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Nature lovers, this one’s for you. If Taipei is on your travel list, you don’t have to go far to find mountains, hot springs, and a peaceful escape from the city. Just a short trip away lies Yangmingshan National Park, one of Taiwan’s most stunning natural landscapes, paired perfectly with the relaxing hot springs of Beitou. Together, they create the ideal day trip for anyone looking to blend adventure with relaxation. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to plan your day trip to Yangmingshan and Beitou so you can enjoy the best of both worlds during your time in Taipei.

Your Route to Yangmingshan and Beitou

Getting to Yangmingshan and Beitou from Taipei is simple, but it does take a little planning if you’re going on your own. Public buses run regularly to Yangmingshan, and the MRT connects you directly to Beitou, making both destinations easily accessible.

Here’s a quick look at the route from Taipei to Yangmingshan and Beitou before diving into the step-by-step directions:

• MRT to Yangmingshan (via Jiantan Station): Take the MRT Red Line to Jiantan Station, then transfer to Bus R5 or 260 to reach the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal. (Travel time: about 40–50 minutes total from central Taipei)
• Bus to Yangmingshan (other options): From Taipei Main Station, you can also catch Bus 260 straight to the park. Another option is Bus S15 or S17 from Shipai MRT Station. (Travel time: about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic)
• MRT to Beitou: Take the MRT Red Line to Beitou Station, then transfer to the branch line to Xinbeitou Station. From there, the hot springs and Beitou Park are just a short walk away. (Travel time: around 25–30 minutes from Taipei Main Station)

When I visited, I chose to book a guided day tour instead, and it made the whole trip much easier. Everything from transportation to timing was handled, which meant I could simply enjoy the scenery and relax. If you’d like the same stress-free experience, I recommend the Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour in Taipei — the one I booked and found super convenient, especially if you’d rather not juggle bus schedules or transfers.

Start Your Morning at Yangmingshan National Park

Begin your day surrounded by nature at Yangmingshan National Park, one of Taiwan’s most scenic escapes. The park is known for its volcanic landscapes, steaming fumaroles, and lush trails that make you forget how close you are to Taipei. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll or a more active hike, Yangmingshan offers plenty of ways to enjoy its beauty.

When I visited, the rain followed me into the mountains, but it didn’t take away from the experience. I picked up a raincoat at the small shop near Xiaoyoukeng (a tip in case your umbrella gives up like mine did!) and kept exploring. Rain or shine, Yangmingshan has a special atmosphere that makes it an unforgettable start to the day.

If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few highlights worth checking out:

1. Hiking Trails – From short walks to longer treks, Yangmingshan has trails for all levels. You can take an easy stroll through flower fields or head into the mountains for sweeping views of Taipei.
2. Flower Gardens – Depending on the season, the park blooms with cherry blossoms, calla lilies, or seas of azaleas. These gardens make for a colorful and relaxing stop.
3. Xiaoyoukeng Fumaroles – One of the park’s most unique features, Xiaoyoukeng is home to steaming vents and sulfur deposits that showcase the area’s volcanic activity up close. There’s also a small shop nearby where you can grab drinks, umbrellas, and raincoats (highly recommended if the weather turns).

Time recommendation: Plan to spend 2–3 hours in Yangmingshan. This gives you enough time for a short hike, photo stops, and a quick break before making your way to Beitou for the afternoon.

Spend Your Afternoon in Beitou

After exploring Yangmingshan, head to Beitou, a district known for its natural hot springs and relaxing atmosphere. With Japanese-inspired bathhouses, leafy parks, and cultural landmarks, Beitou has a unique charm that makes it a must-visit stop on your day trip. Everything is within walking distance from Xinbeitou MRT Station, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Here’s a simple walking route I recommend:

1. Old Beitou Train Station (1–2 min walk)

Right outside Xinbeitou MRT Station. Step inside this restored wooden station, a nostalgic piece of Beitou’s past. It’s small but charming, and it gives you a glimpse into how travelers once arrived here for the hot springs.

2. Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch (3 min walk)

Just a short walk from the station, this eco-friendly library is worth a quick visit. With its warm wood-and-glass design surrounded by greenery, it’s often called one of the most beautiful public libraries in Taiwan.

3. Beitou Hot Spring Museum (1 min walk)

Located right next to the library, the museum gives an interesting look at Beitou’s hot spring culture. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about the Japanese influence and the early bathhouses that shaped the area.

4. Beitou Thermal Valley (Hell Valley) (7–10 min walk)

A short uphill walk from the museum leads to this steaming, jade-green hot spring crater. The rising sulfur mist gives it a surreal, unforgettable atmosphere and makes it one of Beitou’s most iconic spots.

5. Beitou Park & Hot Springs (5 min walk)

Finish your afternoon by strolling through Beitou Park. You can choose between a public bathhouse, a private hot spring resort, or simply dip your feet into one of the free outdoor foot baths.

When I visited, I felt the magical presence of Beitou. It was peaceful, calming, and the perfect way to end my day trip.

Time recommendation: Plan to spend 3–4 hours in Beitou. This gives you plenty of time to walk the loop, enjoy the cultural stops, and unwind in the hot springs before heading back to Taipei in the evening.

Why This Day Trip Stands Out

Looking back, visiting Yangmingshan and Beitou in one day felt like a very peaceful experience. I was able to connect with nature, enjoy scenic views, and learn about the history of the area. This day trip, although it required a bit of light exercise, felt energizing and restorative — especially as a break from the typical city vibe. If you’re planning a trip, I can honestly say this was one of my favorite ways to experience Taipei.

To get a glimpse of my day trip, you can watch my TikTok video here:

@xtinediary

if you’re planning to travel to taiwan, i highly recommend a day trip to beitou and yangmingshan ✨ #traveltok #solotravel #travel2025 #solotravelwoman #travelfyp #travellife #taipeitaiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taipeitravel #asiatravel #hotsprings

♬ Transcend Piano Version – TWO LANES

For more things to do in Taipei, check out my blog Taipei, Taiwan Travel Guide: 7 Best Attractions You Can’t Miss