The first stop is Qingtiangang, a vast lava terrace formed when the lava flowed north after the eruption. The terrace was once a ranch for water buffaloes grazing during Japanese colonization; even today you can still see the naturally bred water buffaloes there.

The second stop is Lengshuikeng(literally “cold water pit”), a barrier lake formed by the volcanic lava flowing down from the mountain. The hot spring water is colder than the other areas (around 40 degrees Celsius), hence the name. You will enjoy a rejuvenating hot spring foot bath to relieve the tension and stiffness in your legs.

After that, you will visit the most popular attraction in Yangmingshan National Park — Xiaoyoukeng(literally “little oil pit”), a post-volcanic geological landscape area. The scenic trail around Xiaoyoukeng offers close-up views of the pit from different angles, where you can see and smell the steam coming out of the cracks, and the sulfur crystals around the fumaroles, as if you can feel the breath of a dormant volcano.

You will have a break in Zhuzihu, home to Yangmingshan’s calla lily and hydrangea.

Your tour continues with a visit to the Yangmingshan Park, where you will see Flower Clock — the centerpiece of the national park, which is near the bus terminal and the visitor center. The flower plants change by season, visitors can enjoy the bloom all year round. Every year during the cherry blossom season, there are crowds of people flocking to see the beautiful cherry blossom that surrounds the flower clock.

Geothermal Valley, the next stop on your Yangmingshan day trip, is not far away from Beitou Hot Spring Museum. This place is also called “Hell Valley” or “Ghost Lake”, because of the sulfuric steam fog that it emits caused by the high temperature. It is also one of the heat sources of sulfur spring that supply the hot springs located in its vicinity.

The next stop on your Yangmingshan tour package is Beitou Hot Spring Museum, which was built during the Japanese colonization.

Your last stop is Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, also known as Beitou Library. Located in Beitou Park and near Beitou Hot Spring Museum, because of its sustainable design, this beautiful library was selected by the famous travel website “When on Earth” as one of the 10 Coolest Examples of green buildings.