Believe it or not, despite being a semi-tropical country Taiwan does get some snow during winter. Even a small powdering of snow in the mountains is bound to attract hoards of snow chasers in Taiwan who can usually only see snow by going on a trip overseas. In this guide, we will show you a list of places to see snow in Taiwan, as well as how to get there, and when to go.
⛰️ Planning your trip to Taiwan? ❄️
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to see snow: December to February when it is cold enough
- How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
- Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
- Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
History of Snow in Taiwan:
Snow is a normal occurrence in Taiwan, especially in the winter months from December to February in the mountains from 1,000 to 4,000 meters in elevation. Snow forms when the air temperature is at or below 0°C (32°F) and there is sufficient moisture in the atmosphere to produce ice crystals that accumulate and fall as snowflakes. During this time when the weather is cold enough and precipitation occurs, the right elements can form to bring snow to Taiwan. Usually, this snow does not last very long and all of it will melt away by summer.
In the 1960s, Hehuanshan, a 3,422-meter-high mountain, was discovered to have a two-month-long snow season each winter, making it suitable for skiing. The Taiwanese military established a cold-weather training base there in 1960, training soldiers in skiing and survival skills in preparation for potential missions in colder regions. By 1963, the Hehuan Ski Club was formed, and in 1966, the Taiwan Ski Association used the Songxuelou Lodge as a training base, even installing a 400-meter ski lift.
During the 1970s, Hehuanshan became a popular winter destination, hosting ski camps and snow-related activities. There were even proposals to develop it into a “Taiwanese Alps” for ski tourism. However, due to climate change, the snow season gradually shortened, and interest in skiing shifted abroad, particularly to Japan. As a result, Taiwan’s first ski resort faded into history.
Today, remnants of this past still exist—hikers at Hehuanshan’s east peak may come across an old red-brick building with a cable car turntable, a relic of the ski resort’s golden days.
When Does it Snow in Taiwan?
December to February when the temperature gets below freezing in the mountains.
List of Best Places to See Snow in Taiwan:
See below for a list of 15 of the best places to see snow in Taiwan!
Hehuanshan 合歡山
Hehuan Mountain (aka Hehuanshan or Mt. Hehuan) may be the most popular place to see snow in Taiwan, partly due to the fact that it has the highest public road in the country (located at Wuling (武嶺). Places like Hehuanshan are special because you can drive a vehicle right to the top…(read more)
Elevation: 3,416 m (11,207 ft)
Address: No. 11, Renhe Rd, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, 546
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Check out our full blog on snow on Hehuanshan here.
Taipingshan 太平山
Taipingshan (aka Taipingshan National Forest Recreational Area 太平山國家森林游樂區) is a magical mountain paradise in Datong Township of Yilan County in Taiwan. It has an old Japanese-era logging railroad track which has mostly been abandoned, but part of it has been restored with a working train. In addition, there are hot springs, Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, hikes, wildlife, and endless mountain scenery to explore. It usually snows every year at Taipingshan…(read more)
Elevation: 1,950 m (6,398 ft)
Address: No. 61, Yihe Lane, Yilan County, Datong Township, 267
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Check out our full guide to Taipingshan here.
Lalashan / Taoyuan Fuxing District 拉拉山
Due to its high elevation, it usually snows every year here. You can also drive a car up the mountain.
Elevation: 2,031 m (6,663 ft)
Address: No. 100, Fuxing Road Section 9, Fuxing District, Taoyuan City, 336
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Yangmingshan 陽明山
Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous area in Taipei and New Taipei, known for its volcanic activity, hiking trails, wildlife, waterfalls, hot springs, and sulfur vents. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei.
Due to its high elevation and northern latitude, it snows most years on Yangmingshan, but not every year. You can also drive a car up the mountain, and it is close to Taipei, making it one of the most convenient snow-spotting locations in Taiwan.
Elevation: 1,120 m (3,675 ft)
Address: No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City, 112
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Check out our full guide to Yangmingshan here.
Alishan 阿里山
Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the most famous mountain areas in Taiwan (aka Mount Ali, or Ali Mountain). Formerly a timber harvesting area during the Japanese Era, it still has a working rail system for park visitors to ride around the mountain. The mountain villages, ancient forests, waterfalls, hiking destinations, and tea plantations have made it a popular destination for tourists. It is also a popular destination to see the sunrise over a sea of clouds. Overall, it is one of the most iconic and well-known mountain destinations in Taiwan…(read more)
Elevation: 2,216 m (7,270 ft)
Address: No. 59, Zhongzheng Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County, 605
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Check out our full guide to Alishan here.
Mingchi Forest Recreation Area 明池國家森林遊樂區
Mingchi is another high mountain area in Yilan that often sees snow during the winter.
You can also drive a car up here.
Elevation: 1,150 m (3,773 ft)
Address: No. 6-1, Mingchi, Datong Township, Yilan County, 267
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Lishan 梨山
Lishan is a high mountain farming area in Taichung that often sees snow during the winter.
You can also drive a car up here.
Elevation: 1,980 m (6,496 ft)
Address: No. 91-2, Zhongzheng Rd, Heping District, Taichung City, 424
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Wuling Farm 武陵農場
Wuling Farm is a recreational farm in the mountains of Taichung, Taiwan. It is one of the only places where you can spot the endangered Formosan Landlocked Salmon in the wild and includes flowers, fruit trees, tea plantations, cherry blossoms, hikes, camping, waterfalls, and wildlife to enjoy. It is a great place to experience Taiwan’s high mountain ecology…(read more)
You can also drive a car up here.
Elevation: 1,740 m (5,709 ft)
Address: No. 3-1, Wuling Rd, Heping District, Taichung City, 424
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Check out our full guide to Wuling Farm here.
Fushoushan Farm 福壽山農場
Fushoushan is a high mountain farming area in Taichung that often sees snow during the winter.
You can also drive a car up here.
Elevation: 2,500 m (8,202 ft)
Address: No. 29, Fushou Rd, Heping District, Taichung City, 424
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Shepa National Park 雪霸國家公園
Shepa National Park covers a wide high mountain area (including Snow Mountain) that often sees snow during the winter.
You can also drive a car up many roads here.
Elevation: 3,886 m (12,749 ft)
Address: No. 1, Xuepa Rd, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County, 365
How to get there: Car, Taxi, or Chartered Vehicle. Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
Snow Mountain 雪山
Snow Mountain is so named because it often sees snow, sometimes piling up to over 10 CM. Many people like to hike here during the winter to see the snow.
Please note that a hike here requires permits and proper equipment.
Elevation: 3,886 m (12,749 ft)
Address: No. 9-3, Wuling Rd, Heping District, Taichung City, 424
How to get there: A long backpacking trip from Heping District in Taichung.
Jade Mountain 玉山國家公園
Jade Mountain is the highest mountain in Taiwan and is usually one of the first places on the island to receive snowfall.
Please note that a hike here requires permits and proper equipment.
Elevation: 3,952 m (12,966 ft)
Address: Xinyi Township, Nantou County, 556
How to get there: A long backpacking trip from Nantou County.
Check out our guide to climbing Jade Mountain here.
Nanhu Mountain 南湖大山
Mount Nanhu is another high mountain in Taiwan that receives snow every year.
Please note that a hike here requires permits and proper equipment.
Elevation: 3,742 m (12,277 ft)
Address: Heping District, Taichung City, 424
How to get there: A long backpacking trip from Heping District in Taichung.
Jiaming Lake 嘉明湖
Jiaming Lake is a high mountain lake in Taiwan that receives yearly snow despite being below the Tropic of Cancer.
Please note that a hike here requires permits and proper equipment.
Elevation: 3,310 m (10,860 ft)
Address: Haiduan Township, Taitung County, 957
How to get there: A long backpacking trip from Taitung County.
Anywhere Above 1,000 Meters in Elevation 海拔1000公尺以上
As long as the temperature is freezing and there is enough moisture in the air, it can snow anywhere in Taiwan. However, usually, this happens during the coldest parts of winter in places over 1,000 meters in Taiwan. Snow can happen anywhere over 1,000 meters in Taiwan, but usually, these places can be hard to get to.
Map of Snow Chasing Locations in Taiwan:
See below for a map of the places listed above.
Current Live Snow Conditions in Taiwan:
Check out the links to live feeds of some of the locations above to see if snow has fallen (or check out the Taiwan Live website here):
Be sure to also check news and weather reports to see if snow will fall in current locations.
How to Travel to the Snow / How to Get There?
We recommend the following modes of transportation to see snow in Taiwan:
- Car Rental: if you are comfortable driving a car in the snow, car rental may be the most convenient way to see the snow. We recommend using Klook here or KKday here to rent or charter cars in Taiwan for the best deals.
- Taxi: Hiring a taxi can also be a good way to see the snow, however, you should always check with the taxi driver first to make sure they are okay driving in the snow.
- Chartered Vehicle: Chartering a vehicle can also be a great way to see the snow, however, you should always check with the driver first to make sure they are okay driving in the snow.
- Busses may be an option, but often bus routes are canceled when there is snow on the roads.
- Scooter Rental may be an option, but often times snowy roads are closed to scooter traffic.
- Walking or hiking may be the only way to see snow in some places such as the high mountains. Be sure to apply in advance for needed permits and bring proper snow gear, boots, poles, warm wool/polyester clothes, and waterproof clothing.
Tips For Driving in the Snow in Taiwan:
- Put on Chains (if required): Many snowy roads in Taiwan require chains to drive on them, so make sure you have chains ready or rent chains from a nearby auto parts store in case they are required.
- Drive a Front Wheel Drive or 4×4 car: Rear-wheel drive cars do not handle well in the snow.
- Drive slowly: Drive at a slower speed than usual, and give yourself more stopping room.
- Drive smoothly: Be gentle with your steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes.
- Avoid sudden movements: Jerky movements can cause your tires to lose grip.
- Increase the following distance: Leave enough space between you and the car ahead so you can stop if needed.
- Don’t use cruise control: Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces.
- Preparation
- Prepare your car: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread.
- Prepare yourself: Dress warmly and bring extra food, water, and blankets.
- Prepare for emergencies: Bring a shovel, cat litter, and a fully-charged phone.
- Follow traffic control: Some snowy roads may have traffic control. Be sure to follow and respect the rules of the road during snowy conditions.
Important Tips While Chasing Snow in Taiwan:
- Dress in layers and bring enough warm accessories such as boots, gloves, hats, and waterproof coats.
- Wear down, wool, fleece, and polyester instead of cotton and denim.
- Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or goggles, and avoid using contact lenses.
- To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to stay overnight before ascending to areas above 1,000 meters. We recommend booking through Agoda here which provides the best quality selection.
- Be sure to apply in advance for needed hiking permits and bring proper snow gear, boots, poles, warm wool/polyester clothes, and waterproof clothing on hiking trips.
- If you are flying a drone during cold and snowy conditions, you may need to pre-heat the batteries for a successful flight.
Our Experience Chasing Snow in Taiwan
I have seen snow in Taiwan many times on high mountains, but I can only really say that I have gone to chase snow in Taiwan twice: once on a car trip to Hehuanshan, and once while hiking Jade Mountain.
Hehuanshan 合歡山
My only trip to Hehuanshan was in early February during the Chinese New Year. The ride up to Hehuanshan from Nantou was long and windy, and only a few of us got carsick and vomited. Near the top, we encountered thick fog, which made driving dangerous and meant that we couldn’t see any of the surrounding scenery. The traffic can get pretty bad near the top, especially during major holidays in winter. It seems that many people made small snowmen in their cars in the parking lot.
For more, check out my full journey to Hehuanshan here.
Jade Mountain 玉山
I climbed Jade Mountain in 2017 in December when there was a bit of snow on the mountain. For my full account of that hike, check out my blog here.
Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our Taiwan Festivals Guide here, and our full travel guide to Taiwan here.
Did we miss any snow-chasing locations in Taiwan? Let us know in the comments!
