Taiwan is home to an exceptionally rich array of mountain ranges. Of the 268 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in height, dozens are clustered within Shei-Pa National Park in the very heart of the island. Low- and mid-elevation mountains offer convenient hiking and sightseeing opportunities near cities in the western lowlands.
True to its name, the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area comprises three distinct locations. Lion’s Head Mountain, a 100-minute drive from central Taipei on the Hsinchu-Miaoli border, appeals to those seeking picturesque trails and temple-stay experiences. Baguashan sits adjacent to Changhua City’s downtown and is crowned by one of the country’s most iconic Buddha statues. By contrast, Lishan is tucked deep within the mountains, making it a destination better suited for overnight stays.
Situated nearly 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level, Lishan — the toponym translates as “Pear Mountain” — is exactly what it says on the tin. In addition to the Asian pears and snow pears that are harvested between September and December, the surrounding orchards produce honey peaches, pluots, and plums in the summer, honey apples in the fall, and persimmons at the start of winter. The area is also renowned for its High Mountain Oolong tea.
Originally an outpost of the Atayal indigenous people, who called this settlement Slamaw, Lishan grew in significance following the completion in 1960 of two key roads: Provincial Highway 8, better known as the Central Cross-Island Highway, and Provincial Highway 7A, which descends into Yilan County.
Travelers can take the highway bus from Yilan City (Route 1751, two departures daily) or from Luodong (Route 1764, one departure daily) to Lishan, or board the 865 bus from Fengyuan, Tai-chung (two departures daily) to Lishan. Although the bus journey takes 3 to 4 hours, the breathtaking scenery along the way leaves a lasting impression.
Recognizing that quality lodging is essential to attracting visitors, the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area has been working with local communities to develop licensed accommodation options. In addition to comfortable beds and gracious hospitality, some of these homestays offer guests opportunities to immerse themselves in Atayal culture and organic farming.
Partnering with the area’s four principal Atayal villages has created tourism routes that mindful travelers will appreciate. These encompass local foodways and produce as well as meaningful and sustainable activities.
To the delight of those wanting an exotic location for their wedding, Lishan Jesus Church has been carefully restored. At 2,011 meters (6,598 feet) above sea level, it’s the highest Christian place of worship in the country.
The national scenic area’s achievements — made despite regulatory constraints, an aging and shrinking population, and difficulties attracting professionals to work in such a remote place — have won international recognition, being chosen as one of the Top 100 Stories of 2025 by Green Destinations, a Netherlands-based tourism management organization.
One element of Lishan’s appeal is completely beyond human control. Misty weather is common in the mountains, and during the cooler months, the fog often settles some way below the peaks, creating a “Sea of Clouds” effect. From a vantage point like Lishan Guest House — a striking palace-like building that once served as a summer retreat for Chiang Kai-shek, Taiwan’s president between 1950 and 1975 — tourists can often look down onto a blanket of white mist while they themselves are under a clear blue sky. This phenomenon is most likely early in the morning or in the hour before sunset.
Two highlights near Lishan are Wuling Farm and Fushoushan Farm. Both were among the 32 destinations honored at the 2nd Tourism Spotlight Awards on November 11, 2025, even though neither was established with leisure travel in mind.
These farms were set up to grow food for the construction crews then laboring on high-altitude roads, and most of the pioneers who carved pasturelands and vegetable patches out of the wilderness were ex-soldiers who’d followed the Chinese Nationalist government from the mainland to Taiwan years earlier. Wuling and Fushoushan are still operated by the central government’s Veterans Affairs Council, but their objectives have changed.
Wuling is now the hub of efforts to save an endangered freshwater fish found only in a handful of Taiwan’s mountain creeks. At the Formosan Landlocked Salmon Ecological Center, visitors can learn about this remarkable species and see artificially hatched specimens. Yet the farm’s number one attraction isn’t this fish, but the cherry blossom (sakura) season, when delicate pink petals create scenes of sublime beauty.
During the official cherry blossom season (which in 2026 runs from February 13 to March 1), there are capacity limits on how many visitors are allowed to stay overnight or enter the farm as part of a day trip, so it pays to plan well ahead.
Fushoushan Farm is even higher than Lishan and Wuling Farm, reaching 2,614 meters (8,576 feet) above sea level. These days, it produces premium tea, apples, and cruciferous vegetables that thrive in colder conditions. The farm’s Thousand Cherry Garden exerts an irresistible pull on sightseers because its 6,000-plus trees represent several species. These blossoming cherry trees were introduced to Taiwan during the 1895-1945 period of Japanese rule. Visitors may get to see snow white and yellow-green blossoms in addition to pink hues. This stunning landscape draws crowds of visitors every year.
To boost the region’s appeal to outsiders and elevate the visitor experience, the Tourism Administration has nurtured the Central Taiwan Tourism Alliance. This destination marketing organization is a partnership that brings together private- and public-sector stakeholders and synchronizes the efforts of six local tourism unions — Hsinchu-Miaoli, Taichung-Changhua, Sun Moon Lake, Great Alishan, 235 Regional (Chiayi), and Great Caoling. Moving forward, the alliance is planning joint campaigns to promote the region’s hiking trails and cycling routes.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Travelers hoping to explore the mountains of central Taiwan can gather additional information from the following websites:
Shei-Pa National Park (multilingual)
Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area (multilingual)
Tourism Administration (Ministry of Transportation and Communications) (multilingual)
Taichung City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau (multilingual)
The 24-hour tourist information hotline (0800-011-765) is toll-free within Taiwan and staffed by speakers of English, Japanese, and Chinese.
