Jilai Mountain

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  • Address: Ski Lodge, 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 台14甲
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  • Timings: 24-hrs Details
  • Time Required: 08:00 Hrs
  • Tags: Hiking Trail, Family And Kids
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The number of hikers who have gotten lost or perished in their attempts to climb this mountain are many, and for this reason, the mountain is also called ‘Dark Qilai’ or ‘Black Qilai’. The blame for this reputation lies not in the difficulty of summiting the mountain’s peaks, but in being adequately prepared for the surprising and treacherous weather. It’s also quite easy to become lost or take a wrong turn on the mountain’s trails. There are two options to hike here.

The first is to take the child-friendly hike to Little Qilai. The trail begins close to the ski lodge at the coordinates: 24°08'21.3"N 121°17'16.1"E. It is an easy four hour round trip hike.

But if you choose the press one, after a little decent, things become more strenuous, with muddy paths coursing through beautiful forests. You will probably end up spending the night at the  Chenggong Hut, or the Heishuitang Cabin. After this point the ascent is steep. The mist will begin to roll in thickly, keeping you constantly soaking wet. There will come a fork; take the left turn for a hard hike to the top, or take the right for an absolutely brutal hike to the top along the main mountain ridge. The final climb to the north peak is truly difficult either way, with thick mists and howling winds buffeting you as you try to navigate sheer cliff edges. Seeing the plaque at the summit makes it worth it, though.

After this, you can try to take the ridge path to the Qilai Main Peak, which is far easier going despite the still raging winds (getting blown off is a real danger). The summit, however is quite flat.

Jilai Mountain Travel Tips

  • The address provided here is for the trailhead to the various Qilai Peaks.
  • It is strongly recommended that you get a professional guide to take you to the north and main peaks.
  • The recommended time of arrival given here refers to the time you should leave Chenggong Hut

How to Reach Jilai Mountain

  • Buses 6506, 6658A, 6664 stop Song Xue Lou
  • Drive to the Hehuanshan Visitor Center

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  • Jilai Mountain Address: Ski Lodge, 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 台14甲
  • Jilai Mountain Timing: 24-hrs
  • Best time to visit Jilai Mountain(preferred time): 06:00 am - 08:00 am
  • Time required to visit Jilai Mountain: 08:00 Hrs
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