Readers’ Photos

Hearts Pounding at Every Step (Shi Peijun)

Wuyan Peak in the Mt. Nanhu area is flanked by a famous cliff. Hikers are sure to feel their hearts pound as they walk along the ridge, and great patience is required when navigating such difficult terrain.

Nanhu Cirque (Shi Peijun)

This tranquil cirque is home to mountain cabin, surrounded by a few scattered tents. The setting sun projects a swath of golden light, briefly transforming the normally stern and imposing mountain into a gentle giant.

Hehuan Peak (Li Shengzhang)

Taiwan is located in the subtropics, and Mt. Hehuan, at over 3,000 meters in height, is a scenic hotspot. Whenever heavy snowfall covers the summit, the scene reminiscent of northern climes delights visitors. The woodland on both sides of the road has a rich diversity of alpine trees, and offers elegant views that change with the seasons.

Cirque at Mt. Xue’s Holy Ridge (courtesy of CPAMI*)

The main peak of Mt. Xue (Xueshan) stands 3,886 meters above sea level, making it Taiwan’s second highest summit. The cirque is a topographical feature created by the action of glaciers tens of thousands of years ago. The majestic “Holy Ridge” offers hikers uniquely beautiful scenery.

* Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior

Yushan’s Main and East Peaks in Summer (courtesy of CPAMI)

The tall peaks of the Yushan Mountain Range stretch across the landscape in an unbroken line. All kinds of fauna and flora live in the shelter of its natural mountain forests. Yushan Main Peak stands 3,952 meters above sea level, making it Taiwan’s tallest mountain.

Snow Scene on Mt. Qilai (Zhang Wenxiong)

Mt. Qilai, located in Hualien County’s Xiulin Township, stands 3,607 meters tall. With cliffs on its northwest, northeast, and south faces, it is listed as one of Taiwan’s famous “Baiyue” or “100 Peaks.” Gazing out over the ridgeline, snow covers the nearby mountains, providing spectacular scenery.

Aerial View of Provincial Highway 14A at Xiaofengkou (courtesy of CPAMI)

Taroko National Park’s Mt. Hehuan Service Station is located at the 36.6-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway 14A. An observation deck at Xiaofengkou offers travelers a place to rest and admire the views. The weather in the mountains is highly variable, sometimes offering clear skies and high visibility, sometimes surrounding one with clouds and mist. But for those who love the mountains, being able to stand in high places and gaze into the distance is always refreshing and relaxing.

Mt. Xinkang (courtesy of CPAMI)

Mt. Xinkang, also known as Mt. Xinguan or Mt. Daxun, is located in Hualien County’s Zhuoxi Township. Standing 3,331 meters tall, Mt. Xinkang is one of a subset of Taiwan’s Baiyue known as the “Shi Jun” or “Harsh Ten.” This towering peak is the tallest in Eastern Taiwan, and is known in the hiking community as the “Overlord of Eastern Taiwan.”

Main Peak of Mt. Hehuan (Pan Tongxi)

A sea of clouds surrounds the main peak of Mt. Hehuan during snow season. This majestic mountain vista was captured as the sun sank slowly behind the ridge.