Yangmingshan National Park

Fruited plains, floral fields and belching sulfur canyons
Noteworthy for: Technically, it's still an active volcano, but with the last eruption over 300,000 years ago, its main impact is fuelling the 18 hot spring areas of this 11,455-hectare protected park.

Word to the wise: Bus 108 makes a loop around the centre of the national park’s most popular attractions (NTD 60).
These epic moonscape-like mountains were once home to Taiwan’s earliest settlers, the Ketagalan, who mined sulfur here 2,000 years ago. These days it attracts city dwellers in search of tranquility and natural splendour.

With hundreds of bird and butterfly species to observe, cycle paths, hot springs, camping facilities and even UFO hunting, Yangmingshan is a big day tripper destination. Start at the Park Headquarters and Visitor Centre, beside Yangde Blvd, to check out the displays on local geology, flora and fauna, and plan your day.

The hardier should attempt the three hour hike up Qixingshan, past a sulfur inferno and grazing high plain buffalo, before reaching the 1,120m rock-strewn summit to admire the panoramic view of Yangmingshan, Taipei - and on clear days - the East China Sea. Refresh with a dip in Lengshuikeng cold springs or soothe aching muscles with a soak in the hot springs along Yang Jin Highway.