It may come as a surprise, but there is actually no national park established within Taipei City. As the most densely populated urban area in all of Taiwan, Taipei City is almost completely urbanized, with no large-scale natural conservation areas retained. However, this doesn't mean you can't find national-level natural scenery in Taipei—in fact, less than an hour's drive from Taipei Main Station will take you to two representative national scenic areas and national parks, which are not only geologically unique but also the top choices for Northerners to connect with nature on weekends.
Yangmingshan National Park: Volcanic Geology and the Beauty of Four-Season Flower Seas
Yangmingshan National Park is the national park closest to the metropolitan area in all of Taiwan, reachable by car from central Taipei in about 40 minutes. Originally known as the "Yangmingshan National Scenic Area," it was later upgraded to a national park, with jurisdiction covering the Tatun Volcano Group, Seven Star Mountain, Lengshuikeng, and Xiaoyouqiao and other classic attractions.
The biggest highlight of Yangmingshan is its volcanic terrain and hot spring resources. The Tatun Volcano Group is the only confirmed active volcanic system in Taiwan. Although the crater is now dormant, sulfur vents and geothermal phenomena can still be observed. The hot spring egg area in Lengshuikeng is a hugely popular spot—using the hot spring to cook eggs and corn is a favorite activity for both adults and children. In winter, you can also see the night view of Taipei City from Yangmingshan. After soaking in the hot springs, enjoying the night view directly on the mountain is incredibly romantic.
Flower resources are another ace up Yangmingshan's sleeve. Spring cherry blossoms (February-March), calla lilies (April-May), and autumn maple leaves (November-December)—there are thematic flower seas to chase almost all year round. Among these, the calla lily fields in Zhuzihu are an Instagram hotspot, with white calla lilies层层展开层层展开 in the green terraced fields. In the early morning, you might even see a sea of clouds, like a fairyland. During the Yangmingshan Flower Festival from March to April each year, there are more visitors, so it's recommended to go early or visit on weekdays.
North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area: The Geological Miracle of the Queen's Head
If Yangmingshan is the backyard for mountain lovers, then the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area is the pilgrimage site for geology enthusiasts. This area covers the North Coast line of New Taipei City and Guanyinshan, with the most famous attraction being the Yehliu Geopark, known to everyone.
Yehliu's geological asset lies in it being the most spectacular mushroom rock terrain in Taiwan. Tens of thousands of years ago, this was a sedimentary rock layer below sea level. Through crustal uplift, seawater erosion, and weathering, the strange rocks we see today were formed. The most famous "Queen's Head" is a mushroom rock about 8 meters high, named for its crown-like top that resembles a queen's head. This Queen's Head is actually past its prime—the narrowest part of its neck is only about 100 centimeters, and scientists estimate it may break within a few decades. The British Maiden Rock, Candle Rocks, Ice Cream Rocks, and other formations are also rare natural sculptures.
Beyond Yehliu, the North Coast also has Fugui Cape Lighthouse, Linshanbi Trail, and Stone Gate and other attractions. Fugui Cape is the northernmost point of Taiwan, with a black main body lighthouse standing prominently on the cape. The algae reef at Linshanbi is the largest natural algae reef group in Northern Taiwan, with high ecological value. The walking trail is well-maintained, making it perfect for family outings.
The North Coast in summer is a water play paradise, with Fulong Beach, Shazhu Bay, and Shallow Water Bay being popular destinations. However, the peak season from May to October sees large crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, visiting in April or November is recommended—cool weather, fewer people, and beautiful scenery.
Wulai and Pinglin: Hometown Secrets on the Urban Edge
Strictly speaking, these two places are not under the jurisdiction of national parks, but they are rich in ecological resources and are often regarded as "quasi-national park" level in Taipei.
Wulai is a traditional Atayal settlement, famous for its hot springs and waterfalls. Wulai Hot Spring is a weak alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring, with clear, odorless water that leaves skin silky smooth after soaking. The Atayal cuisine on the old street (such as stone-grilled wild boar meat and millet wine) is also worth trying. The Waterfall Station of the Wulai Tram is a must-visit attraction—the cable car can take you directly to the entrance of Yunxian Waterfall.
Pinglin is Taipei's "tea township," and also the most important water source entering the Taipei metropolitan area. The scenery of Pinglin Tea Gardens is very healing. During the spring tea picking season, you can also experience DIY tea making. The Pinglin Arch Bridge has become an Instagram hotspot in recent years—the white cable-stayed bridge reflecting on the Beishi River has a nice Japanese countryside feel.
Practical Information
Regarding tickets and admission fees: Admission to Yangmingshan National Park is free, but some attractions (such as during the Yangmingshan Flower Festival) may require reservation or advance inquiry due to crowd control. Admission to Yehliu Geopark is NT$80, with seniors over 65 and children eligible for half-price discounts. The fees for various hot spring facilities in Wulai range from NT$150-400 per person.
The best travel season varies by location. Yangmingshan in spring and summer (March-August) features continuous flower seas, making it the most suitable season; autumn (November-December) offers maple foliage. The North Coast in summer and autumn (May-October) is suitable for water activities, while spring (March-April) has stable weather, perfect for strolling. Wulai is suitable all year round, with winter being most enjoyable for hot spring soaking.
The recommended transportation methods from Taipei to each attraction are as follows:
- Yangmingshan: You can take buses 260 or Red 5 from Taipei Main Station or Jiantan Station, or take the MRT to Beitou Station and transfer to a bus. Self-driving via Yangde Boulevard is subject to traffic control, so non-holiday self-driving is recommended.
- Yehliu: You can take Guoguang Bus 1815 (Taipei-Jinshan) from Taipei Main Station, or transfer to Danshui Bus from Danshui MRT Station. I recommend a day trip that combines Yangmingshan and Yehliu—go to Yangmingshan first for flower viewing or hot springs, then head along the coast line to Yehliu to see the Queen's Head, making a circle back to Taipei.
- Wulai: You can take Green 12 bus from Xindian MRT Station, or take the 849 Wulai direct bus directly from Gongguan or Taipei Main Station.
Travel Tips
Morning fog is common on Yangmingshan. If you're specifically going to see the sea of clouds or flower viewing, it's recommended to arrive by 6-7 AM. The North Coast has strong sea winds, so even in summer, bring a light jacket. The old street in Wulai gets crowded on weekends. For a quieter Atayal experience, visit on weekday mornings.
One final reminder: Taiwan's national parks and national scenic areas all implement strict ecological protection. The mushroom rocks at Yehliu are not allowed to be touched or carved, and the volcanic terrain at Yangmingshan is not suitable for casual climbing. Beautiful scenery requires everyone to cherish it together—leave only your footprints, take only memories, and take away your garbage—so these natural treasures can be passed on to the next generation.
