No car for a one-day Taipingshan trip? Can Bong Bong Train tickets be reserved in advance? What is the smoothest way to plan a day trip itinerary? This Taipingshan guide explains everything at once—suitable whether you depart from Taipei or Yilan!
Key itinerary planning points at a glance:
- First-time visitors are recommended to ride the Bong Bong Train, visit the Jiansing Historic Trail, and boil eggs or soak at Jioujhihze Hot Spring.
- Bong Bong Train tickets can only be purchased on-site. Sales start daily at 07:00, with the last departure at 14:30. It is recommended to buy tickets as your first stop after entering the park; on weekends, it is recommended to arrive at the ticket counter before 10:00.
- It is recommended to depart from Taipei no later than 06:30, and from Yilan no later than 07:30.
- Taipingshan often becomes foggy in the afternoon. Schedule high-altitude attractions in the morning, and visit Jioujhihze Hot Spring on the way down.
- If you are traveling solo on a limited budget, consider the Kuo-Kuang Bus or a shared day tour. Note that Kuo-Kuang Bus 1750 has different pick-up and drop-off points on weekdays versus weekends, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Cuifeng Lake can only be reached by self-driving or private charter; Kuo-Kuang Bus does not go there.
- Temperatures in the mountains are about 5–10°C lower than in the lowlands. Dress in layers, and bring light rain gear and non-slip shoes.
- Park admission tickets can be purchased online as e-tickets. The full ticket is NT$150 regardless of weekday/weekend, and parking is free.
How to Get to Taipingshan: Full Comparison of Self-Drive, Private Charter, Bus, and Shared Rides
There are four ways to get to Taipingshan:
- Self-drive → Best for travelers confident on mountain roads; offers the most flexibility.
- Private charter → The most hassle-free option if you want to visit Cuifeng Lake or are traveling with seniors or children.
- Bus → For a limited budget and 1–2 travelers, take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1750.
- Shared day tour via travel platforms → For first-time visitors who do not want to plan the itinerary themselves, a shared day tour is the most convenient (a group can form with just two people).
| Transportation | outlay | Itinerary flexibility | Departure from Taipei | Can you reach Cuifeng Lake? | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | Parking: NT$100 per entry | Highest | ✅ | ✅ | Familiar with mountain roads; traveling in a group |
| Kuo-Kuang Bus 1750 | Yilan to Taipingshan one-way full fare: NT$243 | Low (one departure per day) | Must go to Yilan first | ❌ | Limited budget; not many attractions planned |
| Shared day tour | Priced by platform, from about NT$1,099 per person | Low (fixed route) | ✅ | Depends on the itinerary | Solo travel; first-time visitors |
| Chartered Car | From NT$5,200 (departing Yilan) / from NT$6,200 (departing Taipei) | High | ✅ | ✅ | Traveling with seniors/children; want a customized route |
Driving
It takes about 1.5–2 hours to drive from downtown Yilan to Taipingshan (Taipingshan Villa), and about 2.5–3 hours from Taipei.
The mountain road is winding with many hairpin turns, which may feel stressful for first-time drivers. Some Dcard users have shared that they gave up at Jioujhihze because the road was too challenging—especially when fog reduces visibility. This is even more stressful for visitors unfamiliar with the road conditions and new drivers. If this is your first time driving up Taipingshan, try to head down before 15:00–16:00, before heavy fog sets in.
Notes:
- Parking fee: NT$100 per entry for small vehicles.
- Datong Gas Station on Provincial Highway 7 is the closest gas station to Taipingshan. It is about 45 km from Taipingshan Villa and about 60 km from Cuifeng Lake. It is recommended to check your fuel level before heading up the mountain.
Chartered Car
A private charter is the most flexible and saves the most time and effort—especially suitable for traveling with seniors or children, or for those who want to visit Cuifeng Lake (which the bus cannot reach, and shared tour packages may not include). The drive to Taipingshan is long, fog often forms after noon, and Bong Bong Train tickets need to be purchased early, so time management is crucial. With a charter, you do not need to navigate or look for parking, making it the most time-efficient option.
In addition, the driver is familiar with mountain road conditions, which is more reassuring than driving yourself to Taipingshan for the first time, and you do not have to worry about fatigue from driving winding roads.
OnetaiwantripYilan private charterday tour pricing (departing from Taipei/Yilan/anywhere in Taiwan):
- Departing Yilan: 4-seater from NT$5,200 (8 hours)
- Departing Taipei: 5-seater from NT$6,200 (10 hours)
Kuo-Kuang Bus 1750
Only one departure per day, with a travel time of about 2.5–3 hours:
- Outbound: Departs Yilan Transfer Station at 07:40
- Return: Departs Taipingshan Station at 14:30. The weekday dedicated service stops at Jioujhihze for about 50 minutes and departs at 16:10 for the return trip.
E-tickets can only be used for boarding and alighting on weekends. On weekdays, the Taipingshan dedicated service requires reserved ticket purchase.
However, the bus only goes to the area near Taipingshan Villa. More distant attractions such as Cuifeng Lake, Cuifeng Lodge, and the Taiwan Beech Trail cannot be reached.
For the route map, please refer to:
Image source: Highway Bus Real-Time Information Website
Passengers taking Route 1750 can enjoy the following three discounts by presenting same-day proof of travel on-site:
- Taipingshan park admission full ticket discounted price: NT$100 (weekday/weekend)
- Jioujhihze public hot spring pool: NT$50 (weekday/weekend and all seasons)
- On weekdays, you may pre-purchase Bong Bong Train tickets for the 11:30 departure (a quota is reserved, but tickets must still be purchased on-site).
Reminder:
- It is recommended to purchase round-trip tickets in advance via the Kuo-Kuang Bus online booking system, 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, or at a Kuo-Kuang ticket counter to ensure you have a seat. The weekday dedicated service does not allow standing passengers; standing is allowed on weekends.
- For stop durations at each attraction on Route 1750, please refer to: Taipingshan Weekday Dedicated Bus Q&A
- The Weekend Bus 1750 (similar to a regular bus) and the Weekday Special 1750 A have different pick-up and drop-off points, so please plan your itinerary carefully.
Shared day tours via travel platforms
Travel platforms such as KKday offer shared tours for individual travelers, mainly covering popular attractions such as the Bong Bong Train, Jiansing Historic Trail, and Jioujhihze Hot Spring. On weekends, meet-up is around 06:30 for departures from Taipei and around 07:30 for departures from Yilan.
For 1–2 travelers, the cost is lower than chartering a private car, and the itinerary is planned for you, making it suitable for first-time visitors. The downside is that the schedule and timing are fixed, and you cannot change the order of attractions or stay longer at a particular spot.
Recommended one-day Taipingshan itineraries
There are two major constraints for Taipingshan itineraries: the last Bong Bong Train departure at 14:30, and the tendency for fog in the afternoon. Therefore, it is recommended to:
- Depart as early as possible (more Bong Bong Train time slots to choose from)
- Buy Bong Bong Train tickets first after entering the park; on weekends, it is best to buy before 10:00
- Prioritize high-altitude attractions in the morning
※The following timetable is for reference only. Stop durations and attraction order can be adjusted flexibly:
1. One-day Taipingshan highlights: Bong Bong Train, Jiansing Historic Trail, and Jioujhihze Hot Spring
Suitable for departures from both Taipei and Yilan—cover all three must-visit attractions in one day!
| Time | Itinerary | Recommended time to spend |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30/ 07:30 | Depart from Taipei/Yilan | – |
| Around 09:00 | Enter the Taipingshan park area and buy Bong Bong Train tickets first. | – |
| 09:30 | Ride the Bong Bong Train (about 40 minutes round trip). You may also add the Maoxing Nostalgic Trail (about 1 more hour; you can catch the 11:00 return departure). | Train ride + trail walk: about 2 hours |
| 11:30 | Lunch at Taipingshan Villa (restaurant or light meals/desserts at Yunhai Café) | 1–1.5 hours |
| 13:00 | See the Sunny Nostalgia Trail | About 1 hour |
| 14:00 | Head down to Jioujhihze Hot Spring to boil eggs or soak | About 1 hour |
| 15:40 | Return trip | – |
2. One-day Taipingshan Cuifeng Lake itinerary
Prioritize Cuifeng Lake, Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, and adjust the rest of the itinerary flexibly.
| Time | Itinerary | Recommended time to spend |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30/ 07:30 | Depart from Taipei/Yilan | – |
| Around 09:00 | After entering the park, head to Cuifeng Lake (about a 40-minute drive from Taipingshan Villa). | – |
| 09:40 | Cuifeng Lake (viewing platform + lakeside loop trail, about 1–3 hours depending on fitness) | About 1–3 hours |
| 12:00 | Lunch at Taipingshan Villa | 1–1.5 hours |
| 13:30 | See the Sunny Nostalgia Trail | About 1 hour |
| 14:30 | Head to Jioujhihze Hot Spring to boil eggs, take a short break, then return | About 1 hour |
| 16:00 | Return trip | – |
3. One-day Taipingshan trip by Kuo-Kuang Bus for travelers without a car (weekday dedicated service)
On weekdays, you can purchase Bong Bong Train tickets for the 11:30 departure with proof of bus travel (not available on weekends). Weekend buses and the weekday dedicated service have different stops, and only the weekday dedicated service stops at Jioujhihze for 50 minutes on the return trip. You can visit at least two of the three must-see attractions.
As departure times are fixed and there is only one bus per day, be sure to follow the timetable closely:
| Time | Itinerary | Recommended time to spend |
|---|---|---|
| 07:40/ 08:00 | Depart from Yilan/Luodong Transfer Station | – |
| Around 10:30 | Arrive at Taipingshan Station (about a 5-minute walk to Taipingshan Villa) | – |
| 11:30-14:30 | Ride the Bong Bong Train, or walk the Jiansing Historic Trail | Train ride + trail walk: about 2 hours; Jiansing Historic Trail: about 1 hour |
| 14:30 | Board the return bus at Taipingshan Station or the Jiansing Historic Trail entrance stop, then head to Jioujhihze Hot Spring | |
| 15:20 | Stay at Jioujhihze Hot Spring for about 50 minutes (it is recommended to choose either boiling eggs or soaking) | About 50 minutes |
| 16:10 | Return trip | – |
| 17:30/ 17:50 | Arrive at Luodong/Yilan Transfer Station | – |
※The above times are for reference only. Please refer to the latest Kuo-Kuang Bus timetable.
4. Suggested one-day Taipingshan itinerary for seniors/families
The following attractions are less physically demanding and suitable for family trips. It is recommended to plan only 3–4 main stops:
- Jioujhihze Hot Spring: Outdoor public pool, outdoor spa, and DIY hot spring egg boiling. Well-equipped and very suitable for family travel.
- Bong Bong Train: Enjoy a forest mini train ride—suitable for seniors and children. However, reaching Taipingshan Station requires climbing a set of stairs, so it is less suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- Cuifeng Lake (East Entrance): The east entrance has a 300 m boardwalk leading to the lake-viewing area, so you can enjoy the scenery without completing the full loop trail. Recommended stay: about 1 hour.
- Around Taipingshan Villa: Yunhai Café offers great views, and the shop sells local souvenirs and simple snacks—ideal for a short rest stop. (Requires walking up a short stone stairway.)
For wheelchair users, please refer to: Taipingshan Accessible Travel
Recommended attractions for a one-day Taipingshan trip
Taipingshan attractions are widely spread out. From Jioujhihze Hot Spring near the park ticket gate (about 520 m elevation) to Cuifeng Lake (about 1,840 m elevation), driving takes 1–1.5 hours.
Here are six recommended attractions worth visiting:
1. Taipingshan Bong Bong Train (classic must-do)
The yellow Bong Bong Train is Taipingshan’s most iconic experience. It is not fast but very smooth, and the open carriages have no windows, letting you travel through the forest and connect with nature up close. It is extremely comfortable, and the scenery is beautiful.
The route is about 3 km, about 40 minutes round trip. The terminal, Maoxing Station, connects to the Maoxing Nostalgic Trail, with three routes for a leisurely walk. Including the ride and nearby trails, plan about 2 hours in total.
Reminder:
- Last departure at 14:30 (additional 15:30 service during summer vacation in July–August and on national holidays in June and September)
- It is recommended to buy tickets immediately after entering the park; on weekends, it is recommended to arrive at the ticket counter before 10:00
- For detailed ticketing tips, please refer to the “How to buy Bong Bong Train tickets?” section.
2. Jiansing Historic Trail (dreamy and highly photogenic railway ruins)
見晴懷古步道 
穿越多霧森林的健行小徑，沿途設有吊橋，且可欣賞迷人景觀及森林鐵路遺跡。
Selected by CNN as one of the world’s 28 most beautiful trails, the Jiansing Historic Trail was rebuilt along part of a former logging railway and still preserves rail remnants. It is only 900 m long, takes about 1 hour round trip, and has gentle slopes, making it suitable for seniors and children.
On clear days, you can look out over the Lanyang Plain and the Holy Ridge. This area also offers one of the best chances to see a sea of clouds in Taipingshan. After noon, the mist creates a mysterious atmosphere and a strong sense of place—personally, we consider it the most beautiful scenery in Taipingshan.
3. Jioujhihze Hot Spring (boil eggs, soak)
鳩之澤溫泉
遊客可在綠意盎然、有著大量鳥類的露天溫泉池中泡湯，並且還有自然小徑。
Jioujhihze Hot Spring is the closest attraction after passing the Taipingshan ticket gate. It is a mildly alkaline sodium bicarbonate mixed spring. There are outdoor nude baths and private bath rooms, and you can also try boiling eggs and corn in the hot spring (the corn is delicious). Please note that soaking is charged separately. Bring your own swimsuit, swim cap, and towel. If you are not in a hurry, you can stroll the trails and soak at a relaxed pace. If you take Kuo-Kuang Bus, there are discounted prices, which is more cost-effective.
It is recommended to visit on the way down, and go to other high-altitude attractions first in the morning.
4. Cuifeng Lake Cuifeng Lake Loop Trail (Taiwan’s largest alpine lake)
翠峰湖環山步道
位於舊鐵道上的步道，約 4 公里長，環繞著大部分的翠峰湖。
Cuifeng Lake sits at about 1,840 m elevation. During the rainy season, its surface area can reach about 25 hectares, making it Taiwan’s largest alpine lake by area. In good weather, the lake with blue skies, white clouds, and mountains in the background is very photogenic, but fog is common and can turn the view into a white wall.
The loop trail is 3.95 km long and takes about 3 hours to walk around the lake. Each season offers different scenery. If you are short on time, it takes only about 5–10 minutes from the east entrance to the viewing platform for a panoramic view, so you do not necessarily need to complete the full loop.
Reminder: Kuo-Kuang Bus cannot reach it; you must self-drive or charter a car.
5. Yunhai Café (well worth it for the view)
Taipingshan Villa is the park’s main service center and dining/accommodation area. Along the way, Yunhai Café features large windows and an open view, wood interiors with a mountain-forest vibe, and reasonably priced food—ideal for sitting down to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Nearby, “Maple Trail” is also a must-photograph spot in Taipingshan. You can also buy limited-edition souvenirs and instant noodles/snacks at the Taipingshan Villa shop, or have lunch at the restaurant opposite the café.
6. Taiwan Beech Trail (golden forest limited to Oct–Nov)
台灣山毛櫸步道
蜿蜒於柏樹與雪松之間的山徑，可通往以秋日色彩著稱的巨型山毛櫸森林。
The beech trail is 3.8 km long and takes about 4 hours round trip. The first section is gentle and easy, while the latter section has greater elevation changes. The beech trees are concentrated in the latter section, so a certain level of fitness is required to reach them. It is more recommended for travelers visiting in October–November and not on their first trip to Taipingshan.
From October to November, Taiwan beech turns golden, and the entire forest becomes a limited-time golden hidden paradise. If you want to avoid crowds and take photos without people, consider staying overnight at Cuifeng Lodge and setting off early the next morning for the most comfortable experience. (The trailhead is right next to the lodge.)
更多宜蘭景點可參考：宜蘭一日遊懶人包：行程規劃、交通、景點美食推薦一次搞定！（開車/不開車玩法都有）
How to Buy Bong Bong Train Tickets: Price, Timetable, and What Time to Go
Bong Bong Train tickets can only be purchased on-site and cannot be reserved online in advance.
Tips for buying Bong Bong Train tickets
- Buy tickets as soon as you enter the park. Sales start at 7:00. You can check on the official website: remaining tickets
(for reference only; the on-site situation prevails). - Popular departures sell out easily. On weekends, it is recommended to arrive on-site before 10:00 to buy tickets.
- If you enter the park by Kuo-Kuang Bus on weekdays, you can pre-purchase tickets for the 11:30 Bong Bong Train departure (a quota is reserved, but tickets must still be purchased on-site).
- If you stay at Taipingshan Villa or Cuifeng Lodge, you may inform the front desk in advance to reserve a specific departure for the next day. Simply purchase the ticket at the Bong Bong Train station 15 minutes before departure (Taipingshan Villa: 7:30, 8:30 only; Cuifeng Lodge: 8:30, 9:30 only).
Bong Bong Train ticket prices timetable
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| outlay | Full fare: NT$180 (ages 13–64) / Concession: NT$120 (ages 3–12 or 65+). All tickets are round-trip. |
| Ticket sales time | All departures go on sale daily from 07:00, on-site purchase only, maximum 10 tickets per person. |
| Departures | From 07:30, one departure every hour |
| Last departure | 14:30 (additional 15:30 service during summer vacation in July–August and on national holidays in June and September) |
| Capacity | Up to 162 passengers per departure; total weekday capacity is 1,296 passengers (162 x 8). |
| Maintenance days | Service is suspended on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month; if it falls on a national holiday, it is postponed to the next day. |
※Before purchasing, please confirm the departure time and number of passengers. Tickets cannot be changed to another departure after purchase; refunds are only available up to 1 hour before departure.
Taipingshan admission fees
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area admission parking fees
| Ticket Type | outlay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full ticket (weekday) | NT$150 | General public |
| Full ticket (weekend) | NT$200 | General public |
| Half Price | NT$100 | Students/military/police/ages 7–12; passengers on Kuo-Kuang Bus 1750 |
| Preferential Ticket | NT$10 | Ages 65+ / ages 3–6 |
| Starlight Ticket | NT$50 | Entry after 16:00, limited to the Jioujhihze Hot Spring area (soaking fees charged separately) |
| Parking fee (small vehicles) | NT$100 |
※We recommend purchasing e-tickets online. The full ticket is NT$150 regardless of weekday/weekend, and parking is free.
→Buy tickets online: Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area Admission Ticket (valid on weekdays and weekends)
Jioujhihze Hot Spring (public pool) fees
| Season | Full Price | Preferential Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Apr–Sep) | NT$150 | NT$100 |
| Winter (Oct–Mar) | NT$250 | NT$150 |
※Passengers on Kuo-Kuang Bus 1750 can enjoy hot spring soaking for NT$50 per person with their ticket stub.
Taipingshan One-Day Trip FAQ
Yes, but you will need to be selective. In one day, you can typically visit about 3–4 main attractions. If you prefer to take your time, avoid rushing, or plan to spend 3–4+ hours hiking trails, it is recommended to stay overnight in the park and continue the next day.
If departing from Taipei, it is recommended to leave no later than 06:30; from Yilan, no later than 07:30. The earlier you arrive, the more Bong Bong Train departures you can choose from, and you can visit more attractions before afternoon fog sets in—so you will not return to downtown Taipei/Yilan too late.
Although the mountain roads are winding, the difficulty is moderate. Those with mountain driving experience generally do not need to worry. The main concern is poor weather and low visibility in fog, so drive carefully. If it is your first time driving mountain roads or you are not confident, it is recommended to take Kuo-Kuang Bus or charter a car—do not force it. Alternatively, go up on a weekday morning and leave before afternoon fog forms.
Generally 14:30. During summer vacation in July–August and on national holidays in June and September, an additional last departure at 15:30 is added. Service is suspended for maintenance on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month; if it falls on a national holiday, it is postponed to the next day. Remember to check before you go.
Temperatures in Taipingshan are about 5–10°C lower than in the lowlands, so layered clothing is recommended. In winter, average temperatures are below 10°C; even in the hottest month, July, it is about 21–22°C, so bring a light jacket even in summer. The Bong Bong Train carriages are open, so be mindful of wind protection—strong winds can make it feel even colder. Mountain trails can be slippery when wet, so bring light rain gear and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
Yes. Taipingshan is often shrouded in mist year-round, with relative humidity above 85% in most months. Attractions such as the Jiansing Historic Trail, Bong Bong Train, and Jioujhihze Hot Spring are still worth visiting in fog—the forest in the mist has a different atmosphere. However, visibility at Cuifeng Lake is poor when foggy, and the scenery will be significantly affected. If your main goal is Cuifeng Lake, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance and schedule Cuifeng Lake as your first stop.
Jioujhihze Hot Spring: Flat facilities, family-friendly, and hot spring egg boiling is popular with older kids as well.
Bong Bong Train: Experience the forest railway while seated—also suitable for seniors; however, Taipingshan Station requires climbing about 200 steps, so please assess fitness first.
Jiansing Historic Trail: 0.9 km long with gentle slopes; most seniors can complete it.
Cuifeng Lake (East Entrance): Enjoy lake views via a 300 m boardwalk without completing the full loop trail.
Taipingshan Villa / Midway Service Station: Walk around near the visitor center without much exertion, but reaching Taipingshan Villa still requires climbing a long staircase.
Onetaiwantrip Takes You to Taipingshan
Onetaiwantrip is a legally registered travel agency and passenger car rental provider. Many of our drivers have decades of passenger transport experience and are familiar with routes to attractions across Taiwan.
Taipingshan is especially suitable for a private charter for three reasons:
- Cuifeng Lake can only be reached by self-driving or private charter: the bus cannot reach it, or you must join a tour group.
- The drive is long and Bong Bong Train tickets must be purchased early: drivers know the route and can take you straight to buy tickets after entering the park, without wasting time.
- The mountain roads are winding and fog often forms in the afternoon: leave the mountain driving to an experienced driver.
Leave transportation to an Onetaiwantrip private charter—you only need to relax in the car and focus on the scenery when you get out.
(Also available via WhatsApp: +886916275043)
