would have it, we didn’t get the slot on the raffle and had to settle for 3,866 MASL Syue Mountain. Syue MountainSyue Mountain / Snow Mountain / Xueshan is called by locals as the most beautiful mountain in Taiwan and it didn’t disappoint. As painful and hard the climb was, we had a scenic feast of the mountain ranges, the mystical Black Forest and the sea of clouds at this altitude. Makes you appreciate that the best things in life are the ones we worked hard for. Arriving Taipei Early Morning of October 30, 2019, we had the day in Taipei just visiting shops in case we miss out on some outdoor gear. We headed to our home stay in Taichung in the evening (around 1700-1800 MASL) to get a acclimatize with the altitude. We headed the next day at our Jump Off point which is Wu Ling Farm / Shei-pa National Park (2,140 MASL) at around 9 am, which is the start of our hike. We had a short briefing, stretching, getting to know each other. While I’m on my own, Trail Adventours has been a comforting partner in this hikes since I’ve been with them for all my international hikes.Wuling Farm (2,140 MASL) to Hut 369 (3,150 MASL)I’ve plotted the elevations and terrains for the climb reading different post on Xueshan. The first task is hitting 2 kilometers from starting point to Qika Hut. That’s about 320 meters of climbing. The trail were switchback trails to reduce the impact of the climb on dirt surface with stairs. We took the trail track beside the stairs to lessen the effort each step. I joined the first group and it was switchback trail after another. Surprisingly, we’ve finished this part really quick. While the Qika Hut was an easy switchback hike with dirt surface that’s easy to trek. The surface goes a little technical after that with loose rocky surface and the dreaded crying slope alongSyue Mountain Theme Pack Download - Syue Mountain Theme Pack
Syue Mountain, also known as Xueshan or Snow Mountain, truly lives up to its name. In winter, its snow-covered peak sometimes stands proudly in tropical Taiwan. Its striking beauty of vast glacier cirques and challenging terrain has charmed hikers worldwide, making it one of Taiwan's most sought-after high-altitude adventures. Xueshan Main Peak in the stary night with Mt. Dabajian in the back In 2017, I set out to explore Xueshan but only made it to the East Peak. That unfinished journey lingered in my mind for years. Finally, in September 2024, I reached Xueshan's Main Peak—and the long wait was worth it. Cuei Pond surrounded by the forest of Single-seed Juniper Disclaimer: All content is for inspiration only. Use Taiwan Hikes' suggestions at your own risk. We are not responsible for any losses, injuries, or damages. Taiwan Hikes may include affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, you support our ability to continue providing FREE content — at no additional cost to you. Stay connected while exploring Taiwan's mountains with Airalo (affiliate link)! This eSIM provider keeps you online in 200+ countries/regions. No more fumbling with SIM cards—activate instantly and enjoy seamless internet access wherever you go. Table of Contents: Trail Information: The Most Popular Route - Xueshan Main and East Peak Maps, How to Get There with Public Transportation, and Accommodation How to Apply for the Permits to Hike Xueshan and Snow Season Regulations Easier Route: Details about Hiking Xueshan Main and East Peak Challenging Route: Hiking Further to Cuei Pond to Camp About Snow Mountain (Xueshan) and Shei-Pa National Park Related Posts Exploring Taiwan? Save Time with the Ultimate 2025 Hiking Guide! Discover the top hikes in every city and county across Taiwan—all accessible by public transport (bus links available). We've spent 50+ hours researching the best trails and transit options, so you can skip the hassle and start your adventure! Trail Information: The Most Popular Route - Xueshan Main and East Peak Distance: 21.8 km (13.5 miles) Route type: Out and back Days/Hours Needed: 2 days (some hikers do this in one day) Total Ascent/Descent: 1,718m/1,674m. Tagged With: Syue Mountain. TaleOfTheTrail Syue Mountain (3886 MASL), Taichung, Taiwan. Posted on 7. November 2025 by Franc. Syue Mountain is the 2nd Highest Mountain in Taiwan Syue Mountain Theme Pack, Free Download by Microsoft. Syue Mountain Theme Pack download Syue Mountain Theme Pack shows these mountain in your desktop backgroundThe North Peak of Syue Mountain
1: Start the Hike from the Famous Water Reservoir near Xueshan (Syue Mountain) Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter 06:30 We arrived at the Xueshan Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter 雪山登山口服務站, 2,140 meters above sea level. This checkpoint opens at 7:00, so we put our permits in the mailbox. You will find toilets here. You can use the app to check in, but that didn't work for me. Xueshan (Syue Mountain) Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter 雪山登山口服務站 Submit your permit in the mailbox if you start the hike before 7:00 am. 06:42 After getting ready, we started our hike and passed the famous water reservoir. You will find a detailed map of the Shengleng Trail (Holy Ridge Trail) and posts of millage. The distance to Qika (Cika) Hut is 2 km, to Sanliujiu Hut is 7.1 km, and to Xueshan Main Peak (Mt. Syue) is 10.9 km. It may seem a short hike, but doing this in one day is very challenging. I've stated several times that the distance of the trails in Taiwan can mean nothing. The first 2 km are easy to hike and paved with many stairs. We ran into a Formosan serow 台灣長鬃山羊 grazing the grass. It seemed not bothered or scared by us. We saw another one later. Formosan serow We saw a small bridge above a track. The track was built to transport the materials for the new Sanliujiu Cabin. A small track to transport materials for the new Sanliujiu Cabin 07:38 We arrived at Qika Cabin or (Cika Hut) 七卡山莊, 2,460 meters above sea level. If you stay here, please check in with the manager when you arrive. Qika (Cika) Cabin Qika Cabin is big and can accommodate 106 hikers. It has bunk beds, a kitchen and dining area, flushed toilets, and a drying room. We took a 20-minute break and continued our journey. Qika Cabin front door and bunk beds We got a glimpse of the reflector near Hehuanshan North Peak. Your support empowers Taiwan Hikes to create more FREE content, making your hiking adventures in Taiwan even more enjoyable. Click "Buy MeTaipei to Syue Mountain Trail
Taiwan is a medium-sized chain of islands in East Asia at 23°30" N, 121°00" E . It runs through the Tropic of Cancer. Also known as Formosa, it makes up most of the territories of the Republic of China (commonly known as Taiwan).TaiwanGeographyLocationEast AsiaCoordinates23°46′N 121°0′E / 23.767°N 121.000°ECoordinates: 23°46′N 121°0′E / 23.767°N 121.000°EArea35,801 km2 (13,823 sq mi)Length394 km (245 mi)Width144 km (89 mi)Elevation3,952 m (12,966 ft)CountryTaiwanDemographicsPopulation23,000,000Density642.44/km2 (1,663.9/sq mi)FormationThe island of Formosa (or Taiwan) was formed about 4.5 million years ago from a Geosyncline. It is part of an island arc. It was formed when the Eurasian Plate slid under an old chain of volcanic islands in the Philippine Mobile Belt. At the northern end of the island, the Philippine Mobile Belt sank under the Eurasian Plate.Physical boundariesThe main island makes up 99% of the Republic of China. The other 1% is made up of smaller islands like Orchard Island and the Penghu Islands, along with far smaller islands. The chain is separated from mainland China by the Taiwan Strait which is 220 kilometers long.Climate and terrainThe climate on the island is mostly ocean-like and changes very widely. The south end of the island is humid (very watery) During the summer, typhoons are very common. Most of the time, there are four each year. The terrain of the island changes a lot. In the west, plains and grasslands are common. 90% of the population lives in the west. The highest point on Formosa is Jade Mountain at 3951.798 meters tall in the year 2003. In the east of the island is mountainous terrain with thick forests and endemic (native-only) types of plants and animals such as the Formasan Black Bear and the Formosan Cypress. Many of these species are now endangered or extinct.Major mountain rangesThere are many mountain ranges on the island of Formosa. Central Mountain Range (中央山脈)- The Central Mountain Range connects Su-ao in the north of the island to Eluanbi in the south of the island. These mountains are made mostly of hard rock formations with are very slowly worn away. These mountains are very rugged and hard to climb. They range from 120 to 1200 meters (3,937 feet)Xueshan Range (雪山山脈)- The Syue Mountain Range is northwest of the Central Mountain Range. It starts at Sandiaojiao in the northwest. It gets taller as it goes southwest. Its highest point is Syue Mountain, at 3,886 m (12,749 ft) high.Yushan Range (玉山山脈)- The Yushan mountain range runs along the southwestern side of the Central Mountain Range. It includes Jade Mountain.Alishan Mountain Range (阿里山山脈)- The Alishan Range is west of the Yushan Range. It ranges from 1,000 meters and 2,000 meters (6,562 ft). Its highest peak is Data Mountain which is 2,663 meter (8,737 ft).Haian Mountain Range (海岸山脈)- The East Coast Mountain Range goes north from the Hualien Range to Taitung County in the south. Most of the range is tall hills. There are many streams that run through the mountain, but there is one large river.Natural resourcesThe few natural resources areYilan to Syue Mountain Trail
The way. Still was part of the first group and made our way one switchback climb at a time. The surface was an added drag but we needed a little bit of slow as we are approaching above 3000 MASL at this stretch. We had lunch at around the 3rd kilometer before proceeding to the tougher part of the climb.Approaching 3,000 MASLThe climbs were tougher but the views were getting better. As we approached 3,000 MASL, we were entering the dreaded crying slope. It’s between the Km 4-5 as the trails become technical and the becomes a lot steeper as some parts are about 40-45% inclines. It’s not called Crying Slope for nothing. It also started to rain so we started to slow down and added a few rest stops in between until we’ve reached the end of the climb and it was gorgeous. This was the toughest part of the climb but the ridge view made the effort worth it. It gets even better as we go up. We then proceeded to the East peak of Syue Mountain at 3,200 MASL at around kilometer 5 of the trek. It was the highlight of the day. After this, we’d be descending to hut 369 at 3,150 MASL for our homestay for the night.East Peak of Syue MountainIt was a smooth descent and we were at our spot before 4 pm, which was a few hours earlier than expected. We had dinner and was supposed to rest until 1 am. Unfortunately, sleep didn’t come to me as I had a bad tummy. Hut 369Hut 369 (3140 MASL) to Summit (3886 MASL) and BackWe were up by 1 am the next day. I barely had sleep. I missed breakfast since I’m worried about my tummy. The plan was to stay mid-pack and just take it slow. We started the hike at 2 am and it was extremely cold, probably less than 5 degrees. I had several layers of clothing. It’s about 3.8 kilometers to summit with about 800 meters of elevation gain.Even as I promised to be at the mid-pack, I was right there in the front pack. The surface were broken rocks, which was tolerable but had some drag. I think they intentionally made the surface this way so people will slow down to avoid altitude sickness. It was an all-out assault at the start.After a kilometer of walking, we entered the Black Forrest. The place was enchanting which was shaded in trees and had a mix of rocky to bouldery surface. I started to question if they should have named this as Stony Mountain rather than snow mountain. We’d take it slow and take a few rest in between. The goal was to reach the summit by 6 -6:30 am. There were several descents and mostly ascents. The Black Forest was a 2 kilometer stretch. It was down to the last kilometer of the climb and we were on the basin with about 300 meters of climbing left on theSyue Mountain Cliparts, Stock Vector and Royalty Free Syue
Is facing a big curve, becoming the most representative of He-huan Mountain scenic photos.界碑正對著大轉彎,這是合歡山最有代表性的風景照。Many people come here to take photos.很多人會到這裡照相取景。To our surprise, we saw soon-to-be newlyweds shooting wedding photos. 我們居然看到有新人拍婚紗照。The road and mountain scenery encountered from the boundary stone all the way to Kunyang Rest Station is breathtakingly beautiful.在昆陽休息區,從界碑一路看來的公路和山景,美麗到讓人屏息。The mountain range across from the rest station is the famous Mountain Qi-lai Series. There is an explanation board, labeling the position of every mountain.休息區對面山脈是台灣知名的奇萊山連峰,有解說牌標示每座山的位置。This is also a place for admiring high mountain plants. In addition to the large Yushania Niitakayamensis Forest, the mountain is filled with Rhododendron every May and June.這裡也是欣賞高山植物的地方,除了大面積的玉山箭竹林,每年的五六月,滿山都是高山杜鵑。Due to the confined road, please don't pull over on the roadside lest we cause the traffic to be held up.因為道路狹窄,千萬不要在路邊停車,以免造成交通中斷。Wu-ling武嶺Wu-ling is the highest spot on the road. It isn't a long journey going from Kun-yang to Wu-ling, and the scenery is very beautiful.武嶺是公路最高點,從昆陽到武嶺,路途不長,景色非常美麗。It looks not so alarmingly dangerous due to its gentle slope.因為是緩坡,看起來沒那麼驚險。White clouds cutting across the hilltop is a frequent sight forming a cloud waterfall.不時看到白雲穿越山頭,形成雲瀑。Green mountain scenery is all of a sudden amidst the hovering white cloud, resembling a scene taken from the movie made by Miyazaki Hayao.翠綠山色一下子籠罩在白色雲霧當中,好像宮崎駿電影的場景。Due to the very high elevation, the temperature is quite comfortable even when the hot sun is high in the sky during summer.由於海拔很高,即使夏天烈日當空,氣溫也是非常舒適。The bare and tattered rock formations in Wu-ling give testament to how violent the land formation was.武嶺裸露和破碎的岩層,可以看到地層作用有多麼劇烈。The high mountain scenery is also alluring. Looking back at the road scenery stretching from Kun-yang to Wu-ling is absolutely mind healing.高山地景也非常漂亮,回頭看從昆陽來武嶺的公路,景色非常療癒。Wu-ling is a landmark. Many folks coming here will line up in order to take a picture with the landmark.武嶺是個地標,很多朋友會來這裡,大家排隊在地標前留下影像。Due to being the highest spot on the road, the elevation starts to decline from here on.也因為是公路最高處,海拔從這裡開始下降。Song Syue Lodge松雪樓Looking down from the Yushania Niitakayamensis Forest nearby, you can see a red building He-huan Mountain Tourist Information Center from a distance.從近處的玉山箭竹林往下看,遠方紅色建築就是合歡山遊客中心。Looking into the distance from the parking lot, you are looking at the Li-wu River Drainage Basin situated west of the park.從停車場往遠方看,進入了公園西邊的立霧溪流域。It's very hard to imagine that this place used to be a stratum at the bottom of the ocean. It became what it is today after getting cut through by rainwater.很難想像這原本是海底的地層,被雨水切穿後,變成現在的樣子There are many hiking entrances in the vicinity of He-huan Mountain Tourist Information Center. There is also Song Syue Lodge.合歡山遊客中心附近是很多步道的登山口,也有一家旅館松雪樓。The tourist information center is at the border between Ren-aye Township, Nantou and Show-lin Township, Hua-lian.遊客中心是南投縣仁愛鄉和花蓮縣秀林鄉的交界。Song Syue Lodge is already inside Hua-lian County. At an. Tagged With: Syue Mountain. TaleOfTheTrail Syue Mountain (3886 MASL), Taichung, Taiwan. Posted on 7. November 2025 by Franc. Syue Mountain is the 2nd Highest Mountain in Taiwan
Hiking up to Syue mountain, Taiwan. Hiking up to Syue
Last kilometer. It started on switchback trail and the surface was scree or broken rocks. I always struggle on scree surface but the rocks were stable enough to move on forward. We were spaced apart to avoid falling rocks, if any. The last 500 meters was the toughest part with slopes up to 45% but counting down the last few climbs can really be empowering. It was technical on the last stretch but we’ve finally reached the summit at 3886 MASL.3886 Meters Above Sea LevelWe were lucky enough to have clear skies at the summit. The group before and after us had no clearing. So this is my own version of Asian Trilogy with Syue Mountain as my last leg (I also did another 700 meters of elevation the next day just to cover the less than 100 meter gap between Syue Mountain (Xueshan) and Jade Mountain Yushan).While I didn’t have breakfast, I was quite confident since I had Pies Energy Bar with me. It’s always a milestone when I’m at the summit but I love how climbs can humble you and be appreciative the beauty that surrounds you. After a while, it was our time to head back.Heading down was as difficult as climbing it because of the technical rocky terrain. It was just less exhausting with gravity by our side this time. We slowly descended the open trails before heading back to the Black Forest. The Black Forest was mystical with the rich flora and fauna that surrounds it. We got to appreciate the place more as it was still dark when we ascended. The mix of various sized rocky paths made it extra challenging before we got to exit the Black Forest after 2 kilometers and another kilometer before exiting the trail to Hut 369. We we’re back to Hut 369 past 9 am and we can rest a bit before heading to the last stretch of the hike. Hut 369 (3,150 MASL) to Wuling Farm (2,140 MASL)It was the easy part of the hike as we were mostly heading down. First, it was a 2 kilometer slow ascent to the East Peak before the mostly descending next 5 kilometers. Upon reaching the East peak, it started to rain. I had my rain coat and proceeded with the descent. I was motivated by hitting the bus early so I can have more rest. As it rained, I started to trust my Hoka Challenger ATR with GTX on the wet rocky surface and surprisingly, it didn’t disappoint. It had a good grip on the surface even as I was descending rapidly on the steep slopes. Though this was the easy part, the switchback stretch felt long and dragging. It felt like forever but I just kept moving on until I hit Qika Hut, where we regrouped and eventually finished the hike after 2 more kilometers.It was another surreal adventure and a welcome breather after all the busy days. Somehow, I earned the trip, the rest and the milestone.Syue Mountain (Snow Mountain) - Universitetet i Bergen
Taiwan White Fir forest The Xueshan Cirques 07:52 We reached the cirque at 9.8 km. This place was vast. I've seen Xueshan from a distance for years and finally arrived here in person. Xueshan Cirques When we reached the 9.9 km post, the trail cutting into the cirques was blocked. We took the trail on the left instead. The trail was covered by rocks from there, but this wasn't too bad. The rock scrambles to Cuei Pond are much worse. My pace became slower because of the big backpack. Most hikers carry light from Sanliujiu Campground and return, but we also need to go to Cuei Pond to camp. When I approached the summit, clouds flowed over the cirque and the summit. I was concerned that I would miss the great weather. More magificent Xueshan Cirques Stunning Sunrise and Looking at Holy Ridge and Turtle Island from Xueshan Main Peak 09:31 Finally, I reached Syue Mountain, or Xueshan Main Peak, 3,886 meters above sea level. The clouds did threaten to take over the blue sky, but the strong winds pushed them aside. Xueshan Main Peak at 10.9 km The Holy Ridge and layers of mountains in the distance were like playing hide-and-seek. I also saw the famous Mt. Dabajian. When the sun rose from the east, we even saw Xueshan's shadow. When the clouds cleared up slightly from the ocean in the east, Turtle Island, around 90 km (56 miles) away, appeared. Looking at Turtle Island from Xueshan Main Peak Please note that you must get up around 1 a.m. if you want to see the sunrise from Xueshan Main Peak. The hike to the summit takes at least 3 to 4 hours. We saw this view after we returned from Cuei Pond. Return to the Trailhead and Check Out If you only hike to the summit, you can hike light with essential gear from the Sanliujiu Temporary Campground, return to the campground, and then hike back to the trailhead. It takes around 6-8 hours from the summit to the trailhead, depending on your pace. When you arrive at the. Tagged With: Syue Mountain. TaleOfTheTrail Syue Mountain (3886 MASL), Taichung, Taiwan. Posted on 7. November 2025 by Franc. Syue Mountain is the 2nd Highest Mountain in TaiwanSnow Mountain - . Loc : Syue Mountain 3886m. syuemountain
Not being able to call it a day sooner tested my willpower. Finally, we arrived. You can find water tanks circled in the yellow box. When you arrive, remember your permit's plank number. Each plank has a number, and most hikers hire the on-site catering service. You might be able to switch the plank. Find your plank number on your permit. A Formosan serow grazed near our tents. There are toilets, a kitchen area, and water tanks to draw water. The view behind the toilets are great. We had to go to the woods near the toilets facing east to get one or two bars of phone signals, but the view here was worth the extra walk. Beautiful clouds are visible during sunset (this side faces east). We enjoyed the milkyway before we went to sleep. Day 2: From Sanliujiu Campground to Taiwan White Fir Forest At first, we planned to see the sunrise from Xueshan Main Peak. However, reaching the summit from the campground took at least 3 to 4 hours, and we had to get up around 1 am to catch the sunlight. So, we decided to sleep longer and woke up at 4 am to prepare. But in hindsight, i's better to leave around 3 am and reach the summit before 9 am. 05:07 We left the campground when the sun was rising from the clouds. We stopped before entering the black forest to see the dazzling colors above the clouds. Sunrise near Sanliujiu Temporary Campground 05:59 We entered the forests at around 7.9 km and were amazed by the Taiwan White Fir 台灣冷杉. It's Taiwan White Fir, but we call this forest Black Forest 黑森林 in Taiwan. My hiking mate was from Oregon, United States, and he said the forests looked like what they have in Oregon. The Taiwan White Fir forest, aka Black Forest, near Sanliujiu Campground 06:53 At 8.9 km, we reached a post with signs pointing to Mt. Syue, Water, and Sanliujiu Hut. This place may look like a great camping spot, but wild camping is prohibited. Post at the 8.9 km TheComments
Check the earliest date to send your application here. Click "Shei-pa National Park Headquarters" for your Xueshan hike. Since "Hike Smart Taiwan Service" has been improved and made more straightforward, I have only included a short video and take the Yushan application as an example to help you understand how to use the website. Hiking Xueshan doesn't require a police permit. Itinerary you need for your hike: Day 1: Syue Mountain Trailhead ➔ Qika Hut ➔ Syue Mountain East Peak ➔ Sanliujiu Temporary Campground Day 2: Sanliujiu Temporary Campground ➔ Syue Mountain Main Peak ➔ Sanliujiu Temporary Campground ➔ Syue Mountain East Peak ➔ Syue Mountain Trailhead Please do your homework before you hike those popular trails. Several local governments have specific regulations for activities in mountain areas. Please read the post Essential Guide to Hiking Regulations in Taiwan to avoid unnecessary hefty fines. Gear for Snow Season The snow season is usually between mid-December/January and March. Shei-Park National Park has requirements for hikers during snow season. The gear list from Shei-Pa National Park during snow season: a helmet, hiking boots and crampons (at least 10 points), gaiters, an ice axe, a headlamp, snow goggles, warm & waterproof clothing, wool socks, waterproof gloves, and other essentials. Hike Consultation: Simplify Your Taiwan Hike with Our Services Tackling the intricacies of permit applications and deciphering public transport routes in Taiwan can be daunting. We're here to make your hiking adventure hassle-free. Our service takes care of all the nitty-gritty details, from permit applications to transportation arrangements, weather reminders, and more. Let us handle the complexities, so you can focus on the breathtaking trails and unforgettable experiences. Visit our commission page or click the button for all the details. Easier Route: Details about Hiking Xueshan Main and East Peak You might be curious why we started early on Day 1 since the hike takes around 6 hours. The main reason is that thunderstorms and torrential rains are typical in the mountains during the summer. Getting caught up in the rain is not fun, and the good weather usually turns overcast around noon. Day
2025-04-08Posted by on 7. November 2019 Syue Mountain is the 2nd Highest Mountain in Taiwan at 3886 MASL. It’s a tough climb with mix of stony and scree surface heading to the summit but we were rewarded by clear skies to be amazed by the scenic landscape.#TaleOfTheTrailLooking BackLooking back, I’ve never seen myself as a Mountaineer or probably nowhere near to any fitness activity. My first international climb at Mount Kinabalu, I was wearing an ordinary backpack and just wearing compressions up high at 4,095 MASL at the summit. The second time, I had an uber heavy hiking bag approaching the switchbacks of Mount Fuji and getting amazed at the land of the rising sun view at 3,766 MASL summit. My third climb was both a struggle with the scree (broken rocks) surface heading to 3,677 MASL of Mount Semeru and a total adventure with the off roads heading to Mount Bromo. The Fourth Climb should have been Yushan, which is my last leg of the Asian Trilogy at 3,952 MASL but as fate would have it, we didn’t get the slot on the raffle and had to settle for 3,866 MASL Syue Mountain. Syue MountainSyue Mountain / Snow Mountain / Xueshan is called by locals as the most beautiful mountain in Taiwan and it didn’t disappoint. As painful and hard the climb was, we had a scenic feast of the mountain ranges, the mystical Black Forest and the sea of clouds at this altitude. Makes you appreciate that the best things in life are the ones we worked hard for. Arriving Taipei Early Morning of October 30, 2019, we had the day in Taipei just visiting shops in case we miss out on some outdoor gear. We headed to our home stay in Taichung in the evening (around 1700-1800 MASL) to get a acclimatize with the altitude. We headed the next day at our Jump Off point which is Wu Ling Farm / Shei-pa National Park (2,140 MASL) at around 9 am, which is the start of our hike. We had a short briefing, stretching, getting to know each other. While I’m on my own, Trail Adventours has been a comforting partner in this hikes since I’ve been with them for all my international hikes.Wuling Farm (2,140 MASL) to Hut 369 (3,150 MASL)I’ve plotted the elevations and terrains for the climb reading different post on Xueshan. The first task is hitting 2 kilometers from starting point to Qika Hut. That’s about 320 meters of climbing. The trail were switchback trails to reduce the impact of the climb on dirt surface with stairs. We took the trail track beside the stairs to lessen the effort each step. I joined the first group and it was switchback trail after another. Surprisingly, we’ve finished this part really quick. While the Qika Hut was an easy switchback hike with dirt surface that’s easy to trek. The surface goes a little technical after that with loose rocky surface and the dreaded crying slope along
2025-03-281: Start the Hike from the Famous Water Reservoir near Xueshan (Syue Mountain) Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter 06:30 We arrived at the Xueshan Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter 雪山登山口服務站, 2,140 meters above sea level. This checkpoint opens at 7:00, so we put our permits in the mailbox. You will find toilets here. You can use the app to check in, but that didn't work for me. Xueshan (Syue Mountain) Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter 雪山登山口服務站 Submit your permit in the mailbox if you start the hike before 7:00 am. 06:42 After getting ready, we started our hike and passed the famous water reservoir. You will find a detailed map of the Shengleng Trail (Holy Ridge Trail) and posts of millage. The distance to Qika (Cika) Hut is 2 km, to Sanliujiu Hut is 7.1 km, and to Xueshan Main Peak (Mt. Syue) is 10.9 km. It may seem a short hike, but doing this in one day is very challenging. I've stated several times that the distance of the trails in Taiwan can mean nothing. The first 2 km are easy to hike and paved with many stairs. We ran into a Formosan serow 台灣長鬃山羊 grazing the grass. It seemed not bothered or scared by us. We saw another one later. Formosan serow We saw a small bridge above a track. The track was built to transport the materials for the new Sanliujiu Cabin. A small track to transport materials for the new Sanliujiu Cabin 07:38 We arrived at Qika Cabin or (Cika Hut) 七卡山莊, 2,460 meters above sea level. If you stay here, please check in with the manager when you arrive. Qika (Cika) Cabin Qika Cabin is big and can accommodate 106 hikers. It has bunk beds, a kitchen and dining area, flushed toilets, and a drying room. We took a 20-minute break and continued our journey. Qika Cabin front door and bunk beds We got a glimpse of the reflector near Hehuanshan North Peak. Your support empowers Taiwan Hikes to create more FREE content, making your hiking adventures in Taiwan even more enjoyable. Click "Buy Me
2025-03-26Taiwan is a medium-sized chain of islands in East Asia at 23°30" N, 121°00" E . It runs through the Tropic of Cancer. Also known as Formosa, it makes up most of the territories of the Republic of China (commonly known as Taiwan).TaiwanGeographyLocationEast AsiaCoordinates23°46′N 121°0′E / 23.767°N 121.000°ECoordinates: 23°46′N 121°0′E / 23.767°N 121.000°EArea35,801 km2 (13,823 sq mi)Length394 km (245 mi)Width144 km (89 mi)Elevation3,952 m (12,966 ft)CountryTaiwanDemographicsPopulation23,000,000Density642.44/km2 (1,663.9/sq mi)FormationThe island of Formosa (or Taiwan) was formed about 4.5 million years ago from a Geosyncline. It is part of an island arc. It was formed when the Eurasian Plate slid under an old chain of volcanic islands in the Philippine Mobile Belt. At the northern end of the island, the Philippine Mobile Belt sank under the Eurasian Plate.Physical boundariesThe main island makes up 99% of the Republic of China. The other 1% is made up of smaller islands like Orchard Island and the Penghu Islands, along with far smaller islands. The chain is separated from mainland China by the Taiwan Strait which is 220 kilometers long.Climate and terrainThe climate on the island is mostly ocean-like and changes very widely. The south end of the island is humid (very watery) During the summer, typhoons are very common. Most of the time, there are four each year. The terrain of the island changes a lot. In the west, plains and grasslands are common. 90% of the population lives in the west. The highest point on Formosa is Jade Mountain at 3951.798 meters tall in the year 2003. In the east of the island is mountainous terrain with thick forests and endemic (native-only) types of plants and animals such as the Formasan Black Bear and the Formosan Cypress. Many of these species are now endangered or extinct.Major mountain rangesThere are many mountain ranges on the island of Formosa. Central Mountain Range (中央山脈)- The Central Mountain Range connects Su-ao in the north of the island to Eluanbi in the south of the island. These mountains are made mostly of hard rock formations with are very slowly worn away. These mountains are very rugged and hard to climb. They range from 120 to 1200 meters (3,937 feet)Xueshan Range (雪山山脈)- The Syue Mountain Range is northwest of the Central Mountain Range. It starts at Sandiaojiao in the northwest. It gets taller as it goes southwest. Its highest point is Syue Mountain, at 3,886 m (12,749 ft) high.Yushan Range (玉山山脈)- The Yushan mountain range runs along the southwestern side of the Central Mountain Range. It includes Jade Mountain.Alishan Mountain Range (阿里山山脈)- The Alishan Range is west of the Yushan Range. It ranges from 1,000 meters and 2,000 meters (6,562 ft). Its highest peak is Data Mountain which is 2,663 meter (8,737 ft).Haian Mountain Range (海岸山脈)- The East Coast Mountain Range goes north from the Hualien Range to Taitung County in the south. Most of the range is tall hills. There are many streams that run through the mountain, but there is one large river.Natural resourcesThe few natural resources are
2025-03-27Is facing a big curve, becoming the most representative of He-huan Mountain scenic photos.界碑正對著大轉彎,這是合歡山最有代表性的風景照。Many people come here to take photos.很多人會到這裡照相取景。To our surprise, we saw soon-to-be newlyweds shooting wedding photos. 我們居然看到有新人拍婚紗照。The road and mountain scenery encountered from the boundary stone all the way to Kunyang Rest Station is breathtakingly beautiful.在昆陽休息區,從界碑一路看來的公路和山景,美麗到讓人屏息。The mountain range across from the rest station is the famous Mountain Qi-lai Series. There is an explanation board, labeling the position of every mountain.休息區對面山脈是台灣知名的奇萊山連峰,有解說牌標示每座山的位置。This is also a place for admiring high mountain plants. In addition to the large Yushania Niitakayamensis Forest, the mountain is filled with Rhododendron every May and June.這裡也是欣賞高山植物的地方,除了大面積的玉山箭竹林,每年的五六月,滿山都是高山杜鵑。Due to the confined road, please don't pull over on the roadside lest we cause the traffic to be held up.因為道路狹窄,千萬不要在路邊停車,以免造成交通中斷。Wu-ling武嶺Wu-ling is the highest spot on the road. It isn't a long journey going from Kun-yang to Wu-ling, and the scenery is very beautiful.武嶺是公路最高點,從昆陽到武嶺,路途不長,景色非常美麗。It looks not so alarmingly dangerous due to its gentle slope.因為是緩坡,看起來沒那麼驚險。White clouds cutting across the hilltop is a frequent sight forming a cloud waterfall.不時看到白雲穿越山頭,形成雲瀑。Green mountain scenery is all of a sudden amidst the hovering white cloud, resembling a scene taken from the movie made by Miyazaki Hayao.翠綠山色一下子籠罩在白色雲霧當中,好像宮崎駿電影的場景。Due to the very high elevation, the temperature is quite comfortable even when the hot sun is high in the sky during summer.由於海拔很高,即使夏天烈日當空,氣溫也是非常舒適。The bare and tattered rock formations in Wu-ling give testament to how violent the land formation was.武嶺裸露和破碎的岩層,可以看到地層作用有多麼劇烈。The high mountain scenery is also alluring. Looking back at the road scenery stretching from Kun-yang to Wu-ling is absolutely mind healing.高山地景也非常漂亮,回頭看從昆陽來武嶺的公路,景色非常療癒。Wu-ling is a landmark. Many folks coming here will line up in order to take a picture with the landmark.武嶺是個地標,很多朋友會來這裡,大家排隊在地標前留下影像。Due to being the highest spot on the road, the elevation starts to decline from here on.也因為是公路最高處,海拔從這裡開始下降。Song Syue Lodge松雪樓Looking down from the Yushania Niitakayamensis Forest nearby, you can see a red building He-huan Mountain Tourist Information Center from a distance.從近處的玉山箭竹林往下看,遠方紅色建築就是合歡山遊客中心。Looking into the distance from the parking lot, you are looking at the Li-wu River Drainage Basin situated west of the park.從停車場往遠方看,進入了公園西邊的立霧溪流域。It's very hard to imagine that this place used to be a stratum at the bottom of the ocean. It became what it is today after getting cut through by rainwater.很難想像這原本是海底的地層,被雨水切穿後,變成現在的樣子There are many hiking entrances in the vicinity of He-huan Mountain Tourist Information Center. There is also Song Syue Lodge.合歡山遊客中心附近是很多步道的登山口,也有一家旅館松雪樓。The tourist information center is at the border between Ren-aye Township, Nantou and Show-lin Township, Hua-lian.遊客中心是南投縣仁愛鄉和花蓮縣秀林鄉的交界。Song Syue Lodge is already inside Hua-lian County. At an
2025-04-07Last kilometer. It started on switchback trail and the surface was scree or broken rocks. I always struggle on scree surface but the rocks were stable enough to move on forward. We were spaced apart to avoid falling rocks, if any. The last 500 meters was the toughest part with slopes up to 45% but counting down the last few climbs can really be empowering. It was technical on the last stretch but we’ve finally reached the summit at 3886 MASL.3886 Meters Above Sea LevelWe were lucky enough to have clear skies at the summit. The group before and after us had no clearing. So this is my own version of Asian Trilogy with Syue Mountain as my last leg (I also did another 700 meters of elevation the next day just to cover the less than 100 meter gap between Syue Mountain (Xueshan) and Jade Mountain Yushan).While I didn’t have breakfast, I was quite confident since I had Pies Energy Bar with me. It’s always a milestone when I’m at the summit but I love how climbs can humble you and be appreciative the beauty that surrounds you. After a while, it was our time to head back.Heading down was as difficult as climbing it because of the technical rocky terrain. It was just less exhausting with gravity by our side this time. We slowly descended the open trails before heading back to the Black Forest. The Black Forest was mystical with the rich flora and fauna that surrounds it. We got to appreciate the place more as it was still dark when we ascended. The mix of various sized rocky paths made it extra challenging before we got to exit the Black Forest after 2 kilometers and another kilometer before exiting the trail to Hut 369. We we’re back to Hut 369 past 9 am and we can rest a bit before heading to the last stretch of the hike. Hut 369 (3,150 MASL) to Wuling Farm (2,140 MASL)It was the easy part of the hike as we were mostly heading down. First, it was a 2 kilometer slow ascent to the East Peak before the mostly descending next 5 kilometers. Upon reaching the East peak, it started to rain. I had my rain coat and proceeded with the descent. I was motivated by hitting the bus early so I can have more rest. As it rained, I started to trust my Hoka Challenger ATR with GTX on the wet rocky surface and surprisingly, it didn’t disappoint. It had a good grip on the surface even as I was descending rapidly on the steep slopes. Though this was the easy part, the switchback stretch felt long and dragging. It felt like forever but I just kept moving on until I hit Qika Hut, where we regrouped and eventually finished the hike after 2 more kilometers.It was another surreal adventure and a welcome breather after all the busy days. Somehow, I earned the trip, the rest and the milestone.
2025-04-06