Yangmingshan is located on the northern edge of the Taipei Basin and is known for its volcanic activity, variety of flora and fauna, and distinctly cooler weather than the nearby city.
The Mountain Park is distinct from most of Taiwan due to the volcanic activity in the area, which makes the soil warmer and less calcium-rich that the rest of the sub-tropical island. Most of the vegetation is typically found at mid-elevation climates, like Japanese Maple, but also includes rare vegetation like Taiwanese Holly-Grape, Octagon Mayapple, and Kousa Dogwood among others. Crater marshes also lead to unique aquatic plant species in the area, creating a diverse natural landscape.
Yangmingshan is a wonderland for those wishing to see Taiwan’s unique animal species. It is a safe haven for the diverse butterfly species that occupy Taiwan, as well as a place to spot unique reptiles and amphibious species like tree frogs and Five-Stripe Blue-Tailed Skinks. It is also a popular destination for bird-watchers, due to the diverse species that occupy the area.
