Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The shortest and most popular course, going from Xiaoyoukeng to Qixingshan Peak and back, is often guided as approximately 1.6km to the summit and 3.2km round trip, with actual reviews frequently showing around 1 hour 40 minutes. This is the least strenuous introductory course for day-trippers in Taipei.
Sectional Route Guide
Pass the bus stop and observatory, then enter the staircase path towards Qixingshan. Since there are many stairs from the beginning, it's best to find a slow rhythm.
The main sections consist of stone and wooden stairs, and on clear days, views towards downtown Taipei are visible. Although the elevation is not high, the continuous stairs can be quite breathless.
Descend the same way you came up. After rain, stairs and rocks can become slippery, so shorten your stride when descending.
Preparation & Gear
- Trekking shoes with good grip are recommended over sneakers
- Water 500mL-1L
- Windbreaker x1
Points
Transportation
- Accessible by bus from downtown Taipei
- Many hikers on weekends
- Morning departure is advantageous for securing views
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The most common Qixingshan traverse route leading to Lengshuikeng is approximately 4km, taking an average of 2.5-3.5 hours. The most balanced configuration involves ascending from Xiaoyoukeng, connecting the main peak and east peak, and descending to the Lengshuikeng hot spring area.
Sectional Route Guide
You ascend via the same path as the beginner course, but the descent route changes after the summit. The stairs section is long, so it's best not to overexert yourself from the start.
Follow the ridge to the East Peak. The ascents and descents are short, but it can be slippery depending on wind and humidity.
The Lengshuikeng route has a mix of stairs and dirt paths, and after descending, it's convenient to use the hot spring area and bus stop. The strain on the knees is slightly greater than the round trip to Xiaoyoukeng.
Equipment
- Trekking shoes recommended
- Water 1L
- Thin outer layer for fog
Attraction Points
Caution
- Slippery stairs on rainy days
- Strong winds at the summit
- Need to check descent bus times
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The route from Xiaoyoukeng, passing through Qixingshan Main Peak and East Peak, then to Menghuanhu, Lengshuikeng, and Qingtiangang, is widely recommended, covering approximately 5.5km and taking around 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes. This route allows you to connect the summit hike with grassland scenery and hot spring areas all at once, making it characteristic of a full Yangmingshan course.
Sectional Route Guide
The main ascent to the summit is the same. On crowded days, your pace may slow down on the initial stairs.
Past the ridge, the trail continues towards Menghuanhu. If the weather is clear, it's great to enjoy both the grassland and crater landscape.
Descending towards Lengshuikeng, you can experience geothermal areas and hot springs. There's a rest point after descending, which makes the experience feel more relaxed.
This is the final section that connects to grassland terrain. Unlike Qixingshan, which is mainly composed of forests and ridges, this area features open pasture landscapes.
Equipment
- Trekking shoes and windbreaker
- Water 1-1.5L
- Snacks and Power Bank
Attractions
Operating Tips
- Different termini, check return bus routes
- Buses may be crowded on weekends
- Allow ample time during fog season
Detailed Public Transportation Guide
66-Tier Public Transportation Guide from Taipei Departure to Return
Bus routes and detailed operation information
Last Descent Bus Reverse Calculation Guide by Course
Beginner: Xiaoyoukeng Out and Back
- Trailhead Exit Point:Xiaoyoukeng Bus Stop
- Recommended Return Route:Xiaoyoukeng 108 Shuttle Bus Yangmingshan Terminal Red 5 or 260 Bus City Center
- Descent completion deadline:Before 16:30
- ※ The 108 shuttle bus departs the terminal at 17:30 to complete its circuit. To avoid missing the last bus, it is advisable to board safely at Xiaoyoukeng, a mountain stop, around 16:30.
Intermediate: Xiaoyoukeng Lengshuikeng Traverse
- Trailhead Exit Point:Lengshuikeng Bus Stop
- Recommended Return Route:Lengshuikeng Bus S15 (direct to Jiantan Station) or Shuttle 108 Transfer at terminal
- Descent completion deadline:
Weekdays:Before 16:00/Weekends:Before 17:00 - ※ From Lengshuikeng, you can take the Small 15 microbus directly to Jiantan Station. However, if the bus departing from Qingtiangang is full, it is highly likely to pass through Lengshuikeng without stopping. If it's full, you should take bus 108 back to the terminal and transfer.
Advanced: Xiaoyoukeng Qingtiangang Traverse
- Trailhead Exit Point:Qingtiangang Bus Stop (Terminal)
- Recommended Return Route:Qingtiangang Bus No. S15 (board at the terminal, can get a seat) or Bus No. 108 shuttle Transfer at the terminal
- Descent completion deadline:
Weekdays:Before 16:00/Weekends:Before 17:00 - ※ The last Small 15 bus from Qingtiangang departs punctually at 16:20 on weekdays and 17:30 on weekends. If the waiting line is long, you will have to take the next bus, so it is strongly recommended to wait at the bus stop at least 30 minutes before the last bus.
Essential Public Transportation Tips
- Check EasyCard balance:There are no card charging stations in the mountainous areas of Yangmingshan National Park. Please check and top up your card with a sufficient balance of at least NT$200 at an MRT station in the city before coming.
- Two-way tag for boarding/alighting:On Taipei City buses, you must tap your card both when boarding and alighting for the fare to be correctly charged and for transfer discounts to apply.
- Weekend congestion:On weekends with good weather, between 2 PM and 5 PM, there can be a large crowd of hikers waiting for the downhill bus, potentially requiring a wait of 30 minutes or more. If possible, it is more comfortable to start hiking before 8 AM and descend before 2-3 PM.
- Weather deterioration fallback:The summit area of Yangmingshan National Park experiences rapid temperature changes and often has dense fog or strong winds. Buses may operate on a reduced schedule or be suspended due to heavy rain or typhoon warnings, so please reconfirm real-time bus information on the official website before departing.