Plizio Visual Lab

Xueshan

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 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.

Location: Taiwan
Top sights: FuWan Mountain · Touyingshan · Touyingshanbeifeng
Nearby: Smangus (16 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

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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.

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Best season

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Safety

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

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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.