Jiaming Lake, often hailed as the “Angel’s Tear” of Taiwan, is one of the island’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Nestled high in the Central Mountain Range at over 3,200 meters above sea level, this pristine alpine lake captivates hikers with its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and the dramatic peaks that surround it. The journey to Jiaming Lake is not only a test of endurance and determination but also a chance to immerse oneself in Taiwan’s rugged and unspoiled high-mountain landscapes. For those seeking even greater adventure, this trek offers the unique opportunity to summit two additional peaks: Mt. Sancha and Mt. Xiangyang, both part of the revered Baiyue—Taiwan’s 100 highest mountains. Bagging these peaks adds a thrilling mountaineering challenge to the journey, allowing hikers to experience sweeping vistas, alpine meadows, and the awe-inspiring serenity of Taiwan’s highlands.
ITINERARY
Day 01
TAIPEI – CHISHANG
In the afternoon, meet your friendly guide at Taipei Main Station and take a train to Chishang (approximately a 3.5–4 hour journey). Upon arrival in Chishang, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.
After an early hotel breakfast, you will be transferred to Xiangyang National Forest Recreation Area (approx. 6km, 15 min drive) where you will start the hike. The trail starts gently, allowing you to settle into a comfortable rhythm as you hike along forest roads and shaded paths. As you ascend toward Xiangyang Mountain House, the scenery transitions into dense cypress and pine forest. Along the way, you’ll pass the famed ancient trees of Xiangyang — silent guardians that have stood for centuries. Gradually, the forest opens up as you gain elevation. The landscape becomes wilder and more dramatic, with hints of the alpine terrain to come. After a final steady climb, you arrive at Jiaming Lake Refuge Hut, perched high above 3,000 meters.
Overnight: Jiaming Lake Mountain Hut
Start the day with one of the most rewarding sections of the trek. As you make your way toward Sancha Mountain Trailhead, the landscape opens into expansive alpine grasslands and sweeping ridgelines. If the skies are clear, you may witness a stunning sunrise as golden light illuminates layers of mountains stretching endlessly across the horizon. The route also takes you up Mount Sancha, one of Taiwan’s celebrated Bai Yue (100 highest mountains over 3,000 meters in Taiwan). From its summit, enjoy sweeping panoramic views across the Central Mountain Range — a proud milestone and unforgettable highlight of the journey. From the ridgeline, a gentle descent leads to the crown jewel of the expedition — Jiaming Lake, famously known as the “Angel’s Tear of Taiwan.” Nestled within a natural basin, the lake’s crystal-blue waters reflect the ever-changing sky, creating a scene that is both serene and awe-inspiring. Surrounded by golden grasslands and dramatic peaks, it is a place that feels profoundly peaceful yet strikingly powerful.
Overnight: Jiaming Lake Mountain Hut
After breakfast, begin your descent from the alpine zone back into the lush forest. The journey downhill offers a fresh perspective on the landscapes you explored on Day 1 — familiar, yet intriguingly different. Along the way, you can take a short detour to climb Xiangyang Peak and add another Baiyue to your list. As you approach Xiangyang Mountain House and continue downward, the air grows warmer and the forest denser. Eventually, you arrive at Xiangyang National Forest Recreation Area, where you will be transferred back to Chishang for your train ride to Taipei.
Package includes:
- Two-way train tickets between Taipei and Chishang
- One night accommodation in hotel in Chishang
- Park entrance fee and climbing permit
- Local trekking guide
- Day 2 – breakfast & dinner; Day 3 – breakfast & dinner; Day 4 – breakfast & lunch
Package excludes:
- Return international air tickets
- Travel insurance
- All meals not indicated above (for lunch during the trek, please bring along own trail food)
- Porters to carry personal belonging
- All expenses of a personal nature
HIKING GRADE
TESTIMONIALS
See latest reviews on our Google page!
The guide, Mr Lu, was very professional, kind and nice to us! Despite disruptions in our plans due to the rainy weather, he always had alternative options for us. His driving skills were superb, winding through sharp bends for hours where there was so little visibility and still maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook. All these on top of taking us through long hikes makes him one of the most resilient and nicest person I’ve known! Thank you!
– Xin Han (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Xueshan & Hehuanshan trip in May 2019)
Mountain guide is very friendly. He brings us around to try local delights and share with us local stories and facts.
– Wan Lin (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Xueshan & Hehuanshan trip in May 2019)
The guide was very experienced and friendly. He also plans the ascend and descend schedules very well and is able to walk at a comfortable pace for the team.
– Ruobing (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Xueshan & Hehuanshan trip in May 2019)
Why 5 stars? There key difference was the 雪山 summit climb. On the way up, we met at least two groups that turned back because the trail was completely snowed over. There were doubts and we thought this was going to be an anti-climax.
However, when we reach the snow line, our guide hacked through the top layer of hard snow so that our clamp-on spikes could dig into the softer bottom layer. Without doing this, it was not possible for inexperienced climbers to summit. He could have simply said “Let’s turn back, this is too dangerous”. It was act of professionalism backed by long experience, sound judgment and supreme fitness.
– Chee Wai (Group of 10 on a 3D3N Xueshan trip in Mar 2019)
Honorable mention to the guide, whom was the driver too. Her energy and dedication throughout the trek makes the trip very worthwhile, even though the view at the summit was spoiled by the poor foggy weather. Our team would gladly scale another mountain in taiwan with her as the guide again, if we had the chance.
– Jonathan (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Yushan trip in Mar 2018)
The whole organisation was prepared smoothly prior to the trip. The ample of times attending to the enquiries and the notes given had definitely been useful. For transport, guide (and driver), food, activities, accommodation – they were pleasant. The van provided was spacious especially the legroom, and even had enough room to store our bag packs. The guide and driver were very accommodative, for an instance, stopping the van to allow us take some photos before proceeding to the trail head. Additionally, both tried their best to attempt to make conversations in English. As per food and activities, it was great. The food complimented the next activity well, an example, we were provided rice instead of noodles on the day before our summit push and back to the trail head. It was essential since we had to have plenty carbohydrates for the long trek ahead.
– SR (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Oct 2017)
Thanks Ying! You’ve been very helpful and professional! We truly enjoyed ourselves 😊
– Johan (Group of 9 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Jan 2017)
Thanks so much for Organising the Taiwan trip. The 2 mountains were amazing and the guides were great! Everyone enjoyed the trip and were able to make it down from both mountains safely!
– Shaun from NUS Mountaineering Club (Group of 10 on a 5D4N Xueshan -Yushan Climb in Dec 2016)
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IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.