Plizio Visual Lab

Qixingshan

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Qixingshan, or Seven Star Mountain, is the highest peak in the Tatun Volcanic Group and the highest point in Taipei City. Located within Yangmingshan National Park, it reaches an elevation of 1,120 meters above sea level. The mountain is a dormant stratovolcano that first formed about 700,000 years ago, with its current summit structure dating back to an eruption roughly 300,000 years ago. Qixingshan is famous for its active post-volcanic features, including steaming fumaroles and sulfur deposits, most notably at the Xiaoyoukeng site. Due to the intense northeast monsoon winds, the vegetation near the summit consists mainly of silvergrass and arrow bamboo, as trees cannot withstand the harsh conditions. The mountain serves as a vital recreational lung for Taipei's urban population, providing panoramic views of the entire Taipei Basin and the northern coastline. Historically, the area was significant for sulfur mining operations during the Qing Dynasty.

Location: Taiwan
Top sights: Qixingshan · Mt. Qixing East Peak · Menghuanhu Lookout
Nearby: Beitou (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	15	17	21	24	26	28	27	26	23	20	16
Rain mm	95	88	127	122	227	270	169	263	243	109	107	96

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is mostly via the well-developed bus network of the adjacent metropolitan area, leading directly to the park's trailheads. The paths to the volcano are easy to find from there.

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Best season

Generally, spring and autumn provide the most pleasant temperatures for this mountain trek. Summer can be extremely hot and humid, while winter often brings dense, obscuring fog.

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Terrain & paths

The path to the highest point consists primarily of countless, often steep stone steps. This volcanic route requires constant surefootedness and a solid level of physical endurance.

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What to bring

Make sure to bring grippy hiking shoes and plenty of drinking water for the strenuous climb. A wind and water-resistant layer is also highly advisable due to the altitude changes.

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Parking

Central parking areas are typically available at the main information centers of the reserve. Those arriving with their own vehicle should aim to be there early to secure a spot.

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Safety

Subsurface volcanic activity often shows itself through hot gas vents near the trails. Strongly avoid leaving the marked paths and be extremely cautious on slippery stone surfaces.

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Time needed

The entire mountain trek to the summit plateau and back down to the valley takes an average of three to four hours. Plan additional time for necessary rests and enjoying the views.

Geography

Coordinates

25.17080, 121.55390

Facts

At 1,120 meters, it is the highest point in the Taipei metropolitan area
The mountain is a dormant stratovolcano of the Tatun Group
Active fumaroles release steam and sulfur at the Xiaoyoukeng site
The name 'Seven Star' refers to the seven peaks on its summit area
It was a major site for sulfur extraction during the 18th and 19th centuries
Summit temperatures are typically 6 to 8 degrees Celsius cooler than downtown Taipei