It's our second visit to Yangmingshan, and this time we came to admire the blossoming Calla lilies. Last year, we visited a beautiful hydrangea farm in the area. Visiting on a weekday turned out to be a great idea as there were fewer people, making it easier to drive and find parking. On weekends and holidays, traffic is often controlled to manage the crowds.
Yang Ming Shan National Park (陽明山國家公園)
Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園) is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan. It was established in 1985 and covers an area of 11,338 hectares. The park is known for its volcanic topography, primarily the Dagushan volcanic group. Within the park, you can find geothermal areas, hot springs, hiking trails, volcanoes, and a diverse range of plants and wildlife.
The highest peak in the park is Qixing Mountain, reaching a height of 1,120 meters. It is a typical cone-shaped volcano formed by the eruption of lava flows and volcanic debris.
The volcanic activity in Northern Taiwan is attributed to the subduction of the Philippine Sea plate under the Eurasian plate. The melting of the subducted plates in the hot region results in volcanic eruptions and the formation of volcanic landforms. This volcanic activity lasted for over 2 million years, forming more than 20 volcanoes. However, the activity ceased around 200,000 years ago.
The landscape of Yangmingshan showcases the remnants of post-volcanic activity, including cone-shaped and bell-shaped volcanoes, craters, crater lakes, dammed lakes, hot springs, and sulfur jet holes.
Hot springs in the area are formed by the underground supply of hot water, hydrostatic pressure, and deep fissures in rocks, allowing the water to reach the surface. Surface water seeps down and is heated by underground heat sources. Most of the heated water remains within the rocks, but some rises along the surface, forming hot springs.
Lava-dammed lakes are formed when water collects in a volcanic crater. Zhuzihu, located between Qixing Mountain and Datun Mountain, is an example of such a lake. However, the lake is currently dried up, and the area is used for flower cultivation.
The chemical properties and precipitation of volcanic rocks greatly influence the area, resulting in strongly acidic soil. The climate is also influenced by the strong northeast monsoon and micro-topography. There are approximately 1,300 species of vascular plants in Yangmingshan, with Zhuzihu being particularly renowned for its floral beauty.
Yangmingshan National Park experiences a subtropical climate zone, warm temperature climate zone, and a noticeable monsoon climate. The park is home to various species, including 30 mammals, 21 amphibians, 22 fishes, 53 reptiles, 122 birds, 168 butterflies, and numerous insects and invertebrates. Each season brings its own unique beauty to the area. In February and March, cherry blossoms and rhododendrons adorn the mountain slopes. In October, golden red maple trees and silver grass create a stunning display. During winter, snow can occasionally be seen on cold days, and the mesmerizing sight of seas of clouds can be observed.
Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan boasts 45 Calla lily farms, covering an area of over 13 hectares. Calla lilies are ornamental flowers, but it's important to note that they are toxic if ingested. These flowers typically grow to a height of 35-55cm and thrive in wet and humid environments, often found near ponds or riverbanks. While some farms may charge an entrance fee of 100-150 NTD, many places offer free parking and entrance. Visitorscan usually get up close to the flowers and even pick a few at some farms.
One notable feature within Yangmingshan National Park is Qixing Mountain (七星山), located in the Datun Volcano Group. It is the highest mountain in the city and the highest volcano in Taiwan. Qixing Mountain is situated in the center of Yangmingshan National Park and is one of the younger volcanoes in the area, with eruptions dating back 700,000 years. Due to post-eruption erosion, the mountain now features seven peaks. The mountain also exhibits faults across its southeast and northeast contours, with volcanic landforms such as hot springs and fumaroles.
The Datun Volcano Group is a collection of volcanoes in Northern Taiwan. It is the result of episodic volcanism that occurred between 2.8 to 0.2 million years ago. In 2005, there was a geothermal activity observed, and gas fumaroles were active in the area. Fumaroles are holes in the ground that emit steam and gases. It is also possible that magma chambers still exist beneath the surface of Northern Taiwan.
Overall, Yangmingshan National Park is a stunning destination with diverse natural landscapes, offering a variety of experiences throughout the year. From vibrant flower blooms to volcanic landforms, it is a true testament to Taiwan's remarkable natural beauty.
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| Calla Lilly Farms in front of Qixing Mountain |
