Taiwan can be regarded as one of the islands with the highest mountain density in the world, home to the famous Taiwan 100 Peaks. These high mountains vary in difficulty based on height, terrain, and more, attracting many avid climbers eager to take on the challenge. Are you also up for tackling the peaks selected by the pros? Now let’s check out the carefully chosen Taiwan 100 Peaks by fellow hikers, and conquer the magnificent Top 10 peaks together for breathtaking mountain views.
Taiwan 100 Peaks Ranking TOP 10
#10 Qilai South Peak
Qilai South Peak can be considered an easier entry-level option among the Taiwan 100 Peaks. Together with Nanhua Mountain, they are collectively known as Qilai-Nanhua. The hike begins at the Tunyuan Trailhead, where most of the slope paths are relatively gentle and free from cliffs or steep drops. Along the way, you’ll pass multiple historical sites—this Keelung-Shueili Traverse used to be a police patrol road during Japanese rule, later repurposed into a hiking trail.
As you continue your journey, you’ll encounter attractions such as the Nenggao Waterfall, Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), sea of clouds, and snowscapes before finally reaching the summit of Qilai South Peak. The spectacular natural landscapes and rich cultural history along the route are truly awe-inspiring. Additionally, if you visit Qilai-Nanhua, it’s highly recommended to spend a night at Tianchi Lodge. Waking up to watch the sun rise above the layers of sea of clouds is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
?Elevation: 3,358 meters
?Location: Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
#9?Nanhua Mountain
Also known as Nenggao North Peak, Nanhua Mountain is the next stop after Qilai South Peak on the Taiwan 100 Peaks route. The path features stretches of lush green meadows along the peaks. From the summit of Nanhua Mountain, you can gaze at the beautiful ranges of the Nenggao group, with layered peaks complemented by blue skies and white clouds—it’s a picturesque scene that refreshes the soul. For those wanting to try an easier introductory Taiwan 100 Peak, we recommend prioritizing the Qilai-Nanhua route to bag two peaks in one go.
?Elevation: 3,184 meters
?Location: Ren’ai Township, Nantou County & Sioulin Township, Hualien County
#8?Xueshan East Peak
Xueshan is one of the peaks among Taiwan’s 100 with particularly rich geographical and ecological landscapes. It boasts Taiwan’s largest area of fir dark forests, and its Xueshan Cirque is a unique glacial landform formed during the Ice Age. The Snow East Route is the best path to reach the main summit of Xueshan.
Starting from the Xueshan Big Pond Trailhead, you’ll hike through pine forests with astonishing mountain views. Scenery such as Nanhu Mountain, Central Peak, and fields of miscanthus grass come into sight. After tackling the Sobbing Slope, you’ll reach the summit of Xueshan East Peak. Stay overnight at the Sanliujiu Lodge, where you can enjoy a romantic night under a sky full of stars.
The next day, venture into the vast dark forests and the glacial remnant Xueshan Cirque before finally ascending to Xueshan’s main peak. The sights along the way will make you marvel at the power of nature. As an introductory hike among the Taiwan 100 Peaks, this journey will leave you with deep and wonderful memories.
?Elevation: 3,201 meters
?Location: Heping District, Taichung City
#7?Hehuan Main Peak
Also known as one of the “Ten Gentle Giants” among the Taiwan 100 Peaks, the Hehuan Main Peak is a great entry-level option suitable even for families. The entire hike features gentle slopes with exceptional views, along with alpine flora and slate terrain that create a uniquely beautiful scenery.
In the past, Hehuan Mountain was once garrisoned by the National Army, leaving behind a bunker. From here, the view of the surrounding mountains feels especially unique. The Hehuan mountain range, Qilai range, Nenggao Mountain, Nanhu Mountain, and Central Peak all stretch out before you. We recommend adding this one to your list of Taiwan 100 Peaks difficulty challenges.
?Elevation: 3,417 meters
?Location: Ren’ai Township, Nantou County & Sioulin Township, Hualien County
#6?Hehuan East Peak
Hehuan East Peak is the second highest peak among the Hehuan Mountain Range. Its towering presence and steep trails offer hikers a challenge. Along the path, you can also spot the remnants of a cable car station used for ski mountaineering—reminding visitors that Hehuan Mountain once had a ski resort, though it has now been abandoned.
Hehuan North Peak is a standalone summit within the Hehuan Mountain group and also the highest among them, earning the title of one of the Ten Great Summits. The climb begins from Xiaofengkou, where hikers pass through vast fields of low-growing Yushan dwarf bamboo stretching as far as the eye can see, resembling the grand alpine meadows of the Alps. If you visit between May and June, you may even catch a glimpse of the blooming pink azaleas.
Continuing along the mountain ridge, when you see the iconic large reflective panel marking, you’re close to the summit. Once at the top, the view is breathtaking—whether it’s the rolling sea of clouds in the valleys orthelayered green mountain scenery, all are truly awe-inspiring. Moreover, Hehuan North Peak is one of the best spots among the Taiwan Hundred Peaks for camping. Head to Little Stream Campsite to chat with fellow hikers under the starry night sky—spending a night here is definitely a great choice.
• Elevation: 3,422 meters
• Location: Ren'ai Township, Nantou County; Xiulin Township, Hualien County
#4? Yushan West Peak
Yushan is Taiwan’s highest peak. Centered around the Main Peak of Yushan, the West Peak forms a crisscross pattern over a total length of about 10.9 kilometers with an elevation drop of 1,350 meters. Starting from the Tatachia Trailhead, the route features gentle slopes and is surrounded by high-altitude vegetation such as spruce, hemlock, fir, and Yushan juniper, making it one of the easier and more accessible peaks among the Yushan range.
After reaching the summit of Yushan West Peak, apart from enjoying the grand mountain views, you can also find the ruins of Taiwan’s highest Japanese shrine just 100 meters above—a unique hiking experience not to be missed.
• Elevation: 3,518 meters
• Location: Xinyi Township, Nantou County; Alishan Township, Chiayi County
#3? Yushan North Peak
Arriving at the trailhead to Yushan North Peak, you’ll face a steep, barren path with exposed rock layers and little vegetation. The climb is quite challenging and requires extra caution.
Passing by Paiyun Lodge and reaching the Yushan Main Peak trailhead, you’ll find a crossroad. Heading upward from there leads to Yushan North Peak, which also houses Taiwan’s highest weather observatory. Beyond the excitement of reaching the top, you’ll likely admire the staff working at the observatory for their dedication to Taiwan.
• Elevation: 3,858 meters
• Location: Xinyi Township, Nantou County
#2? Yushan South Peak
Descending from the Yushan Main Peak trailhead leads to Yushan South Peak. Characterized by jagged, closely clustered rock peaks, the climb is tough, and the final ascent involves scaling cliffs—earning it the title of one of the Ten Rugged Summits. It’s one of the more difficult routes among the Taiwan Hundred Peaks.
In addition, Yushan South Peak is grouped with four other peaks—Dongxiaonanshan, Lushan, Nanyushan, and Xiaonanshan—to form the "Rear Five Peaks of Yushan." If you’re up for the challenge and have the stamina, consider adding them all to your Taiwan Hundred Peaks list to test your limits.
• Elevation: 3,844 meters
• Location: Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City
#1? Yushan Main Peak
Finally, we arrive at Taiwan’s ultimate peak—the Yushan Main Peak. This popular hiking route, equipped with well-developed facilities, typically starts from Tatachia and passes through Menglu Pavilion, Bai Mu Lin Viewing Platform, and Yushan’s Grand Cliff before spending the night at Paiyun Lodge. The next day, you’ll ascend to the main peak.
Reaching the top of Taiwan’s highest-ranked peak is more than just moving—it’s an emotional journey. The sweeping mountain vistas along the way sometimes feel like drifting through traditional ink paintings, other times kissed by sunlight filtering through forest trails, creating a truly poetic atmosphere. If you get the chance, make sure to come and witness this uniquely stunning landscape that belongs to Taiwan.
• Elevation: 3,952 meters
• Location: Xinyi Township, Nantou County; Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City; Wufeng Township, Chiayi County
After checking out this list of the top 10 Taiwanese Hundred Mountains, doesn’t it make you want to challenge your own limits? As your helpful reminder, be sure to prepare well before climbing high mountains. That way, aside from enjoying the thrill of hiking and taking in the unique mountain scenery, you can also return safely!
?The above ranking of the top 10 Taiwanese Hundred Mountains is carefully selected and recommended by hiking experts, for reference only, and does not represent the actual top ten in terms of height or difficulty among the Taiwanese Hundred Mountains.
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