Hehuan Mountain

Hehuan Mountain

Located at the border between Nantou and Hualien, Hehuan Mountain is a paradise for skiing and serves as the watershed of the Dajia River, Zhuoshui River, and Liwu River. Whenever a cold front strikes, Hehuan Mountain always displays its graceful snowy scenery, stirring the desire of Taiwanese people in subtropical Nantou County to get close to the glistening white snow. A snow-covered Hehuan Mountain is like the bustling streets of Taipei, crowded with people everywhere, facing traffic jams and congestion—but still drawing endless crowds, all because they can’t resist that enchanting expanse of a 0 snow-white world.

The main peak of Hehuan Mountain stands at an elevation of 3,416 meters, tall and majestic, offering breathtaking beauty all year round. In spring and summer, it’s ideal for flower viewing and summer retreats, while autumn and winter are perfect for hiking and playing in the snow—every season brings its own splendid charm. The Songxue Building is open year-round and is the most beautiful structure on the mountain. The Hehuan Mountain Lodge, operated by the National Youth Corps Administration, opens during the snow season. Additionally, the famous areas within the mountain range such as Keguan Pass and Wuling are excellent spots to visit.

For enjoying the snow, it's best to come prepared with hiking boots, breathable cold-weather clothing, a hot water bottle, sunglasses, and moisturizing lotion. Be ready to trek through muddy paths for two or three kilometers, and be prepared for possible traffic jams during the snow season. High-altitude vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and napa cabbage are often sold in the mountains, known for their crisp and delicious taste.

Accommodation and itinerary planning: Currently, there are only two places on Hehuan Mountain that offer accommodation and meals—one is the Songxue Building managed by the Forestry Bureau, located near Wuling, and the other is the privately operated Luoying Mountain Lodge. It’s best to plan for a trip of at least two days and two nights.

Suggested Itinerary 1: Day 1 – Stay overnight at Qingjing Farm – Drive to Shimen Mountain (about two hours) – Watch the sunrise at Shimen Mountain – Hike to Hehuan East Peak to watch the sunset – Overnight at Songxue Building or Luoying Mountain Lodge.

Day 2 – Songxue Building – Drive to the North Peak trailhead (about twenty minutes) – Hike up to the summit of North Peak (about two hours) – Return to the trailhead (about forty minutes) – Drive to Dayuling (about twenty minutes) – Then drive to Tianxiang takes about three hours, or to Lishan takes about one hour. If departing from Luoying Mountain Lodge to the North Peak trailhead, the car ride takes only about five minutes.

Suggested Itinerary 2: Day 1 – Drive from Dayuling to Luoying Mountain Lodge (about twenty minutes), stay overnight at Luoying Mountain Lodge. Luoying Mountain Lodge – Hike to the Hehuan North Peak trailhead (about twenty minutes) – Ascend to the peak (about two hours) – Return to the trailhead (about forty minutes) – Hike back to Luoying Mountain Lodge (about ten minutes).

Day 2 – Luoying Mountain Lodge – Drive to Shimen Mountain (about thirty minutes) to watch the sunrise – Drive to Songxue Building (five minutes) – Hike up to Hehuan East Peak (one hour) – Descend back to Songxue Building (twenty minutes) – Stay overnight at Qingjing Farm.