Nantou · Hehuanshan
Bortle 2 · Pristine dark sky ｜ Elevation 3275m ｜ SQM ~21.7 ｜ Best view South
The highest point on Taiwan's road network (3,275 m) and the heart of the Hehuanshan International Dark Sky Park. Thin, clean air and very low light pollution make the overhead Milky Way naked-eye visible — the most accessible high-alpine site on the island.
Last reviewed: 2026-07
Wuling is the highest point on Taiwan’s road network (3,275 m) and the heart of the Hehuanshan International Dark Sky Park. You can drive to nearly 3,300 m, which makes it the island’s most accessible alpine sky — but that same convenience means heavy crowds on weekends and meteor-shower nights, so planning matters more here than almost anywhere.
From Taichung take Highway 14 onto Highway 14A, or climb from the Taroko (Hualien) side. There is no direct public transport — most people self-drive or join a stargazing tour. In winter (Dec–Mar) snow can trigger snow-chain controls or closures, so always check the official road status before setting out.
You can observe right beside the Wuling car park; there are public toilets but no food, so bring hot drinks and supplies. To escape the crowds, drop to Yanfeng (14K) or the large Kunyang car park. Songsyue Lodge and the ski lodge offer lodging nearby — book months ahead in peak season.
Milky Way season runs roughly Mar–Oct, with the galactic core (toward Sagittarius) rising low in the south. The high arch is easiest before dawn in May–Jul and after dusk in Aug–Sep. Aim for the nights around new moon, after moonset, so moonlight doesn’t wash out the detail.
Face south for the Milky Way arch framed over the Hehuan peaks; face north toward Polaris for long-exposure star trails. A fast wide lens (14–24 mm f/2.8) on a tripod with a remote release is the basic kit. It’s cold at altitude and batteries drain fast — carry spares and keep them warm with hand-warmers.
Above 3,000 m altitude sickness is possible — ascend slowly, hydrate, and descend if you feel unwell. Night temperatures often drop below 5 °C or subzero, so bring a heavy jacket, hat and gloves. Mountain roads are winding and prone to fog and ice; drowsy driving is a real risk, so consider staying overnight rather than driving back tired.
🌌 Tonight the Milky Way core climbs to a shootable altitude around 20:13, sinks back near 02:33, and peaks around 22:23 at roughly 37° in the South.
Drive-up access via Provincial Highway 14A; observe right by the Wuling car park. Mountain roads are cold and fog-prone at night — dress warm and drive carefully.
Car park and public toilets; no food service — bring your own. Crowded on weekends and meteor-shower nights.
Mar–Oct Milky Way season; the dry autumn/winter is clearer and more stable but colder.
See the nearby city's stargazing calendar
Bortle class and SQM are estimates for well-known sites, used to compare darkness — not on-site measurements.
Related tools: Taiwan Dark-Sky Map · Stargazing & Moon Viewing Score · Meteor Showers