Plizio Visual Lab

Xueshan

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Xueshan, or Snow Mountain, is Taiwan's second-highest peak, standing at 3,886 meters within Shei-Pa National Park. It is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved glacial landforms, particularly its large glacial cirques which date back to the last Pleistocene ice age. Cirque No. 1 is the largest and most iconic of these formations, providing a dramatic geological amphitheater near the summit. The mountain features distinct ecological zones, with the 'Black Forest', a dense stand of ancient Taiwan firs, serving as a highlight for trekkers. Historically, during the Japanese colonial period, the mountain was named 'Tsugitakayama' (Second High Mountain). The standard route to the summit has wide-open views of the 'Holy Ridge,' a rugged and treacherous ridgeline connecting Xueshan to Mt. Dabajian. The area is a vital sanctuary for alpine biodiversity, including the endemic Formosan salamander. Climbing Xueshan is a popular pursuit, though it requires careful planning due to high-altitude weather and seasonal snow. Conservation efforts here are primarily focused on protecting its rare glacial relics and fragile alpine ecosystems.

Explore on the map

How well do you know Taiwan?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Xueshan

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Location: Taiwan
Highlights: FuWan Mountain · Touyingshan · Touyingshanbeifeng
Nearby: Smangus (24 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	11	13	17	20	21	22	22	21	17	15	11
Rain mm	94	89	130	129	270	303	183	311	307	151	139	104

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

The mountain is typically accessed via the Wuling Farm trailhead in Shei-Pa National Park, which is reachable by car or bus from Taichung or Yilan.

📅

Best season

The best conditions are in spring and autumn; winter often brings snow, which requires specialized mountaineering equipment and experience to navigate safely.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The terrain is high-altitude alpine with steep ascents and well-marked trails, though it demands excellent physical fitness due to the significant elevation gain.

🎒

What to bring

Bring sturdy hiking boots, layers for unpredictable weather, and sun protection; in winter, crampons and an ice axe are mandatory for reaching the summit.

🅿️

Parking

Parking is available at Wuling Farm; note that a national park permit must be obtained in advance to access the trail and stay in the mountain cabins.

⚠️

Safety

Altitude sickness is a significant risk; monitor symptoms closely and descend if necessary, as high-altitude weather can change with extreme speed.

⏱️

Time needed

The trek to the summit and back typically takes 2 to 3 days, with overnight stays in mountain huts like 369 Cabin being a standard part of the itinerary.