Wuzhishan Platform

Wuzhishan, which borders Yangmingshan, is a popular place for local bicyclists to ride up. This viewing platform at the peak is a common stopping point for the spirited enthusiasts who pedaled their way to the top.

Although there’s not usually a direct line of sight to the sunset, the view of Taipei from above at sunset time is still quite beautiful. You might see a line of clouds or two rolling in over Neihu below, adding to the intrigue of mountainside dusks. And this place is certainly good for sunrises.

There’s also coffee and some small food shops near the platform if you want to recharge your batteries with the cyclists.

Getting to Wuzhishan (if you’re not braving the bike ride up) is possible by public transportation but not convenient. The least inconvenient option from Taipei Main Station is to take a train to Xizhi Station and from there take the F910 bus to Wuzhishan Forest Park (next to the viewing platform). However, the last bus going down the mountain from there is at 14:40. There is another one later than that at 17:20, but it departs from down the mountain from Wuzhishan, at the Cui Po stop.

Otherwise, you’ll have to drive up the (yes, winding) mountain road. Be on extra alert for cyclists going up and down, as well as forest critters (like wild boars!) and mountain dogs that hang out in the middle of the road. You can park on the side of the road near the platform.

By the way, this observation platform is super close to the starting trail for Mt. Shiti, which offers an absolutely gorgeous Yangmingshan sunset (check out my writeup on that here).