Xueshan, Mountain summit in Heping District, Taiwan
Xueshan is a mountain summit reaching 3,886 m (12,749 ft) in elevation, making it the second-highest peak in Taiwan and East Asia, located within Shei-Pa National Park. The mountain rises through steep terrain with varied ecological zones as the altitude increases.
The mountain was first climbed in 1935, and the Japanese colonial administration designated it as part of a national park in December 1937. This early recognition established the foundation for the area's later protected status.
The mountain holds different names across cultures: Sekuwan in the Atayal language and Mount Sylvia given by Western explorers. These names reflect how various peoples have engaged with and understood this place over time.
Visitors must obtain both a national park entry permit and a police mountain permit before attempting the climb, both of which require advance planning. It is wise to apply for these permits well in advance, as processing can take several weeks.
The route to the summit is marked by two mountain shelters positioned along the trail where hikers can rest and spend the night. This staged approach allows visitors to experience the landscape transitions across different elevations.
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