The park protects the Formosan landlocked salmon, a glacial relic that survived the end of the last ice age by moving to high-altitude freshwater streams.
Xueshan Main Peak features a rare glacial cirque, one of the few confirmed glacial landscapes in East Asia at this latitude.
The park contains the highest concentration of high-mountain peaks in Taiwan.
Formosan black bears, Taiwan's only native bear species, maintain a significant population within the park's protected boundaries.
The park's altitude range covers nearly every temperate climate zone in Taiwan within a single geographic area.
It was formally established in 1992 as Taiwan's fifth national park to preserve its unique mountain ecology and headwaters.
Shei-Pa National Park spans 76,850 hectares across Hsinchu and Miaoli counties, protecting high-altitude ecosystems ranging from 760 to 3,886 meters. It is defined by its rugged topography, featuring 51 peaks over 3,000 meters, including Xueshan, the second-highest mountain in Taiwan. The park serves as a critical refuge for the Formosan landlocked salmon, a glacial relic species found only in the Dajia River headwaters. Vegetation zones transition through broadleaf, mixed, coniferous, and alpine tundra forests based on elevation. The area is home to diverse fauna, including the Formosan black bear, Formosan macaque, and Mikado pheasant. Park headquarters are located in Dahu Township, while the Wuling Recreation Area provides specific access to salmon observation sites. The park is managed for biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and regulated mountaineering. Seismic activity and extreme weather patterns frequently impact trail conditions, necessitating careful prior planning.
The cirque at the base of Xueshan Main Peak.
Apply for mountain permits well in advance, as popular trails like Xueshan have strict daily quotas.
Prepare for rapid weather changes and extreme temperature drops regardless of the season.
Pack out all waste, as there are no trash facilities on backcountry trails.
Attempting high-altitude hikes without proper acclimatization or high-mountain hiking experience.
Trails may close temporarily due to typhoons, landslides, or heavy snow; mountain permits are subject to daily capacity limits.
Hikers must stay on marked trails to protect sensitive alpine vegetation; noise must be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife.
