HIKING TAIWAN: TAIPEI’S BEST KEPT SECRET - THE VOLCANIC CRATER OF MT. HUANGZUI (磺嘴山) 有中文CC！

Huangzuishan (磺嘴山) is a gorgeous, yet little known hike situated right in the middle of Taipei’s popular Yangmingshan National Park. Part of a protected area, you must apply for a permit before embarking on this short but rewarding hike that leads you along an unspoilt trail up to the rim of an almost perfect, yet long extinct volcanic crater.
Join Richard, Hugo and two new members of the Taiwan hiking collective as they battle mist and mud to scale this 912m beauty.

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The Trail
Starting from Qingtiangang (擎天崗), the trail measures around 4.5km one way to the summit, so expect to spend around 4-6 hours return depending on conditions.
The trail needs to be booked 3-30 days in advance. There is an English language information page on the Yangmingshan National Park website (https://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=563&gp=0&Itemid=598), but the hiking application pages are in Chinese only (https://eip.ymsnp.gov.tw/apply/apply1/Apply1Page/pDeclare.aspx#here). So those who do not read Chinese will need help to apply.
Yangmingshan’s weather is very changeable, so prepare for all outcomes, especially rain, while temperatures can drop close to zero in winter.
The trail can also get very muddy so hiking footwear is recommended.

Travel Logistics
The trailhead is located around 1.4km from the popular tourist area of Qingtiangang (擎天崗) on the path to Fengguizui (風櫃嘴).
Getting to Qingtiangang on public transport requires two buses, which can eat up a lot of time.
You can take either the 260 (https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-line-260-Taipei-3843-978221-665083-1) from Taipei Main Station Exit 2 or the Red 5 (http://e-bus.taipei.gov.tw/newmap/Tw/Map?rid=10821&sec=0) from Jiantan MRT Station for a shorter bus ride.
Alight at Yangmingshan Station and then switch to the 108 Shuttle bus (https://ebus.gov.taipei/Route/StopsOfRoute?routeid=0100010800) to Qingtiangang - the last stop.
BE WARNED: Going by bus will take an age, driving or taking a scooter is much faster and more convenient. Taking a taxi may be a better idea if there are a few of you.
However, if you wish to drive on a weekend then be mindful that traffic restrictions come into force at 8am on Yangde Dadao (仰德大道), the main road to Yangmingshan, restricting access to residents only, so start out early.

Drones
You need a permit to operate a drone in Yangmingshan National Park.
You can apply for one online at the park’s website, but the form is only in Chinese and rather complicated to say the least.
A useful reference tool and map on drone restrictions in Taiwan can be found here (https://www.flyerlee.com/drone-restricted-airspace-in-taiwan/).

Book the trail here:
https://eip.ymsnp.gov.tw/apply/apply1/Apply1Page/pDeclare.aspx#here
Vegetable Garden (青菜園) Restaurant:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E9%9D%92%E8%8F%9C%E5%9C%92/@25.1772235,121.5308613,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x3238b28f8c07646b!8m2!3d25.1772235!4d121.5308613

For more details on my most recent hike and the logistics involved please check out the Website:
https://www.asiahikelopedia.com/

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