The Scenic World of Hohuanshan

　The Hohuan Main Peak is military compound and entry is restricted. Other than that, the West Peak is too far and thus not suitable for fresh climbers going alone. The rest such as Shirmenshan, Hohuan East Peak and North Peak are Idea Mountain scaling Places.

Shirmen Mountain

　Rising 3,236 meters high, Shirmenshan consists of fairly gentle slopes. Its three entrances are all near the Kenankuan area, and it only takes 15 minutes to reach the summit. The spacious summit is spacious; it can accommodate group photo up to 40 people.

　Summer and fall warrant the best spots to see the sunrise. During this period, the sun rises from around the river mouth of Liwu River. Shirmenshan's summit affords panoramic view of the Lieu area. As such, it is truly a blissful experience to ascend to the summit at dawn and bath under the morning rays, while admiring the spectacular natural sights.

　Mainly Yishan Arrow Bamboo Grasses (Yushania Nittakayamensis Hays) dominate the vegetation around Shirmenshan. They are short, average at around 40 cm only. However, the grassland houses very rich ground vegetation, which is worth close studying. As Shirmenshan is not very high, the view from the summit is restrictive. Only at the north direction, can we see the far view of the Central Mountain Range. The East Peak and Chilai chain of mountains blocks the southern view. The Hohuanshan ridges block the western flank.

　　Hohuanshan East Peak

　Rises 3,416 meters above sea level, Hohuanshan East Peak consist mainly of steep slopes. Its two entrances are near the Songshia Building area. The first entrance is at the North Slope of East Peak, right at the junction from the main road turning into Songshia Building. The second entrance is behind the Songshia Building, at the abandoned cable car track, where the trails are very visible.

　No matter when you ascend the East Peak, the feeling is always different. In late spring, bouquets of attractive Yishan rhododendrons densely cover the north flank of East Peak. At the same time, dense tassels can be seen growing at the branches of Formosa Fir (abies), Yishan cypress (Juniperus Squamata) and Taiwan juniper. Flowering season starts from middle of May to beginning of June. Summer is the peak flowering season for vegetation growing among the fir woodlands and Yishan bamboo grasslands. Fall is the best time for climbers to see the changing seas of clouds at high lands. Mid winter naturally is the best training time for scaling snowy terrenes.

　It takes about an hour and a half to ascend the East Peak. The summit is spacious and affords wide view of the surrounding. To the north is the northern ridge of the Central Mountain Range and the Shiashan Mountain Range. To the south, the view affords the river valley of Zhousui River valley and Yishan Mountain. The West Side affords view of the developed Wushir and Chinchin Ranch areas. The summit is naturally the best spot to view the sunset. As such, to have a fruitful one-day trip, it is best to ascend Shirmenshan first for the sunrise and then to Hohuan East Peak for the splendid sunset.

　The adjoining section between Hohuan Group of Mountains and Chilai mountain area is the Hohuan East Peak's southeast sub-crest line. Its entrance is at the skiing arena's walkway near the Songshia Building. The end of the walkway leads to the dense and tall Yishan Bamboo Grasslands. Although the tracks are pretty clear, it is still advisable to engage a guide for safety sake.

　　Hohuan North Peak

　Rising 3,422 meters high, Hohuan North Peak is considered a fairly steep mountain. Its two entrances are at the Hohuanshan Parking Lot area, nicknamed Shiofungkou (Mini Wind Outlet). There is a wooden sign, which is not too noticeable. The walk to the summit is about 2 hours.

　The trail stretches among the Pinus Woodlands dotted with red-haired azalea shrubbery. The later part enters into the Yishan Arrow Bamboo Grasslands. In May, the rhododendrons lash into full blossom. In mid summer, lush greenery covers the entire alpine areas of the far-away Central Mountain Range.

　The view at the summit is panoramic. Although the view from here of the Hohuan group of mountains is very much similar to that of Hohuan East Peak, this summit affords spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset, making it an excellent spot to take pictures. It is best to find a sheltered spot from the wind, and watch the changes in cloud formation or simply stroll among the Bamboo Grass slope, discovering the world of alpine vegetation, and be embraced in nature's utmost splendor.