Taichung Snow Mountain

Taichung Snow Mountain

Snow Mountain is located in Heping District, Taichung City, and Tai’an Township, Miaoli County. It is the main peak of the Snow Mountain Range, standing at an elevation of 3,886 meters, making it the second highest peak in Taiwan after Yushan Main Peak. Among the Taiwan Hundred Peaks, Snow Mountain, along with Yushan, Xiuguluan Mountain, Nanhu Mountain, and Beidawu Mountain, is collectively referred to as the “Five Great Mountains,” making it one of the five most representative high mountains in Taiwan.

The geological structure of Snow Mountain is mainly composed of metamorphic sandstone. Around the main peak, the interlayered structures of metamorphic sandstone are visible in various locations, along with scattered weathered sandstone fragments. To the east of the main peak lies Snow Mountain Cirque No. 1; to the north, it connects via a mountain pass to North Peak; to the west, its ridgeline extends to Cui Pond Tri-Triangle Mountain; and to the south, there are steep cliffs and broken rock faces. The Snow Mountain area transitions rapidly from a temperate climate in the Wuling and Lishan valleys to a cold-temperate zone within just a few kilometers due to the sharp rise in elevation. As a result, the forest composition is highly diverse, and it is also home to a variety of wildlife, including endemic Taiwanese species such as the Formosan black bear, Formosan serow, yellow-throated marten, and Mikado pheasant. In terms of vegetation, the base of Snow Mountain’s main peak is primarily covered by mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests. As the altitude increases, the forest transitions to mainly conifers, such as Taiwan hemlock, Taiwan fir, and Taiwan juniper. Near the summit, only hardy species like Taiwan juniper, Taiwan rhododendron, and Taiwan barberry can survive.

Snow Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Taiwan. Thanks to its proximity to the Central Cross-Island Highway, nearby alpine vegetable farming areas such as Lishan, Huan Shan, and Nanshan, as well as the early development of Wuling Farm near the Qijiawan River, the area benefits from well-established transportation infrastructure, offering great convenience for visitors who wish to hike.

Xueshan

Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most popular hiking destinations