Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous area in Taipei and New Taipei, known for its volcanic activity, hiking trails, wildlife, waterfalls, hot springs, and sulfur vents. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei. 


Historical Background:
The area known as Yangmingshan now was formed by volcanoes about 700,000 years ago, forming many mountains about 1000 meters or less in northwestern Taiwan. The park still features active volcanoes, vents, and hot springs.
The original name of the area was Caoshan (grass mountain 草山). During the Qing Dynasty, the area was used to harvest sulfur, and many of the hills were burned to help catch sulfur thieves, Qingtiangang likely being one of these areas. 
Sulfur mining started in the Qing Dynasty by a British mining company who first obtained the rights to mine here in 1897. In 1927 during the Japanese era, Yangmingshan was made as the first national park in Taiwan, then known as Datunshan National Park Association. 
The area around Qingtiangang to Lengshuikeng was made into a ranch for water buffalo, and grass from Japan was planted here for them to graze.
In 1950 after the ROC took Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek renamed the park after the philosopher Wang Yangming, and called the area Yangmingshan. 
The KMT kept the ranch at Qingtiangang and continued to maintain it. They also built bunkers here and kept a garrison of troops.
In 1985, after resolving many land disputes, Yangmingshan National Park was officially designated as a national park in the ROC era. 
Due to its easy accessibility from Taipei and many natural attractions, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taipei City. Most visitors come on weekends, and it has parking lots and a visitor's centers throughout the park. 

Hours:
The visitor's centers are open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. However you can visit the park 24/7.
​
Price:
Free entrance into the park
(car parking 30-50 NT， scooter parking 20 NT)

When to Go:
Silver Grass Season: Mang Grass season goes from September to November. During this time you will be able to see silvery grass all over the mountain tops around the park.
Cherry Blossom Season: Cherry blossoms can be seen in the park from February to late March. 
Snowfall: Once every few years it can snow here from December to February. The snow usually only lasts a day or two and melts away quickly.
Best Weather: In my opinion the best weather is in the summer when constant rain makes the air cleaner, and summer mornings are usually clear. Be sure to start hiking in the morning for the best views and sunshine, as afternoon thundershowers are common. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, take provincial highway 2A north to the park, where you can see the main attractions such as Zhuzihu, Qixingshan, Datunshan, Qingtiangang, etc. There are many parking lots, but car parking is limited on weekends and the number of cars allowed up the mountain is also limited. There is also paid scooter parking.
On weekends this place can be packed, and cars can be backed up for up to an hour or more, so consider taking a scooter or bus. 
By Bus: From Beitou MRT Station, Take Little Bus 19 (小19), or another bus to the park. 
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Map:
See below for a map of places mentioned in this blog: ​

Qixingshan in Yangmingshan National Park (aka Qixing Mountain, Cising Mountain, Chising Mountain, or Seven Star Mountain) is the considered the highest dormant volcanic peak in Taiwan, and the highest point in Taipei City. The area is also an important ecological area with protected species. There are a few paths to the top with varying difficulty, and it offers great views of the Taipei Basin and the sunset. 

Background:
The area known as Yangmingshan now was formed by volcanoes more than 700,000 years ago, forming many mountains about 1000 meters or less in northwestern Taiwan. The park still features active volcanoes, vents, and hot springs.
The original name of the area was Caoshan (grass mountain 草山). During the Qing Dynasty, the area was used to harvest sulfur, and many of the hills were burned to help catch sulfur thieves. 
In 1927 during the Japanese era, Yangmingshan was made as the first national park in Taiwan, then known as Datunshan National Park Association. 
In 1950 after the ROC took Taiwan Chiang Kai-shek renamed the park after the philosopher Wang Yangming, and called the area Yangmingshan. 
In 1985, after resolving many land disputes, Yangmingshan National Park was officially designated as a national park in the ROC era. 
Qixingshan is 1120​ meters tall, and is known as the highest dormant volcano in Taiwan. The last eruption here was about 700,000 years ago. Originally the peak had a crater but it slowly eroded into seven peaks, which is how it got its name. It is also known to snow in the area.
Qixingshan lies in Beitou District of New Taipei City. 
It is a popular stop in Yangmingshan and has three main trails up to the top.
There is a large viewing platform that has great views of the Taipei Basin and the sunset. 

Hours:
24/7
​
Price:
Free
(parking 30 NT)

Difficulty:
There are three trails that you can take to the top. Here is a dissections of each trail:
From Miaopu: Moderate: : 700 meter elevation gain, 2.4 KM of walking one way, 2 hours to the top and 2 hours back (4 hours round trip). This is the most difficult way up.
From Xiaoyoukeng: Easy: 400 meter elevation gain, 1.6 KM walk one way, 40 minutes to the top and 40 minutes back (1.5 hours round trip). This is the easiest way up. 
From Lengshuikeng/Menghuan Pond: Easy: 450 meter elevation gain, 2.1 KM walk one way, 45 minutes to the top and 45 minutes back (1.5 hours round trip). 
For a more detailed comparison of the three trails, check out this blog by Josh Ellis. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, take provincial highway 2A north to Yangmingshan. There are three trails to the top: from Xiaoyoukeng 小油坑, Lengshuikeng 冷水坑, and Miaopu 苗圃. 
By Bus: From Shilin MRT Station, Take Bus 1717 to Xiaoyoukeng 小油坑, Lengshuikeng 冷水坑, Menghuan Pond 夢幻胡 or Miaopu 苗圃 parking lots.
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Map:
Please see below: ​

Out in the foothills of former Kaohsiung County are tropical badlands, hills of easily eroding material that makes the landscape look so unique that you must think that it's on the moon. In the summer of 2014 the Foreigners in Taiwan team took a journey to this park in Tianliao which showcases these hills with trails and beautiful scenic views, and 4 years later here is the blog. It's definitely a strange landscape especially for Taiwan, and is worth a visit especially if you want to get some unique photos. You can also see some nearby mud hot springs.

Geological History:

Moon World is part of a stretch of badlands that cover a large swath of southern Taiwan near the central mountain range. Typical badlands are found in dryer climates, are composed of sedimentary rocks, typically have very little vegetation, and have deep valleys or ravines. The badlands in Taiwan are unique in that they are in a tropical rain forest. How is this possible? 

The rocks at Moon World are composed of mudstone, sandstone, shale, and chalk. Because of high alkaline levels due to chalk in the soil, trees and grass cannot grow, and basically the only plant that can grow in the soil is spiny bamboo. The lack of vegetation as well as high rainfall gives way to quick eroding hills, or badlands. The Caoshan River and the Ganglin Rovers also helped to carve out the landscape and bare hills.

Because of the white greyish color, the hills seem to glow when in moonlight,hence the name "Moon World." However to the casual observer, the landscape looks like the surface of the moon as well.

Hours:
All Day. However buses and restaurants will not run all day (there is no 7-11, only round-table chicken quick fry restaurants 土鷄).

Price:
Free!

How to Get There:
By Bus: You can either take the Kaohsiung City bus Red 70B from the Gangshan MRT station, or Kbus 8042 from Tainan HSR station.

By Car/Scooter:
Take the Tianliao Exit on National Highway 3 and take provincial highway 28 to Tianliao.
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Please refer to the map below:

Buying a house in Taiwan can be confusing and stressful. It is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. To even consider buying a house in Taiwan, you have probably lived here for years, so many of the things I will mention in this blog may not be new to you.

​I have spent quite a few years looking for houses and saving money for a down payment, as well as figuring out all the costs and other factors involved in purchasing the right house. I have created this guide and FAQ to help people understand the buying process, finding the right house, and saving the right amount of money needed to make a move.

The following is my personal insight from looking for houses mainly near Taipei City. 

Datunshan in Yangmingshan National Park (aka Datun Mountain) is the considered the only active volcanic peak in Taiwan, and the island's only stratovolcano. This along with Turtle Island are the two known active volcanos in Taiwan. The area is also an important ecological area with protected species. Currently access to Datunshan is closed to motor vehicles, but you can cycle or hike to the top. There is a large viewing platform that has great views of the Taipei Basin and the sunset. 

Background:
The area known as Yangmingshan now was formed by volcanoes about 700,000 years ago, forming many mountains about 1000 meters or less in northwestern Taiwan. The park still features active volcanoes, vents, and hot springs.
The original name of the area was Caoshan (grass mountain 草山). During the Qing Dynasty, the area was used to harvest sulfur, and many of the hills were burned to help catch sulfur thieves. 
In 1927 during the Japanese era, Yangmingshan was made as the first national park in Taiwan, then known as Datunshan National Park Association. 
In 1950 after the ROC took Taiwan Chiang Kai-shek renamed the park after the philosopher Wang Yangming, and called the area Yangmingshan. 
In 1985, after resolving many land disputes, Yangmingshan National Park was officially designated as a national park in the ROC era. 
Datunshan is1092 meters tall, and is known as the only strata volcano in Taiwan. It is also known to snow in the area.
Datunshan lies in Beitou District of New Taipei City. 
It is a popular stop in Yangmingshan and has two parking lots and visitor's center at Erziping.
There is a paved road that goes to the top of the mountain. The tip of the mountain is off limits to the public and contains a weather station, but there is a large viewing platform that has great views of the Taipei Basin and the sunset. 

Hours:
24/7
​
Price:
Free
(parking 30 NT)

Difficulty:
Easy: 247 meter elevation gain, 45 minutes to the top and 45 minutes back (1.5 hours round trip). There is a flat paved road to the top from Erziping, or a steeper trail from Anbu. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, take provincial highway 2A north to the Zhuzihu Lookout. Turn left at the fork to Datunshan, and keep going until you reach the first parking lot or second parking lot at Erziping. Car parking is limited on weekends and the number of cars allowed up the mountain is also limited. There is also paid scooter parking. I recommend coming up from the Anbu Trailhead to the east because there is less distance walking, but it is steeper. 
By Bus: From Shilin MRT Station, Take Bus 1717 to Bailaka Highway Entrance Station (百拉卡公路入口). From there the trail entrance is about 1 KM away. 
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Map:
Please see below: ​

The Gaoping Old Iron Bridge (aka Lower Tamsui River Iron Bridge 下淡水溪鐵橋) is a disused railway bridge across the Gaoping River, formerly connecting Kaohsiung to Pingtung. The bridge was retired in 1987 in favor of a new electrified bridge, and the center section of the bridge was washed away during Typhoon Haitang in 2005. At the time of construction, it was the longest bridge in Asia and the first overland pathway created between Kaohsiung and Pintung. Originally planned to be torn down, it was saved by concerned residents on both sides of the river and now stands as a monument to the past. 

Background:
The Gaoping Old Iron bridge began construction in 1910 and was completed in 1913. A rail link was needed to ship sugar cane and related products from Pingtung to Kaohsiung Harbor. 
During the Japanese era, the Gaoping River was known as the lower Tamsui River, hence the name of the bridge was the Lower Tamsui River Iron Bridge. 
Due to the river's wide banks and strong current, it was a great engineering feat of its time. Along the way many floods halted and destroyed construction. Two months after construction was complete, the railway from Kaohsiung to Pingtung was officially opened. 
The bridge was 1,526 meters long, 7 meters wide, with trusses 15 meters high. At the time of construction, it was the longest bridge in Asia and the first overland pathway created between Kaohsiung and Pintung.
The current trusses on the bridge were built in 1964, to replace the corroding old trusses from the Japanese era.
The bridge was retired in 1987 in favor of a new electrified bridge with two tracks as part of the electrification of Taiwan's railway. The bridge was officially retired in 1992. Originally planned to be torn down, it was saved by concerned residents on both sides of the river and was named a national historic monument in 1997.
The center section of the bridge was washed away during Typhoon Haitang in 2005, washing out the No. 9, 10, and 11 pillars. No. 12 and 14 pillars were also wiped out in a Typhoon in 2006, and another fell in 2008.
In 2018 the wooden cross beams were replaced, which had begun to rot.
Currently there are parks on both sides of the river commemorating the bridge, with more people visiting the Kaohsiung side due to its proximity to down town Dashu.

Price:
Free

Hours:
24/7

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 29 north to Dashu. Stop when the road goes underneath the railroad. There is plenty of parking nearby. You can also cross the provincial highway 1 bridge to Pingtung and drive to the park on the other side of the bridge. 
By Train: Take the TRA to Jiuqutang Station. The park is about a five minute walk away. You can also take the TRA to Liukuaicuo Station and walk back west to the park on the east side, but it is about a 3 KM walk. 
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Map: Please see below:

Taiwan is a safe, inexpensive, and convenient place to give birth. Taiwan has a world class healthcare system, capable doctors, and top of the line medical facilities. If you are hesitant about whether or not you want to give birth in Taiwan, let me tell you now that there is nothing to worry about, and having a baby in Taiwan will be fine. I have created this brief guide here for you so that you can understand a little more about what it is like to give birth in Taiwan.
 
Forward: Please note that I am writing this blog and FAQ section from the perspective of an American father, married to a Taiwan National, covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance. I have recently gone through the birth of two children in Taiwan, born in 2017 and 2020. One was born in a private local clinic and the other was born in a public city hospital. 

This blog will begin with my experience, and at the end there is a frequently asked question (FAQ) section.

You may recognize the Chungshan Building from the back of the 100 NT dollar bill. Originally built as a meeting place for the now defunct National Assembly, the building is now rarely used for events. The fact that is the only building in the world built right on top of a sulfur vent means that it is hard to maintain, and many parts of the building are under constant repair. However it is full of precocious art and beautiful architecture, and it is open daily for tours. 

Background:
The land that the Chunghsan Building Currently rests on an active sulfur vent, formerly known as the Caoshan Hot Springs. During the Japanese era, this place was home to an elementary school and was the source of hot spring water for local hot spring hotels (and still is).
After the KMT took Taiwan, the reason this location was chosen by Chiang Kai-shek for a government building was because of the locations remarkable Fengshui. The location aligns perfectly with nearby mountains and valleys to create the perfect stream for Fenshui to flow. 
The Chungshan Building started construction in October 1965 and was completed in November 1966, with construction time totaling only 13 months. This was due to planning from the architect Ms. Xiu Zelan (修澤蘭) and the backbreaking nonstop labor from the KMT military, which would be sure to break all labor laws today. Another reason for the speedy completion was that it was needed to be ready to commemorate the 100th birthday of the father of the ROC, Sun Yat-sen.
In order to cope with the constant sulfur vents steaming out of the mountain, the building is equipped with giant exhaust pipes that go through the center of the building. This also helps to keep the building warm in winter. 
The foundations of the building go down 12 meters into the sulfur soil, and are coated with tar and aluminum to prevent corrosion. Also, much of the building is plated with pure gold to prevent corrosion. 
This is the only building in the world built on top of a sulfur vent. 
The building was meant to be the place for the National Assembly to meet, and also a place to show off the elegance of China to foreign dignitaries. Taiwan was thrown out of the U.N. in 1971, after which many fewer foreign heads of state visited Taiwan.
The National Assembly was established in 1948 to elect the president of the Republic of China. Its power was then granted to the legislative Yuan and the Taiwanese people in the 1990s, in the wake of free elections in Taiwan, and it was officially disbanded in 2005, meaning the building no longer served any real purpose. Also in 2005, it was declared a national historical monument. 
The assembly hall as capacity for 1800 people and the cafeteria has room for 2000 people. Besides paid tours daily, sometimes presidential events and art exhibitions are held here. 

Price: 80 NT

Hours: 
Tour times are 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM daily and the tour lasts about an hour and a half. I highly recommend it. Be sure to get there about 10 minutes early. 
Be wary that for some national holidays the building is closed to the public. 

How to Get There:
By Bus: Take bus 260 from Shilin Station. The bus ride to the Chungshan Station stop takes about an hour. 
By Car/Scooter: Drive up provincial Highway 2A up into Yangmingshan National Park. The building sits at the intersection between Highway 2A and Yangjin Highway. There is free parking in front of the building. 

Map: Please see below:

Weiwuying, also known as the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, is a performance arts center in Fengshan District of Kaohsiung City. It is the largest arts venue under one single roof in the entire world. It has the largest pipe organ in Asia. It was also named as one of the top 100 places in the world by Time Magazine. The arts center also sits next to Weiwuying Metropolitan Park. It is a must see spot for any foreign tourist visiting Taiwan.

Background:
Before 1950, the land on which Weiwuying stands was undeveloped. After that, it was used as a military recruitment camp under the KMT. In 2003, it was decided to use the land as one of Taiwan's main stimulus projects. It was decided that an arts center should be built, and Mecanoo Architecten was chosen as the developer. Ground was broken in 2010, and the main building was completed in 2012. After some delays, the building was finally completed and opened in 2018. The building's shape was inspired by banyan trees in the nearby metropolitan park, with open spaces and walls similar to sitting in a banyan grove. Also, much of the steel needed for creating the unique curved shape was made by local shipbuilders in Kaohsiung. Over a meter of insulation was also added to the roof for sound-proofing. 
The center includes 2236 seats in the main theater, 1981 seats in the music hall, 1210 seats in the drama theater, 434 seats in the performance hall, as well as capacity for over 30,000 people in the grassy area near the building part of Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park. There is also an exhibition hall and business exhibition center. 
Since its opening, it has been nominated for multiple architecture awards. Also, it was named as one of the World's 100 Greatest Places by Time Magazine in 2019.

Hours:
11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day (outdoor courtyard open 24/7)

Price:
Depends on the event.

Website:
https://www.npac-weiwuying.org/about?lang=en​

How to get there:
By MRT: Take the Kaosiung MRT Yellow line to Weiwuying Station.
By car/scooter: From central Kaohsiung drive east along Sanduo Road across national freeway 1 until you reach Weiwuying, it is hard to miss. There is plenty of paid parking nearby. 
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Map:
Please see below: