Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park Review

The diminutive island of Taiwan boasts no fewer than eight national parks, but if you want to get to grips with the nation's countryside, this is by far the most accessible, just 10 miles north of downtown Taipei. To get here on public transport, take bus 260, which leaves every 10 minutes from outside the main railway station. The 45-square-mile park is basically draped over a single mountain, the 3,400-foot Seven Star Mountain, and is criss-crossed by a dense array of walking trails. You can pick up a map from one of the several visitor centers. If you're not into hiking, you can get around on the park shuttle bus (No. 108), which operates a route around several scenic spots several times an hour from 7 am to 5:30 pm. You can ride all day for NT$60.