Mt. Miantian 面天山: Facing Heaven

Mt. Miantian 面天山 is a great place to see silver grass, mountains, and even the sea!

I think I’ve used the cliche “commanding view” a few times on this blog.  This time, I really mean it!  It is hard to top the amazing atmosphere and vantage point Mt. Miantian 面天山 offers.  Not only is it a prime destination to watch silver grass dancing in the wind, but you can also see some unparalleled views of Taipei, the surrounding mountains, and even the ocean.  Did you know you can see the ocean from Yangminshan?  Well now you know!  Check out more info after the jump.

Erziping 二子坪: Magnificent Meadow

Erziping 二子坪 on Yangmingshan is a very accessible and relaxing destination.

For me, my go-to activity for when I have no plan is to visit Yangmingshan.  I have been up there countless times, and yet I always find something new.  One of the first places I visited in the national park was Erziping 二子坪 (also may be spelled as Erzihping).  Not only is it one of the easiest places to trot around in on Yangmingshan, it is especially beautiful in the fall when the silver grass grows.  Check out more info after the jump.

Xiaoyoukeng 小油坑 and Seven Star Mountain 七星山: A Steamy Hike

A somewhat clear view from one of Seven Star Mountain’s 七星山 peaks.

Yangmingshan is one of my favorite places to visit in Taipei.  It is hard to believe that an expansive national park with mountains, hot springs, volcanoes, and dozens of hiking trails can be so accessible from the city.  Even though I have been here several times, there is always something new to see and experience.  This time I decided to check out the steaming fumaroles of Xiaoyoukeng 小油坑 and make my way through Seven Star Mountain 七星山, which has Taipei’s tallest peak.  Check out more info and pictures after the jump.

Qingtiangang 擎天崗: Where the Buffalo Roam

Buffalo have their lunch at Qingtiangang 擎天崗.

Although it its the smallest of Taiwan’s national parks, Yangmingshan National Park is rich with unique and beautiful sights.  A popular area is Qingtiangang 擎天崗, known for its wide, grassy meadows and wild buffalo.  If you want to have a relaxing walk in the mountains, the non-strenuous trails of Qingtiangang are a relaxing alternative to the park’s more difficult hikes.  Here are a few of my pictures from my visit.