HIKING TAIWAN: XUESHAN 1 DAY SOLO SUMMIT HIKE (7 hours/2000m gain) 雪山主峰單攻 (有中文CC)

Xueshan is Taiwan’s second highest peak and at 3,886m it is most definitely not a walk in the park. Join Richard as he attempts to go from Wuling Farm (1,900m) to the summit all in one day, battling sore legs and heavy rain along the way. Stick around to the end for a competition and the chance to win some Hikelopedia merch.

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The Trail
Most people climb Xueshan (雪山) over 2 days and 1 night, spending a night at Sanliujiu (三六九) or 3-6-9 Lodge (7km) before rising early the next morning to reach the summit (10.9km) before sunrise,
It can also be done over 3 days/2 nights with an extra night at either 3-6-9 or Qika Lodge (七卡山莊) located at 2km.

Accommodation on the trail needs to be booked in advance. Overseas visitors can reserve cabin space at Qika and Sanliujiu lodges up to 4 months in advance on the Sheipa National Park website here (https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/apply_1_2.aspx?unit=e6dd4652-2d37-4346-8f5d-6e538353e0c2).

Xueshan may be Taiwan’s second highest peak but in my opinion it is a much harder climb than the highest - Jade Mountain (玉山). Three of the last four kilometers of the trail, after leaving 3-6-9 Lodge, are extremely steep. Loose shingles and steep slopes make it a real test of your lower leg strength. There is also the possibility of altitude sickness in some cases.

The weather differs greatly dependent on the season and deep snow is a possibility in winter (hence the name) so plan ahead for the weather conditions.

You can take your own food on the hike, but there are also a couple of businesses that will prepare traditional Chinese food for you at Sanliujiu Lodge. This webpage (https://www.hikingtaiwan.club/food-sleeping-bag-xueshan-snow-mountain-taiwan/#at_369_Cabin) has instructions on how to order meals.

Travel Logistics
The Xueshan trailhead is located inside Wuling Farm (武陵農場) which is in Taichung County, although the easiest way to get there is from Taipei is via Yilan on the east coast.
Getting to Wuling and the trailhead is a long winded affair - even if you have a car.
It takes around 2-3 hours to drive from Yilan along a winding mountain road. Check ahead if there has been heavy rain in the days preceding your trip as the road can sometimes be closed by rockslides.
If you don’t have your own transport, you can take a bus to Wuling.
The 1751 bus (https://www.taiwanbus.tw/information.aspx?Lang=En&Line=4874) from Yilan to Lishan (梨山) stops at Wuling Farm. The fare is around NT$300 (US$9) and will take around 2-3 hours.

Drones
You will need a permit to operate a drone in Xueshan National Park.
You can apply for one online at the park’s website here (http://w3.spnp.gov.tw/old/Article.aspx?a=vAmyfekuJRU%3d&lang=1). The form is in English, but the instructions are all in Chinese so you may need help.
A useful reference tool and map on drone restrictions in Taiwan can be found here (https://www.flyerlee.com/drone-restricted-airspace-in-taiwan/).

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