One-day tour along the Yangjin Highway, choose your route among options 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Taiwan truly has stunning scenery everywhere, and these beautiful landscapes often heal the body and soul of travelers. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle, besides Yilan, my personal favorite nearby spot is "Yangmingshan." The "Yangjin Highway" not only boasts breathtaking views but also family-friendly attractions. I’m recommending four routes for you to consider—why not pick one to soothe this super busy week of yours?

Flower Research Center → Yannick (dessert DIY) → Mountain Vegetable Lunch → Jinshan Wangwang Sweet Potato Farm (sweet potato digging/dinner)

Jinshan Wangwang Sweet Potato Farm (sweet potato digging/lunch) → Bayan Settlement → Zhuzihu (Caifu Hai’s calla lilies/hydrangeas OR hiking trail) → Mountain Vegetable Dinner

Xiaoyoukeng (learn about volcanic geological landscapes) → Erziping Trail (butterfly trail/picnic) → Fugongyuan Educational Leisure Farm (nature park and water fight/dinner)

Erziping Trail (butterfly trail) → Mountain Vegetable Lunch → Xiaoyoukeng (learn about volcanic geological landscapes) → Qingtian Gang (lush green meadow) → Shilin Night Market

The "Flower Research Center" is managed by the Taipei City Government's Department of Public Works, Bureau of Parks and Street Lights. The park is divided into sections including a camellia area, herb garden, fragrant flower zone, Yoshino cherry blossom area, native azalea area, maple tree section, coniferous forest, fern greenhouse, and succulent greenhouse, covering a vast area of approximately 4 hectares; currently, entry is free.

It features the largest camellia grove in northern Taiwan, as well as seasonal blooms that change with the time of year—reds, pinks, purples… absolutely breathtaking, with vibrant colors competing in a dazzling display.

The park’s sleeper wood trails and pebble stone paths are peaceful and serene, immersing you in a dense green tunnel and offering a wonderful feeling of connecting with nature, truly refreshing the mind and spirit.

It’s not just a hidden gem for flower viewing but also a popular spot for wedding photography, attracting many visitors even on regular days.

Address: No. 32, Lane 175, Section 4, Yangde Boulevard, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-6361
Business hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00–17:00
Parking: None
Note: Free admission

Located near the "Flower Research Center," just an 8-minute walk uphill, you’ll suddenly feel as if you’ve stepped into an exotic corner of the American South—the sounds around you are no longer urban noise but tranquility, along with the distant melodies of smooth jazz.

The interior still retains many vintage items, with red brick walls marked by the passage of time, rustic-style artistic chandeliers and ceiling fans, all perfectly showcasing the old-world charm.

The most homely flavors of Southern American moms are transformed into savory pies—such as smoked salmon, fresh vegetable and mushroom, garden tomato and bacon… etc.—letting this uniquely American deliciousness continue to spread in Shanzaihou. Savor the Dream Village No. 1 Store, which specializes in "American pies" and "homemade savory pies," where you’ll just want to linger all day.

The No. 2 Store features a baking classroom where you can join your kids in hands-on dessert-making classes, sharing quality parent-child DIY time.

Step outside, walk up the stone steps beside the hedge and flowers in the front yard, and enter the spacious lawn in the backyard. A century-old banyan tree stands tall and sturdy. Picnic mats and baskets are provided—fill them with Tokuho milk rolls, cakes, or savory pies, then sit or lie down and enjoy to your heart’s content.

Address: No. 481, Lane 4, Changchun Street, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2862-5609
Business hours:
Summer: Monday–Sunday, 9:30–20:00
Winter: Monday–Friday, 10:30–20:00; Saturday–Sunday, 9:30–20:00
Parking: None
Note: DIY courses require reservation via the official website or phone call at least 3 days in advance.

Japanese researchers who visited the area discovered that "Zhuzihu" has an abundance of phytoncides. In recent years, thanks to restoration efforts by the Taipei City Government, "Zhuzihu" now has six uniquely themed scenic walking trails. Along the way, besides the famous calla lilies, you can also enjoy seasonal sights such as red maples, wisteria, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and various native plants, offering visitors the best natural experience and cultural journey.

There are three spots to pick calla lilies in "Zhuzihu": Dinghu, Donghu, and Calla Lily Boulevard. All three locations have many shops where you can pick calla lilies and enjoy meals or coffee.

P.S. The Yangmingshan Hydrangea Season begins in late February, with the flowering period lasting until late May. Between March and April, the Hydrangea Festival takes place, and visitors to "Zhuzihu" during this season can enjoy a variety of activities.

At the "Dinghu Caifu Hydrangea Farm," picking hydrangeas amidst the beautiful mountain scenery and hydrangea fields is truly a delightful experience. You can also see the Little Oil Pit landscape. The farm sells pancakes, drinks, and has a slide that kids love. Even better, the frog slides come in children’s sizes, making it comfortable and romantic for taking photos, walking the trails, or dining.

P.S. Early June is the best time to admire hydrangeas every year, and Caifu Farm also grows them.

Address: Intersection of Zhuzihu Road and Yangjin Highway, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2892-4185 ext. 450 (Beitou District Farmers' Association)
Parking: Available, for a fee.

Address: No. 69, Zhuzihu Road, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City (bottom of Dinghu)
Phone: 0928-624-802
Business Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Saturday, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Parking: None; when driving along Zhuzihu Road, you can park near the sign for "Huagu Hydrangea Garden."

The area with more restaurants and snacks in "Zhuzihu" is along Hydrangea Boulevard. Recommended restaurants in Zhuzihu include Jiayuan Putingyuan Restaurant, Qingcaiyuan, Shanyuan, Yecaiwu, Changqinglu, and Laohutian Snack Shop. Each restaurant has its own unique features and excellent reviews. Especially Qingcaiyuan—though it's an unassuming tin-roofed house, it gets extremely crowded during mealtimes. You’ll need to register first, and the staff will seat you. The food comes out quickly. Must-try dishes include fried mushrooms, stir-fried cabbage, stir-fried fern, salted egg & {J}white bamboo shoots, braised tofu, and sliced boiled chicken.

Shanyuan Gourmet Restaurant, located opposite Qingcaiyuan, is also a great option with more seating. It offers different signature dishes, but still includes popular staples like mini steamed buns, sliced boiled chicken, stir-fried mountain vegetables, rice noodle soup, and sweet potato soup. Both restaurants are ideal for group dining, and ordering a set meal lets you try their signature dishes.

Address: No. 55-11, Zhuzihu Road, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-9165 / 0918-084-798
Business Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Sunday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Parking: Available

Address: Next to No. 55-12, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-1558
Business Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Parking: Available

The trail from Erziping Visitor Center to Erziping Recreation Area is 1.8 km long in total, with wooden boardwalks, interpretive signs, and rest benches along the way. With stops along the path, it feels like you arrive at Erziping Recreation Area (the endpoint) before you know it. The full round-trip walk takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The recreation area is spacious, featuring rest pavilions, picnic tables, benches, and public restrooms. There are three interactive ecological ponds with dozens of aquatic plant species, and in summer, you can observe many frogs and fireflies.

As this area is on the leeward side of Datun Mountain, it is often shrouded in mist, creating beautiful scenery. Additionally, located between subtropical and warm temperate zones, the climate is mild and the forest diverse, with many types of plants—making it perfect for butterfly watching, birdwatching, hiking, walking, sightseeing, and plant observation. This trail is also the only barrier-free path in the Yangmingshan area designed for people with mobility challenges. As a result, many families and hikers bring food here for picnics. This trail is also known as the Butterfly Corridor, so why not come for a butterfly-themed picnic date?

Address: No. 53-3, Chezhen, Xinghua Li, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2862-6246 (Erziping Visitor Service Station)
Parking: Available

Since "Little Oil Pit" is a post-volcanic geological landscape area, the moment you park at the Little Oil Pit parking lot, you can't help but be awed by the spectacular collapsed terrain, the white smoke billowing out, and the strong smell of sulfur. Upon closer inspection, you'll find numerous fumaroles, hot springs, and sulfur crystals formed by "post-volcanic activity"—truly unique sights that even children find fascinating, prompting them to ask endless curious questions.

Additionally, to allow visitors a more immersive experience, there’s an unfenced trail on one side. Please be cautious around these fumaroles—never touch or try to feel them, as this is extremely dangerous. Besides viewing the fumaroles at Little Oil Pit itself, families with kids who enjoy observing plants can also take a short detour of about ten minutes to explore the nearby Arrow Bamboo Forest Trail, where they can observe the ecology of arrow bamboo forests, miscanthus grasslands, and volcanic plants.

Address: No. 69, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-7024 (Little Oil Pit Visitor Service Station)
Parking: Available, for a fee
Note: Please be cautious of open fumaroles.

The "Qingtian Gang Circular Trail" starts from the Qingtian Gang Ridgehead UΑ? and leads to the Qingtian Gang Visitor Education Center. It spans 1.4 kilometers and takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. Along the trail, you’ll be greeted by vast stretches of lush green grassland and mountains, offering a refreshing and expansive view.

Visiting "Qingtian Gang" in summer lets you admire the verdant grasslands, while autumn brings golden fields of miscanthus grass—paired with the leisurely herds of cattle, you can’t help but envy their life lying in such a picturesque grassland. Of course, we weren’t about to be outdone either—we laid out a mat, picked a great spot, and relaxed while watching the mountain mist shift endlessly with the play of light, clouds drifting by, and birds flying freely. Add a gentle breeze, and it’s pure relaxation and comfort.

P.S. The best times to visit Qingtian Gang are spring and autumn. In summer, avoid the peak heat of the day—early mornings or evenings offer a uniquely serene atmosphere.

Address: No. 246, Lane 101, Jingshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-5404 / 02-2861-2414 (Qingtian Gang Visitor Service Station)
Parking: Available, for a fee
Notes:
1. The cattle on Qingtian Gang grassland are wild by nature. Please keep your distance for safety.
2. The weather here is changeable. Be sure to prepare rain gear and warm clothing for hiking.
3. Visitors must not cross fenced-off areas, as those are restricted zones.

Visiting Yangmingshan doesn’t mean just hiking and enjoying nature—you can also play in the streams and have water fights. Fugui Farm is the perfect summer retreat. The area boasts rich ecology with diverse plant species, and you’ll often spot butterflies and insects. There are guided eco-tours, hands-on educational activities, and a wide variety of DIY options. Facilities are well-developed, including trampolines, sand pits, swings, suspension bridges, and more. You can also have barbecues and play in the streams, making it a popular choice for kindergarten, elementary school, and corporate group outings and field trips.

However, for visitors coming on weekends, guided tours are only offered once a day at 13:30. DIY options are somewhat limited, including sand candle painting, hammer-dyed scarves, bamboo water guns, painted piggy banks, and indigo dyeing. If you get thirsty or hungry during your visit, don’t worry—meals, drinks, and afternoon tea are available. The highlight? Freshly grilled barrel-roasted chicken sets and barbecue services are also offered.

Address: No. 18, Lane 131, Jingshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2862-2145
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00
Parking: Available

The two dreamlike landscapes—"layered traditional terraced rice paddies" and "water in the center"—can be seen at "Shuizhongyang," located in the Banyan Settlement, a place like a hidden paradise that leaves a deep and unforgettable impression. Different seasons and times of day bring varying scenery, and even on overcast days, there’s a serene beauty reminiscent of an ink-wash landscape painting.

However, this is no longer a place you can visit anytime. "Water in the Center" is actually private land. Previously, the Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters leased it from the landowner for NT$30,000 per year to provide tourist access, but the lease has expired. With no rent and the presence of residents in the Banyan Settlement, to protect the living rights and sustainable management of the community, the Banyan Settlement now operates on a reservation and admission fee system. Visitors must apply to the settlement at least seven days in advance. The Banyan Settlement also occasionally hosts experiential activities to help the public learn more about the local culture. Those who enjoy immersive travel should remember to book a guided tour.

Address: 7.2 km mark on Yangjin Highway
Phone: 02-2408-2040
Parking: Available, for a fee
Notes:
1. Reservations must be made with the settlement at least seven days in advance.
2. Please confirm the cost when making a phone call.

A pair of brothers, unwilling to see their mother toil, gave up their high-paying jobs to wholeheartedly build a sweet potato-themed farm. Since “Wangwang Sweet Potato Farm” is located at the top of Liuguping Plain in Jinshan, a specialized sweet potato-growing area, and is irrigated with spring water from the Datun Mountain Range, it attracts many visitors during its harvest season from August to November to enjoy the experience of harvesting sweet potatoes. In 2016, they invested heavily to renovate the farm area, making visitor facilities even more complete.

The owner runs the farm with a customer-first mindset. Though the facilities aren’t luxurious, every detail makes visitors feel right at home. As the sweet potato harvest season runs from August to November, the off-season offers activities such as planting sweet potatoes and harvesting sweet potato leaves. With guidance from activity instructors, visitors can learn special techniques and methods. At the end of the activity, they can also make their own sweet potato leaf potted plant and receive a mini “Sweet Potato Farmer Certificate,” leaving kids with both memories and proof of their experience.

Visiting a sweet potato farm without trying roasted sweet potatoes just feels incomplete—I get it. Here, you definitely have to enjoy a clay oven barbecue meal. They offer two completely different types of “clay oven” experiences for a unique BBQ adventure. The traditional earthen oven provides the closest rural experience, but if you’re traveling with young children, the brick oven is recommended. What was originally a reservoir for dry seasons becomes a splash pool for kids in the summer—no wonder they go wild here.

Address: No. 74, Liugulin Kou, Zhonghe Li, Jinshan District, New Taipei City
Phone: 0961-555-515
Business Hours: 09:30–18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Parking: Street parking
Note: No entrance fee. Activity experiences and guided tours require advance reservation.

“Shilin Night Market” is the largest night market within Taipei City and a must-visit night market for international tourists coming to Taipei. It covers a vast area and can be divided into two main sections: one around the traditional Yangming Theater, including the area near Danan Road and Cizhi Palace, and the other being the reopened Shilin Market at No. 101 Jihhe Road. Most visitors come for the food and shopping. The market offers a wide variety of novel and fun goods and delicacies that attract large crowds.

If you visit Shilin without checking out “Shilin Night Market” for food and fun, it’s almost like not visiting Taipei at all. Moreover, one of the most iconic aspects of Taiwanese culture is its night market scene. Shilin Night Market is famous for its diverse street foods, essentially covering all of Taiwan’s most well-known snacks. But with so many options it can be overwhelming—just follow the crowds or check out my totally irresponsible but handy food pocket list.

Zengguo Stinky Tofu (Stall 3), Zhongcheng Hao (Stalls 4–7), Lao Di Fang Guan Cai Ban (Stall 11), Taiwan Zhengtong Bingcha (Stall 15), Lao Tan Tieban Shao (Stalls 25–27), Shilin F Ji Da Xiangchang (Stall 57), Haodada Chicken Cutlet (Stall 61), Zengji Dingbiancuo (Stalls 63–66), Lao Shilin Da Bing Bao Xiao Bing (Stall 67), 303 Porridge Specialty (Stalls 86 & 87).
Guanzhilin Big Sausage Wrap, Prince Potato, Hometown Charcoal Chicken Cutlet, Stinky Tofu & Pig Blood Soup, Kaohsiung Dongshan Duck Head, Auntie’s Salted Chicken (across from Shiquan Medicine Stall).
No-Name Squid Noodle Soup, Good Friends Cold Noodles, Lao Shilin Xiaoji Charcoal Meat Rolls, Wangji Herbal Tea – 50-Year-Old Shop with Rich Herbal Brews, Hometown Cold Noodles, Ahui Mi Xian, Qianxi Fu Da Chang Bao Xiao Chang, A Liang Mi Xian, Miao Kou Delicious Meat Buns, Jian Papaya Milk, Shilin Bo Douhua, Hei Lulu Taro Balls, Zhen Zhudan, Thai Cheap Southeast Asian Snacks, Kou T Spicy Stinky Tofu, Cai Yuan Yi Black Tea (in the alley next to Shilin Market), Yili Bubble Ice (in the alley next to Shilin Market).
Shilin Tian Bu La, Shilin Stir-Fried Lamb, Haiyou Shiquan Pork Ribs.
Shuangbeizi Donuts & Twists, Vegetarian Ox Tongue Pastry, Kekeke Bursting Juicy Boneless Chicken Leg Rolls, Guojia Scallion Pancakes, Honey Crispy Chicken Cutlet, Kou T Spicy Stinky Tofu, Prince Potato, Yi Ju Salted Mushrooms, Haoda Chicken Cutlet, Lado Alibaba Roti, Wuji Frog Eggs (in the alley opposite Yangming Theater).
Wuji Vegetarian Spicy Bean Curd, Wangji Frog Eggs, Shanghai-Style Pan-Fried Pork Buns, Nai Cha Mama, Indigenous Unsatisfied Big Sausage Wrap, Azong Mi Xian, Abuozi Juice Roll, Up Di Thai-Style Banana Pancake, Japanese TV Champion Crispy Egg Cake.
Zhongji Shanghai-Style Pan-Fried Pork Buns.

P.S. The above shops may have changed locations or closed down; this is for reference only.

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