Yushan: The Ultimate Hiking Guide to Taiwan's Highest Mountain, Unveiling Routes from Easy to Epic!
Jade Mountain, or Yushan, standing tall at 3,952 meters, is a dream destination for adventurers from across the globe. This picturesque wonder graces the NT$1,000 banknote and has become many people's bucket list because of her breathtaking beauty. Explore the majesty of Jade Mountain, a coveted destination for locals and international explorers.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to embark on your unforgettable journey up Jade Mountain. Find out how to apply for permits, arrange seamless transportation, and learn all the essential details you need to know.
For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, we also include information on Jade Mountain West Peak, North Peak, and more challenging routes such as the Batongguan Historic Trail.
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Table of Contents:
- Mt. Jade Main Peak Route – The Classic and Most Popular Trail
- Mt. Jade West Peak - Home to the Highest Shrine in Taiwan
- Mt. Jade North Peak - The Best Viewpoint of the Main Peak
- The Batongguan Historic Trail – The Most Demanding Route to Yushan
- How to Use the Hike Smart Taiwan Service to Apply for Hiking Permits and Free Guide
- How to Get There - Transportation, Paiyun Lodge, and Food Options
- Related Posts
Mt. Jade Main Peak Route – The Classic and Most Popular Trail
Mt. Jade (Yushan) Main Peak Trail Information
Distance: 21.8 km (13.5 miles)
Route type: Out and back
Days/Hours Needed: One or two days, depending on your fitness.
Total Ascent/Descent: 1,342 m/1,342 m
Best Time to Go: All year round, but you need snow gear and a training certificate if you want to hike between December and March.
Permits: Required
Difficulty Level for 2-day Hike:
Route type: Out and back
Days/Hours Needed: One or two days, depending on your fitness.
Total Ascent/Descent: 1,342 m/1,342 m
Best Time to Go: All year round, but you need snow gear and a training certificate if you want to hike between December and March.
Permits: Required
Difficulty Level for 2-day Hike:
Mt. Jade (Yushan) Main Peak Details
Brief itinerary: Tataka Saddle/Trailhead (0 km, 2,608m) ➔ Monroe Pavilion with toilets 孟祿亭 (1.7 km, 2,790m) ➔ junction to Jade Mountain Front Peak (2.3 km, 2,860m) ➔ White-wood Forest (Baimulin) Observation Deck with toilets 白木林觀景區 (5.1 km) ➔ the Great Precipice 大峭壁 (3,187m) ➔ junction to Jade Mountain West Peak and Paiyun Lodge (8.5 km, 3,402m) ➔ Jade Mountain Main Peak (10.9 km, 3,952m)
Then, you take the same way back to Tataka Saddle.
How to Check In at the Police Squad and Paiyun Mountaineering Center and Check Out After Hike
Bring your ID/passport and put your Police Mountain Entry Permit at the box at the Tataka Police Squad.
Then, go to Paiyun Mountaineering Center and check in with the staffer during office hours (6:30 to 17:00). They will scan your ID/passport.
If you plan to hike Yushan Main Peak in a day and start before 6:30, international hikers check in when they arrive at Paiyun Lodge.
Day 1: Hike to Paiyun Lodge from Tataka Saddle/Trailhead (Approximately 4–6 Hours)
If you are new to the trails and mountains in Taiwan, this route might be more challenging than you thought. Some sections of trail terrains are rough rocks. Start early
Alert: Falling Rocks!
Several hikers were struck by the falling rocks between 400 and 500 meters right after the trailhead. One even fell to his death. Wearing a helmet is a must.
You'll pass Monroe Pavilion (aka Menglu Pavilion) 孟祿亭 soon. This pavilion was built to commemorate an American tax consultant who fell to death on a deadly slope. You can also find bio-toilets here.
When you see the junction to Jade Mountain Front Peak (Yushan Front Peak) with the sign saying it takes 0.8 km to reach the peak, please don't be fooled by the numbers.
Before reaching White-wood Forest Observation Deck (aka Baimulin West Peak Observation Deck 西峰下觀景台), you will pass bio-toilets with an address plate.
Then you can take a break at the observation deck to enjoy the Jade Mountain ridgeline.
Be aware of falling rocks at the Great Precipice, aka Daciaobi 大峭壁, 3,187 meters above sea level. A long, long, long time ago, this place was at the bottom of a shallow sea. Long story short, tectonic movements pushed it up and made it what it is now.
After passing the Great Precipice for around 10 minutes, you will see this spot.
Then, Paiyun Lodge at 8.5 km. If you do this hike in two days, you can enjoy your break here.
Day 2: Hike to Mt. Jade Main Peak from Paiyun Lodge (Approximately 2–3 Hours)
Most hikers ascend to Main Peak around 3 or 3:30 am to see the sunrise at Mt. Jade Main Peak. So, you either get your breakfast at 2 or 2:30 am. Remember to bring a headlamp and a pair of gloves with you.
The terrain and steepness become more treacherous after the junction to Yuanfong Cabin.
The rest of the trail is zigzagged, and the elevation gain may make breathing more difficult. Before reaching Xiaofongkou 小風口, hikers have to pass through the cage. In March 2025, huge boulders fell, smashing the cage and making passing through more difficult.
When hikers reach Xiaofongkou, they must put on more clothing. The wind is strong here all year round. If you have reached this far, you have 300 meters before reaching Yushan (Jade Mountain) Main Peak.
Spectacular Views from Mt. Jade Main Peak
I finally saw the breathtaking views at the highest point of Taiwan.
I met two very friendly female hikers who helped me record this video of my walk to the nearby peak. It felt like I was walking above the clouds! I experienced slight high-altitude sickness, so I took my time.
It's time to descend, but it's not an easy task. Some hikers have fallen to their deaths here, so being extra cautious is essential.
Yushan One Day Route: Doing Jade Mountain in One Day 玉山單攻 + Extra 2.4 km
Because of the scarcity of beds and the difficulty of applying to Paiyun Lodge, many hikers do this route in one day.
However, doing Jade Mountain in one day isn't as easy as we thought. Other than physical fitness, those are the regulations hikers need to consider before doing it in one day.
Moreover, be aware of the high-altitude sickness. The high-altitude sickness can happen to seasoned or new hikers, no matter how fit you are. If you still want to try it in one day, please prepare for at least 12 to 16 hours.
I suffered from minor high-altitude sickness when hiking in Yushan in April 2025. With 700 meters left to Yushan Main Peak, I decided to return to Paiyun Lodge. It wasn't an easy decision, but I'm glad I made the right call.
Mt. Jade West Peak - Home to the Highest Shrine in Taiwan
Some hikers will also put Mt. Jade West Peak in their itinerary. The junction is right next to Paiyun Lodge. The round trip to Mt. Jade West Peak and back to Paiyun Lodge is 2.5 to 3 hours.
I haven't done this hike yet, and this one is relatively easy to hike.
Mt. Jade North Peak - The Best Viewpoint of the Main Peak
The iconic view of Mt. Jade Main Peak is often captured from the weather station near Mt. Jade North Peak. However, reaching this spot is no easy feat.
The trail is strenuous and can be dangerous due to steep, unstable scree slopes.
I've tackled these slopes 2.5 times, 3 ascents and 2 descents, and can say this hike isn't for everyone. My round trip from the junction near Mt. Jade Main Peak took 4 hours in December 2024. In April 2025, it took me 5.5 hours, likely due to altitude sickness that hit me at North Peak and made the return much harder.
The route is straightforward: descend to the saddle, climb up to North Peak, and return the same way. Be cautious at the Batongguan junction near the saddle—don't take the wrong turn. After reaching the saddle, the terrain becomes gentler, with a sign explaining Mt. Jade's geography.
In May, you might catch the stunning rhododendron blossoms. I only saw buds when I did this hike in mid-April.
Standing at the weather station, reflecting on the journey, I felt both accomplished and daunted at the thought of climbing back.
As you re-enter the forest and begin to ascend again, the trail becomes less defined but still easy to follow. The final stretch to the weather station is exhausting—most hikers, including myself, were constantly out of breath. Seeing the solar panels at last felt like a victory.
The weather station, Taiwan's highest building, isn't the summit. The true North Peak lies just behind, accessed via a path on the right.
When I first arrived at 2 pm, Mt. Jade was silhouetted against the sun, with clouds rolling over the ridge—a breathtaking scene.
Leaving wasn't easy—partly because of the stunning view, but mostly because of the challenging scree slopes waiting on the way back.
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The Batongguan Historic Trail – The Most Demanding Route to Yushan
Distance: 49.5 - 54.4 km (30.8 - 33.8 miles)
Route type: Point-to-point or out-and-back
Days/Hours Needed: At least 3 days
Total Ascent/Descent: 4,303m/2,973m (point-to-point route), or 3,620m/3,620m (out-and-back route)
Permits: Required
Difficulty Level:
Route type: Point-to-point or out-and-back
Days/Hours Needed: At least 3 days
Total Ascent/Descent: 4,303m/2,973m (point-to-point route), or 3,620m/3,620m (out-and-back route)
Permits: Required
Difficulty Level:
Day 1 Itinerary:
Batongguan Trailhead ➔ Lele Police Substation (or outpost) ➔ Yunlong Waterfall ➔ Yinu Waterfall ➔ Dueiguan Patrol Station (outpost) ➔ Guangaoping (Kuankaoping) ➔ Guangao Mountaineering Service Station
GPS coordinates of Batongguan Trailhead in Dongpu: 23.555478, 120.929214
GPS coordinates of Batongguan Trailhead in Dongpu: 23.555478, 120.929214
Day 2 Itinerary:
Guangao Mountaineering Service Station ➔ Batongguan Police Substation (outpost) ➔ Laonong River Campground
Day 3 Itinerary:
Laonong River Camping Ground ➔ Junction to Jade Mountain Main Peak and Norther Peak ➔ Jade Mountain Main Peak ➔ Junction to Yuanfong Cabin ➔ Paiyun Lodge/Junction to Jade Mountain West Peak ➔ The Great Precipice ➔ White-wood Forest Observation Deck ➔ Junction to Jade Mountain Front Peak ➔ Monroe Pavilion ➔ Tataka Trailhead ➔ Tataka Visitor Center
Map/GPX Data of Batongguan Historic Trail to Jade Mountain
Route map for Batongguan Trail To Mt. Jade-updated by Anusha Lee on plotaroute.com
Click Menu in the map to download, print, or share the map.
You can see more options after clicking the Play button.
Click
to change the speed to meet your condition.
You can see more options after clicking the Play button.
Click
to change the speed to meet your condition.
About Batongguan Historic Trail and Batongguan Traversing Trail
To prevent this post from becoming too long, I only mention the links you might be interested to read. You can click here to learn more about Batongguan Ancient Trail or Batongguan Historic Trail.
There is another trail called the Batongguan Traversing Trail 八通關越嶺步道. This one is more advanced and takes at least 8 days to finish in one go. However, this one doesn't go to Jade Mountain. You can check out the Yushan National Park's website to see the difference between those two trails
How to Use the Hike Smart Taiwan Service to Apply for Hiking Permits and Free Guide
Please remember to send your application to Hike Smart Taiwan Service 臺灣登山申請一站式服務網 between 7:00 - 23:00 (GMT+8).
You can watch this short video to help you understand how to use the website.
Or download the 2025 free Yushan Application Guide. Click the image below.
How to Get There, Accommodation and Catering Service at Paiyun Lodge
Dongpu Lodge and Amenties
If you only do Jade Mountain Main Peak and want to stay at the closest hotel, Dongpu Lodge 東埔山莊 is your only choice. It's near the police station, the bus stop, and Tataka Visitor Center. It is NT$400 per person per night.
Dongpu Lodge takes the order 30 days before your hike. This place is not easy to book, either.
The beds at Dongpu Lodge are bunkbeds with curtains to keep your privacy. However, it can be noisy because hikers come and go all day long.
If you are a light sleeper or prefer more privacy, staying at the hotels at Alishan, Jiayi County, or Wangxiang Village, Nantou County, is an option. But those two options are suitable if you drive or hire a driver.
Amenties at Dongpu Lodge:
There are two shower rooms, toilets, outlets for charging electronic devices, hot drinking water, a kitchen, and toilets. You can store things you don't want to bring to the hike at Dongpu Lodge.
There are two shower rooms, toilets, outlets for charging electronic devices, hot drinking water, a kitchen, and toilets. You can store things you don't want to bring to the hike at Dongpu Lodge.
Dongpu Lodge doesn't provide meals. There are no restaurants in Tataka, either. Drinking is not allowed at Dongpu Lodge.
Dongpu Lodge check-in time: after 15:30; check-out: before 8:00 the next day. If hikers arrive at Dongpu Lodge before 15:30, hikers have to wait till the staff opens the door. Dongpu Lodge turns off the light after 20:30.
Stop by Tataka Visitor Center for a Relaxing Break and Hot Pot
Before starting my Yushan hikes, I always made a point to visit Tataka Visitor Center, just one stop after Shangdongpu. It became part of my pre-hike ritual, especially with Bus 6739 arriving at Shangdongpu around 1:40 pm—leaving me with a few hours before check-in at Dongpu Lodge.
The visitor center is a perfect place to relax, learn more about Yushan, and recharge before your adventure. The restaurant there serves hearty hot pot meals, which are just what you need to warm up and fuel up before heading into the mountains.
I'm not affiliated with the restaurant, but I've always enjoyed spending time there and savoring a comforting meal before the big climb.
Catering Service and Sleeping Bag Rental at Paiyun Lodge
If you want to hike light, you can click Cloud Leopard's website 雲豹登山隊 to order. If you prefer to cook your own meals, there is a designated area to boil water.
Public Transport: from Chiayi to Alishan
No matter where you are in Taiwan, you go to Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Chiayi Station to take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus, Alishan A Route (7329). Or go to Taiwan Railway Chiayi Station to take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus, Alishan B Route (7322).
Public Transport: from Alishan Transport Station to Upper Dongpu
Take Yuanlin Bus 6739 員林客運 6739 from Alishan Transport Station 阿里山轉運站. Get off at Shangdongpu Stop 上東埔站, and then walk to Dongpu Lodge.
From Paiyun Mountaineering Center to Tataka Trailhead
The shuttle bus is in front of Paiyun Mounteering Service Center. Each shuttle can be seated up to 7 hikers. The fare is NT$100 per person from 6:30 to 17:00. It's NT$150 between 17:00 and 19:00, and you need to make a call to arrange the pickup.
If you need a pickup after 19:00, please call Dongpu Lodge in advance to see the fare and time.
You can hike another 2.5 km to Paiyun Mountaineering Center from Tataka trailhead.
Driving to Shangdongpu Parking Lot
If you drive from Shuili, Nantou, please check the traffic control before you go. The section between 110 and 145k of the Taiwan Provincial Highway 21 台21線 is closed from 17:30 pm to 7:00 the next day.
