Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK
Covering 3% of the landmass of Taiwan,
Yushan National Park
(Yùshān Guójiā Gōngyuán;
www.ysnp.gov.tw
)
is in an area that sits on the junction of the colliding Philippine and Eur-
asian plates. The landscape is strikingly rugged, marked by thick forests, deep valleys,
high cliffs and rocky peaks. Among these peaks, 30 are over 3000m, and one, the
eponymous Yushan (Jade Mountain), is the highest mountain in Northeast Asia at 3952m
and attracts hikers from all over the world.
The park's six vegetative zones harbour 151 species of birds, 34 of mammals, 17 of
reptiles, 228 types of butterflies and over 4000 species of vascular plants. Given that re-
cent studies have shown that little Taiwan harbours about 2.5% of the world's species of
plants and animals, this national park is rightly considered a natural treasure trove.
Yushan National Park covers areas of Chiayi, Nantou, Kaohsiung and Hualien
Counties. A 20km drive west will take you to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. From
Yuli in the east, you can reach the Nanan section of the park, with its fantastic Walami
Trail. The South Cross-Island Hwy, which skirts the southern borders of the park, is no
longer passable.
You can visit the park year-round for hiking or sightseeing. In general, the area is wet
in summer and dry in winter.
