Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert
Many mountaineers aspire to reach Yushan, the highest peak in Northeast Asia, but for beginners just starting their journey into Taiwan’s 100 Peaks, it's wise to begin with easier trails. Today, we’ll take you through a beginner-friendly route up Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Mountain, helping you take your first step toward achieving your mountaineering dream.
Qilai South and Nanhua Mountains consist of two peaks located at the border of Hualien and Nantou — Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Mountain. Qilai South Peak is part of the Central Mountain Range, standing at 3,358 meters, and is one of Taiwan’s “Ten Great Summits.” Nanhua Mountain, also known as Nenggao North Peak, belongs to the same mountain range and rises to 3,184 meters. With no sheer cliffs and relatively gentle paths, these two peaks are often referred to as the most beginner-friendly among Taiwan’s 100 Peaks.
The main trail on the Qilai South & Nanhua route — the Nenggao Historic Trail — was once an important military and trade route. Not only does it carry historical significance from the Japanese colonial period, especially the stories of the Seediq people’s resistance, but the surrounding scenery is undeniably stunning. From three-tiered waterfalls and alpine lakes to golden meadows bathed in sunlight and sea of clouds, hikers can enjoy an easy-paced trek while absorbing history and soaking in nature’s beauty.
Introduction to Qilai South & Nanhua Mountains – Qilai South Peak & Nanhua Mountain. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Although Qilai South & Nanhua is considered the most beginner-friendly among the 100 Peaks, hikers still need to be physically prepared and equipped with basic knowledge. Below are essential hiking tips for this route — please pay close attention before setting off.
1. A park entry permit is required for Qilai South Peak. Applications must be submitted 7–30 days prior to the climb, with priority given based on the online application date. Each group may include no more than 12 people.
2. Both Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Mountain require an entry permit for the mountain area, which must be applied for 5–30 days in advance.
3. Reservations for accommodation at Tianchi Mountain Lodge, whether for beds or campsites, must be made online 45–8 days prior to arrival, with a submission deadline of 3:00 PM. Any available spots will be assigned via lottery between the 8th and 29th day before your planned stay.
4. Cooking is strictly prohibited inside Tianchi Mountain Lodge. Aside from meals provided in the kitchen, guests may not use open flames for cooking.
5. In case of natural disasters that prevent hiking or accommodation provision, a full refund will be issued, but date extensions cannot be arranged.
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Rainy Season
During the plum rain season and typhoon periods in summer and autumn, heavy rain or thunderstorms can cause landslides, flash floods, and road blockages in the mountains. Always check the weather and trail conditions in advance. If the rainfall is too heavy, don’t panic or force your way through — finding shelter and staying warm should be your top priorities.
Snow Season
A snow-blanketed mountain landscape is like something out of a fairy tale. When hiking Qilai South & Nanhua in winter, in addition to warm clothing, make sure you’re fully equipped with gear such as ice axes, crampons, climbing ropes, and helmets. With the right safety measures, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking view of golden peaks against white snow.
It is not recommended to attempt both Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Mountain in a single day.
■ Two Days & One Night
"Day 1: Start at Tunyuan Trailhead → Arrive at Tianchi Mountain Lodge
"Day 2: Tianchi Mountain Lodge → Ascend Qilai South Peak & Nanhua Mountain → Descend and return to Tunyuan Trailhead"
■ Three Days & Two Nights – Route A
"Day 1: Start at Tunyuan Trailhead → Arrive at Tianchi Mountain Lodge
"Day 2: Tianchi Mountain Lodge → Ascend Qilai South Peak & Nanhua Mountain → Stay overnight at Tianchi Mountain Lodge
"Day 3: Tianchi Mountain Lodge → Descend and return to Tunyuan Trailhead"
■ Three Days & Two Nights – Route B
"Day 1: Stay at a nearby guesthouse near the trailhead
"Day 2: Start at Tunyuan Trailhead → Arrive at Tianchi Mountain Lodge
"Day 3: Tianchi Mountain Lodge → Ascend Qilai South Peak & Nanhua Mountain → Descend and return to Tunyuan Trailhead"
Recommended Routes for Hiking Qilai South & Nanhua Mountains. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Tianchi Mountain Lodge, located midway along the Qilai South & Nanhua route, offers a simple space for hikers to rest and refuel. Whether you choose a bed or an outdoor campsite, reservations are required in advance, and open-fire cooking is not allowed. But having a warm mountain hut in the wilderness is a rare luxury, making Tianchi Mountain Lodge the “five-star hotel” in the hearts of many hikers.
Interestingly, during the snowy season, you can build snowmen or have snowball fights outside the lodge. If the lake freezes over, you can even try ice skating — just be mindful of cracks. Most importantly, remember to carry all trash back down the mountain and avoid littering. Be a responsible hiker who loves nature.
Accommodation on Qilai South & Nanhua – Tianchi Mountain Lodge. (Photo / Tianchi Mountain Lodge Official Website)
Although the Qilai South China route is the most beginner-friendly hiking trail in Taiwan, it is still considered professional mountaineering, so physical training is essential before setting off. Especially for those who don’t usually exercise or have no time to work out, if you want to go hiking, you must start training early. Endurance and overall fitness training are the most beneficial for mountain climbing.
Pre-hiking preparation for Qilai South China — Physical training. (Photo / Tripbaa, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Please bring your own necessary warm clothing, rain gear, trekking poles, food, water, first aid supplies, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat. You can choose to go light to the summit and leave some heavy items at Tianchi Mountain Hut. If you don’t want to carry your own food and sleeping bag, you can join a guided hiking tour.
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Pre-hiking preparation for Qilai South China — Hiking gear. (Photo / Tripbaa, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Whether altitude sickness symptoms will occur during the hike varies from person to person and cannot be definitively predicted. Therefore, remember to ask your doctor for medication effective against altitude sickness before the climb. If you feel unwell during the hike, do not push yourself too hard.
[Authorized reprint by Tripbaa] Original article from [Conquer Qilai South Peak + South China Mountain at Once: A Beginner’s Guide to the 100 Peaks — Qilai South China Starter Pack]