Yushan National Park

Yushan, or Mt Jade, is the centerpiece of the Yushan National Park. The park covers a total area of 105,490 hectares, including large sections of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range, including the northeastern part of Chiayi County.

Yushan National Park encompasses a variety of habitats, ranging from broadleaf forest at lower altitudes to mixed forests, coniferous forest, bamboo, and finally, at the highest elevations, waist-high arrow bamboo, clumps of conifers, and bare rocky outcrops. Flowers often seen here include azaleas and a wide variety of colorful alpine blossoms. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

In the past, many of the animals featured here had become endangered due to over-hunting. However, with the establishment of the Yushan National Park, these animals are gradually making a comeback. Larger mammals such as black bear, sambar deer, Taiwan macaque and serows (a type of goat antelope) can sometimes be seen, and their calls are often heard.

The Yushan National Park Headquarters is located in Shuili County in central Taiwan's Nantou County.

Here is an interesting article to read:

• Yushan and Chirrip form sister parks (October 2006)