Jade Mountain West Peak “Yushan Xi Feng” stands at 3,518 meters and is #25 on the 100 Peaks of Taiwan list. Jade Mountain West Peak is a one hour walk from the Paiyun Lodge which is the overnight accomodation for hikers venturing to Jade Mountain Main Peak. The hike is a nice walk through beautiful wooded forest. The west peak itself is nothing spectacular and there are very little views. However, it is a nice way to spend your time while you are waiting around at Paiyun. And, of course, it’s another Taiwan 100 peak to tick off your list….
How to Get to Jade Mountain West Peak
Once you are at Paiyun Lodge, you will see the sign below. You’ve just come from the Tatajia Saddle and are probably going towards the main peak tomorrow morning. Facing the lodge, you head left and up a trail for the west peak. There will be some other signs as well. It’s not hard to miss. The trail is 2.2km long and takes about 1 hour. It is relatively flat.
The trail starts out walking past the medical building for Paiyun Lodge. I like the address. #99 Paiyun.
One hundred meters in and you will see another sign. You are on your way.
Soon there is a stunning view of the Paiyun Lodge along the mountainside.
There are no big climbs or downhills on this hike. It is mostly flat and the trail is worn down and clear.
At one point, the trail opens along a ridge.
The trail widens at times with very few rocks and roots, so it’s easy stepping.
The halfway point. There are plenty of distance markers along the trail.
Hikers can see some great vistas of Yushan National Park.
There is a small Japanese shrine built at the peak. The shrine is there to worship the Sun Goddess. It was rebuilt after 1945 by Yushan National Park entirely with wood and no nails.
The shrine retains a distinct Japan style.
This sign marks the West Peak. Congratulations, you’ve made it. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
