The weather is great before the typhoon hits！ Snow Mountain National Park offers views of the “Holy Ridge Line” and a spectacular Milky Way

▲ The viewing platform on the Cloudy Trail offers a distant view of the beautiful Holy Ridge Line. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Hsinchu

As Typhoon Nepartak approaches Taiwan, although it has caused tension across various industries, it has also brought an unexpected “bonus” for many photography enthusiasts and travelers. On July 6th and 7th, Snow Mountain National Park enjoyed clear blue skies and white clouds. Not only could visitors admire the “Holy Ridge Line” from spots like the Cloudy Trail during the day, but the night sky was also crystal clear for stargazing — even the Milky Way was visible, much to the delight of both urban children and adults.

▲ The white square building atop the mountain peak is the mysterious Le Shan Base.

Located in mid-altitude regions, Snow Mountain National Park often features mountain mists and clouds among its peaks. However, thanks to perfect timing, favorable geography, and the airflow from the leading edge of the typhoon, hikers this morning could clearly see the “Holy Ridge Line” that connects the main peak of the Snow Mountain Range and Mount Dabajian, taking in over ten peaks of the Taiwan Hundred Mountains in one view. Even from the Wild Horse Overlook Trail, it was possible to gaze at the Le Shan Base, which holds special military significance. The combination of blue skies, white clouds, and green mountains left many who had visited Snow Mountain multiple times without seeing the Holy Ridge Line or Le Shan Base exclaiming, “So lucky!”

▲ A stargazing event at the Snow Mountain Leisure Farm lets you enjoy a star-filled sky.

With low light pollution and excellent air quality, Snow Mountain National Park has long been a popular spot for stargazing. The good weather brought by the approaching typhoon made the stargazing experience even more spectacular. On the evening of July 6th, the Snow Mountain Leisure Farm also hosted a nighttime stargazing event. Through lively and engaging explanations, nearly a hundred attendees learned about the constellations together.

▲ At the viewing platform, visitors can explore the constellations with the guidance of instructors.

Since many urban children rarely get the chance to see numerous stars or the Milky Way, the host joked: “See those twinkling lights moving slowly in the distance? That star is professionally called the ‘Elpland Star,’ known to all stargazers.” Just as the children were getting fascinated, the host revealed: “That’s actually an airplane!” (airplane), drawing laughter from the crowd.

▲ Snow Mountain National Park has minimal light pollution, making it ideal for nighttime stargazing.

Tour guide Peng Xiu-zhen mentioned that if people want to see the Holy Ridge Line from the Cloudy Trail during the day, their chances of success are over 60%. In the afternoon, moisture in the air may cause the Holy Ridge Line to be partially obscured by clouds, adding a unique atmosphere. Stargazing in Snow Mountain is a regular activity here, and on the clearest nights, visitors might even witness the breathtaking sight of a star-filled sky free of clouds.