Taiwan Hundred Peaks Ranking TOP 9 — Nanhua Mountain
Also known as Nenggao North Peak, Nanhua Mountain is part of the trail that connects to Qilai South Peak among the Taiwan Hundred Peaks. Along the way, stretches of verdant grassland adorn the mountains, and when you reach the summit of Nanhua Mountain, you can gaze at the distant Nenggao range — its layered peaks and graceful forms, set against blue skies and white clouds, resemble a beautiful painting that is truly uplifting to the spirit. It's recommended for those wanting to tackle an easier introductory route among the Taiwan Hundred Peaks; consider combining Qilai and Nanhua as your first choice to conquer two peaks in one go!
■ Elevation: 3,184 meters
■ Location: Ren'ai Township, Nantou County; Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Taiwan Hundred Peaks Ranking TOP 8 — Snow Mountain East Peak
Snow Mountain is one of the Taiwan Hundred Peaks rich in both geographical and ecological diversity. It boasts Taiwan’s largest area of fir-black forest, and the Snow Circle Valley within it is a unique glacial landform from the Ice Age. The Snow East Route is the best path to the main peak of Snow Mountain.
Starting from the Snow Mountain Big Pool Trailhead, hike through pine forests where spectacular layered mountain views await. Landscapes such as Nanhu Mountain, Central Peak, and seas of silvergrass come into view. After tackling the Weeping Slope, you’ll reach the summit of Snow Mountain East Peak. Spend the night at Sanliujiu Mountain Hut, and gaze up at the star-filled sky at night — truly romantic.
The next day, venture into the majestic black forest and the glacial remnant Snow Circle Valley before finally ascending to the main peak of Snow Mountain. The scenery along the way makes you marvel at the immense power of nature. As an introductory hiking trip among the Taiwan Hundred Peaks, it will leave you with unforgettable and wonderful memories.
■ Elevation: 3,201 meters
■ Location: Heping District, Taichung City
Taiwan Hundred Peaks Ranking TOP 7 — Hehuan Main Peak
Known also as one of the “Ten Moist Peaks” among the Hundred Peaks, Hehuan Main Peak is an easy-to-moderate route suitable even for family climbing within the Taiwan Hundred Peaks Top 10. The entire trail features gentle slopes yet offers outstanding views, complemented by high-altitude vegetation and slate terrain that create a unique kind of beauty.
In the past, Hehuan Mountain was garrisoned by the National Army, leaving behind a bunker. From here, the view of the surrounding mountain ranges feels particularly special. The Hehuan range, Qilai range, Nenggao Mountain, Nanhu Mountain, and Central Peak all stretch out as far as the eye can see. This is highly recommended to include in your list of Taiwan Hundred Peaks challenges based on difficulty.
■ Elevation: 3,417 meters
■ Location: Ren'ai Township, Nantou County; Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Taiwan Hundred Peaks Ranking TOP 6 — Hehuan East Peak
As the second highest peak in the Hehuan range, Hehuan East Peak features majestic terrain and steep slopes. Hiking along the trail, you can also spot the remains of a ski lift station — a relic of the time when Hehuan Mountain once had a ski resort, now abandoned.
Once atop Hehuan East Peak, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular panorama of other Taiwan Hundred Peaks including Hehuan Jian Mountain, Shimen Mountain, Shimen North Peak, and Hehuan North Peak. Additionally, Provincial Highway 14A winds its way through the landscape below. Though this peak is considered more challenging, the view from the top is absolutely worth the effort.
■ Elevation: 3,421 meters
■ Location: Ren'ai Township, Nantou County; Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Taiwan Hundred Peaks Ranking TOP 5 — Hehuan North Peak
Hehuan North Peak is a standalone and the highest summit among the Hehuan Mountains, earning it the title of one of the “Ten Nobles.” Starting your climb from Xiaofengkou, you’ll walk through vast fields of low-growing Yushan dwarf bamboo that seem to touch the sky, resembling the sweeping alpine meadows of the Alps. If you visit between May and June, you might also catch sight of the pink rhododendron blossoms stretching across the slopes.
Continue along the ridgeline, and when you spot the iconic large reflector sign — the most representative feature of Hehuan North Peak — you’re close to the top. The summit offers expansive views, whether it’s the sea of rolling clouds in the valleys or the layered, lush mountain scenery that inspires awe. Moreover, Hehuan North Peak is among the best spots in the Taiwan Hundred Peaks for camping. Head to Xiaoxi Campsite, chat with fellow hikers, stargaze, and spend the night — another great option.
■ Elevation: 3,422 meters
■ Location: Ren'ai Township, Nantou County; Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Taiwan Hundred Peaks Ranking TOP 4 — Yushan West Peak
Yushan, Taiwan’s highest peak, centers around its main summit and spreads out in a double cross formation, spanning approximately 10.9 kilometers with an elevation drop of 1,350 meters. Starting from the Tatachia Trailhead, the initial path features gentle slopes and is surrounded by high-altitude flora such as spruce, hemlock, fir, and Yushan juniper — making it one of the easier and more climbable peaks among the Yushan range of the Taiwan Hundred Peaks.
After reaching the summit of Yushan West Peak, aside from enjoying the magnificent mountain views, you can also find the ruins of Taiwan’s highest Japanese shrine just 100 meters higher up. If you get the chance to visit, don’t miss experiencing this unique side of mountain exploration.
■ Elevation: 3,518 meters
■ Location: Nantou County’s Xinyi Township and Chiayi County’s Alishan Township
#3 on Taiwan's Top 100 Mountains — Yushan North Peak
Upon arriving at the Yushan North Peak trailhead, you’ll face a climbing path that is rocky, barren, and extremely steep. The ascent is not only quite challenging but also requires careful attention.
After passing Paiyun Lodge, you’ll reach the Yushan Main Peak trailhead. From here, a fork in the trail leads upward to Yushan North Peak, which is also home to Taiwan’s highest weather station. Upon reaching the summit, aside from the thrill and emotional impact, you can’t help but admire the staff working at the North Peak station, grateful for their dedication to Taiwan.
■ Elevation: 3,858 meters
■ Location: Nantou County’s Xinyi Township
Recommended Reading:Beat the summer heat with these seven great beginner-friendly hiking trails
#2 on Taiwan's Top 100 Mountains — Yushan South Peak
The route leading downward from the Yushan Main Peak trailhead takes you to Yushan South Peak. Its jagged, closely clustered, and sharp rock peaks make the climb very difficult, and the final ascent involves scaling sheer cliffs — hence its reputation as one of Taiwan’s “Ten Major Summits.” It’s one of the more challenging routes among the Hundred Peaks.
In addition, Yushan South Peak is grouped with four other peaks — Dongxiaonanshan, Lushan, Nanyushan, and Xiaonanshan — collectively known as the “Rear Five Peaks of Yushan.” If you’re up for it physically and mentally, why not challenge them all together and push your limits on the Hundred Peaks list?
■ Elevation: 3,844 meters
■ Location: Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City
#1 on Taiwan's Top 100 Mountains — Yushan Main Peak
Finally, you’ve arrived at the king of Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks — Yushan Main Peak. This well-equipped and popular hiking route typically starts from the Tatachia Trailhead, passes through the Menglu Shelter, the Bai-Mu-Lin Viewing Platform, and the Yushan Grand Cliff, then overnight at Paiyun Lodge before ascending to the main peak the next day.
Reaching Taiwan’s highest peak is more than just moving — the sweeping mountain views along the way sometimes feel like wandering through an ink painting, and at other times, sunlight filters poetically through the forest trails. If you have the chance, come see this uniquely stunning landscape of Taiwan for yourself.
■ Elevation: 3,952 meters
■ Location: Nantou County’s Xinyi Township, Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City, and Wufeng Township, Chiayi County
Recommended Reading:Beginner’s Hundred Peaks Pack: Tackle “Qilai South Peak + Nanhuashan” in One Go
After checking out this list of the top 10 mountains in Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks rankings, doesn’t it make you want to challenge your limits? A friendly reminder from the editor: be sure to prepare well before climbing high mountains so you can safely enjoy the adventure and spectacular scenery.
P.S. The above Taiwan Hundred Peaks Top 10 list is curated and recommended by experienced mountaineers for reference only and does not represent the actual top 10 highest or most difficult peaks.
Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa Quba] | Original article: [Taiwan's Hundred Peaks Top 10 According to Mountaineers – Which Have You Conquered?]
Managing Editor: Hovis
Proofreading Editor: Wayne