Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area — Attraction in Beitou

One of the three visitor centers you can visit before or after starting the trek up Mt. Qixing in Yangminshan National Park. The other two trailheads would be Lengshuikeng and Miaopu. I started my trek up the mountain with the Lengshuikeng trail and ended with Xiaoyoukeng. That way would be considered one of the "full circuit" trails. And imo, taking pics and vids of the various many fumaroles beside the Xiaoyoukeng trail is better if you're already on your way down. Each visitor center has restrooms and vending machines where you can either do your business before heading up or after you're done with the hike. I rather liked ending with the Xiaoyoukeng trail more because the view of the steam vents was better appreciated while snacking and...

Quite amazing 1.6km hike with 300m vertical climb to the main peak. Today was 30deg C and I struggled to walk. Took me 60 min to reach the peak which is exactly what the information board estimation was. If you are fit and weather is not as hot you could do faster

The whole way is well over with steps. Several viewing platforms installed along the way. There are information boards as well explaining the geology of the region. Main two highlights of the hole are panoramic view from the top sulfuric vents along the way

Make sure you visit the viewing platform at the car park. You can see a boiling sulfuric bubbling puddle of liquid there also Alps have a nice overall view of the land slide geologically...

The last time I was here with my daughter the fog was so heavy we could not walk from the parking lot to the entrance. I promised to bring her back, and I’m glad I was able to keep this promise.

This is a highly accessible vista point to see the special geological formations, namely the presence of magma chambers underground, their associated vents, the gases that bubble to the surface, and the traces of yellow sulfur left on the rocks near the vent.

My kids read about volcanoes and magma chamber, but this is a real opportunity to show them in person.

There are also hiking trails that start from this location that head higher...