The wind blows the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep — come to Qingtiangang to experience the charm of the frontier.

Reporter Tsai Meng-hsiu / Taipei Reporting

"I stand on the high ridge and gaze into the distance... at that boundless sea of green." The lyrics from A-Mei’s song "On the High Ridge" depict an endless prairie, and this intoxicatingly beautiful scenery can also be fully appreciated at Qingtiangang in Yangmingshan. With clouds drifting across the azure sky and the wind sweeping the grass to reveal grazing sheep, this is the perfect scene at Qingtiangang. This rare weekend, why not shake off the burdens of work and head outdoors for a refreshing hike to nourish your spirit?

▲ Qingtiangang’s boundless grasslands attract many visitors, and if you’re lucky enough to visit during a meteor shower, it’s an ideal spot for stargazing. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Meng-hsiu)

▲ The Qingtiangang hiking trail has several forks leading to other scenic spots. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Meng-hsiu)

In densely populated Taipei, there are still many beautiful mountains and clear waters outside the city, and Yangmingshan, which gathers numerous tourist attractions, is a popular destination in the north. Especially the vast views from Qingtiangang attract many visitors. Standing on the grassland, you can look forward to downtown Taipei and backward to the towering Qixing Mountain — the beautiful scenery is all before your eyes, refreshing the mind and lifting the spirit.

▲ From Qingtiangang, you can see as far as downtown Taipei, and for even broader views, you can continue uphill to the summit of Zhugao Mountain. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Meng-hsiu)

During the Japanese colonial period, Qingtiangang was planned as a pasture by the Japanese government. It is said that the turf here was planted by the Japanese. Even now, you can still see the sight of "cattle grazing freely." However, these gentle cows are neither wild nor specially raised for the scenery — they are entrusted to the pasture by several farming associations. But with the decline of animal husbandry, the number of grazing cattle has greatly decreased.

Visiting Qingtiangang allows you to experience the frontier charm akin to the Mongolian grasslands. Some visitors also come for the pleasure of climbing to high ground for a distant view. Hiking from Qingtiangang up to the summit of Zhugao Mountain offers an even wider panorama, where you can see Taipei 101 and the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Building. The loop trail also branches off to Silken Waterfall and Lengshuikeng. With enough stamina, these attractions are enough to fill a day of exploration.

Since the weather on the mountain often changes after noon, it is recommended to prioritize Qingtiangang as your first destination. On the way down, you can also visit the famous Xiaoyoukeng in Yangmingshan to experience the volcanic geothermal wonders, with fumaroles emitting year-round and a pungent sulfur smell in the air. Cracks in the rocks along the trail also continuously emit wisps of white smoke, and you can often see small boiling hot springs nearby.

▲ Small hot spring pools with bubbling hot water can often be seen along the trail, but visitors should never attempt to cook eggs in them. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Meng-hsiu)

In the late Qing Dynasty, the Xiaoyoukeng area was rich in sulfur production. Because the processed and dissolved sulfur had an oily yellow color, it was called "oil pit." However, on the northeastern side of Qixing Mountain, there is a larger sulfur vent, hence called "Da Youkeng" (Big Oil Pit). In comparison, this place was named "Xiao Youkeng" (Small Oil Pit). Due to its spectacular and unique terrain, it has been designated as a geological landscape area of the national park.

If you visit during the blooming season of calla lilies, you shouldn’t miss the Zhuzihhu Calla Lily Festival. The snow-white fields of calla lilies exude a happy and romantic atmosphere, and it is also an important annual tourism promotion event by the Taipei City Government. Visitors can personally pick calla lilies in a DIY experience, and various farms will create different themed scenes for the event. If you encounter heavy fog in the afternoon, the surrounding scenery resembles a paradise on earth, truly breathtaking.

Visitor Ms. Hsu said that she comes to Zhuzihhu every year during the calla lily season, but this year (2013), she missed the peak blooming time. Instead, exploring other attractions was also a unique experience. Especially after sunset, when the lights of downtown Taipei are dazzling, gazing at this city that never sleeps from Yangmingshan is incredibly romantic — not inferior to the night view of Hakodate in Hokkaido.

There are many beautiful waters and mountains around Taipei. Why not escape the hustle and bustle on the weekend and head to Yangmingshan for a hike, enjoying the cool mountain breeze? Standing on the high ridge and looking out over Taipei, even in the evening or at night, you can see Taiwan’s most beautiful night view. At this moment, you can deeply feel the two sides of Taipei.

Qingtiangang Transportation Information:

MRT: Take the Tamsui Line to Shilin Station, then transfer to the small bus 15 from Shilin District Office.

Driving: Shilin (Zhongzheng Road) → Yangde Boulevard → Shanzihou (Chinese Culture University) → Jingshan Camping Ground → Jingshan Nature Center → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang

　　　Shipai (Shipai Road) → Xingyi Road → `Qie Si Ya You Rarr; Yangtou Highway → Yangmingshan → Jingshan Camping Ground → Jingshan Nature Center → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang

　　　Shilin (Pingjing Street) → Zhishan Road → Mingde Amusement Park Side Road → Pingdeng Li → Jingshan Road Lane 101 → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang

　　　Jinshan City Area → Yangjin Highway → Zhonghu War Preparedness Road → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang Jinshan City Area → Yangjin Highway → Zhonghu War Preparedness Road → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang

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