Exploring Taipei Qingtiangang Grassland: A Scenic Escape in Yangmingshan

In the post-pandemic era, both Taiwan and Hong Kong have seen a surge in hiking popularity. With mountains surrounding Taipei, the city’s unique geography has fostered a love for hiking among its residents. The Qingtiangang Grassland Circular Trail, located in Yangmingshan, is perfect for families looking to picnic, stroll, or even take wedding photos in this picturesque setting.

Explore the Jinbaoli Trail from Qingtiangang.

Trail Overview: 2.4 Kilometers of Scenic Views

The Qingtiangang Grassland Circular Trail is one of the most historic and recently renovated hiking spots in Taipei. It starts at the Earth God Temple at the peak of Qingtiangang and traverses through the central path of Qingtiangang Grassland, passing by the Yangmingshan Ranch Education Center and the fork leading to Zhugao Mountain Bunker , before returning to the starting point. The entire loop is about 2.4 kilometers long and takes around 50 minutes to complete, not including time for breaks or photo opportunities.

The Qingtiangang Circular Trail offers a wide view and has a gentle slope.

Along the trail, you’ll enjoy expansive views of nearby peaks such as Qixing Mountain （ 七星山） , Qigu Mountain （ 七股山） , Mt. Huangzui （ 磺嘴山） , and Mt. Zhugao （ 竹篙山） . If you’re lucky, you might spot grazing cattle on the grassland. However, during my visit, I missed the chance to see them. The cattle here are wild water buffalo, which have been living in the area for generations. Despite being accustomed to humans, they still retain their wild nature and have made headlines in the past for attacking visitors. Consequently, the trail was closed for a time and has only recently reopened with safety measures.

The road signs on Qingtiangang Circular Trail are clear.

Safety First: Enjoying the Grassland While Keeping Distance

People in Taiwan and Hong Kong are increasingly fond of hiking after the pandemic.

Because observing the cattle is a major attraction at Qingtiangang Grassland, authorities urge visitors to stay within the designated trails and viewpoints. Maintain a distance of at least 20 meters from the buffalo, and refrain from provoking or getting too close to them. If you encounter a buffalo on the trail, wait patiently for it to pass or find an alternative route. In case of an unfortunate encounter, use the designated safety posts available along the trail.

Located in the heart of the Tatun Volcano Group , Qingtiangang Grassland is formed from lava flows from Mt. Zhugao . The terrain is flat and open, earning it the nickname "Sun Valley" due to the intense summer sun and lack of shade. In the fall and winter, it often shrouded in mist, creating a magical atmosphere.

Walk along the central trail of Qingtiangang Grassland.

Seasonal Beauty: Romantic Silvergrass in Autumn

The Qingtiangang Trail offers panoramic views of the mountains and an endless grassland.

Each season offers a different charm at Qingtiangang Grassland. In spring and summer, the area is lush and green, while in autumn and winter, the silvergrass sways gracefully in the breeze. As autumn arrives, Qingtiangang becomes one of Taipei’s prime spots for viewing silvergrass, with some unique varieties exhibiting a reddish hue due to the volcanic soil. Don’t miss this seasonal beauty!

If you visit Qingtiangang, you can also visit Jinbaoli Trail. Golden cicadas molting on the Jinbaoli Trail.

As one of the most popular spots in Yangmingshan, the area around the Jinbaoli Trail —approximately 500 meters from the Qingtiangang Trailhead—is also worth exploring. This ancient trail was historically used by early settlers to transport fish catches and sulfur, spanning 30 kilometers and rich in historical and cultural significance, making it a legendary path worth discovering.

Getting There : To reach Qingtiangang Grassland, you can drive or hire a car. Alternatively, take bus 15 from Jiantan MRT Station, or catch the 108 bus (the park shuttle) from the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal to the Qingtiangang station. Transportation is very convenient!

Website:

https://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/en/YMSNP_com_linemap_m.aspx?id=29&aid=13456&sid=13460&eid=13459&n=18269&sms=13458

Attractions near the Qingtiangang Circular Trail. (Source: Yangmingshan National Park Official Website)