The grassland area covers approximately 30 hectares, shaped by historical cattle grazing which prevented forest encroachment.
The cattle found here are descendants of water buffalo brought by early settlers and later cross-bred for ranching purposes.
The Jinbaoli Trail, or Fish Road Historic Trail, passing through the site was a primary trade route connecting the coast to the inner city before modern road networks.
The site sits at an elevation of approximately 770 meters above sea level.
During the Japanese colonial era, the area was officially utilized as a livestock management facility for local agricultural development.
Qingtiangang Grassland is a high-altitude volcanic terrace located within Yangmingshan National Park, characterized by its expansive open meadows and panoramic views of the Taipei Basin. The area is a remnant of a lava terrace formed by the eruption of Zhugao Mountain and Mt. Qixing. Visitors often encounter free-roaming cattle, which have been present in the area since the Japanese colonial period when the site functioned as a ranch. The landscape features a network of walking trails, including segments of the Jinbaoli Trail, an ancient path historically used for transporting fish from Jinshan to Taipei. The region is known for its frequent mist and sudden weather changes due to its elevation and exposure to northeast monsoon winds. Soil and terrain conditions here are heavily influenced by past volcanic activity and persistent rainfall. Much of the area is protected to preserve the unique grassland ecosystem. The site serves as a vital transition point between the rugged northern volcanic peaks and the suburban outskirts of Taipei.
The circular loop trail overlook, providing a 360-degree vantage point of the rolling hills and the coastline in the distance.
Bring a windproof, waterproof jacket as weather conditions change rapidly and temperatures are significantly lower than in Taipei City.
Maintain a respectful distance from the free-roaming cattle at all times.
Carry sun protection, as the trail network offers very little shade.
Attempting to pet or get close to the water buffalo, which are wild animals and can be aggressive; walking off-trail, which poses a safety risk due to uneven volcanic terrain.
The area may be temporarily inaccessible during extreme weather events, such as typhoons or heavy fog, as dictated by park authorities.
Stay on marked stone trails to avoid trampling vegetation or provoking free-roaming cattle; do not feed the livestock.
