Taiwan's Majestic Peaks

Lifestyles

The Hsuehshan Mountain Range, also known as the Subalpine Mountain Range, is located on the northwest side of the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan.

Stretching for approximately 180 kilometers, it boasts the second highest peak in Taiwan, reaching an impressive elevation of 3,884 meters above sea level. This majestic range is renowned for its towering mountains and breathtaking scenery.

To the west of Taiwan lies the Ali Mountain Range, while the Coastal Range occupies the easternmost part of the island. Additionally, the northern end of the island is home to the self-contained Datun volcanic complex, comprising more than 10 conical volcanic formations.

Taiwan's mountains are a sight to behold, with over 50 peaks surpassing 3,500 meters and as many as 200 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in height. Among these peaks, the "Five Mountains of Taiwan" hold great significance.

Mount Yu, the highest peak in Taiwan, stands as the first peak in the country. Mount Xue follows closely as the second highest peak, while Mount Xiuguluan claims the title of the first peak in the Central Range. Mount Nanhu reigns as the highest peak in the northern part of the Central Range, and Mount Dawu proudly holds the record for the southern part of the range.

The Xueshan Mountains house a multitude of ancient trails, some of which were utilized by the indigenous Atayal tribes for communication purposes.

Notable trails include the Longling Ancient Road, the Kui Ma Keng Ancient Road, the Cao Ling Ancient Road, the Shih Keng Ancient Road, the Bei Yi Ancient Road, the Huan Ma Ancient Road, the Kui Hou Crossing Road, the Haben Crossing Road, the Zhongling Ancient Road, and the Sima Kus Ancient Road.

These trails provide a glimpse into the historical significance and rich cultural heritage of the area. Other notable trails found within the Xueshan Mountains include the Fuba Crossing Trail, the Jiao Ban Mountain Trail, the Lucha Lian Ridge Trail, the Sakyagin Trail, and the Beikeng Stream Trail.

The Xueshan Mountain Range is situated in the northwestern region of the Central Range, spanning approximately 260 kilometers in length and 28 kilometers in width.

The powerful erosive forces of the Dahan, Daan, and Dajia rivers have divided the mountain range into three distinct geographic zones: the Ayusan Stage in the north, the Xueshan Basin at the center, and the Puli Fall Zone in the south. The Xueshan Mountains themselves are centrally located within the Xueshan Basin, extending radially with branches that stretch across northern Taiwan.

Geologically, the Xueshan Mountains consist of Eocene to Miocene slates and metamorphic sandstones, which date back to a relatively older period. Within the list of Taiwan's 100 famous peaks, several peaks in the Snow Mountain Range can be found.

These include Mount Xue at 3,886 meters, Mount Dajian at 3,594 meters, Mount Pintian at 3,524 meters, Mount Daxue at 3,530 meters, and Mount Jiayang at 3,314 meters. Among these peaks, Snow Mountain reigns as the highest peak in the range and the second highest in Taiwan, only surpassed by Mount Yu in the Yushan Range, which stands at an impressive 3,952 meters.

In fact, of the 100 most famous peaks in Taiwan, 19 can be found within the Xueshan Mountain Range, with a total of 54 peaks reaching heights above 3,000 meters.