Yushan (Jade) Mountain 玉山 is the highest mountain in Taiwan, climbing to a height of 3,952 metres (12,966 ft). The mountain sits inside Yushan National Park, central Taiwan, also home to Taiwan’s Bunun and Tsou tribal people.
The park is Taiwan’s least accessible, but could arguably be the most beautiful, due to its snow capped peak, expanse of pristine wilderness, and diverse plant and animal species. Once endangered, the Formosan black bear, sambar deer, Taiwan macaque, and serow are slowly making a comeback in the forests of Yushan.
Anyone may visit the park but two special permits are required to climb to the top of the mountain (though it seems some delinquent foreigners sometimes manage to complete the journey without getting caught and fined).
Dongpu hotspring, numerous hiking trails, and three visitor centers are also located in the area. Visitors may camp at one of the many sites scattered through the park or for those adventurous hikers seeking a place in the clouds, Paiyun lodge provides breathtaking views at 3,402 meters (around 11,161 feet).
Photo by Min Ming Chen
Other interesting facts about Yushan:
-Yushan has over 186 different species of butterflies.
-The park is home to a rare salamander called 95 hynobius arisanensis that likes to eat spiders (whoo hoo!)
-Yushan has been nicknamed “The Ark” by Taiwanese academics who see the park as home to all of Taiwan’s rare plant and animal species.
-Jade mountain is the fourth highest mountain on an island.
Just another beautiful sight to behold on the multi-faceted island of Taiwan.
Photo by Jhau Pang Syu