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100 Peaks: Hehuanshan Mountains - A Comprehensive Guide with Public Transport and How to Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

10 peaks of hehuanshan and xiao qilai trail, 100 peaks: hehuanshan mountains - a comprehensive guide with public transport and parking lots. or hire me, map/gpx data, the easy routes to enjoy hehuanshan, the more challenging route: hehuanshan north peak and west peak, the most challenging route: exit hehuanshan west peak from huagang 華崗, weather and high-altitude sickness: being easy doesn't mean you won't get it, about hehuanshan and the only ski resort in taiwan.

• Related Posts

8 Easy Peaks to Hike: Hiking Permits Not Required

• Hehuanshan Main Peak 合歡山主峰 , 3,417 meters (11,210.6 feet) above sea level, and is listed among 100 Peaks. There is a Class 3 Triangulation Stone on the top. Distance: a 3.6km (2.2 miles) out-and-back trail.
• Hehuanshan East Peak 合歡山東峰 , 3,421 meters (10,554.4 feet) above sea level and is listed among 100 Peaks. Distance: a 2.1km (1.3 miles) out-and-back trail.
• Mt. Shimen 石門山 , 3,237 meters (10,620 feet) above sea level and listed in 100 Peaks. There is a Class 3 Triangulation Stone on the top. Distance: a 1.6km (1 mile) out-and-back trail.
• Mt. Shimen North Peak 石門山北峰 , 3,275 meters (10,744.7 feet) above sea level. Distance: a 1.7km (1.1 miles) out-and-back trail.
• Mt. Haha 哈哈山 , 3,286 meters (10,780.8 feet) above sea level.
• Mt. Nanhaha or Mt. South Haha 南哈哈山 , 3,285 meters (10,777.5 feet) above sea level. Mt. Shimen North Peak, Mt. Haha, and Mt. Nanhaha are on the same route, and Mt. Shimen North Peak is the farthest point on this route. The distance of this out-and-back route is 1.7 km (1.1 miles).
• Mt. Hehuanjian 合歡尖山 , 3,217 meters (10,554.4 feet) above sea level. Distance: a 0.8 km (0.5 miles) out-and-back trail. You can do Mt. Hehuanjian, Mt. Shimen, Mt. South Haha, Mt. Haha, and Mt. Shimen North Peak together. This out-and-back route is about 4.6 km (2.9 miles).
• Hehuanshan South Peak 合歡山南峰 , 3,070 meters (10,072 feet) above sea level. Distance: a 1 km (0.6 miles) out-and-back trail from Kunyang Parking Lot 昆陽停車場.

2 Challenging Peaks to Hike: Hiking Permits Not Required

• Hehuanshan North Peak 合歡山北峰 , 3,422 meters (11,227 feet) above sea level. Listed in 100 Peaks. Distance: a 4.8km (3 miles) out-and-back trail.
• Hehuanshan West Peak 合歡山西峰 , 3,145 meters (10,318.2 feet) above sea level. Listed in 100 Peaks. Distance: a 13.4km (8.3 miles) out-and-back trail. Hehuanshan North Peak is on this route if you hike to the West Peak.

Another Small Trail to Enjoy: Hiking Permits Not Required

Stay at songxue lodge 松雪樓 or ski hostel 滑雪山莊.

Stay at Qingjing (Cingjing) Farm 清境農場

Public Transport

• First, book your bus tickets (6664) from High Speed Rail Taichung Station to the Guest House at Qingjing Farm. Bus fare: NT$233 cash one way
• Then, book the bus (6658A) from Qingjing Guest House to Hehuanshan (and vice versa) online. Bus fare: NT$95 cash one way. This bus is a minibus with limited seats. Please book your seats in advance.
• To make your trip easier, buy an EasyCard or iPass at any MRT Station or convenience store and deposit enough money. You can swipe the card for the bus fare without needing coins and get some discount. You can use either EasyCard or iPass for purchases at convenience stores.

Where to Park Your Car If You Drive

Free guide for hehuanshan public transport and free parking lots.

Hire Me: Simplify Your Taiwan Hike with Our Services

Hehuanshan Main Peak

Cold 🥶 #Hehuanshan #Taiwan pic.twitter.com/0BDzZXGPhP — Anusha - Taiwan Mountains (@AnushaHiking) April 14, 2023

Hehuanshan East Peak

Hehuanshan South Peak

From Hehuan Mountain South Peak 合歡山南峰. #mountains #Taiwan #timelapse pic.twitter.com/gQGeIgiDnG — Anusha - Taiwan Mountains (@AnushaHiking) September 1, 2022

Mt. Shimen, the Easiest 100 Peaks to Climb

Mt. Haha and Mt. Shimen North Peak

Stunning Sunrise

Hehuanshan Nor Peak with 360° view

7 Ups And 8 Downs to Hehuanshan West Peak

Hehuanshan West Peak with Spectacular Views

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anusha Lee (@anusha.taiwanhikes)

Extreme Descending

Beware of the Water When Crossing Hehuan Creek

A Pleasant Surprise: Formosan Landlocked Salmon and Beautiful Hehuan Creek Trail

Ascend Too Fast, including the Car Ride

Seasoned Hikers Aren't Exempt from Getting High-Altitude Sickness

The Only Way: Descend

Certified as Dark Sky Park in 2019

Related Posts:

On taiwan hikes, english posts.

https://www.rtaiwanr.com/hehuanshan

• Today sunny 28°C

Most countries do not possess mountains higher than three thousand meters. Even if they do, visitors still have to climb with heavy equipment in order to get on the clouds. However, in Taiwan, it only takes a three-hour drive from the downtown to reach Wuling, a mountain at an altitude of 3275 meters. Another hour of hiking brings visitors to Hehuan Main Peak, where clouds gather on the ridges. Before the sun sinks into sea of clouds, afterglow of the sun makes a red sky. Visitors who stay a night at Song Syue Lodge can clearly see the galaxy over the skyline. In winter, Hehuan North Peak is indeed covered by silver white snow. Driving further into the mountains, visitors arrive at Dayuling, where grows the best tea in Taiwan. What's more, the maple leaves and cosmos flowers in Fushoushan offer breathtaking scenery.

Hehuanshan - A Hiking Adventure for All Abilities

A Singaporean's Adventures at Home and Abroad

HeHuanShan 合歡山: A Hiking Adventure in Taiwan

Hehuanshan/ Mt HeHuan/ 合歡山, located in central Taiwan, is a beloved destination for hikers and nature lovers.

I had the good fortune of exploring two of its trails, admiring the stunning mountain vistas, and observing the inquisitive native alpine birds during a two-day trip just before the Lunar New Year.

So without ado, let’s get on to the hikes, accommodation options and transport methods for this gorgeous mountain!

I visited Hehuanshan in Jan 2023. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Cheers!

Baiyue 百岳 (100 peaks of Taiwan)

Hehuanshan is home to five Baiyues : 

• Main Peak 主峰 (3417 m)
• North Peak 北峰 (3422 m)
• East Peak 東峰 (3421 m)
• West Peak 西峰 (3145 m)
• Shimenshan/ Mt. Shimen 石門山 (3237 m)

For those unfamiliar, Baiyue – bai 百: hundred, yue 岳: mountain – is a list of 100 mountains in Taiwan . The list was curated by a Taiwanese hiking legend, Lin WenAn 林文安, in the 1970s, based on criteria such as uniqueness 奇, danger 險, height 峻, and beauty 秀 of the peaks.

Of the 100 peaks, 69 are found in the Central Mountain Range 中央山脈, 20 in Xueshan Range 雪山山脈, and the remaining 11 in the Yushan Range 玉山山脈. Generally, all mountains on the list are over 3000 m.

Where in Hehuanshan?

Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area 合歡山國家森林遊樂區 , located at the Western edge of Taroko National Park, straddles the Nantou and Hualien counties.

One of the highlights of Hehuanshan is Wuling 武嶺, Taiwan’s highest motorable pass at 3275 m. Unfortunately for us, the rest stop with a massive marble sign indicating Wuling was under renovation. However, if you’re feeling playful, check out the live camera around the area and maybe spot yourself captured here in the frame .

Hehuanshan is extremely popular, but you do not need to apply for permits for the hikes, unlike Lake Jiaming …

Getting There

Private transport.

Getting your private transport is by far the best option, but warning – the drive up is not for the faint-hearted! Having travelled for two years around New Zealand , we are used to the roads there to get to our hiking spots. But the mountain roads of Taiwan are another story! Expect a lot more hair-raising moments with its narrowness (sometimes one-lane routes!), crazy drivers, and blind spots!

Take it slow, stay in the right gear and check the convex mirrors (if any) before turning.

You would be sharing the roads with scooters, motorcycles and hard-core bicycle riders!

• From Taipei (290 km): at least 4 hours via Highway 3
• From Kaohsiung (290 km): at least 4 hours via Highway 3
• From Taichung (120 km): at least 2.5 hours via Highway 6
• From Hualien (100 km): at least 2.5 hours via Highway 8

Don’t have your own car? Check out rates for private transport here .

Or you could save all that trouble with this guided one-day tour to both Cingjing Farm and HeHuanshan .

Public Transport

Train to taichung.

To get to Hehuanshan from anywhere, you first have to find yourself in Taichung. Get your tickets for the high-speed rail early.

Bus to Cingjing/ Qingjing

Once in Taichung, grab the bus towards Cingjing/ Qingjing Farm 清境農場. You can find the timetables on the website of the Nantou bus. Otherwise, if you are travelling from the high-speed rail station 臺中高鐵站, there are four direct buses in the morning to Qingjing Farm – 8.50, 9.35, 10.15 and 11.35. 

Bus #6664 takes about 3 hours to reach the farm and costs around NTD 233. Pay in exact cash or use the EasyCard .

Bus to Hehuanshan

From Qingjing Farm, change to bus 6658A . There are only three buses everyday at 8.20 am, 11.10 am, and 2.30 pm. Check the exact stop you intend to alight:

• Wuling 武嶺 (the highest motor pass in Taiwan)
• Songsyuelou 松雪樓 (a hotel)
• Shimenshan/ Mt Shimen 石門山 (a hiking trail)
• Hehuanshan Service Station 合歡山管理站 (food sold here)

Spare around NTD 100. The journey should take at most an hour.

Getting around Hehuanshan

As you can see, the bus timings are extremely infrequent. Apart from walking, your next best bet is to hitchhike.

Hehuan Jianshan 合歡尖山 (3217 m)

Mt Jianshan leaves an impression on most people for its appearance – like a cone used in maths class. Jianshan – jian: 尖 meant sharp or pointy – was carved out of two or more glaciers moving in opposing directions.

While the peak is above 3000 m, it is strangely not classified as a Baiyue .

The trail to its summit is not long, but the mountain rises steeply (~107 m). Spare about an hour for a return journey.

There are two ways to reach the top: 

• The north side with a newly constructed staircase-style wooden plank trail, which links to a carpark
• The south side is mainly rocky and on dirt paths

We climbed the stairs from the carpark.

Shimenshan 石門山 (3237 m)

Shimenshan is the easiest Baiyue to climb in Hehuan. Spare at least 45 mins for this trek, which isn’t too tough but has all the good views. The trailhead of Shimenshan is opposite the road near the trailhead of Jianshan.

Hehuan East Peak 合歡東峰 (3421 m)

The 35th peak of Baiyue has a trailhead located near the Hehuanshan Visitor Center 合歡山遊客中心, which explains its popularity. If you’re staying at Songsyuelou, you can enter this trail from the back of the hotel.

The 1.1 km long trail rises steeply (~321 m) with certain portions requiring all fours. Spare at least two hours for a return hike.

My best friend did this trek in the early morning, hoping to catch the sunrise. I, on the other hand, was happily tucked under warm blankets while the freezing wind (it was minus one) blew. He saw no view as the fog enveloped everything.

Hehuan Main Peak 合歡主峰 (3417 m)

The trailhead of Hehuan Main Peak is around Wuling 武嶺, so most people park their cars at Wuling and walk over. Hehuan Main Peak is an easy hike for those new to the Baiyue challenge. Check out this blogger’s recount back in 2019 (it may be in Mandarin, but the post is packed with photos).

The 3.6 km return route with an altitude difference of 230 m, takes about 2 hours to complete.

Hehuan North Peak 合歡北峰 (3422 m)

The 32nd peak of Baiyue is said to contain the best views , which is why it is a must-do for those fit for the challenge. It is also the highest peak in the park.

The trailhead is about 3.5 km away from the Hehuan Visitor Center. Spare at least three hours for the return journey. Expect an elevation gain of 447 m.

The first leg of the hike takes you through an exposed, rocky terrain that may require the use of ropes and crawling on all fours to ascend. After approximately 1.5 hours of trekking from the trailhead, you’ll reach a massive reflector board that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From there, it’s another 0.5-hour hike to the summit. Despite the challenges posed by the rugged terrain, the hike is not overly strenuous for us and is well worth the effort for the breathtaking scenery.

It could get windy and chilly at the top!

Hehuan West Peak 合歡西峰 (3145 m)

To tackle Hehuan West Peak, you’ll need a full day of 8-10 hours . It shares the same trailhead as the North Peak.

Although it’s the shortest of the Baiyues, don’t underestimate the undulating trail that will have you climbing and descending five false peaks before you reach the remote summit. But the stunning panoramic views of nearby peaks like Xueshan 雪山圈谷, Dajianshan 大劍山, Jiayangshan 佳陽山, and Shouchengshan 守城大山 will make every step worth it.

Accommodation

For my 2D1N trip, we stayed at Songsyuelou 松雪樓 . 

Situated at an elevation of 3150 meters, Songsyuelou, our Song Syue Lodge , is the highest hotel in Taiwan that is conveniently located next to the Hehuan Visitor Centre 合歡山遊客服務中心.

Owing to that, it is a highly sought-after accommodation option, hence, reserving a room in advance is important , especially during peak seasons. The room rates for two people range from TWD 3200 to TWD 4100, and while it may be slightly more expensive, the breathtaking views of the Hehuan mountain valley make it worth the cost.

There are more accommodation options around Qingjing Farm , about 40 mins to an hour’s drive from Hehuanshan.

Maple Leaf Holiday Villa (清境楓葉山莊民宿) is one of the lodges – I dare say – closest to Hehuanshan, discounting Songsyelou. This 3-star lodge has excellent views of the mountains and has a delicious breakfast and free parking space.

Those with young children could consider spending a night or two at Chingjing Abin Minshuku (清境木木杉阿彬民宿). They have rooms fitted with an indoor playground, complete with slides and nets to keep your young ones busy. As with the previous villa, the adults get to enjoy the peaceful mountainscape while the kids play.

And if you want a romantic stay in a castle by the mountains – to propose maybe? 😏- Arts Castle is the option for you. You could easily fool others that you’re anywhere but Asia with a photo of the castle amidst a backdrop of the Milky Way.

For those without cars, consider staying within walking distance to Qingjing with Cingjing Suwu B&B (清境宿霧山宛) or Bolekai B&B (清境柏克萊民宿). Both are within 8 – 10 mins walking distance to the bus stop/ tour pickup points.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hehuanshan is from late autumn (Oct – Nov) to early spring (Feb – Mar) when the weather is cool and dry, and the skies are usually clearer.

During these months, you could enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, and experience the beauty of the alpine vegetation. However, as with all high mountains, please check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.

We visited during January, just before the Lunar New Year week, and there was frost and fog in the early morning. Lucky for us, there wasn’t any snow on the roads, if not our trip would have been called off.

The typhoon season in Taiwan usually lasts from Jun-Oct, with the peak season from Jul – Sep. During this time, seasonal storms can strike the island at any time. It is not advisable to visit the high mountains during those periods.

And that is all from me for Hehuanshan – the easiest mountain range to start your Baiyue collection.

Reiterating some more pointers for you to take note of:

• Book Songsyuelou early . Especially during peak season.
• Drive safely. The mountain roads are crazy there.
• Pack enough warm clothes. Weather up in the mountains is highly unpredictable. Here I wear my trusty red Marmot Jacket over a fleece , and Merrell hiking boots . I also like to have my water kept warm in a thermal flask .
• Pack snacks/ food. The only places selling food at Hehuanshan are the Hehuan Visitor Centre 合歡山遊客服務中心, Hehuanshan Service Centre 合歡山管理站, and Songsyuelou 松雪樓.
• Prep your amazing cameras for some stunning shots of the Milky Way ! The dark skies make for some lovely night views when the weather is perfect of course.

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How to Visit Hehuanshan for Epic Sunrises, Hiking, and Snow

Hehuanshan (合歡山 / Hehuan Mountain or Mt. Joy) is one of the most appealing high mountain areas and one of my favorite places in Taiwan .

Imagine a place where you can practically drive a car to the summit of a 3000+ meter mountain, see snow in a tropical country (there even used to be a ski resort!), and witness the famed sea of clouds (雲海) at sunrise. That would be Hehuanshan!

For casual visitors, Hehuanshan requires a bit of planning . For example, there are only three buses from Cingjing Farm to Hehuanshan per day. There’s also only one hotel at Hehuanshan, Songsyue Lodge, and it is very difficult to book (find out how in my Songsyue Lodge review ).  

In this article, I’m going to cover a lot: how to get to Hehuanshan by car, bus, or tour, things you need to prepare, how to go stargazing or see the sunrise, all the main lookout points, and how to hike to 5 of Taiwan’s top-100 peaks .

2024 Earthquake Update: Due to the April 3 earthquake, the main hikes around Hehuanshan were closed, but most of them have no reopened. Highway 8 from Taichung/Cingjing to Hehuanshan and Highway 7甲 from Dayuling to Yilan are still open, so you can still drive from Taichung to Hehuanshan to Yilan. However, Highway 8 from Dayuling to Taroko Gorge in Hualien is indefinitely closed. See my guide to visiting Hualien post-earthquake .

Table of Contents

Hehuanshan Introduction

In a country that is famous for its high mountains, Hehuanshan is the 43 rd tallest, at 3422 meters (11,227 ft). It is a national forest recreation area spanning Nantou and Hualien counties and lies within Taroko National Park – this may surprise you, as most people first think of the park’s namesake feature, Taroko Gorge.

Hehuanshan is also Taiwan’s first and only dark sky park ( see official entry ).

The mountain belongs to the Central Mountain Range (中央山脈), the main mountain range in Taiwan. Although it is closer to the east coast, most people reach it from Taichung on the west coast, especially in the last few years, with major landslide damage on the highway from Taroko Gorge to Hehuanshan.

Hehuanshan actually consists of 5 peaks : North Peak (3422 m), East Peak (3421 m), Main Peak (3417 m), West Peak (3145 m), and South Peak (3070 m).

Four of these peaks (all of them except South Peak) are on the list of the 100 Peaks of Taiwan (臺灣百岳).

Shimenshan (石門山), a great spot to watch the sunrise at Hehuanshan, is also on the list. This means that you can rather easily bag 5 of the 100 great peaks of Taiwan in one place – nowhere else can this be done without hiking for many days!

Access to Hehuanshan is on Highway 14A . The road was originally an aboriginal trail across the high mountain range. The Japanese military built the first road over Wuling Pass (武嶺, 3275 meters), which is between Hehuanshan Main and East peaks.

After the KMT arrived in Taiwan, President Chiang Kai-shek had a ski lodge built at Hehuanshan, which is today’s Songsyue Lodge (松雪樓) . The KMT used the ski resort for military training as part of their plan to someday take back China.

Today, Wuling Pass remains the highest navigable pass in Taiwan and all of East Asia. The lodge now serves as a popular accommodation for hikers in the region.

Seeing Snow at Hehuanshan

Hehuanshan is nicknamed Taiwan’s “Snow Village” (雪鄉). In January and February, snow sometimes falls on its peaks and around Kunyang Parking Lot, Wuling Pass, Hehuanshan Visitor’s Center, and Hehuanshan Service Station.

Hehuanshan is the best place to see snow in Taiwan without doing a difficulty multi-day hike such as Snow Mountain.

There is no other place where you can drive up to such a high altitude where snow regularly falls right on the road. You can also drive up to Taipingshan , but snow only falls there around once per year, or sometimes not at all. There have also been two freak snowfalls at Yangmingshan in Taipei , in 2016, 2018, and 2024).

Even though Hehuanshan used to have enough snow to make a ski resort, due to warming temperatures, there is much less snow at Hehuanshan today compared to the 1970s, such as in the above historical photograph.

Nowadays, if it even snows a little at Hehuanshan, it will be in the national news across Taiwan . Then thousands of people will flock there to try to see it.

If the main goal of your trip to Taiwan is to see snow (I know from my Taiwan Travel Planning group that many people do), you risk being disappointed .

Even if you come in January or February, which have the highest chance of snow, you might travel all the way there to find there’s no snow that day.

It only snows sometimes in January and February , and the snow doesn’t always stay on the ground. Or sometimes, you might only see a little snow on the mountains, but there will be none on the road or you can’t touch it.

What’s more, if you plan to drive to Hehuanshan to see the snow, there are some important things to know. First, if there’s fresh snow and it made the news, the road to Hehuanshan could be totally jammed with cars .

Some years, the police even have to step in to control the traffic. Check this blogger’s experience seeing the snow at Hehuanshan to see pictures of the traffic jams.

Second, because the roads are very steep and winding around Hehuanshan, they can become very slippery and dangerous with snow or ice on them.

When there’s fresh snow, the park authorities may totally close the road until they have a chance to clear them. So there’s a chance you could drive all the way there and then not even be allowed to enter.

Usually, once they may open the roads after snow has fallen, only cars with special chains on their tires will be able to enter . You can buy these chains from service stations on the way up to Hehuanshan.

Due to these possible difficulties, not many private drivers are keen to take tourists up the mountain in winter. Try contacting Anda , one of my recommended driver agencies, who say they can do it. Please note that there will be added costs for the tire chains, and seeing snow is never guaranteed.

Otherwise, the best way would be to take the bus , and buses will usually be able to get through.

See the official Taiwan Weather’s Bureau’s Hehuanshan weather forecast for the most reliable info about temperatures and snowfall.

Things You Need to Bring

Due the 3000+ meter elevation at Hehuanshan, you may experience altitude sickness . If you are coming directly from sea level, like Taipei or Taichung, I recommend asking your doctor for diamox , which helps reduce the symptoms. You’ll start taking it before you go up.

Staying at Cingjing Farm one night first can help your body to acclimatize (see my Cingjing Farm guide for all the details). This is what I did, and I didn’t experience altitude sickness at Hehuanshan (even though earlier the same year, I experienced altitude sickness at a similar altitude in Peru after flying directly there).

There are very few shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and no gas stations at Hehuanshan. Only the Hehuanshan Visitor Center sells a few drinks and snacks and Songsyue Lodge has buffet dinner available for guests or non-guests (see pics of the food here ). Fuel up and bring everything you might need , including food and water.

Songsyue Lodge is the only hotel at Hehuanshan. An advance booking is essential and hard to get. There’s an oxygen machine on site for emergency altitude sickness situations.

Permits are no longer required for any of the Hehuanshan peaks. But you do need one for Mt. Qilai, which starts from Hehuanshan.

Getting to Hehuanshan

Your main options for getting to Hehuanshan are going to be by tour, driving, or taking the bus.

Hehuanshan Tours

For many visitors, taking a tour to Hehuanshan is the easiest.

Hehuanshan sunrise tours like this one from Cingjing Farm are very popular. Whether you choose the sunrise option or the later morning tour (no sunrise), you’ll get to stop at four of the famous lookout platforms (I’ll describe each one below) on the drive up to Hehuanshan.

There’s also a Hehuanshan stargazing tour , but you’ll need some luck to have a good experience on this one. If it’s cloudy, you won’t see much. Also don’t do it around full moon, when the stars are harder to see. You can also see stars on the sunrise tour, so in my opinion that one is much better.

If you’re not staying at Cingjing Farm, you can join this Cingjing Farm and Hehuanshan full day tour from Taichung .

From Taipei , here’s an overnight tour to Cingjing Farm and Hehuanshan , or here’s an overnight Hehuanshan hiking tour that includes four peaks. For both, you will stay at a guesthouse around Cingjing Farm.

I absolutely loved driving to Hehuanshan! Driving by yourself (or hiring a private driver ) gives you maximum flexibility to stop anywhere you want for taking pictures. The views along the way are unbeatable.

Note that you can even ride a scooter to Hehuanshan, but could be a VERY cold drive!

Taichung or Sun Moon Lake to Cingjing Farm

The most recommended way is to drive from Taichung on the west coast to Hehuanshan via Cingjing Farm.

I rented a car on Klook and picked it up at Taichung High Speed Rail Station (see my HSR guide and book discounted HSR tickets here ). I recommend starting there because then you won’t have to drive through any city areas – the station is outside of the city center.

It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Taichung to Cingjing . The first half to Puli is an elevated freeway which is very flat and very easy to drive. Read all about how I rented the car and drove to Cinging Farm here .

You can consider to make some small sightseeing detours for a few cool things to do in Puli , such as Cona’s ChocoCastle ( buy tickets ), Paper Dome , Chung Tai Chan Monastery (the world’s tallest Buddhist monastery), Hohocha tea , Antique Assam Farm , and Caidie Falls .

If driving from Sun Moon Lake , you will also drive to Puli first, with all the same possible stops.

After Puli, the road starts going uphill towards Cingjing and becomes more and more winding . Anyone who tends to get sick should prepare carsickness medication (暈車藥), available at any pharmacy in Taiwan.

If you plan to spend a night at one of the many excellent guesthouses around Cingjing Farm , see my Cingjing guide for my recommended ones.

Cingjing Farm to Hehuanshan

From Cingjing Farm, where I spent one night, it’s a 40-minute drive to Hehuanshan area. I especially loved this part of drive!

Yes, it was super winding, but I personally found that made it a very fun drive. At no point did I feel it was too challenging. But I should mention that I never experience carsickness.

If you need lunch, I highly recommend this authentic Yunnanese cuisine restaurant just north of Cingjing. It’s only open at lunch and dinner.

Although I was often tempted to stop at the side to take pictures, the road is very narrow, so you should only do so when it’s safe.

There are 5 main parking lots in Hehuanshan region . Each one has epic views and access to different trails. The driving time from the first one to the last one is 25 minutes.

Ideally, with a car, you can easily visit at least 4 if not all 5 of the parking lots – the final one I would say is optional. I’ll describe each of them in detail further below.

From Yilan or Hualien

It’s also possible to drive from Yilan to Hehuanshan via Taipinghshan (another famous mountain, which requires most of a day to visit), Wuling Farm (famous for flower viewing), and Lishan (another high mountain).

This is a long and winding drive, so check the times carefully. Keep in mind that driving on Taiwan’s high mountain roads even for just a few hours can be very tiring.

From Hualien to Hehuanshan , so many travelers look at a map, see how close Taroko Gorge seems to Hehuanshan, and think they can easily drive there.

Even GoogleMaps will tell you that it’s only a two-hour drive . But unfortunately, this is only a best-case scenario, and it could take much longer due to road construction work even since landslides destroyed the road in several spots.

In the last few years, typhoons and landslides have severely damaged Highway 8 in and above Taroko Gorge. Currently there is construction work on 4-5 spots along the highway and it is closed at certain points of every weekday for reapairs.

For the latest updates about construction work on this route, see Taroko National Park road updates webpage . Click the small arrow beside Highway 8. It is updated on the first day of every month. For my interpretations of these updates, including maps I made showing where are the closures are, join my Taiwan Travel Planning group and search my latest posts about Taroko Gorge.

There is no public transportation from Taroko Gorge or the East Coast of Taiwan to Hehuanshan. You’ll need to take the bus from Cingjing Farm, Sun Moon Lake (via Puli) or Taichung (via Puli and Cingjing Farm).

You can’t reserve any of these buses. Just swipe your EasyCard to board.

From Cingjing Farm

The best way to reach Hehuanshan by bus is from Cingjing Farm, where there are many lovely guesthouses. Bus 6658A takes around 1 hour and there are three bus departures per day .

In the below left side table (in yellow), Cingjing Farm (國民賓館(公車接駁處), bus stop location ) is the third column. See the pink rows, departing Cingjing Farm and 8:20 AM, 10:10 AM, and 2:30 PM .

Note that the the Cingjing Farm stop (國民賓館(公車接駁處) is at the bottom end of Cingjing Farm near Cingjing Guesthouse (the official farm accommodation).

You can also  board the bus at several other stops along the highway going through Cingjing Farm area. The bus will stop at all those small stops along the highway.

See a list of all the stops at Cingjing here . Just add a few minutes to the bus departure times from the table. You can also check GoogleMaps directions or the Bus+ app for estimates at each stop.

The table shows  three stops at Hehuanshan  ( 武嶺  Wuling Pass), ( 松雪樓  or Songsyue Lodge and Hehuanshan sunrise place), and ( 小風口  Xiaofengkou and Hehuanshan Service Station). I’ll describe each of these stops in detail below.

The green table on the right shows the bus times for those same three stops at Hehuanshan, going back to Cingjing Farm. The departure times from Hehuanshan are 9:40 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:50 PM .

Always wait 5-10 minutes early at these bus stops, just to be safe, and  wave your arms  when the bus is coming so it will stop for you!

For a full day at Hehuanshan, catch the first bus (8:20 AM) . You’ll get almost 7 hours if you take the last bus back. You could get off the bus and explore one area. Then you could catch the second bus to a different area before catching the last bus of the day back to Cingjing.

If you take the second bus of the day (10:10) to Hehuanshan, you’ll still get almost 4 hours at Hehuanshan, which will be enough for 1 or possibly 2 hikes if you move fast. The same thing goes if you take the first bus of the day then leave on the second one. Don’t take the third bus (2:30 PM) from Cingjing unless you have accommodation booked at Songsyue Lodge.

Also don’t miss that last bus going back to Cingjing Farm ! Otherwise you will be stranded and have to try to hitchhike back.

From Taichung or Taipei

If you’re starting in Taipei, you’ll need to ride a very early train or HSR to Taichung first. From Taichung, it will take you 3.5 hour to reach Hehuanshan by bus, with only one possible departure per day . It will give you 4 hours of visiting time at Hehuanshan.

Nantou bus 6664 departs Taichung Gancheng Station at 8:30 AM and Taichung HSR station (B1) at 8:50 AM. Catch the bus from Gancheng for the highest chance of a seat. At Taichung HSR station, it’s advisable to get there early and line up.

Find more detailed info in my guide to traveling from Taichung to Cingjing Farm .

At Cingjing Farm, get off the bus at Cingjing Farm (Cingjing Guesthouse) (清境農場(國民賓館)) bus stop at 11:00.

From the same bus stop, bus 6658A will depart for Hehuanshan at 11:10 AM. I suggest you confirm with the driver when getting off the first bus that you are at the correct stop for getting the bus to Hehuanshan.

Since you’ll arrive at Hehuanshan around noon, you’ll have just under 4 hours before the 3:50 bus from Hehuanshan back to Puli.

You’ll have to choose only one stop to make at Hehuanshan . My personal recommendation is to stop at Wuling Pass and hike Hehuanshan Main Peak or to stop at Songsyue Lodge and hike Hehuanshan East Peak.

If you go very quickly, you could squeeze in both. Get off at Wuling Pass, hike Hehuan Main Peak, walk back to Wuling Pass, then down the other side to Songsyue Lodge, where Hehuan East trail starts. Even if you only make it halfway up Hehuan East, you’ll get to see the ruins of the old ski lift!

Returning to Puli, you might have to change buses at Cingjing Farm stop (國民賓館(公車接駁處) – the bus driver will advise. Arriving at Puli Bus Station, you’ll transfer to a bus back to Taichung – there are regular departures.

Main Parking Lots and Hikes at Hehuanshan

There are five main parking lots at Hehuanshan where you can enjoy the views or access various hikes. I’ll describe these in the order coming from Cingjing Farm.

Yuanfang Lookout (Stargazing Spot)

The first place you can easily stop when traveling from Cingjing Farm to Hehuanshan is Yuanfang Lookout ( 峰觀景台 , 2750 meters). It is a 30-minute drive from Cingjing Farm .

Yuanfang Lookout feels like the start of Hehuanshan area . From the large circular lookout platform, you can see a wide panorama of mountains, including Qilai Mountain (奇萊山), one of the most famous mountains in Taiwan.

This is where stargazing tours like this one come to look at stars. A large sign at the parking lot indicates that this is the start of the Hehuanshan Dark Sky Park (合歡山暗空公園). There’s a 24-hour restroom for stargazers.

If you’re coming by bus, there’s a bus stop here , but I don’t recommend using up one of your bus stops here . There’s no hike and it’s a still quite a ways from Hehuanshan, where the views will be even better.

The Hehuanshan sunrise tour will make a stop here.

Kunyang Parking Lot & Hehuanshan South Peak

From Yuanfang, it will be another 10 minutes’ drive to the next lookout point, Kunyang Parking Lot (昆陽停車場, 3070 m), which is even better.

This large parking lot has restrooms, picnic tables, a cute deer statue , and panoramic views.

Looking out, you’ll see Mount Nenggao (to the far right), Mount Qilai (looking straight out), Hehuanshan East Peak (dominating the view to your left), and Hehuanshan Main Peak (far left, you can see the highway to your left going up to it).

This is the official start of the Hehuanshan National Scenic Area and Taroko National Park , so you’ll see signs for both.

From this parking lot, you can cross the highway and hike to Hehuanshan South Peak . This is the lowest (3070 m) of Mount Hehuan’s 5 peaks and the only one not on the “Taiwan 100 Peaks” list.

On the plus side, South Peak is the easiest of the five Hehuanshan peaks to climb . The trail to the summit is only 1 kilometer and takes 45 minutes to one hour (return).

Also, with the relatively short climb, and because the peak has a clear view to the west, this is considered the one of the best places to watch the sunset in Hehuanshan region.

You can watch the sunset from the other four peaks of Hehuanshan, but all of them will require longer and more difficult hikes.

From South Peak, it is possible to hike (2.5 km, 1-1.5 hrs) north to Hehuanshan Main Peak (see next entry). The trail basically runs parallel to the highway.

You can see the black dotted trail from South Peak to Main Peak on this Hehuan Main Peak map .

Wuling Pass and Hehuanshan Main Peak

The short, uphill stretch of road from Kunyang Parking Lot to Wuling Pass is one of the most picturesque and iconic scenes of Hehuanshan, especially when viewed from Wuling Pass.

The road angles its way up the sides of three alpine grass-covered ridges between Hehuanshan South and Main peaks. It only takes five minutes to drive from Kunyang to Wuling parking lots, or 30 to 40 minutes if you walk along the highway.

Wuling Pass (武嶺, 3275 m) is the highest point you can drive to in Taiwan. From this point, you get epic mountain views in all directions. The parking lot is small relative to how popular this spot is, so it can be hard to get a parking spot.

Hehuanshan East Peak dominates the view to the left, but you can’t see Songsyue Lodge yet – it’s on the other side of it.

To hike Hehuanshan Main Peak , you have to park at Wuling Pass then walk 15 minutes down that pretty highway to the trailhead . There’s no parking at the trailhead. It’s a 3.7 kilometer return hike to the peak, with 200 meters of elevation gain. See the route map here .

Although this hike is the second easiest after South Peak, it may feel a little tougher than you imagine due to the altitude.

Near the summit, there’s a compositing toilet with an impressive view and a few old military bunkers – in fact, this was the highest military outpost in all of Taiwan!  

In total, it took me 2 hours return to do this hike from Wuling Pass.

If coming by bus, the Wuling bus stop is here . It’s a smart idea to start your day here because it’s the highest point.

For visitors coming for only 4 hours, you could get off the bus here, hike to Hehuanshan Main Peak, then down to South Peak, and catch the bus out from Kunyang Parking lot.

Another option would be do Main Peak then hike down the other side to Songsyue Lodge (see next two entries) and hike part or all of East Peak, depending on your time.

Hehuanshan Sunrise Lookout & Shimenshan

After Wuling Pass, the highway descends steeply for 3 minutes by car (or 20 minutes on foot) to the next large parking lot, at Hehuanshan Visitor Center (合歡山遊客服務中心). The bus stop here is called Songsyue Lodge (松雪樓) .

The visitor’s center and parking lot are on the left side of the road. The center has a small café selling hot coffee and a few snacks like tea eggs rice dumplings (粽子 or zongzi ).

On the right side of the road is Hehuanshan Lookout (合歡山瞭望臺). This is the famous sunrise viewing platform . From this platform, looking to your far right is Hehuanshan East, with a small road leading to Songsyue Lodge on its slope – this is another iconic scene of Hehuanshan.

Mount Qilai dominates the view behind Songsyue Lodge – the Qilaishan trail actually starts just behind Songsyue Lodge.

Looking straight out is an immense valley, where you will hopefully witness the sea of clouds at sunrise or sunset (I saw it at both). You’re actually looking out in the direction of Taroko Gorge, but you can’t see that far.

To your far left is Hehuanshan North Peak, and behind your is Hehuan Main Peak.

While the sunrise tours will all bring you to Hehuanshan Lookout, you can actually hike 20 minutes from there to an even better sunrise viewpoint called called Shimenshan (石門山), which is where I shot these sunrise photos.

Hehuanshan Lookout is still great and you can see the sea of clouds from it. But Shimenshan is a little higher, more natural (standing on a mountain instead of wooden platform), and in my opinion offers just a slightly better angle for viewing the sunrise.

I can quite confidently say that this was the most spectacular sunrise I’ve ever experienced . It was certainly my best sunrise experience in Taiwan – and that’s after seeing multiple sunrises at Alishan.

Shimenshan is actually one of the Taiwan 100 Peaks – and the easiest of all 100 peaks to climb.

The trailhead is here , just 7 minutes walk down the highway from Hehuanshan Lookout. You only have to hike 5 or 10 minutes up the trail to gain a better view than Hehuanshan Lookout platform.

Hike 15 minutes up to the peak for the ultimate Hehuanshan sunrise view. Here’s the route map .

Songyue Lodge and East Peak

The same bus stop I described in the last entry (Songsyue Lodge bus stop) also provides access to Songsyue Lodge itself ( read about my stay at the lodge ) and the trail to Hehuanshan East Peak.

Right next to Hehuanshan Lookout, a small gated road (see above photo) on the right goes to Songsyue Lodge . Only guests at Songsyue Lodge can drive through the gate. Drivers need to use the buzzer to ask the front desk to open the gate.

On foot, though, anyone can walk down the small road to Songsyue Lodge .

The hotel’s private rooms and restaurant (buffet dinner or breakfast for TWD 300, free for guests) are in the iconic main lodge here , originally built for Chiang Kai-shek. The cheaper shared dorm rooms are in and old ski lodge here behind and down a wooden staircase (see below image) from the main lodge.

You can take a look close up look at either of these historic establishments, but only guests can enter the dorm building.

The 1.9 km (300 meters of elevation gain) hike to Hehuanshan East Peak starts right behind Songsyue Lodge. You’ll be climbing what used to be the ski hill .

You can see several remains from of the original ski lift , including gondola towers right behind the lodge and others further up the hill.

This hike is a slog of uphill stairs all the way to the top. I actually only went halfway up because I mainly wanted to see the Hehuanshan East Peak Ski Lift Remains (合歡山 東峰步道 纜車遺址).

This is the best relic of the old ski resort, so it’s worth hiking halfway up the mountain just to see it. You can (carefully) enter it from the trail.

Some people climb Hehuanshan East Peak for sunrise or sunset . Of course there’s nothing more inspiring than viewing a sunrise from a high mountain peak like this.

However, you must know that the sunrise will be partially obstructed by Pingfeng and Qilai mountains. In other words, you’ll be watch the sun rise above those mountains instead of from closer to the horizon, like at Shimenshan.

When I stayed at Songsyue Lodge, I was tempted to climb East Peak for sunrise. But in the end, I chose Shimenshan.

Not only is it much easier and shorter, but it provides a more direct sunrise view. Then, I hiked up Hehuanshan East Peak after I had my breakfast at the hotel, with plenty of time to return before check out.

Xiaofengkou, North Peak, and West Peak

The fifth and final major parking lot at Hehuanshan is at Hehuanshan Service Station ( 太魯閣國家公園合歡山管理站 ), which is a small Taroko National Park visitor’s center with restrooms. It is also called Xiaofengkou (小風口).

Xiaofengkou is also the terminal bus stop before the bus turns around and drives back to Cingjing Farm.

Fewer visitors make it this far when coming up from Cingjing or Taichung. If you were driving up from Taroko Gorge (when the road is not under construction), this would be your first stop in Hehuanshan area.

The view from the center is good and some people watch sunrise from there. However, the lower parking lot will be in the view and it’s less common to see sea of clouds here, so it’s not as good as Hehuanshan Lookout.

Some locals sleep in their cars or camp in the parking here to catch the sunrise or to get an early start for hiking North and West Peak.

The Hehuanshan North Peak trailhead is here , 10 minutes’ walk past the center and parking lot. This is a more difficult hike than all the Hehuanshan peaks I’ve mentioned so far. It takes 3-4 hours return, with 500 meters of elevation gain. Here’s the route map .

This is the tallest peak of Hehuanshan, an overall beautiful climb, and it’s possible to see sunrise, sea of clouds, and sunset from the peak.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ちはや (@chiya_2stepfromhell)

One of the highlights of this hike, besides the awesome views all around, is the giant radio wave reflecting board here . There’s also this pretty pond and a cool tree that local photographers love to shoot at night, with a sky full of stars above it (see above Instagram post from a taiwanese photographer).

From North Peak, an even longer and more challenging trail leads to West Peak . This is an 8-10 hour return trip , so it is not to be taken lightly!

Do you need a permit for climbing Hehuanshan North and West Peaks? There’s a lot of conflicting info online about this, with many sites saying that a police permit is required.

After thoroughly researching, I can confirm that permits are not needed for North Peak, West Peak, or any of the Hehuanshan peaks .

In the past, a police permit was technically needed for North and West Peak, but they seldom checked. And ever since 2020, they just aren’t required anymore.

Note that some people camp around Hehuanshan North Peak for staging their West Peak climb. This may not technically be allowed, but many people do it. If you do, be very careful, as the weather can be intense or change quickly up there!

How to Visit Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s Most Famous Waterfall

Staying at songsyue lodge, hehuanshan (and how to book it), 2 thoughts on “how to visit hehuanshan for epic sunrises, hiking, and snow”.

Nice to read your post. I used to live in Puli and have been up and down that mountain maybe 2 dozen times and explored many areas part way up it via bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. You brought back memories, like many of your posts do.

Notably, on a scooter, sometimes the air is so thin you will lose almost all power (it helps if you can adjust the air intake on your scooter). Also, once while climbing a peak with a friend, an unexpected pressure change came along with some clouds and cold and we both nearly lost consciousness, similar to diver’s madness, only regaining our full wits after descending as quick as we could and coasting our scooter down the West road several hundred meters of altitude to the little parking lot of shops. It is a proper alpine environment, so things like this can happen on a rare occasion (once in 2 dozen trips).

One other noteworthy place is the tea shop and huge tree on the East Side of Hehuanshan, off the road you would take all the way down through the pass and to the coast. It is a few km down from the peaks and a couple of km past the little waterfall off to the left of the road. You’ll pass the tea shop on the right, and the couple that runs it is very nice. On a cold afternoon (and many afternoons are cold up there, even in the summer), some black tea and honey is welcome.

The parking lot, which is across the road from the shop, is above a gigantic tree, maybe the widest diameter I have seen on the island (and I have been to Smangus). You can walk down a path and stand on a boardwalk that surrounds that tree and admire it. Basically, the tea shop (and amazing tree) are between the main parking lot on Huhuanshan and the gorge to the East via the main road.

Thanks so much for sharing these tips and for showing us around when we visited you there!

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QINGJING FARM and HEHUANSHAN

Two high-mountain destinations beloved by tourists.

TEXT / RICK CHARETTE PHOTOS / RAY CHANG

Let’s go on a multi-day trip into the deep central mountains along staggeringly scenic Provincial Highway 14/14a. Soak in the cool alpine vistas and ranch experience at mountainside-hugging Qingjing Farm, one of Taiwan’s most popular recreational farms. Revel in the soaring experience of being almost at eye level with the 3,000m-plus peaks of Hehuanshan at the Wuling pass, Taiwan’s highest public-road point. Tackle beauteous hikes from the easy-access roadside trailhead points.

Island Taiwan’s defining geological characteristic is its towering mountain ranges. Young and still growing rapidly, they’ve been sculpted by the behemoth wrestling of two almighty tectonic-plate players in the great Pacific Rim of Fire drama. Over 250 peaks soar past 3,000 meters.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has proclaimed this the “ Taiwan Year of Mountain Tourism 2020 ,” and launched a major campaign to brand the island as an international mountaineering tourism destination. The focus is on sustainable mountain tourism, and a series of mountain-trail routes has been designed highlighting Taiwan’s unique ecological and cultural features.

The island’s superb road network delivers smooth access to easy and moderate hikes even up among the higher peaks. There is even public transport – inexpensive and high-quality – from lowland areas to many favorite alpine tourist destinations. In this Feature we ride the magisterially panoramic New Central Cross-Island Highway to two of these: Qingjing Farm and, beyond and skyward, Hehuanshan (Mt. Hehuan).

Qingjing Farm

The tourist-oriented farm (altitude around 1,750m) is renowned for its superb mountain vistas, bucolic alpine farmland experience, and great surrounding mountainside-hugging cluster of large, eclectic homestays and inns. And one more thing – its vibrant Baiyi community. The Baiyi or Dai people are from China’s Yunnan Province. When the Chinese Civil War ended in 1949 and the ROC government evacuated to Taiwan, many Kuomintang soldiers were left behind in southwest border areas. In 1961 a group was airlifted from Yunnan to Taiwan; the majority of their wives were from Yunnan minorities, the greatest number Baiyi. One group opened up Qingjing, and today many second-generation community members run restaurants and homestays/inns that give tourists a look into their distinctive Yunnan/Taiwan-mix culture.

The climb from Qingjing to the Wuling pass (3,275m) takes about an hour. Almost all manmade structures are left behind; all permanent dwellings seem to be far below you. At the pass itself, close by all about at just above eye level are Hehuanshan’s peaks, their highest slopes free of forest cover, some bare rock. All are accessible via trails, most requiring only moderate fitness. Many visitors are content, however, with simple “park-and-shoot” visits. The pristine area is also highly popular with sunrisers, sunsetters, and stargazers.

Qingjing Skywalk

In recent decades, artistically designed skywalks and suspension bridges have become popular tourist draws in mountainous Taiwan, and Qingjing Farm is home to the island’s highest-elevation skywalk, the Qingjing Skywalk (NT$50/adults), opened in 2017. This wide, gleaming-white elevated pathway, dotted with lookouts, flows uphill through the farm for 1.68km, parallel to Highway 14a.

The skywalk overlooks a deep valley, with the hot-spring village of Lushan in view far down below and the immortal-dwelling Qilai Ridge laid out in parallel across in the distance, making for the proudest of “Me the Globe-Trekker” panoptic photos and videos to show off back home. Sheep and the farm’s working horses graze on the steep pastureland underneath, and birds of dazzling color flit about at eye level in the walkway-side treetops. On this trip’s skywalk meander, the star alpine avians sighted were the Collared finchbill, Taiwan hwamei, Formosan laughing thrush, and Vinaceus rosefinch.

Green Green Grassland

The farm’s other highlight attraction is the Green Green Grassland (NT$160/adults), where sheep and cattle (the latter seen less often) munch on rolling mountaintop pastureland. All about are tall-peak panoramas. The sheep and the human skills required to tend them were introduced decades back by government-hired Australian ranchers. Visitors can buy feed for the animals, and there are daily sheep-shearing/sheep-dog shows and horse-riding shows. Horses are also brought out for display, and kids thrill at the chance to take rides on Shetland ponies.

The shearing demonstrations are put on by Australian pros. The horse-acrobatics show, by a brilliantly garbed, deftly talented Mongolian troupe, happens in a circular semi-outdoor theater and is at times little short of death-defying. The most breathtaking of many dangerous feats features a muscular rider launching arrows at a target with deadly accuracy, sometimes facing backwards, as he gallops headlong in tight circles.

The main Qingjing center for food and gift/souvenir shopping is the sizable two-level highway-side Mist Plaza, which has 7-ELEVEN, MOS Café, and Starbucks outlets. Among its gift & souvenir operations are boutiques selling essential oils and scented soaps as well as delicious handmade mochi and nougat candy crafted with locally-sourced ingredients.

Qingjing Farm (清境農場) Add: No. 170, Renhe Rd., Datong Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County (南投縣仁愛鄉大同村仁和路170號) Tel: (049) 280-2748 Website: www.cingjing.gov.tw

Hehuanshan (Mt. Hehuan)

The Wuling pass is the one place that almost every Hehuanshan visitor checks off. There’s a cliffside parking lot on one highway side and a large lookout deck (public bathrooms beside it) on the other, looking out at the East Peak on the left (east), Main Peak on the right (west/northwest), and deep, empty space in front. Stretching off southwards toward the horizon from beyond the East Peak is the titanic Qilai Ridge, its ridge-top trail passage a rite of passage for serious island hikers. Abundant signage with good English at Hehuanshan vehicle-stop points and along trails explains what you’re looking at.

Hehuanshan’s peaks are among Taiwan’s “Top 100 Mountains,” a list of summits above 3,000m selected by local hiking experts based on their uniqueness, visual allure, and prominence. Few have climbed all 100. Hehuanshan’s are among the most accessible, with the Main Peak among the easiest to conquer.

Hehuanshan Main Peak Trail

The 1.8km (one way) Hehuanshan Main Peak Trail, which has a few sections of moderate steepness, starts right at highway-side about a kilometer down-road from the Wuling pass, back toward Qingjing. There’s no parking here, nor a bus stop; find these at the Wuling pass facility. Save for a section at the very top – the Main Peak is 3,417m high – where wooden stairs and a wooden lookout have been erected (washroom facilities also available), the “trail” is an old, narrow, now-crumbling paved roadway created by the military. Soldiers withdrew from Hehuanshan in 2000, with the formerly off-limits areas opened to the public. On the Main Peak ascent you’ll see old camouflaged pillboxes built right into the slate cliffs, and an abandoned, wind-protected barracks camp in a basin down the east slope that’s also in full view from the Wuling parking lot.

Only minimal forest cover is encountered. This is a place of low-growing alpine vegetation, decorated with the pastel-blossom beauties of such tough gems as the Yushan rhododendron, Yushan rose, high-mountain juniper, and hawkweed oxtongue. The peak was largely denuded during its military-service years, and much of what you see is thanks to a major erosion-prevention phytoremediation campaign, with 36 species of native alpine plants introduced/reintroduced.

Hehuanshan is the headwater source for two important Taiwan rivers: the Zhuoshui, which flows west to the Taiwan Strait, and the Liwu, which flows east and, on its way, has carved out the celebrated Taroko Gorge. On clear days the Liwu point-of-empty into the Pacific can be espied from the Main Peak. The stream that becomes the muddy Zhuoshui can clearly be seen forming on the almost vertical East Peak’s west face. To the south, far beyond the Qilai Ridge, iconic titans such as Yushan (Mt. Jade) and Nenggaoshan (Mt. Nenggao) make appearances.

After your first Hehuanshan hike, a good mug of fresh-brew coffee will go down like liquid manna, and said mug and java is close at hand at the 3158 Café, just east of the Wuling pass at the roadside trailhead for the short, steep Hehuan Horn Peak ascent. The coffee is high-altitude flavorsome, and since this is billed as Taiwan’s highest coffee joint – the “3158” refers to the location’s altitude – what better take-home souvenir than the mug you drink from? Your coffee is NT$150; NT$100 is returned if mug is returned. Hot snacks such as zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) and baozi (steamed buns) are also available.

The café is perched on Hehuanshan’s east-facing side, looking out toward the Taroko Gorge and Pacific Ocean. Warm air swooping up from the coast often create heavy, roiling romantic mist on this face. Also hugging the high slope here, diagonally across the highway from the café, is the famed Songxue Lodge, Taiwan’s highest place of accommodation.

Xiaoqilai Trail

Just behind it is the start-point of the 1.4km (one way) Xiaoqilai Trail, which traverses the east face in a southerly direction searching for the minor peak called Xiaoqilai, “Little Qilai.” This is just beyond the Mt. Hehuan massif, on its southeast. Also behind the lodge is the Hehuanshan East Peak trailhead.

Before starting the Xiaoqilai hike, look up toward the East Peak. You’ll see the rusted tower-and-cable remains of a 400m-long ski run once used for special forces training in the days when the Kuomintang government had dreams of retaking the China mainland.

The Xiaoqilai Trail’s initial section is open, dominated by Yushan cane, which grows 2~3m high, and bright alpine flowers. The landscape then transitions, and you enter a dark forest of tall Taiwan white fir characterized by rimrod-straight trunks, the path undulating uphill and downhill. The Hehuanshan area’s high-altitude ecosystem is far simpler than those found at lower elevations. The patchy coniferous black forest, with Taiwan white fir the predominant species, fights for turf with Yushan cane. Their border zones are abrupt, creating a dramatic two-tone visual canvas, especially when viewed from afar. The bands seen in this area demarcate the forest line – i.e., they are the upper limit for Taiwan white fir.

The final forest section is rugged, requiring short, steep ascents via wooden ladders and holding on to thick knotted ropes while looking for exposed-root footholds. Then, immediately after your last ascent, you pop out into an open-vista world of Yushan cane covering a flattish section of eroded mountainside that resembles undulating waves, the top of Xiaoqilai just a few score meters above you on the right, razor-edge Mt. Qilai laid out in all its glory directly before you. The end of the Xiaoqilai Trail is the beginning of the supremely more challenging Qilai Ridge trail system.

International Dark Sky Park

Hehuanshan is among Taiwan’s best and easily accessible locations to watch the sparkling night sky. Just last year the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) declared the mountain Taiwan’s first International Dark Sky Park, joining only two others in Asia, in South Korea and Japan. The Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park honor was bestowed after concerted effort by the Taiwan Dark Sky Protection Alliance, Nantou County Government, and Taroko National Park and Forestry Bureau administrations to minimize area light pollution and meet IDA requisites. Special pre-dawn stargazing bus tours are available from Qingjing (visit www.travelbus.tw ).

Afternoon Tea, Anyone?

Qingjing has been dubbed “Foggy Eden,” and its ambience has also given rise to another moniker that has taken deeper hold with the general public, “Little Switzerland.” As you approach the mountaintop-hugging enclave from the lowlands you’ll notice that the architecture, with the multistory homestays/inns prominent, has a distinctive European-manor flavor.

The Old England

This movement was kickstarted with the building, and instant island-wide renown, of a large inn called The Old England in 2009. In the years since then, the enjoyment of afternoon tea has become a Taiwan fad, and The Old England and other Qingjing establishments add sublime “up-in-the-heavens” tableaux to the experience.

The impressive Tudor manor-style complex is the realized dream of a Taiwan flatlander who fell in love with old English-style architecture while resident in the small anglophile Canadian city of Victoria. At the same time harboring a love for Qingjing’s transcendental surroundings, he wanted to encourage a more genteel demeanor for the community, which to that point was dominated by accommodations and eateries of a more rustic nature.

The Old England introduced the afternoon tea tradition to Qingjing, and its service remains the most popular. Served 11:30am~4pm (NT$500 per serving) in its plush chandeliered restaurant, its English-style tea features Earl Grey Tea and a merry-go-round of delicacies, created by a dessert master, served on a three-tiered tray. Changed seasonally, the treats go from savory at bottom to sweet at top, ranging from (on this Travel in Taiwan trip) a schweinshaxe mini-kebab and bacon scallion Danish pastry to a canelé and macaron.

The Old England (老英格蘭) Add: No. 20-3, Shouting Lane, Datong Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County (南投縣仁愛鄉大同村壽亭巷20-3號) Tel: (049) 280-2166 Website: theoldengland.com

Impression Nordic Manor Club

While The Old England faces the mighty Qilai Ridge to the east, the Impression Nordic Manor Club faces southwest toward the indigenous village of Wushe, the deep Wushe Reservoir below, and the mountain-basin town of Puli far beyond, back down along the river-valley route that brought you up from the western plains. The façade of this inn is modernistic with Tudor-style flourishes; inside and on the large outdoor deck with infinity pool, the lines are Scandinavian-clean. While The Old England immerses you in sumptuous, quiet-inspiring Victorian-style trappings, the Impression Nordic has a congenial party atmosphere – captured in the use of “club” in the name – with a putting-green facility, a slide hill, and a large gym joining the deck/infinity pool.

The bright, sunny first-floor restaurant looks out directly over the deck/pool area. Afternoon tea, which features a full buffet set-up, is served 3~5pm (NT$900 per person). The panoply of delectables includes tangerine smoked duck mini-toast, smoked salmon rolls, yogurt shrimp mini-toast, spaghetti marinara (and alfredo), ham and cheese finger sandwiches, European-style cookies, fresh fruit and juices, and numerous other selections. And as at The Old England, fresh-brew premium coffee is available. As well, imported wine and whisky are displayed in chiller buckets on the buffet bar for diners’ gratis enjoyment. This generous “party club” spirit is also in evidence in the evening, when gratis wines and spirits are made available to guests in the deck/pool area.

Impression Nordic Manor Club (印象北歐) Add: No. 9-9, Rongguang Lane, Datong Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County (南投縣仁愛鄉大同村榮光巷9-9號) Tel: (049) 280-3982 Website: impression-nordic.com.tw Note: Reservations are advised at both inns for afternoon tea on weekends/holidays.

A Bonus Recommendation Duo

Travel in Taiwan research teams never overnight or eat at the same establishment twice, to maximize our sample base. Adding to those places already mentioned above, here are two bonus recommendations that extra-tickled our team’s collective fancy on the trip for this article.

Le Retour Du Printemps Villa

Le Retour Du Printemps Villa, located down the mountainside from the Impression Nordic, is more in the traditional Qingjing “homestay” style. Rooms are clean, large, and spartan, and amenities limited. There is no restaurant; a Chinese-style breakfast (congee, baozi, etc.) is served in the lobby area, where there is a TV/living room corner that owner-family members also use. The young building’s shape and façade echo Qingjing’s English-manor theme in highly simplified form, and guests love the unusually large outdoor deck directly before it, with a footprint almost as large as the building itself, decked out with such inviting amenities as a rest canopied couch nook and a canopied outdoor bed, perfect for big-view mountain and starlight viewing.

Le Retour Du Printemps Villa (春雨行館) Add: No. 46-2, Rongguang Lane, Datong Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County (南投縣仁愛鄉大同村榮光巷46-2號) Tel: (049) 280-3789 Website: lrdp.com.tw

Chicken King

Chicken King, which serves inexpensive, hearty country-style fare, is a more traditional Taiwanese banquet-hall-style restaurant that extends out on a platform over a Qilai Ridge-facing high slope. Its signature dish is whole charcoal-roast range chicken. Our most liked among its many others were the medicinal pork-rib soup and spicy pickled cabbage.

Chicken King (雞大王) Add: No. 224, Renhe Rd., Datong Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County (南投縣仁愛鄉大同村仁和路224號) Tel: (049) 280-2688 Website: www.chickenking.tw (Chinese)

Practical Information If self-driving, Qingjing is about 3.5hrs from Taipei, 1.5hrs from central Taichung. A 2~3-day trip is recommended to properly enjoy what Qingjing/Hehuanshan have to offer, the 2-day option more realistic if flatlands Taichung is your base. If using public transportation, from Taipei the E-Go tourist-bus company ( e-go.com.tw ; Chinese) has daily departures from Taipei Railway Station to Qingjing. From there, choose from their tour-bus outings around Qingjing Farm and to Hehuanshan and other area spots. Also check out the Chingjing-Hehuan Sightseeing Commentary Limousine service ( travelbus.com.tw ; Chinese), which operates sunrise, sunset, and starlight-viewing Hehuanshan outings operating bright-red imported European sightseeing buses that resemble streetcars. From Taichung, take Nantou Bus ( www.ntbus.com.tw ; Chinese) bus no. 6670 from the Taichung regular-rail or high-speed rail station to the major foothills town of Puli, then transfer to Nantou Bus no. 6659, 6658, or 6664 to Qingjing Farm. A direct bus from flatlands to Hehuanshan is also available; Fengyuan Bus ( fybus.com.tw ; Chinese) bus no. 6506 runs once a day between Fengyuan Railway Station in Fengyuan District (northeast of central Taichung) and the fruit-growing alpine town of Lishan, crossing the Wuling Pass along the way. Another bus-travel option is the Taiwan Tour Bus ( taiwantourbus.com.tw ) service, vetted by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Also read: QINGJING FARM & MT. HEHUAN — High Mountains, Great Views Scenic Attractions in Central Taiwan’s NANTOU County

About the author

• Rick Charette

A Canadian, Rick has been resident in Taiwan almost continually since 1988. His book, article, and other writings, on Asian and North American destinations and subjects—encompassing travel, culture, history, business/economics—have been published widely overseas and in Taiwan. He has worked with National Geographic, Michelin, APA Insight Guides, and other Western groups internationally, and with many local publishers and central/city/county government bodies in Taiwan. Rick also handles a wide range of editorial and translation (from Mandarin Chinese) projects. 

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Mount Hehuanshan - Sunrise | Weather | Winter Visit and Snow

When Is the Best Time

Watching the sunrise above the clouds was what I wanted to experience. Our entire trip on the island was focused on the weather forecast for Hehuan Mountain. In the end, we were successful watching a breathtaking sunrise.

The best months for a sunrise tour to the top of Mount Hehuan or Hehuanshan are during the driest time of the year, from October until March. The sunlight has a little variation from summer to winter, rising in June shortly after 5 and in January at around 6.40. Read my must-know tips below. 

Weather and Temperatures for Hehuanshan

How is the weather at Mt. Hehuan during a certain month? How cold is it up there in the winter? How often does it rain in the summer? There is no weather station at Mount Hehuanshan. Most of the statistics on the internet are from another station somewhere at a lower elevation. The temperatures for Mount Hehuan at 3400 meters are lower. That’s why I put official data plus information from the locals together for you. 

• Colder Up There: It’s 8-10 degrees Celsius colder at 3400 m at Hehuanshan compared to lower elevations in areas nearby. Example: When you check weather forecasts at the nearby Cingjing Farm (where you might stay), and it shows 16°C, it will be around 6°C at the top of Mount Hehuanshan. The difference is even higher from other towns/areas in deeper elevation.
• Colder at Night: It’s even colder during the night and in the mornings of. The night temperature roughly decreases by another 6 degrees. Keep that in mind if you are out there very early in the morning when watching jaw-dropping sunrise.

• General Taiwan Climate   Subtropical with wet and humid summers. Snow is common during winter, mostly in January and February, and it gets very busy here. 
• Rainy Season – Summer (April-September) In the summer months, you should definitely be prepared for rain at Mount Hehuanshan. It’s possible to experience rainfall for 24 hours without a break during the wet season. Rain occurs between 15-19 days. The average day temperature ranges from 10-16°C in the shade, which means pleasant during sunshine while it is hot in lower elevations. It is chilly at the night on average, around 5°C.
• Drier Season – Winter (October-March) In the winter months, rain is a lot less likely. Snow is possible, especially between December and February. However, heavy snowfall is rare. In the winter of 2018, the heaviest snowfall was in early February and caused a 10 cm blanket of snow. The Taiwanese love snow, as everybody does, and it gets busy during this time of the year. Day temperatures are below 10°C nonetheless, we felt comfortable during the day with sunshine. Even in the winter, sunscreen is essential because of the high elevation. Temps drop to freezing at night.
• Forecast It’s highly recommended to check the weather forecast a few days in advance (up to 3-4 days) before you book your room at Syue Lodge up there. The problem: It’s hard to find a reliable forecast for Mount Hehuanshan. Most cover only the counties and towns around it. Bookmark the following link as it’s the only official and reliable forecast I know: Taiwan Central Weather Bureau - Hehuan Mountain East Peak  (Click to the map to get weather information for the Hehuanshan area)
• What to Wear   For your Mt Hehuanshan winter visit, you must bring warm clothes as it’s one of the highest places you’ll visit in Taiwan. A thick jacket, warm trousers, gloves as well as a hat and a scarf are highly recommended. From spring until fall, you should bring sunscreen, but I also took it in the wintertime. The great thing about a summer visit is the refreshing coolness at an elevation of 3000-3400 meters in comparison to the hot city temperatures. 

Consider Three Things If You Like to Watch a Sunrise Above the Clouds

1. Go on weekdays 2. Don’t book your room far in advance.  3. Travel to Taiwan during the driest months to increase the chance.

Do you like to know more? Read the following tips to be successful in watching the sunrise for a jaw-dropping moment in your life.

Watching the sunrise on Mount Hehuanshan is very popular in Taiwan. If possible, go on weekdays, weekends are super busy and fully booked. Don’t book the room far in advance. Check the weather forecast when travelling through Taiwan  Taiwan Weather  (for entire Taiwan)

Pick a date when the forecast for the mountain range is good or even excellent. The receptionist told me often people are disappointed due to the poor weather. The whole week before our stay in November, it was always foggy and rainy on Hehuanshan. 

Highlights/Information

• Visitor centre opening hours: 8.30 until 4.30 pm but closed each month on the first and third Monday.
• The whole area is famous for its beautiful Rhododendrons in April and May. That is an awesome season up there.  

5 Must-Know Tips | Including Sunrise and Weather Forecast

• Best Hotels in Cingjing Farm - Renai : Via booking.com with a low price guarantee. Cingjing Farm  (Google Maps Link) is the closest place. From there, you drive 40 minutes to Mt. Hehuanshan. Some visitors arrange a tour of Mt Hehuanshan from their hotel there! You can also drive on your own.
• Basic Info Song Syue Lodge : The highest hotel in Taiwan. Located at an elevation of 3150 meters on Mt Hehuanshan. It’s hard to book a room there since it's difficult in English. However, you should only book there if you’re sure about the weather (read below). Most visitors ask their hotel where they stay the night before to make the booking. That's the most successful way.
• Sunrise vs Other Times : Experience the sunrise up there at Mt Hehuanshan is an outstanding experience. Like one visitor said after he returned: ‘Now, my life is complete!’ But still, any other time on the mountain besides sunrise is also amazing if the clouds are not rolling in. 
• Watching the Sunrise : Most visitors watch the sunrise from the lodge only. I highly recommend walking for at least 15 minutes on the trail for a much better experience (read more below about the trails). You don’t have to walk the whole east trail to the peak, as it is challenging due to the high altitude. 
• Weather Forecast Mt Hehuan : Check the weather forecast via this link. While visiting the peak in good weather is stunning, it’s definitely a disappointment during bad weather. That’s why I recommend booking the lodge (or hostel) just a couple of days before.   

Check out my complete Taiwan Guide - Taroko Gorgen and Alishan, Must-Know destinations, sunrises, hikes, and tips

Packing Checklist Mount Hehuan

• If you wish to watch the sunrise, bring a headlamp for the hike in pitch darkness.
• The driest time is winter, the coldest season. I recommend a down jacket and a beanie. 
• Due to the high elevation, drink plenty of water.
• Don't underestimate the high elevation of more than 3000 m. It is strenuous if you are not used to such a high altitude. Walk slowly and give yourself an energy kick with electrolytes .

Best Months to Visit

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Location and Tips

Hehuanshan National Recreation Area is located in central Taiwan at the edge of Hualien and Nantou counties situated on the Western boundary of Taroko National Park. Depending on the traffic and the road work constructions in Taroko, it takes 2 ½ to 3 hours to get there. It’s a scenic drive, always up to 3150 m elevation.

Where to Stay and How to Make a Reservation Without Chinese Language Skills

There is only one lodge, Songxue or Song Syue Lodge, which offers luxury accommodations and is the highest hotel in Taiwan. The owner of the hotel also runs the hostel, Huaxue Lodge, which is just below the hotel, five minutes walk away. If you stay in the hotel or hostel, dinner and breakfast are included. The hotel is comfier, the reason that most people like to stay there.  Some people experience altitude sickness. The lodge provides oxygen in this case. The hostel is without heating and has wooden door rooms four and more Japanese futons in one room. Anyhow, each bed has a heating blanket which is quite sufficient for the night. The facilities are clean and hot showers are available. When we came here in November, we were the only guests in the whole hostel. One night in the hostel, including dinner and breakfast buffet, cost around 1.200 TWD (36€ p.p).

Decide if you like to book a room in the hotel or hostel. You can either give them a call, but not all of the employees speak English or book it online. The hotel website is in Chinese only.   Ask at your accommodation before or go to a visitor centre in one of the many National Parks or Recreational Areas and ask if they can assist you with the booking. First, they need to create an account for you before they can make the reservation. The passport number is requested, but you don't need to pay a deposit, just the whole amount when you arrive, preferred in cash. Some people mention that you could camp at the visitor centre on their website, but this is not permitted and could be quite cold and wet.

5 Hiking Trails Around Hehuan

• Hehuanshan East Peak for the sunrise 3.421 m The famous path is just 1.3 km long to the top, but due to the high elevation, it takes more than an hour, much longer than expected to climb up the steep trail. The height difference is roughly 270 meters. The trailhead is located behind the Song Syue Lodge, but you can park your car at the lodge only if you stay there. Sunrise is around 6 am depending on the time of the year. The most spectacular time is before sunrise. If you like to watch the sunrise from the top of the east peak, start 1 ½ hour before dawn. Anyhow, if you can’t get up so early, walk just half of it for this incredible experience. Most visitors watch the sunrise just from their room or balcony. 
• Hehuanshan main peak 3.417 m It’s a maximum of 2 hours walk in total on concrete. The advantage is that you can walk along the trail even in dense fog.
• Mount Shihmen Peak 3.237 m The peak is easily accessible, and the trail is 750 m long, roughly ½ an hour, always climbing up. It is also famous for the sunrise, and it takes less effort to get to the top than it is for Hehuanshan East Peak.
• Cilai Mountain north peak 3.607, Cilai Mountain 3.560 to Kaluolou 3.413 m A permit is necessary; otherwise, it can be fined up to TWD 30.000. There are cabins for overnight stays on the long and strenuous trail. The trailhead is at the hostel and looks very exciting. Some local hikers had a closer look, and so did we, just for an hour. Especially this trail is rich in vegetation with trees and bushes growing in high altitudes, such as different Rhododendron, Bamboo, Taiwan Fir and Coniferous like the widespread Chinese Hemlock.
• Hehuanshan's north peak is 3.422 m, and the west peak is 3.145 m high. The trails start at the visitor centre and Taroko National Park headquarters.

Free entrance to the park.

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It's a tremendous biological diversity and ideal for endemic bird watching with 35 different species. We spotted many birds around the hostel early morning and even at midday.

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Taiwan's mountains are attracting the attention of hikers from all over the world for their height, which rivals the Alps and the Rocky Mountains, and their beautiful alpine scenery. While some of the highest peaks require considerable time and effort to reach, there is one place on the island that gives an instant overview of what Taiwan's mountains have to offer. Mt. Hehuan, despite its altitude of more than 3,000 meters, has a road that goes right across it, making access very convenient. It is the best place to see snow in the tropics, and escape from the summer heat. In as little as one day, you can travel the highest road in East Asia, and take the many hiking paths that lead off the main road. These are usually short and always safe. Mt. Hehuan, Taiwan's "tourist mountain," rivals the island's other high peaks in scenery and atmosphere, yet it is easily reachable by car or on foot. Accommodation is offered at Hehuan Cottage. At the same time, it is the starting point for one of Taiwan's most challenging and exciting treks, Qilai Ridge, a two-day "ultimate experience" that involves negotiating a knife-edge ridge with many dizzying pinnacles. Although the road scares away many of the birds and animals for which Taiwan is known, a short walk along the trails leading off the main road, particularly those in the direction of Qilai, will reveal their presence.

Travel Information

** The Central Cross-Island Highway (Guguan to Deji Section) is currently closed for repairs.

Nat'l Fwy 1 → Exit at the Changhua System Interchange → Nat'l Fwy 3 → Exit at the Wufeng System Interchange → Nat'l Fwy 6 → Exit at the Puli End Interchange → Prov. Hwy 14 → Prov. Hwy 14A

Take THSR or TRA to Taichung Station, transfer  Sun Moon Lake Route 6670  to Puli Station, and transfer Nantou Bus 6658 to Cuifeng stop.

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5 things to do around Hehuan Mountain

• taiwanscene

In Taroko National Park, one of the most beautiful places to visit in all Taiwan, is Hehuan Mountain (合歡山) . Sometimes referred to as Joy Mountain, its 3,416-meter-high main peak borders Nantou and Hualien. Far away from the glare of city lights and the noises of urban life, it is a great place to get in touch with nature. Home to unique plant life such as Alpine rhododendrons, Hehuan is a must-visit for those wishing to see a truly different side of Taiwan. Here are five things you can’t miss out on doing in and around the Hehuan Mountain area. ( Read more: Sky High-Climbing Up to the Roof of Taiwan: A Wushe to Mt. Hehuan Excursion )

1. Gaze at the stars

Hehuan Mountain was recently named by Lonely Planet in a list of the best places for stargazing in Asia – and they’re not wrong. The area is Taiwan’s first designated International Dark Sky Park, where visitors can camp out and marvel at the universe without any light pollution ruining the view. There are strict rules about exactly where you can camp, however, a popular one being the Heilu campground near the entrance of Taroko’s Lushui Trail ( 綠水步道 ).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sky Kuei (@sky_kuei) on Oct 15, 2020 at 5:33pm PDT

2. See some snow

Yes, surprisingly, it does actually snow in subtropical Taiwan. Hehuan Mountain is one of the few places in the country where snow settles, so expect it to be busy in winter with people flocking to see some of the white stuff for themselves. Head along the Hehuanjianshan trail, a steep hiking route that isn’t as challenging as some of the mountain’s others, to fully enjoy the snowy scenery. ( Read more: Snow Way: Does it Snow in Taiwan? )

3. Go hiking

With three tall peaks, Hehuan Mountain is a great spot for hiking. In the west of Taroko National Park, there are several routes to tackle, with the easiest being Hehuanjianshan (about a 45-minute roundtrip) and the most challenging being the western peak. The west peak takes around eight hours in total to master and should only really be attempted if you’re in decent physical condition. The north peak, on the other hand, is a great option for beginners as it only take 20~30 minutes to get to the top. ( Read more: Take a Hike: the Best Hiking Trails in Taiwan )

4. Visit Taroko Gorge

You’re so close, so you might as well. Taiwan’s most stunning natural wonder, Taroko Gorge is full of trails and natural scenery for you to explore. The Lushui Trail, near the Heilu campsite, is a very accessible and well-maintained two kilometer route along the gorge’s cliffsides, while the Shakadang Trail ( 砂卡噹步道 ), straddled by beautiful natural landscapes such as the Shakadang Stream, passes by the Truku tribal village where you’ll find a small market offering a range of indigenous foods for visitors to try.

5. King of the Mountain (KOM)

Experienced cyclist? Serious athlete? Then this one’s for you. Taiwan’s KOM is a cycling race climbs through Taroko Gorge, reaching the Wuling peak of Hehuan Mountain 3,275 grueling meters later. The route is complete with a leg-busting climb that even the most seasoned of bikers sometimes fail to finish. Taking part in this race is one of the few times you’ll be able to cycle through Taroko’s roads without getting stuck behind cars and tour buses. ( Read more: Eight Taiwan Sporting Events Serious Athletes Need to Know About )

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taiwan KOM Challenge (@taiwankomchallenge) on Nov 21, 2019 at 6:48pm PST

If you want to customize your own trip to Hehuan Mountain, click here . 

For Mountain Lovers

• Alishan – A World of High-Mountain Tea Up in the Clouds
• An Afternoon at Elephant Mountain
• Moving Mountains: An Australian Hiker Moves in Taipei
• Hiking through Taiwan’s great outdoors: A Long Walk On the Old DanLan Trail

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Taiwan Scene is an online travel magazine. We publish stories introducing readers to the culture, scenery and travel possibilities of our homeland, articles to help travelers make the most of their time in Taiwan, and occasional interviews with movers and shakers from Taiwan’s ever-expanding creative scene. 一切關於有意思的台灣

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Why this tour ?

1. Amazing snowscapes of grotesque rocks, stunning rime, snow-covered peaks, amazing clouds sea;

2. Stay a nice night at a fancy resort in the Hot Spring Scenic Area;

3. Get to know what is the real ancient Chinese living like in Hongcun Village.

1. One of the most popular Huangshan Tours;

2. Classic tour to discover all the highlights of Huangshan in 3-day;

3. High-quality service (private guide & air-conditioning vehicle).

1. Embrace the picturesque natural scenery of Yellow Mountain;

2. Extend to Hongcun & Xidi Ancient Villages – the UNESCO World Heritage Sites;

3. A very local price guaranteed.

1. Scenic high speed train riding experience at prosperous east China;

2. Marvel at Yellow Mountain scenery & Hui-styled buildings;

3. Enjoy Shanghai skyline with traditional gardens and lake in Suzhou and Hangzhou.

1. Explore the best highlights of Shanghai;

2. Take a high speed bullet train to Huangshan from Shanghai;

3. Hike Huangshan in a leisure way.

Huangshan Tours & China Yellow Mountain Trips 2024/2025

“No mountain is worth seeing after a trip to Huangshan Mountain”. Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, is widely believed as the most beautiful mountain in China. It features the “Four Wonders” - beautifully-shaped pines trees, fantastic rock peaks, sea of clouds and hot springs. No matter you travel as solo, senior, hiker or family with kids, Huangshan always offers you a suitable trip.

How to Plan a Huangshan Tour

Huangshan Mountain is divided into Front Mountain (Western Path) and Back Mountain (East Path) . The Front Mountain features dominating peaks, beautiful stone paths and far-reaching views. The Back Mountain is famous for idyllic smaller peaks and shapely pine trees. Most of the highlighting attractions are located on the mountain top area where you can get by foot or cable car. You can easily plan your Yellow Mountain trip to 1 day , 1.5 days , 2 days , 3 days or more according to your days, energy condition and interest. After Huangshan Mountain tour, you are strongly suggested exploring one or two nearby Hui-style beautiful ancient villages - Hongcun , Xidi , Nanping , Bishan , etc. There are many interesting ways for you to have fun, such as hiking , photography , biking , and rural living experience , etc. All of our Huangshan tours can be tailor-made to fit your needs and likes. You will also be well taken care of by our local knowledgeable and helpful tour guide and experienced private drivers, and enjoy well-selected quality accommodation and food. Start your Huangshan holiday now!

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Huangshan for the past few years. Among them, a couple from Canada enjoyed their romantic covering Huangshan highlights" href="travel-stories/14-days-beautiful-china-exploring-tour.html" target="_blank">14-day Nature & Culture China trip covering Huangshan highlights with our cutomized tour package. Besides, Mr. Ban's group from USA who have been traveling with us for more than 3 years also savored the sightseeing and culture of Huangshan. Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Huangshan trip memories!

Latest Huangshan Travel News: 1) In 2024, all foreign travellers can enjoy a 50% discount on entry to all scenic areas, including Yellow Mountain. 2) Celestial Capital Peak is now open for tourists, while Lotus Peak is temporarily closed. 3) Huangshan can easily be traveled with Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xiamen by high speed bullet train.

Why you can trust our Huangshan tours? Check what our customers are reviewing about us!

Recommended Huangshan Tours by Categories

• Top 6 Huangshan Tours
• Custom Hiking
• Photography/Culture/Biking

Highlights: Begin-to-believe Peak, Lion Peak, West Sea Grand Canyon, Sunrise, Tunxi Old Street

If you prefer walking the easier path while not missing the best highlights, this is the ideal trip - short days, classic itinerary, leisure pace, private transfer. You will use park bus and cable cars directly bring you to the sightseeing areas, saving you from unnecessary walking. After a day-and-night trip on the mountain, you will get down the mountain to stroll along the Tunxi Ancient Street to encounter hundred-years' history and admire the "Four Treasures of the Study" in Ink Stone Factory...

Highlights: Begin-to-Believe Peak, West Sea Grand Canyon, Bright Summit, Flying-over Rock, Lion Peak, Hongcun Ancient Village, Xidi Ancient Village

This tour is suitable for all kinds of travelers - family with kids, seniors, honeymooners, photographers, etc. You will have a leisure tour on the mountain to admire its archetypal granite peaks, twisted pines, beautiful cloud sea and fabulous sunrise in good-weather days. After the memorable Huangshan Mountain tour, you will be taken to visit two remarkable ancient villages - Hongcun and Xidi which are the best examples of ancient Huizhou-style architecture and listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Highlights: Greeting-guests Pine, Lotus Peak, Bright Top, West Sea Grand Canyon, Lion Peak

This tour will take you to explore the best highlights of both Front Mountain and Back Mountain in 2 full days. The hiking pace is neither too tight nor too relaxing. Park bus and cable cars will save you from unnecessary walking, and directly bring you to the sightseeing areas with stunning landscapes and enjoyable hiking experience.

Highlights: Huangshan Bright Summit, Lion Peak, West Sea Grand Canyon, Sunrise, Hongcun Ancient Village

If you're planning a trip to China’s most beautiful mountain – Huangshan but only have 2 days for it, you need an awesome itinerary to see and explore as much as you can in a short time, and package of tour services which take care of transfer, hotel, guide, etc. so that you can focus 100% on enjoying the best highlights of Huangshan. Here is the best 2 days tour of Huangshan essence for anyone wishing to maximize their time in Huangshan. It is the best way to introduce Huangshan to you – marveling at natural wonders, enjoying some leisure hiking, staying one peaceful night on the mountain…

Highlights: Huangshan Mountain, Hongcun Village, Bishan Village, Pig's Inn

Escape to China's Picturesque Mountain and Idyllic Villages! Bishan next to Huangshan is the place which will take all your tiredness and annoyance away. It’s much tranquil, and seldom squeezed by tourists groups, the ideal place to experience the peaceful genuine countryside life in old China - the beauty, the nature, the real contact with Chinese life. In this vacation tour, you will stay a fantastic night and some leisure day time at Bishan. Before that, you will explore the beautiful Huangshan Mountain and stunning Hongcun Village first.

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village, Tunxi Ancient Street

How to visit Huangshan in an economical way? You can choose not to stay the night on the mountain, which will help you save some money. There is no doubt you will miss out some in-depth experiences, such as walking deeper down the West Sea Grand Canyon, sunset and sunrise, etc. But the essential highlights can be enjoyed in a single day if you plan your itinerary well as this 3 Days Yellow Mountain Essential Tour on which you can not only save money and time, but also explore the most highlighting parts of Huangshan, including Lion Peak, West Sea Grand Canyon, Flying-over Rock, Bright Summit... Also take a side trip to nearby Hongcun Ancient Village. It is a valuable private tour with your own tour guide and driver. Hotels, breakfasts, train (flight) pick up, attractions tickets are fully included.

Highlights: Begin-to-believe Peak, Lion Peak, Bright Top, Sunrise

The winter days of Huangshan Mountain are actually very beautiful as one of the best time for photography. It’s strongly recommended to enjoy a comfortable Hot Spring after Huangshan mountain walking trip. After that, you will also have an interesting visit to Hongcun Village which is regarded as the most beautiful ancient Chinese village in China.

Highlights: Huangshan Mountain Hiking (Back Mountain + Front Mountain), Hongcun Village, Xidi-Hongcun Ancient Pathway

This excellent hiking tour has combined both the classical walking trails on Huangshan Mountain and the beautiful countryside walking from Hongcun Village to Xidi Village, which give you a chance to hike 3 full days with 2 completely different-style experiences.

Highlights: Greeting Guests Pine, Lotus Peak, West Sea Grand Canyon, Lion Peak

If you are a serious hiker and plan to stay 2-3 days on Yellow Mountain, then this tour is perfect for you. You will conquer the challenging roads and steep peaks with your feet and mind. All the best highlights of Huangshan are covered. The most exciting part is the full-day adventure in the dreamland - West Sea Grand Canyon.

Highlights: Hongcun Village, Countryside Biking, Huangshan Mountain

Ride leisurely for a half day to explore beautiful surrounding area of Hongcun Ancient Village, also spend a leisure walking tour on Huangshan Mountain. Private tour package, tailor-made biking itinerary!

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Tangyue Memorial Archways, Chengkan Ancient Village, Tunxi Ancient Street, Hu Kaifen Inkstick Factory

Spend 4 days in Huangshan to explore the Four Wonders of Yellow Mountain in brief two days - “Odd-shaped Pines, Spectacular Rocky Peaks, Sea of Clouds, Hot Spring”, and then linger among the tranquil lanes of the ancient villages to explore the featured Ancient Huizhou Culture.

Highlights: Huangshan Mountain, Wuyuan Photography, Tunxi Ancient Street

This 4-day tour leads you to the most famous mountain of China – Yellow Mountain, the most beautiful small town – Wuyuan, strongly recommended to you if you are a photography lover. Enjoy "wonders" of Yellow Mountain, and explore the stunning scenery in the countryside of Wuyuan.

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Village, Tachuan Village, Jiusha Village, Yangchan Village

Our 5 Days Mount Huang Autumn Tour will take you to make the best of the precious autumn time to marvel at the beautifully-shaped pines trees, fantastic rock peaks, sea of clouds and other wonders of Huangshan Mountain, then take a wonderful day tour to Jiusha Village and Yangchan Village which are two of the best villages to witness Crops Drying. It is a good mixture of natural beautify and local culture experience.

Highlights: Huangshan Mountain, Hongcun Village, Wood Carving Class, Tea Picking and Making Experience

In our 4 days Huangshan family tours, we arrange sightseeing cable cars to take you ascend and descend Yellow Mountain to conserve your strength for more relaxing sightseeing on the top area of the mountain. After the precious memory with your kids on the alluring Yellow Mountain, there are also some family-friendly experiences awaiting you to entertain as well as educate your kids. Just in the towns near Yellow Mountain, you can take part in some interesting local activities (making tea and doing wood/bamboo carving), by which your kids can get a better understanding of Huangshan’s tea culture and carving culture.

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Sunrise & Sunset, Hongcun Ancient Village, Xidi Ancient Village, Tangyue Archway Complex

Photographers who come on pilgrimage to Mount Huangshan could capture the sunrise over the misty peaks, sunset from the sea of clouds, granite peaks and twisted pines wreathed in spectral folds of mist.

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, China Ceramic Museum, Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum, Hongcun Ancient Village, Taoxichuan

This tour is designed for those who are interested in both nature and culture, offering the perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and fascinating history. Travel to Jingdezhen, the cradle of Chinese porcelain for over 1,700 years, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. Gain a deeper understanding of porcelain history and culture through interactive demonstrations led by master ceramicists. Then kick off your adventure with a visit to Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountain, widely considered one of the most beautiful mountains in China.

Highlights: Huangling Village, Likeng Village, Qiaoqi Village, Ancient Kiln and Customs Museum, Sanbao International Porcelain Art Village

Wuyuan, located in the north of Jiangxi Province, is known as "the most beautiful village in China". It draws pleasing seasonal scenery and unique local culture. When spring comes, Huangling in Wuyuan, known as one of the "four major flower seas in China", will welcome a large number of tourists and photography enthusiasts to witness the vast seas of rape flowers. While in autumn days, Wuyuan turns to a world of colors. Locals dry their crops, such as corn and hot pepper, on the roofs, which create a spectacular experience for visitors. Wuyuan is one of the best preserved places of Huizhou ancient architecture in China, known as "Ancient Architecture Museum". The Hui style buildings with white walls and black tiles also add a sense of antique flavor to Wuyuan.

The hiking routes on Huangshan can be customized according to your days, energy condition and interest, basically for one day, two days or three days. It doesn't matter a lot to start your hiking from the Front Mountain or the Back Mountain.

1.5 Days Back Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon Leisure Hiking:

- Day 1: Yungu Cableway - Begin-to-Believe Peak - Lion Peak - West Sea Grand Canyon (hiking around 9km/6hrs) - Day 2: Sunrise - Flying-over Rock - Bright Top (hiking around 7km/3hrs)

2 Days Front Mountain + Back Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon Full Highlights Hiking:

3 Days In-depth Hiking:

Please feel free to let us know your idea if you have no idea where to start .

Huangshan Tour + Other Popular China Destinations - Shanghai, Hangzhou...

• Shanghai Huangshan Tours
• Beijing Huangshan Tours
• Hangzhou Huangshan Tours

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun & Xidi, Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory

Shanghai has been widely chosen as the gateway city to travel to Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain, as there are more than 12 high speed bullet trains running to Huangshan each day. The 280 miles train journey, which is very scenic and comfortable, can be done in brief 3 hours. If you have a couple of days and want to visit Huangshan, this is the tour - classic itinerary, private tour and great price.

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village, The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center

Southern China area boasts the elegant scenery with exquisite water and traditional buildings as well as fashion and vacation, and Shanghai to Huangshan are the two brightest stars. Traveling Shanghai with Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain takes you traverse from modern to ancient, from fashion to tradition, from city’s hustle and bustle to tranquility and quietness in this area.

Highlights: The Bund, Nanjing Road, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village

Whichever nickname you prefer, "Paris of the Orient" or "Pearl of China", Shanghai captures the essence of new China, as well as its centuries of history and culture. It is also the best gateway city to travel to Huangshan. During this tour, you will first spend 1 and a half days in Shanghai to visit the landmarks as well as the beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town. After that, take a high speed train to Huangshan to hike the Yellow Mountain.

Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Yellow Mountain Hongcun Village

You may be planning to visit the Yellow Mountain of China, but having no idea how to start it. Here is a wonderful way - traveling to Yellow Mountain from Beijing. It's only about 6 hour's high speed train journey from the capital city Beijing. During this tour, you can not only have the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural center of China, but also enjoy the fabulous time spent on the most beautiful mountain in China.

Highlights: Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Hutong, Summer Palace), Huangshan (Yellow Mountain, Hongcun, Xidi)

Yellow Mountain in Huangshan is widely believed as the most beautiful mountain in China. Its comprising multiple granite peaks (many reaching 3,250 feet elevation), twisted pines, jutting crags, magnificent clouds seas, psychedelic mists and breathtaking sunrise are definitely worth visiting for a couple of days. Only about one hour’s driving the mountain are Hongcun and Xidi, picturesque ancient Chinese villages. This tour will take you to hike the Yellow Mountain for 2 days, and visit both Hongcun and Xidi. You will travel to Huangshan from Beijing by flight (about 2.5 hours).

Highlights: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village, Tunxi Old Street

Hangzhou is the best representation of classic beauty of China, mostly thanking to the romantic West Lake beautiful as a classic Chinese ink painting. While Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), is praised as the most beautiful mountain in China. The flying bullet train links both destinations with only 1.5 hours. Why not explore all sightseeing, brilliant culture and art, and nice histories in Hangzhou and Huangshan? Since this valuable package will show you the best way to explore West Lake and Yellow Mountain and admire the local bustling streets, authentic tea fields with Dragon Well tea aroma, worth-visiting themed museums, etc. in great value and rich types, just go and play!

Recommended China Packages including Huangshan Tours

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

This is a unique trip full of diverse things to see and experience with the advanced riding of China high speed train. You will explore the southeastern China, the most prosperous region which is known for diversity of culture - modern metropolis, beautiful water towns, art of Suzhou Classical Garden, Buddhism, Chinese tea culture, Huizhou-style architecture… The fabulous Yellow Mountain pleases both your mind and eyes, which combines the landscape enjoying with cultural exploration in a single trip. You will start the trip from Shanghai to soak in its vitality and busyness, then go to experience the exquisite Jiangnan-style elegance in Suzhou and Hangzhou. Lastly, be amazed at the four wonders of the Yellow Mountain.

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Huangshan

This tour takes you to see a different China, which is prosperous, elegant, magnificent and poetic, traditional and open! Start from Shanghai to catch its fancy skyline of world top skyscrapers facing century old colonial architectures and walk in the classic garden to seek its hidden Chinese beauty. Then, transfer to Hangzhou to see the “Paradise City on Earth” around the fabulous West Lake and get up to enjoy the forest quietness and tea fields refreshing. Continue to Huangshan to visit the picturesque traditional village filmed in Hollywood movie and hike up on gorgeous Yellow Mountain to embrace its best splendid natural wonders!

Huangshan / Zhangjiajie

Being a land stretching far East and West, China has a number of mountain ranges and magnificent mountains to be admired. Among all the mountains, Yellow Mountain in Huangshan City and Avatar floating mountains in Zhangjiajie City are the prestigious ones. Many travelers make a trip to combine the two destinations to fully explore the featured mountains and peaks. Yellow Mountain is renowned for its magnificent scenery made up of granite peaks and rocks where you can appreciate the magical wonders, like odd-shaped pines, spectacular rocky peaks, sea of clouds. While, Zhangjiajie is known for the spectacular quartz sandstone peaks, ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, caves and natural bridges nestled with the towering peaks. After hiking among the best trails of the mountains, you can truly have a taste of the beauty of China great mountains.

Guilin / Huangshan

Guilin has long been one must-be-visited destination for first comer to China for its “best scenery under heaven”. For those who are interested in China's natural scenery and want to appreciate more, don’t miss Yellow Mountain - UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Site - famed for its four wonders (spectacular rocky peaks, sea of clouds, hot spring and winter snow).

Shanghai / Suzhou / Huangshan / Shanghai

Our Eastern China tour provides you a perfect romantic backdrop with exquisite Jiangnan-style elegance. Tour the dynamic modern metropolis Shanghai, view the peaceful China Water Town Tongli, visit the classic Chinese Garden in Suzhou, and enjoy the marvelous natural beauty in Mt. Huangshan - a lifetime experience is waiting for you!...

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Beijing / Huangshan / Shanghai

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Pete Townshend Now Says There Will Not Be a Who Farewell Tour: ‘I Was Being Sarcastic’

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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It turns out that when Pete Townshend recently told the New York Times that he was planning on a final Who farewell tour, he was “being sarcastic,” he told the “ Sound Up!” podcast in an interview released today (April 16).

“It feels to me like there’s one thing the Who can do, and that’s a final tour where we play every territory in the world and then crawl off to die,” he told the Times in an interview published last month.

Popular on Variety

When asked about that line in relation to his infamous boast — “I hope I die before I get old” — from the Who’s 1965 song “My Generation,” he continued, “That’s a twist, in a sense. ‘Slit Skirts’ was an honest confession of how I didn’t like what I’d become. When I wrote [‘My Generation’], I was celebrating the fact that I was young — I was 18 and surrounded by old people. Now, everybody seems younger. But in those days, everybody seemed older and they all seemed to be messed up, either miserable or poor or working too hard or complaining about something. The song was about, ‘I’m never gonna be like you if I’m old,’ and I don’t think I am like them. I’m happy and I’m struggling still, and I think I’m operating for the greater good — touch wood!” (Hear the full 50-minute interview here .)

However, even his comment to the Times showed a distaste for touring as the Who. Immediately after his statement to the paper above, he said, “I don’t get much of a buzz from performing with the Who. If I’m really honest, I’ve been touring for the money. My idea of an ‘ordinary lifestyle’ is pretty elevated.” As always, time will tell.

“Sound Up!” is hosted by former MTV VJ Mark Goodman and top music journalist Alan Light (both formerly of SiriusXM’s “Debatable”), is produced by Roger Coletti and distributed by Revolver Podcasts.

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Rory McIlroy says his ‘future’ is with PGA Tour after report of LIV offer

Responding to a report that he was “close” to a big-money deal with LIV Golf, Rory McIlroy said Tuesday that there was no truth to it and that he has never received an offer from the three-year-old venture.

“I’ll play the PGA Tour the rest of my career,” McIlroy declared.

In an interview with Golf Channel while in Hilton Head Island, S.C., for this week’s Heritage tournament, McIlroy also reiterated his desire to see the PGA Tour and LIV find a way for their players to face each other more often. One of those rare occasions unfolded last week at the Masters, where defending champion Jon Rahm played against his former PGA Tour colleagues for the first time since defecting to LIV.

Rahm is thought to have received a contract worth well into nine figures to join the Saudi Arabia-backed league. According to a report Sunday from City A.M. , a business-focused media platform based in London, McIlroy was offered $850 million to leave the PGA Tour.

City A.M. reported that McIlroy also was offered 2 percent equity in LIV. The 34-year-old native of Northern Ireland, who has softened his stance on LIV after initially being its most vocal critic among PGA players, said Tuesday he did not “know how these things get started.”

“I’ve never been offered a number from LIV, and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV,” he said. “Again, I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me.

“It doesn’t mean that I judge people who have went and played over there,” McIlroy continued. “I think one of the things that I have realized over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them for that?”

Exclusive: Rory McIlroy tells @ToddLewisGC that LIV Golf rumors are false and, "I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career." Tune into Golf Today at 5 p.m. EDT for more. pic.twitter.com/PIPAWMIWGh — Golf Central (@GolfCentral) April 16, 2024

The PGA Tour in June announced plans to partner with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund , which owns LIV Golf. But the circuits are still conducting their business separately. A Dec. 31 deadline for details to be ratified was extended as talks continue, but amid little sign of a deal, players from both sides have expressed concern that golf fans are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the current state of affairs.

After McIlroy said recently that it was “unsustainable” for golf’s highest level to run on parallel tracks, LIV’s Bryson DeChambeau asserted that an alliance between the circuits needed to happen “quicker rather than later just for the good of the sport.”

With 13 LIV players participating in the Masters, DeChambeau had the lead after the first round and finished tied for sixth with another LIV star, Cameron Smith. They were among just eight players to post a total score below par in a tournament won convincingly by the PGA Tour’s Scottie Scheffler, who was described Tuesday by McIlroy as “hands down the best player in the game right now.”

Of the rival circuit’s roster, McIlroy told Golf Channel that there were “obviously some really good players on LIV who would be a great addition to the field this week [at Hilton Head], and they’re not here, and that’s unfortunate.”

“I think the game is way better with all of us together,” he added.

In February 2022, after DeChambeau and some other big-name golfers pledged loyalty to the PGA Tour, McIlroy said LIV Golf was “dead in the water.” The start-up league launched that year and steadily pilfered prominent players, then made a statement about its possible staying power by luring Rahm in December. Less than a month later, McIlroy said LIV was “part of our sport now,” and in February his former agent suggested McIlroy’s changed public stance could be a precursor to a big-money move to the league. Asked about that then, McIlroy said with a chuckle, “You never know — he might know a few things.”

On Tuesday, McIlroy struck an emphatic note about where he intended to play golf.

“My future is here on the PGA Tour,” he said.

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Miles Russell, 15, ready for TOUR-sanctioned debut at LECOM Suncoast Classic

Miles Russell practices for his PGA TOUR-sanctioned debut at the LECOM Suncoast Classic. (Alex Sturgill/PGA TOUR)

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LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Miles Russell is too young for a driver’s license, but he outdrove his playing partners with ease Tuesday at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Russell, the world’s top-ranked junior golfer, will make his PGA TOUR-sanctioned debut this week on a sponsor exemption, roughly a four-hour drive from his hometown of Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Russell, 15, is a high-school freshman who began online schooling in eighth grade. The smooth-swinging left-hander got ahead on coursework in recent days (classes include geometry, Earth science, world history and geography) so he can focus on competing at Lakewood National Golf Club’s Commander course. This isn’t a ceremonial start, as Russell has displayed high-end talent and skill across a schedule of big-time junior golf events. He surpassed Tiger Woods last fall as the youngest AJGA Boys Junior Player of the Year, and he nearly Monday qualified for the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open last month – falling in a playoff for the final spot.

A junior star’s first TOUR-sanctioned start becomes a time capsule in future years. Jordan Spieth finished T16 at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson in 2010 (at age 16), and a 17-year-old Scottie Scheffler finished T22 at the same event four years later. Both, like Russell, are past AJGA Players of the Year and made their TOUR-sanctioned debut in their home state. The youthful energy radiates across time, and Russell looks forward to a similar experience this week in Florida.

“I don’t know what to expect, but I’d love to make the cut and who knows, maybe have a good weekend and see where it puts me,” Russell said Tuesday.

Russell was introduced to golf at age 2 by his dad and grandpa, “whacking it around the house … and it’s been history ever since,” he said. “Took me out to the course and went through a bucket of balls in 3 minutes, and it was just fun.”

Russell played baseball and soccer in his formative years, but he eased those sports back to focus on golf – he still enjoys some pickleball and tennis at times, but golf is his purest sporting love. He first attended THE PLAYERS Championship at age 2 (TPC Sawgrass is just 10 minutes from home) and said he’s attended that event as a fan each year since.

Junior PLAYERS champion Miles Russell poses with Nick Dunlap during the first timers press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship 2024. (Ben Jared/PGA TOUR)

“I’ve always wanted to be able to do it," Russell said of eventually pursuing professional golf. "To have the chance to do it would be even cooler, and then to be able to do it would be awesome. I think it would just be cool to do something I love, and there’s not much more I love than this.”

His resume suggests he’s poised to do just that.

Russell was named the 2023 AJGA Player of the Year on Nov. 2 (a day after turning 15) in a year that included winning the Junior PGA Championship (by seven strokes), Junior PLAYERS Championship (carding a second-round 66 at TPC Sawgrass’ PLAYERS Stadium Course, en route to becoming the event’s youngest winner) and representing the United States at the Junior Ryder Cup.

Russell has worked with instructor Ramon Bescansa, whom he describes as both a swing coach and a skills coach, since age 6 or 7. Bescansa, a former Korn Ferry Tour member, will caddie for his student in his Korn Ferry Tour debut.

When asked about TOUR player comparisons that come to mind, Bescansa mentioned reigning Open champion Brian Harman, noting their elite hands, short game and intuition.

“He was already incredible when I first started working with him,” Bescansa said of Russell. “He had a golf IQ that’s not normal for such a young age. It’s been so much fun. I was able to not only help him with his swing, but teaching him how to play golf, play all the shots; he already had a huge understanding and he was like a sponge, a lot of teaching was done with him and a club, and try to do it.”

Russell says he’s more of a feel player than technical, and his instructor concurs. Bescansa said a large part of their work relates to tempo and being synced up. That will become especially paramount as Russell’s body continues to change.

“He’s only 15 and he’s still growing; every time I see him, he’s hitting it farther,” said Bescansa, noting that Russell has reached 112-113 mph of swing speed (which will likely increase in future years).

Russell made waves in the professional golf sphere by narrowly missing at Puerto Rico Open’s Monday qualifier, as he made bogey at No. 18 before falling in a 4-for-1 playoff won by Korn Ferry Tour member Evan Harmeling. (Harmeling proceeded to top-10 in Puerto Rico, his first TOUR start, to earn a spot in the Valspar Championship.)

In a twist, Russell and Harmeling often compete in chipping competitions around their hometown Atlantic Beach Country Club – Russell also often tests his skills against TOUR pros Vince Covello, Raul Pereda, Russell Knox, Philip Knowles and others. Being around professional golfers has accelerated Russell’s development into a world-class junior player, concurred Russell and his instructor, befitting of Russell’s “sponge” ethos.

That was also the case Tuesday, when Russell played an 18-hole practice round with veteran pros Roberto Diaz, Sam Saunders and Rob Oppenheim – who finished runner-up at the Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Country Club earlier this month. (After being informed that Russell was the No. 1-ranked junior, Oppenheim quipped that if he wasn’t No. 1, that could foreshadow trouble for veteran pros at large.) Those three have combined for 907 starts between the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour.

Miles Russell with his playing partners Tuesday at LECOM Suncoast Classic. From L-R: Sam Saunders, Roberto Diaz, Russell and Rob Oppenheim. (Elise Tallent/PGA TOUR)

Russell might embody the game’s future, but his veteran playing partners didn’t shy away from offering instruction in the present. On the par-4 11th tee, the group discussed how the hole might play in certain wind directions and various angles to consider on the short par 4 that could become drivable on a downwind day. As they strode up the fairway, Diaz shared nuances and a perspective accrued through a 15-year pro career.

“These guys have been great,” Russell said. “Certainly watching what they’ve doing; asked them some questions … they’ve kind of been showing me some secrets.”

Russell also spent some time at THE PLAYERS last month with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, whom he said “was such a nice guy and such a great guy.” Scheffler famously debuted at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson in 2014, finishing T22 with his sister Callie on the bag – and making a hole-in-one in the third round.

“Scheffler sounded like a PGA TOUR veteran Sunday, analyzing his experience and making a mental checklist of everything he wants to fix,” wrote ESPN at the time.

Russell too sounded like a veteran Tuesday discussing his week ahead, his quiet confidence backed up by his laundry list of accomplishments. The No. 1 junior wasn’t in the business of making bold proclamations, but he projected a sense of expectation to compete this week. When asked about highlight golf moments so far, he mentioned the Junior Ryder Cup and holing out on the 72nd hole at the Junior PGA Championship, but also …

“Maybe we’ll make one this week,” he said after completing Tuesday’s practice round, as he headed to the range for some further work. “Who knows?”

Kevin Prise is an associate editor for the PGA TOUR. He is on a lifelong quest to break 80 on a course that exceeds 6,000 yards and to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl. Follow Kevin Prise on Twitter .

Huangshan Itinerary - How Long to Spend in Huangshan

Huangshan is famous for its breathtaking Yellow Mountains landscape of granite peaks, charismatic pine trees, and cloud-sea vistas. Huangshan is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Discover the best duration for your Huangshan adventure from these itineraries, ranging from a quick 2-day trip to a deeper 5-day exploration — allowing you to make the most of your time and have the best experiences in this majestic region.

How Long to Spend in Huangshan

Generally speaking, a typical Huangshan trip takes about 3–4 days. Within 3–4 days, you can cover the main highlights of Huangshan and the surrounding ancient village at a comfortable pace.

If you only have 2 days, you can still visit Huangshan and explore the major Yellow Mountains highlights such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak and West Sea Grand Canyon, as long as you plan your itinerary well. If you would like some help with the planning, you could have an experienced local travel expert, like us, maximize your travel experience.

If you want to have a deep exploration of the mountains and the idyllic and culture-filled surrounding areas, we recommend that you spend about 5 days enjoying your Huangshan adventure. An extended stay would give you the opportunity to hike all the major trails, witness sunrises, and sunsets from a number of awesome viewpoints, explore the ancient villages at a leisurely pace, and possibly visit the attractive neighboring areas of Tunxi and Wuyuan.  

Huangshan in 3 Days — Essence of Huangshan

A 3-day Huangshan itinerary would allow you to enjoy the main highlights of the Yellow Mountains and visit a medieval village and street — Hongcun and Tunxi Old Street — at a relaxed pace.

See below for a sample 3-day itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival, visit Tunxi Ancient Street and Hongcun
• Day 2: Yellow Mountains tour
• Day 3: Yellow Mountains sunrise, departure

Enjoy a comfortable stroll through Hongcun — a quiet (except for the seasonal tourist droves) and artistically charming tiny village nestling at the foot of the Yellow Mountains. Our guide could help take some awesome memorial photos for you there.

You would spend a day and a night on the Yellow Mountains to enjoy their highlights including a captivating sunset and sunrise. With our tailored guidance, you can choose the level of exploration that suits you best. Our guide would customize the best route according to your preference and fitness level, whether you are an energetic hiker who wants to explore off-the-beaten-path or beginners, a family with children, or senior citizens.

Sunset and sunrise on the Yellow Mountains would definitely be highlights of your tour (with good weather). Our experienced guide would lead you to the best vantage points for these awe-inspiring moments. The weather plays a significant role in this experience. We recommend consulting your travel advisor when planning your trip to inquire about the potential for favorable weather conditions, increasing your chances of watching enchanting sunset or sunrise panoramas. 

Huangshan in 4 Days — In-Depth Trekking Experience

If you want a deep exploration of the Yellow Mountains, we can help you arrange a trekking route on less-traveled paths, allowing you to appreciate undisturbed beauty away from the tourists.

Here's a sample itinerary for your consideration:

• Day 1: Huangshan arrival
• Day 2: Trek up the Yellow Mountains, sunset among the peaks
• Day 3: Trek in West Sea Grand Canyon
• Day 4: Trek down the mountainside

During this itinerary, you would have a great adventure exploring the legendary mountain area on foot. You would uncover hidden gems that normal travelers never have a chance to see.

Your guide would accompany you every step of the way. You would trek at your own pace, savor the picturesque landscapes, and capture stunning photographs without the usual tour-group disruptions. You would hike up and down the mountain on different paths, ensuring that you experience a diverse range of views and trails.

Recommended tour: 4-Day Trekking in the Yellow Mountains 

Huangshan in 2 Days — a Quick Explore

With a 2-day tour, we recommend you focus on the main highlights of the Yellow Mountains. To make the most of your short trip, we recommend the following well-planned 2-day itinerary:

• Day 1: Yellow Mountain tour
• Day 2: Yellow Mountain sunrise, Hongcun village, departure

To have a full 2 days for your Yellow Mountains tour, you would need to arrive a day earlier. You would take a cable car up the mountain and explore key attractions, such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Bright Summit Peak, and the West Sea Grand Canyon. You would also catch a sunrise and/or sunset during your stay if the weather permits.

However, with a 2-day tour, you would probably miss the beautiful surrounding villages. We recommend leaving at least 3 days to explore both the Yellow Mountains and the old-style villages at the mountains' foot.

If your goal is to experience the essence of Huangshan within a limited time, a well-planned 2-day trip can undoubtedly be a rewarding and memorable adventure.

Yellow Mountains Itineraries from Shanghai/Hangzhou

The Yellow Mountains are somewhat conveniently located near Shanghai and Hangzhou (2½/1½ hours by bullet train + 1 hour by car), making an excellent extension to your trip from either city.

A typical well-planned Huangshan itinerary from Shanghai or Hangzhou is as follows:

• Day 1: Huangshan arrival, Bishan Village
• Day 2: The Yellow Mountains
• Day 3: Sunrise on the Yellow Mountains, departure

Relax in picturesque and serene Bishan Village, explore its traditional Hui-style architecture, and observe local artists at work. Enjoy fantastic rocks, seas of clouds, sunset, and sunrise on the Yellow Mountains.

Recommended tour: Escape to Huangshan from Shanghai or Hangzhou  

 Visit the Yellow Mountains with China Highlights

Below are our most popular Huangshan tours. All our itineraries can be customized according to your preferences. Alternatively, we can create a new personalized Yellow Mountains itinerary just for you, tailored to your interests and needs.

• 3 Days: Essence of Huangshan
• 4 Days: Trekking in the Yellow Mountains
• 15 Days: China's Ancient Cities and Celebrated Mountains
• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
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The Kennedy family endorsed President Biden, not RFK Jr., in North Philly as he wrapped Pa. tour

“He inspired me and his passion and courage inspired my generation,” President Joe Biden said of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy as he received endorsements from members of the Kennedy family over one of their own.

As he seeks to hold on to a delicate Democratic coalition, President Joe Biden capped off his three-day tour of Pennsylvania with a visit Thursday to Philadelphia, where he accepted the endorsements of members of the Kennedy family.

It was a prominent showing of support from the relatives of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist, who is mounting an independent bid that could potentially pull voters from the Democratic president.

The event also had the dual purpose of tying Biden closely to some of the most revered figures in his party’s history after a string of events in the state that have leaned heavily into the president’s personal history and connections to Pennsylvania.

The North Philadelphia event, at a recreation center named for Martin Luther King Jr., created an image that harked back to the 1960s when a political realignment saw Black voting power grow within the Democratic Party. Biden’s prospects against former President Donald Trump in the crucial swing state could hinge on whether Black voters turn out in large numbers in the heavily Democratic city.

Standing side-by-side with Kennedy family members, many of whom share the same smile, also provided a chance for Biden to continue telling a personal narrative that he’s spun throughout the last three days. He often says the Kennedy family, specifically Robert F. Kennedy, whose bust he keeps in the Oval Office, helped shape his decision to go into public service.

“He inspired me and his passion and courage inspired my generation,” Biden said in Philadelphia.

Fifteen members of the Kennedy family endorsed Biden, including Kerry Kennedy, the sister of the independent presidential candidate, who referred to the race as a two-person contest between the president and Trump. The daughter of RFK and niece of President John F. Kennedy — revered Democratic leaders who were slain in the 1960s — Kennedy directly tied the president to her father’s legacy and the larger cause of civil rights.

“I can only imagine how Donald Trump’s outrageous lies and behavior would have horrified my father, Robert F. Kennedy, who proudly served as attorney general of the United States, and honored his pledge to uphold the law and protect the country,” Kerry Kennedy said. “Daddy stood for equal justice, human rights, and freedom from want and fear. Just as President Biden does today.”

Biden invoked RFK’s 1968 speech in the aftermath of King’s assassination, noting that riots had broken out across the country in the wake of the civil rights leader’s murder.

“And then we heard a familiar voice ... Your dad, Bobby Kennedy, standing in the back of a truck in Indianapolis asking for peace,” Biden recalled.

Biden’s campaign events in the Philadelphia area have repeatedly centered on historical moments. He spoke near Valley Forge about fighting against tyranny , at Independence Hall about threats to democracy , and at the Constitution Center about voting rights .

Thursday’s event evoked the civil rights era. During the 1960 presidential campaign, then-Sen. John F. Kennedy called Coretta Scott King to express sympathy after her husband was convicted of a probation violation for his role in an Atlanta sit-in, while his brother and campaign manager Robert made phone calls on King’s behalf.

Upon his release, King said he owed a “great debt of gratitude to Senator Kennedy and his family,” a public statement that helped boost crucial African American support for Kennedy in his narrow victory against Republican nominee Richard Nixon.

Black voters are poised to play a similarly crucial role in this election as former President Donald Trump and Biden head into Tuesday’s Pennsylvania primary and their anticipated November rematch deadlocked in polling.

Former Philadelphia State Rep. John White Jr., whose son works on Biden’s campaign, introduced the president and the Kennedys. Calling himself a son of the civil rights movement, White told a heavily African American crowd, “Our democracy is in danger.”

“If Black Lives Matter, so do Black livelihoods,” White added to loud applause.

A close contest

The event was emblematic of some of the key constituencies Biden needs to bring together, including older Democrats and Black Philadelphians.

It also had signs of his vulnerabilities. Outside, pro-Palestinian protesters, who have shown up at every event Biden held in the state this week, voiced their outrage over Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza and called for a permanent cease-fire. They banged instruments and held signs that read, “Stop the massacre of Palestinians, Stop the killing of children.”

The Kennedy endorsements displayed the Biden campaign’s concerns that Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy could siphon votes from him and aid Trump. Kennedy Jr., who launched his independent campaign for the presidency in Philadelphia in October , consistently polls around 7% or 9% in statewide surveys.

Biden won the state by less than 1 percentage point in 2020, despite Trump gaining ground in Philadelphia. Attendees showed concern over the role of RFK Jr. and other third-party candidates in a tight race.

Darryl Schuler, who runs the Philly anti-violence group Put it Down, worried that Black voters, who are a powerful and sought-after voting bloc in the city, could abandon Biden in support of Kennedy. ”It’s his past history with his family, what they stand for,” Schuler said.

”It’s not good,” he said. “Not if you don’t want Trump in office.”

Tariem Burroughs, a 42-year-old West Philly resident, referenced the 2016 election and said that he believed Green Party candidate Jill Stein pulled votes from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who narrowly lost Pennsylvania. He said he was worried RFK Jr. could play a similar role this election.

”It would be weird if I said I wasn’t,” he said.

Rory Kennedy, RFK’s daughter, and Joe Kennedy III, RFK’s grandson and a former congressman, appeared at the endorsement event along with about a dozen other members of the Kennedy family. The Kennedys had signaled their support for Biden before the official endorsement, with a photograph at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Republican National Committee dismissed the family’s endorsement of the president as insignificant to his race with Trump.

”It’s poetic that near 50-year career politician Joe Biden wants support from the original career politicians in the Kennedy family. Unfortunately for Biden, voters in this century are suffering from his failures on everything from the economy to the border, which is why he’s losing to President Trump in battleground states across the country,” RNC chair Michael Whatley said in a statement.

Kennedy Jr. said in a statement that he commends his family for engaging in politics, even if they have different opinions.

“We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other,” he said on X. ”I hold this as a possibility for America too. Can we disagree without hating our opponents? Can we restore civility and respect to public discourse? I think we can.”

Following the endorsement event, Biden and members of the Kennedy family joined campaign volunteers and supporters by making calls and knocking on doors.

Before flying back to Washington ( with a stop at Wawa en route ), Biden told the smaller group of Philadelphia volunteers: “You’re my ticket to the White House. You, Pennsylvania.”

This article contains information from the Associated Press.

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In Pennsylvania, Biden slams Trump as he calls for a fairer tax code.

In Scranton, his hometown, the president discussed tax policy in terms of economic fairness, arguing that Donald Trump’s tax cuts benefited billionaires.

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By Nicholas Nehamas

Reporting from Scranton, Pa.

President Biden kicked off a three-day tour of Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state, with a speech on Tuesday that focused on taxes and aimed to contrast his policies with those of former President Donald J. Trump.

In Scranton, his hometown, Mr. Biden spoke about the tax code in the frame of economic fairness, arguing that Mr. Trump’s tax cuts had benefited billionaires while his own agenda had helped working- and middle-class families.

“A fair tax code is how we invest in the things that make this country strong,” he said. “Health care, education, defense and so much more.”

Speaking about lessons of hard work and fairness he said he had learned growing up in Scranton, Mr. Biden suggested that Mr. Trump had learned different lessons. “He learned the best way to get rich is to inherit it,” he said.

It was standard election-year fare, but the backdrop to Mr. Biden’s campaign swing could not be more unusual. In an unprecedented trial, Mr. Trump is spending most of this week, and much of the coming month or two, in a Manhattan courtroom facing criminal charges. Democrats hope that the contrast of Mr. Biden campaigning and carrying out the duties of a president while Mr. Trump’s lawyers plead his innocence will highlight the choice voters face in November.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, did not answer when asked if Mr. Biden was watching the Trump trial or being briefed on it.

“His focus is on the American people,” she said during a briefing with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Scranton.

On Tuesday, the day after Tax Day, Mr. Biden promoted his plans for changes to the tax code, including expanding the child tax credit, instituting a tax credit for first-time home buyers and making permanent tax credits for those who buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

He often asks his audiences on the campaign trail: “Does anybody think the tax code is fair?”

Pennsylvania is a key target for both the Biden and Trump campaigns. Mr. Biden’s easiest path to re-election involves him winning Pennsylvania, as well as Michigan and Wisconsin, the so-called blue wall states. In 2020, he narrowly defeated Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania by about 80,000 votes. Polling shows that another tight race is likely in the state, the nation’s most populous battleground.

Mr. Trump held a major rally in eastern Pennsylvania on Saturday. Both he and Mr. Biden, who spent much of his childhood in Scranton, have sought to highlight their ties to the state. “I went to school here, right?” Mr. Trump, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, reminded his audience. “I went to school in Pennsylvania. I love Pennsylvania.”

While Mr. Biden’s campaign has invested heavily in opening offices and hiring staff members around the state, Pennsylvania Democrats have urged him to broaden his travel beyond Philadelphia, a major hub of Democratic votes that is also logistically convenient for him to visit. They say it is imperative that Mr. Biden campaign in western Pennsylvania, as well as swing areas like Erie County, which Mr. Biden flipped in 2020.

This week, Mr. Biden is doing just that. After leaving Scranton, he will visit Pittsburgh on Wednesday to give an official address at the headquarters of the United Steelworkers. Unions are a major constituency for Democrats, and Mr. Biden has signaled opposition to an effort by a Japanese company to acquire U.S. Steel, a move also opposed by the steelworkers union, which has endorsed him.

On Thursday, he will campaign in Philadelphia.

Although the economy is Mr. Biden’s focus during his tour, Democrats are also trying to keep the issue of abortion front and center, seeking to tie Mr. Trump directly to bans on the procedure in many states, most recently in Arizona .

Ahead of Mr. Trump’s visit to Pennsylvania over the weekend, the Democratic National Committee unveiled billboards in the eastern part of the state.

“Because of Trump, over 20 states have extreme abortion bans,” the billboards said in English and Spanish. “If he gets his way, Pennsylvania could be next.”

Abortion is legal in the state until 24 weeks of pregnancy with exceptions after that and, with a Democratic governor in office, restrictions seem highly unlikely. Democrats have argued that Mr. Trump would sign a federal ban on abortion if he were re-elected. Mr. Trump said last week that he would not, reversing a position he held during his term in the White House.

Michael Gold contributed reporting from Schnecksville, Pa.

Nicholas Nehamas is a Times political reporter covering the re-election campaign of President Biden. More about Nicholas Nehamas

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

President Biden called for major increases to some tariffs on steel and aluminum products from China , speaking to members of a national steelworkers union in Pittsburgh as he vies with Donald Trump for votes in Northern industrial states.

A broad coalition of the Kennedy family will endorse Biden , pointedly rejecting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate who many Democrats believe poses a threat to Biden’s re-election chances.

Trump’s campaign said in a letter to Republican vendors that candidates may use his name, image and likeness in campaign materials only if they turn over at least 5% of donations that they receive .

A Generation Gap: Many older Black voters see moral and political reasons to vote, but younger Black voters feel far less motivated to cast a ballot for Democrats or even at all .

Vice-Presidential Calculations: As Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money ?

Embracing the Jan. 6 Rioters:  Trump initially disavowed the attack on the Capitol, but he is now making it a centerpiece of his campaign .

Mobilizing the Left: Amid the war in Gaza, the pro-Palestinian movement has grown into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure .

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Lana Del Rey Blasts Former Tour Manager and Claims He Quit Shortly Before Coachella Performance

"Never got a phone call, probably never will," Del Rey wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 19

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Lana Del Rey has some choice words for her former tour manager.

On April 19, the "Video Games" singer, 38, shared a lengthy Instagram post expressing gratitude for everyone who made her 2024 Coachella performance so memorable, while also calling out her longtime tour manager and claiming he abruptly quit about a month before the set.

"Thank you guys. For f---ing everything," Del Rey began the post. "Jack and John and Billie for showing up for me -and the band for just killing it and spending months in Sylmar in a 40° warehouse to the point but it was so cold that I caught laryngitis that literally left just a few hours before I hit the stage because Tessa DiPietro spent two hours lifting that cough remotely through her body intuitive skills just minutes before showtime, Wally Crowder for my bad as bikes. Every stunning dancer on stage- and Alex for her beautiful choreography. My stunning three singers who danced and sang their asses off in style and high matching boots. Judah + Chelsea 😇."

She then shifted her tone, as she thanked "Emily" — referring to Emily Holt — for taking over tour manager duties after "Pete quit for no reason after 15 years," appearing to shade former tour manager Peter Abbott.

Lana Del Rey/Instagram

Del Rey alleged "he was butt hurt that I got 10 comped bikes for free from Wally" and "decided he was more of a stage designer than a tour manager."

"Never got a phone call probably never will. Still grateful for the 15 years though," she added. "No worries – 37 days was more than enough time to put together an entire headlining set all by ourselves. Not stressful at all. Way to go Emily you f---ing killed it with grace."

Del Rey then went onto thank the rest of her team without skipping a beat.

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The "Cherry" artist headlined Coachella on Friday, and her performance was complete with a grand entrance that saw her hold onto a motorcycle driver's shoulders as she rode to the main stage.

Del Rey dazzled the crowd with a performance wearing a  glittery periwinkle blue dress  from Dolce & Gabbana with a midriff cutout and pleated detailing in the skirt.

She had a massive surprise for fans when she brought special guest  Billie Eilish to perform "Ocean Eyes" and "Video Games."

Del Rey last appeared at Coachella 10 years ago, taking selfies with audience members during her set and even  giving one lucky fan a kiss .

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