Cisinshan, Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Cisinshan ("7 star mountain"), a dormant volcano, is known for its fumaroles that emit sulfur gases.

To get there from Taipei, take the 260 bus from the Taipei Main MRT station 35+ stops to Yangmingshan. Take the internal 108 bus to Xiaoyoukeng ("small oil pit").

After taking in closeup views of the fumaroles, begin your hike at the trail head. Walk uphill over a 1.6 kilometer-long series of steps to the summit. Take note of the steam vents, rocky landscape, views of Taipei, and vegetation. At the summit, you can turn back and retrace your steps or descend along Lengshuikeng ("cold water pit") trail. I did the former due to time constraint.

Fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng


View from the summit




After completing the hike, take the 108 bus back to the Yangmingshan bus stop at the park entrance.

Trail: Xiaoyoukeng, 3.2km round trip, 286m elevation gain
Difficulty: >Moderate (steepness)