Baiyue百岳
Taiwan's Central Mountain Range at sunrise

A guide

Taiwan's Highest Mountains

A guide to the top peaks of the Baiyue — Taiwan's 100 famous summits above 3,000 meters.

For an island only 394 km long, Taiwan is astonishingly vertical. More than 260 peaks rise above 3,000 meters along its spine, and its highest summit — Yushan, at 3,952 m — is the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia outside of the Himalayas.

This guide walks through the ten highest and most iconic mountains in Taiwan, all drawn from the Baiyue (百岳) — the classic list of 100 famous peaks that has defined Taiwanese mountaineering since 1971. Whether you're planning your first international hiking trip or just curious what lies above the clouds of the Central Mountain Range, start here.

Taiwan's alpine landscape, in numbers

  • 3,952 m
    Yushan — Taiwan's highest peak
  • 260+
    Named peaks above 3,000 m
  • 100
    Baiyue — the classic list
  • 5
    Major mountain ranges

The 10 highest mountains in Taiwan

Ranked by elevation, drawn from the Baiyue list.

  1. 1

    Yushan (Jade Mountain) 玉山

    3,952 m · Yushan Range · Yushan National Park

    The highest mountain in Taiwan and the tallest peak in Northeast Asia outside of the Himalayas. Yushan's Main Peak is the crown of the Baiyue and the most iconic summit in the country — a permit-controlled two-day hike from Tataka.

  2. 2

    Xueshan (Snow Mountain) 雪山

    3,886 m · Xueshan Range · Shei-Pa National Park

    Taiwan's second-highest peak and the high point of the Xueshan Range. The classic route climbs through the black forest and the vast glacial cirque of the Cuiчi (369 Cabin) before topping out on the wide, wind-scoured summit.

  3. 3

    Xiuguluan Shan 秀姑巒山

    3,805 m · Central Mountain Range · Yushan National Park

    The highest point of the Central Mountain Range and one of the great remote summits of the South Section 2 traverse — a multi-day expedition across the alpine spine of the island.

  4. 4

    Mabolasi Shan 馬博拉斯山

    3,785 m · Central Mountain Range · Yushan National Park

    A committing peak on the legendary Mabang Traverse, deep in the interior. Reached only by strong parties over many days of forest, ridge, and grassland travel.

  5. 5

    Nanhu Dashan 南湖大山

    3,742 m · Central Mountain Range (Northern Section) · Taroko National Park

    The 'Emperor of the North' — a massive cirque plateau ringed by satellite peaks. A four-day classic through Taroko's high country, often paired with neighboring Zhongyangjian Shan.

  6. 6

    Guan Shan 關山

    3,668 m · Central Mountain Range (Southern Section) · Yushan National Park

    The high point of the southern Central Range, rising above the Southern Cross-Island Highway. Remote grassland ridges and long sightlines toward the Pacific.

  7. 7

    Qilai Beifeng (North Qilai) 奇萊北峰

    3,607 m · Central Mountain Range · Taroko National Park

    The blackened north face of the Qilai massif — one of Taiwan's most photographed and most respected peaks. A steep, exposed scramble from Hehuanshan trailheads.

  8. 8

    Xiangyang Shan 向陽山

    3,603 m · Central Mountain Range · Yushan National Park

    Gateway peak to the classic Jiaming Lake traverse, with wide meadows and the mirror-still crater lake just below the summit ridge.

  9. 9

    Dabajian Shan 大霸尖山

    3,492 m · Xueshan Range · Shei-Pa National Park

    The 'Great Barrier' — a sheer cylindrical tower sacred to the Atayal people. The summit block itself is off-limits; hikers circle it from below on a multi-day approach.

  10. 10

    Hehuan Shan Main Peak 合歡主峰

    3,417 m · Central Mountain Range · Taroko National Park

    The most accessible high peak in Taiwan — a short walk from a paved road at 3,275 m. The best introduction to Taiwan's alpine zone and a sunrise favorite.

Hikers on a ridge in Taiwan's Central Mountain Range

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest mountain in Taiwan?

Yushan (玉山), also known as Jade Mountain, is the highest mountain in Taiwan at 3,952 m. It's also the highest peak in Northeast Asia outside of the Himalayan region, and the centerpiece of Yushan National Park.

How many mountains in Taiwan are over 3,000 meters?

More than 260 named peaks in Taiwan rise above 3,000 m. From these, the classic Baiyue (百岳) list — compiled in 1971 — selects 100 for their beauty, prominence, and character.

What are the Baiyue?

The Baiyue are Taiwan's 100 famous mountains. The list was published in 1971 by four influential Taiwanese climbers and has anchored the country's hiking culture ever since. Completing all 100 is a decades-long project for most hikers.

Do I need a permit to climb Taiwan's high mountains?

Most peaks above 3,000 m sit inside national parks and require a park entry permit; many also require a separate police mountain permit. Yushan, Xueshan, Nanhu, and Dabajian are all permit-controlled and heavily oversubscribed — apply weeks in advance.

When is the best time to hike in Taiwan?

October through April is the dry season and the most reliable window for high peaks. Summer brings the plum rains and typhoon season, when trails can be closed on short notice.

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