Snow in Taiwan: 7 Best Places for a Winter Wonderland Experience
Want to experience snow in Taiwan? Add these places to your Taiwan winter itinerary!
We went to Taiwan in spring and spotted some Taiwan cherry blossoms. But we’d like to go back to experience snow (crossing fingers!) during the winter season. Though there are several artificial snow attractions in the Philippines, nothing beats the magical feeling of seeing and touching real snow.
Unlike Japan and Korea, Taiwan is generally a snow-free country. But do you know that during the freezing months of December to February, there are places in Taiwan where it actually snows? Yes, mostly in mountainous areas with higher elevations. Read on to find out!
Accessible areas to experience snow in Taiwan
1. Hehuanshan in Hualien
Hehuanshan is one of the best places to experience snow in Taiwan. In fact, when winter conditions are right with dropping temperatures in December and February, you can witness snowfall from an accessible public road.
When it snows, the landscape turns into a stunning winter wonderland, which is truly a sight to behold for many locals and visitors to Taiwan, who don’t normally witness it in low-lying areas of the country.
Tip: Make your trip to Hehuanshan even more dramatic by joining this Sunrise Tour.
Address: No. 65, Guanyuan, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the THSR to Taichung Station. Then, ride the Nantou Bus Route 6670 to Cingjing Farm (via Puli). From Puli, take the Nantou Bus Route 6664 to Cingjing Farm. Transfer to Nantou Bus Route 6658A or 6658 to Hehuanshan. Alternatively, you can join this 2-day tour from Taipei for more convenience.
Entrance fee: Free, but there are applicable parking fees
2. Taipingshan in Yilan
Located in a high area in Northern Taiwan, Taipingshan is one of the most accessible places to see snow in Taiwan, even easier to reach than Hehuanshan. It has paved mountain roads, making it an easy day trip from Taipei.
During winter, when temperatures drop to below zero, ice crystals form on trees, creating a surreal frozen forest, which is a rare sight in Taiwan.
Address: 太平巷58之1號, Datong Township, Yilan County, 267, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the bus from Taipei City Hall Bus Station to Yilan Bus Station. Then, take Bus 1750/1750A to Taipingshan. For convenience, join this Taipingshan Day Tour from Taipei.
Entrance fee: NT$150 (regular day); NT$200 (holiday)
Book: Klook; KKday
3. Lalashan in Taoyuan
Lalashan in Taoyuan is a top winter destination not too far from Taipei. It is known for its cool climate, sea of clouds, and ancient cypress forests.
When cold waves hit in winter, it becomes even more scenic with light snow blanketing the area. Complete your trip here by following the circular trail to see the magnificent giant cypress trees up close.
Address: 華陵村7鄰29號, Fuxing District, Taoyuan City, 336, Taiwan
How to get there: From Taoyuan Train Station or HSR Taoyuan Station, take a bus to Fuxing District. Then, transfer to a local shuttle bus going to Baling or Lalashan. For hassle-free transport, join this Lalashan day trip from Taipei.
Entrance fee: NT$150 (adults); NT$75 (students); NT$10 (seniors & kids)
Book: Klook; KKday
Snow in Taiwan for experienced hikers
4. Xueshan in Taichung
Xueshan, also known as Snow Mountain, is indeed a top place to experience snow in Taiwan. However, it is mainly for experienced hikers as it requires multi-day hikes and winter mountaineering skills.
If you’re interested in climbing Xueshan, you can join this Snow Mountain East Peak 2-Day Hiking Trip, which already includes a professional mountain guide, meals, insurance, and transfers to the Xueshan trailhead.
Address: Heping District, Taichung City, 424, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the train to Yilan Station from Taipei Main Station. Then, transfer to Kuo-Kuang Bus 1751 going to Wuling Farm, where you can find the trailhead to Xueshan. You can join this Snow Mountain hiking tour for a guided trip.
Entrance fee: No entrance fee to the mountain itself, but to access the mountain trailhead, you need to pay the Wuling Farm entrance fees: NT$130 (weekdays); NT$160 (holidays)
Book: Klook
5. Yushan in Nantou
At 3,952m above sea level, Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, is Taiwan’s highest mountain. With its extremely high altitude, steep terrain, and challenging weather conditions, especially during winter, it is not recommended for beginners.
If you’re up for the challenge, join this all-inclusive 2D Yushan Hiking Tour complete with transportation, accommodation, meals, a professional guide, and mountaineering equipment.
Address: Xinyi Township, Nantou County, 556, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the THSR to Chiayi Station, where you can ride the Nantou Bus to Alishan. Then, take the local bus to Tataka Recreation Area in Yushan National Park. Here, you will check in with a permit and take the shuttle to the trailhead. It’s mandatory to join guided tours like this Yushan Hiking Tour, which already includes everything you need for the hike.
Entrance fee: No entrance fee to the mountain itself, but you need to pay for permits and guided tours
Book: Klook
Scenic places for potential snow in Taiwan
6. Mingchi Forest Recreation Area in Yilan
Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is a well-preserved forested area in Yilan, which gets occasional snow or frost during the winter season in Taiwan.
The main draw here is the serene lake surrounded by cypress trees and cryptomeria, making it a picture-perfect spot for visitors.
Address: No.1, Mingchi Shanzhuang, Datong Township, Yilan County, 267, Taiwan
How to get there: Take a train to Yilan, then hop on a Kuo-Kuang Bus to Cilan Recreation Area Stop, where you can take a taxi or local transfer to Mingchi. For convenience, join this Mingchi One-Day Tour.
Entrance fee: NT$150 (adults); NT$75 (children)
Book: Klook
7. Wuling Farm in Taichung
Wuling Farm is not only a top cherry blossom and autumn foliage spot in Taiwan, but also a winter destination with white snow covering the mountains during the cold months.
Cross the Wuling Suspension Bridge to see the beauty of the winter landscape from a breathtaking vantage point. And, sample some agricultural products and tea while you’re here to complete your Wuling experience.
Address: No. 3-1, Wuling Road, Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan
How to get there: Take the train from Taipei Main Station to Yilan Station, where you can hop on a Kuo-Kuang Bus 1751 to Wuling Farm. Alternatively, you can join a Wuling Farm Day Tour from Taipei.
Entrance fee: NT$130 (weekdays); NT$160 (holidays)
Book: Klook; KKday
Layer up, explore these winter wonderlands, and experience the dreamy snow in Taiwan!
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