Xiǎo yóu kēng Fumarole — Attraction in Taipei

Starting point of the Qixingshan Trail. The seven star mountain trail takes you through a series of fumaroles above the xiaoyoukeng volcanic vent area. Stunning scenery with unobstructed grassland with the ground emitting smoke just like a fantasy RPG setting. The unobstructed peak also means very very strong winds throughout the trail. Be careful not to be knocked over by the wind as the fall down the mountain is not pretty. That said in summer the wind provide a good respite from the unblocked sun but makes the winter extra chilly. During winter, gear up as if you are preparing for snow as it can get cold.

Note that there are a lot of stairs that needed to be climbed to reach the peak. While not for everyone, especially those physically unfit, I’ve seen kids run through the trail faster than me. However the full climb was pretty exhausting.

Yangmingshan is an active volcano. The magma chamber collapsed in February 2023, triggering an earthquake that can be felt all the way in Taipei city. Officials say an eruption is unlikely in the near future, but note that this is still an active volcano and you just need a shock to the magma chamber to cause an eruption.

Photos by jfilmtech which is my...

Beautiful views! I have never seen a fumarole before and have never smelled sulfur from a volcanic mountain as well. It is amazing to see the smoky facade of the mountain. Definitely worth a visit to see this dormant volcano if you haven’t seen one before!

Do note that it will be quite cold in the morning. I came about 11am and it was freezing cold at 5 degree Celsius! Do make sure you are...

Can be reached easily from the xiaoyoukeng visitor centre. V short and easy walk from the bus stop. Essentially if you're taking bus 108, which comes every 20 mins, a quick trip to this place plus a couple of photos will be sufficient for you to catch the next bus. Bus 1717 is also...