Yangmingshan is a national park just outside of Taipei. It’s easily accessible, mountain filled and is perfect if you want to get out of the city and get some fresh mountain air. Sulphurous volcanic fumes aside.
There are a number of buses to Yangmingshan from the various parts of Taipei. If you happen to be near the Beitou or Xinbeitou MRT stations you can catch bus #230. I don’t remember the exact price for the bus but it was in the $2-3 SGD range.
The bus will drop you at a open area filled with parked buses. There is a visitors centre where you can pick up a map as well as a Starbucks. There are a number of trails you can explore around this area. There is however a shuttle bus that takes you further up into the mountains.
The shuttle bus is #108. Apparently it is $60NT per day and runs from 7am to 5:30pm. You can use your Easy Card to pay, the same as on the trains and the other buses. If you don’t have one go to an MRT station and buy one. You can pay for almost anything with them.
The plumes of sulphurous fumes venting from the mountain serve as a reminder that this was once was an active volcano. These days it seems to be limited to letting off a little steam. There are warning signs up saying that prolonged exposure to the fumes can be dangerous. There are also places where you have no choice but to wade through the plumes of gas. Just try to hold your breath or something.
We went to Chuan Tang Hot Spring! We heard lots of interesting stories about it! Just Google Chuan Tang Hot Spring and you'll know.
We paid 400NT each which include meals from the restaurant and the entrance fee! Totally worth it!
10, Alley 300, Singyi Rd, Yangmingshan Hot Springs (MRT Tamshui line, Shipai station) | Taipei | Tel: +886228747979 |
