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From MRT 2 Jiantan station (劍潭), leave Exit 1 (Shilin Night Market), and walk to the left-side bus station, busses heading north. Take either city bus R5 or small bus (PREFERRED) S15 or S17 to Yangmingshan station (陽明山). Fare is NT$15, payable by cash or Easycard.
This station serves as a base to explore the mountain, and the area has a few shops like 7/11 and a Starbucks. Bus 260 also leaves from Taipei Main Station, although Jiantan is recommended. Bus S15 from Jiantan is best, as it travels past the main transfer station to other destinations such as Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑), Lengshuikeng (冷水坑), and Qingtiangang Grassland Trails (擎天崗).
Yang Ming Shan Bus Termina, you can get to lot of destinations, by Bus S8 (小8).
*It operates from 7:00am to 5:30pm daily, with 5 to 8 minutes interval time.
From Yangmingshan Bus Station take Bus 131, S8, or S9 to Zhuzihu (竹子湖).
Home to Yangmingshan's Calla Lillies, Zhuzihu is a quaint local farming village hidden away in the mountains. Originally a lava-dammed lake created by the surrounding volcanoes, the area's unique geology became suitable for farming, terraced rice paddies early on, and other unique flora with time.
Besides the Calla Lilly, visitors can explore the neighbouring pine and bamboo forests, view cherry trees and the local Formosan Sweetgum, as well as browse the local farms and enjoy unique treats.
Zhuzihu is a great place to escape the city for the afternoon.
A post-volcanic geological park, Xiaoyoukeng小油坑 is located on Mt. Qixing's northwestern corner, located approximately 805 meters above sea level.
The area is known for fumaroles (mountain-side sulphur gas exhaust), hot springs, sulphur crystals, is located close by to Mt. Zhuzi, Mt. Datun, and Mt. Xiaoguanyin, and provides views of the northeast coast outside Jinshan town area.
Hiking from Xiaoyoukeng for around 1 hour along the Arrow Bamboo Trail to the top of Mt. Qixing reaches Taipei City's highest point at 1,120 meters above sea level. When coming down, it is recommended to take the East Peak path to visit Qixing Park, Menghuan Pond, and Lengshuikeng, all while taking in breathtaking views of downtown Taipei and Mt. Shamao. The trail ultimately leads back to the Yangmingshan Bus Station.
Resource from guidetotaipei.com
Menghuan Pond夢幻湖
Located at the western side of Mt. Qixing, Menghuan Pond is part of an ecological protected area that resembles a dreamy winter wonderlead due to mist and fog. During winter, the pond covers 10000SQ. M and sometimes has a higher water level, while during summer, the pond sometimes may dry up.
The pond is home to the Taiwan Isoetes, a unique quillwort plant, Eriocaulon chishingsanensis, an aquatic flower, and Latouche's frog (Rana latouchii).
Menghuan Pond is located next to Lengshuikeng (冷水坑), a cooler-temperature hot spring with public facilities.
Lengshuikeng冷水坑
Although translated into English as cold water pit, the hot springs at Lengshuikeng are still quite hot, albeit cooler than others in the area, making visiting the area great for those curious about hot springs but not wanting to sit in 40°C water.
The area is a popular rest spot for visitors hiking or touring Yangmingshan National Park, and houses a visitor centre, small restaurant/café, a formal hot spring building (where visitors are separated into genders and must enter nude), as well as an outdoor foot-soaking pool very accessible from the main road. All hot springs are free for the public.
Visitors are recommended to try the foot soaking pool for a quick hot spring experience.
Qing Tian Gang Grassland擎天崗
A mountain-top flatland park, Qingtiangang provides amazing views of Yangmingshan National Park.
By definition a lava terrace, the area was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the mountains nearby. After the eruption of Mt. Zhugao, the lava flowed north towards the area, creating this unique landscape.
During the Japanese occupation, the area was established as a ranch for cattle to graze. The park is still home to cows and other wildlife.
This area of Yangmingshan is very easily shrouded in clouds due to its elevation.