Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park sits on the northern edge of Taipei and protects one of East Asia's most geologically active volcanic landscapes. Established in 1985 over the Datun volcanic complex — whose last eruption dates to roughly 6,000 years ago — the park's surface still vents through fumaroles, sulfur springs, and the striking Xiaoyoukeng crater. Each February and March, cherry and azalea blossoms draw Taipei residents en masse for the Flower Season, while the main peak, Qixing Shan at 1,120 meters, offers panoramic views stretching across the metropolitan basin to the Pacific coast on clear days. Natural hot-spring pools around Lengshuikeng provide an ideal cool-weather reward after hiking the crater-ridge trails, making the park equally compelling as a half-day escape or a full weekend of volcanic exploration.