Jade Mountain (Mt.
Yushan) is the centerpiece of the Yushan National
Park in Nantou county, Taiwan of China. It is
also the highest mountain in Taiwan.
It runs approximately north-south for about 280 km (about 174 miles). Most of its peaks are over
2000 meters (about 6500 feet) high, so Jade Mountain
has gained the name 'Roof of Taiwan'. There are a variety of habitats,
including mixed forests, bamboo and bare rocky outcrops in Jade Mountain.
It is also home to a wide variety of birds, mammals and butterflies.
Jade Mountain consists of 11 peaks, including Jade Peak, South Peak, North Peak,
and East Peak. Jade Peak
is the main peak of the whole mountain. With an elevation of nearly 4000 meters
(about 13,000 feet), it is not only the highest peak in Taiwan, but also the highest one in eastern China. In
winters, the peak is often capped with thick snow which makes the entire peak
shine like stainless jade, hence its name. At the top of the peak, one can
overlook the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean.
Owing to its height and steepness, Jade
Peak is recognized as the most
prominent of Taiwan's
'Ten Peaks'.
Yushan is one of
the favorites among Taiwanese mountain climbers. Tourists can climb the
mountain on foot or drive a car to enjoy the landscape along the road. Any
season of the year is fine for a visit except at some times in the winter when
roads are covered by snow. At this time it is too treacherous for climbers or
cars.
Due to its high altitude,
the temperature in the mountain is very low. Tourists who want to climb the
mountain should be well equipped before the climbing. Prepare clothes to resist
the cold as going high and take medicine for altitude sickness. If one has any
intention of rock climbing, ropes and hooks must be prepared. If it is
possible, climbing with an experienced guide is a better choice. Before
climbing, one must apply for permission. In a word, tourists should be very
serious and prepared to keep safe for this mountain climbing.
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