Things to see and do Parc National De Yangmingshan -陽明山國家公園

Literally a well of fresh water, this bowl-shaped chimney with clouds of sulphur takes its name from the hot springs it contains at the comfortable temperature of 40°C (compared to an average of 80°C). Non-mixed thermal establishments have been created around these springs, perfect for relaxing after a long day's walk. Right next to it is the milk lake (Niunai Pond) whose particularly high yellow and white sulphur content gives it the colour of the feeding liquid.

Possibly an ancient crater or volcanic depression, this pond has been classified as a water plant conservation area. It is located on the south face of Mount Qixing at an altitude of 850m. The richness of its soil has allowed the development of a rare species of ferns: the Taiwanese isoets. The place is lovely and is a pleasant walk. On the other hand, the endemic species that reside there are extremely vulnerable, and access to the pond is prohibited to visitors. The view can only be admired from an observation platform.

Probably one of the most pleasant places to rest, picnic or fly a kite. A vast plain covered with green carpet, Cingtiengkang was used as grazing land for oxen during the Qing Dynasty, a tradition that lasted until very recently when Yamingshan became a national park. As proof, under the Japanese occupation, 3,000 head of cattle lived on the Yangmingshan lands. One ranch remains open to visitors during the summer months, thus continuing a centuries-old tradition.

A park in a park! Datun (or Tatun) Nature Park is located on the second highest mountain in Yangmingshan, Mount Datun. The entrance to the park is opposite the entrance to Butterfly Alley. Birds, shrubs, cicadas, butterflies, you will find the main lines of the ecosystem of Yangmingshan, but in miniature. Ideal for hiking (signposted), the park includes a path that allows you to climb to the top of Datunshan and observe the Taipei Basin.

The first Han, who arrived from Chuanchow or Changchow in mainland China, named the place Tsaoshan (Grass Mountain). The mountain was not renamed until 1950, at the suggestion of the local authorities, in Yangmingshan, in honour of the philosopher Wang Yang ming (1472-1529) - shan means "mountain" in Chinese. In addition to its volcanoes, the park is home to thirteen hot springs and fumaroles covered with yellow sulphur crystals from which sulphuric volcanoes escape. It is therefore not only a geological but also a chemical subject of study. That's why, during the week, dozens of schoolchildren arrive to attend an outdoor science class. You don't have to decide to visit the park at the weekend, because it's no longer a few classes that take over the place, but hordes of tourists looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Indeed, this is Yangmingshan's greatest feature: this national park, located only a few minutes from a conurbation, yet has all the quietness and natural grandeur of an outlying area. The park is famous for its majestic flora, which is at its best throughout the seasons: in autumn, silvergrass, covering the mountains, contrasts with the soft red of the trees' foliage, while in spring, everything is exuberance and the lily-, azalea- and cherry blossoms attract many walkers. Yangmingshan is located in a subtropical zone where vegetation can change in no time for two reasons: volcanic activity, although extinct, continues to abnormally heat the soil making it low in calcium and rich in acid, and the winter monsoon brings abundant rain. Thus, Yangmingshan alternates green landscapes, such as bamboo forests, with arid zones. In addition to 1,224 species of plants, the park includes shrubs of the laurel family such as the Taiwanese cherry tree, as well as an artificial forest (Datun and Chihsing mountains) planted under Japanese occupation and consisting of pine trees. The park is also inhabited by exceptional wildlife. Among the mammals, the Formosa macaque, Formosa hare or Formosa squirrel... In addition to these, there are 110 species of birds, the most emblematic of which is the Taiwanese blue magpie, 150 species of butterflies, mostly in the Mientien and Datun Mountains, and 47 species of reptiles.