Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei (must see)

Renowned for its cherry blossoms, hot springs, sulfur deposits, fumaroles, and hiking trails, Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan offers a serene environment to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature, from lush greenery to breathtaking sunsets.

Although the mountain elevations here range from a modest 200 to 1,120 meters, the landscape boasts an abundance of picturesque features such as ridges, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and basins. The predominant geological composition of the area is andesite rocks. Moreover, the region hosts a rich variety of flora, with a total of 1,360 species of vascular bundle plants. Some of the more commonly found species include red nanmu, large-leaved machilus, Formosan sweet gum, Taiwan cherry, Mori cleyera, and dark spotted cherry. Of particular note is the presence of Taiwan Isoetes, an aquatic fern exclusive to Taiwan, found in Menghuan Pond.

For butterfly enthusiasts, Mt. Datun is a renowned destination, home to 168 species of butterflies in northern Taiwan. The best time to observe these fluttering wonders is from May to August, with the most common species belonging to the Papilionidae, Danainae, and Nymphalidae families. Additionally, the region hosts a diverse avian population, boasting 122 species of birds. Notably, semi-feral cattle also add to the area's unique attractions.

Why You Should Visit:
If you are a nature lover looking for a good place to hike near Taipei on your visit, this beautiful park is within city limits.
You could possibly spend a whole day here, as there is much to do. In addition to hiking, there are hot springs inside the park.
There are also several visitor centers inside, which are well served with small shops, vending machines for drinks and toilets.

Tip:
To get to the park, you can walk, take a bicycle, car, or a public bus.
Even though Taipei has warm weather year-round, you'll want to bring a jacket as it can get chilly here. Also, comfy walking shoes and water.
While this is a beautiful spot, stay on the hiking paths for your own safety – apparently, Yangmingshan is known for having venomous snakes!