Beinanzhushan
🏔️ Overview
Beinanzhushan, also written Beinan Zhushan and known in Chinese as 卑南主山, is a major high mountain in southern Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range. Rising to approximately 3,295 meters (10,810 feet), it stands along the boundary between Kaohsiung City and Taitung County and is one of Taiwan’s celebrated Baiyue, or 100 Peaks.
Beinanzhushan occupies an especially important position in the geography of southern Taiwan. It forms the southern end of the great chain of 3,000-meter summits traditionally associated with the southern section of the Central Mountain Range. South of the mountain, the main ridge loses considerable elevation before high terrain rises again around Beidawushan.
The mountain is known for broad grassy slopes, bamboo-covered high country, expansive views, and its remote setting. Its summit is considerably gentler in appearance than some of the sharper peaks farther north, yet reaching it usually involves a demanding multi-day journey through rugged mountain terrain.
Beinanzhushan is traditionally ranked 54th among Taiwan’s 100 Peaks and is included among the group known as the Ten Majestic Mountains.
For a broader look at the island’s extraordinary alpine landscape, see Mountains in Taiwan.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Asia |
| Country | Taiwan |
| State/Province | Kaohsiung City / Taitung County |
| County/Region | Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung / Haiduan Township, Taitung |
| Mountain Range | Central Mountain Range |
| Parent Peak | Guan Shan (Mount Guan) |
| Elevation | About 3,294–3,295 m (10,807–10,810 ft) |
| Prominence | About 430 m (1,411 ft); PeakVisor calculates 437 m (1,434 ft) |
| Isolation | Approximately 18.7 km (11.6 mi) to higher terrain |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Guan Shan (Mount Guan) |
| Coordinates | Approximately 23.0509° N, 120.8742° E |
| Chinese Name | 卑南主山 |
| Mountain Listing | 100 Peaks of Taiwan; Ten Majestic Mountains |
| Protected Landscape | Guanshan Major Wildlife Habitat |
Elevation note: Mountain databases differ slightly. Peakbagger currently uses approximately 3,294 meters, while Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration and PeakVisor use approximately 3,295 meters. Such one-meter differences are common when different survey and elevation datasets are used.
📍 Location
Beinanzhushan rises in southern Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, the immense mountainous backbone extending through much of the island.
The summit lies along the administrative boundary between Taoyuan District in Kaohsiung City and Haiduan Township in Taitung County. The landscape is remote, steep, and heavily mountainous, with very little development near the summit.
To the north, the high Central Mountain Range continues toward Mount Guan, a substantially higher and more prominent peak. Mount Guan is also Beinanzhushan’s nearest higher neighbor.
Beinanzhushan lies within the broader Guanshan Major Wildlife Habitat, a vast protected forest landscape covering tens of thousands of hectares in southeastern Taiwan.
Its location near the southern end of the continuous high ridge gives the summit unusually open views. Southward, the Central Mountain Range drops dramatically before eventually rising again around Beidawushan.
📏 Elevation, Prominence & Isolation
Beinanzhushan reaches roughly 3,295 meters (10,810 feet) above sea level.
Peakbagger lists the summit at approximately 3,294 meters (10,807 feet) with about 430 meters (1,411 feet) of topographic prominence. PeakVisor uses a slightly different elevation model and gives the mountain an elevation of 3,295 meters and prominence of approximately 437 meters (1,434 feet).
These differences are small and reflect variations among mapping and digital elevation datasets.
PeakVisor calculates Beinanzhushan’s isolation at approximately 18.7 kilometers (11.6 miles). In other words, a traveler must go roughly that distance from the summit before encountering terrain that rises above Beinanzhushan’s elevation.
The mountain’s nearest higher neighbor is Guan Shan, or Mount Guan, roughly north-northeast of the summit.
Although Beinanzhushan is not one of Taiwan’s most topographically prominent peaks, its position at the end of an extended high ridge gives it a commanding appearance when viewed from the surrounding valleys and ridgelines.
🪨 Geology
Beinanzhushan belongs to one of the most geologically active mountain systems on Earth.
Taiwan sits near the convergent boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate. Their continuing collision has compressed, folded, faulted, metamorphosed, and uplifted rocks that were once associated with marine sedimentary environments.
This continuing tectonic activity is responsible for much of Taiwan’s exceptional relief. Mountains exceeding 3,000 meters rise surprisingly close to the coast, while rivers cut deep valleys between steep ridges.
Erosion is equally important in shaping the landscape. Taiwan receives heavy rainfall and is regularly affected by typhoons. Earthquakes, landslides, rapidly flowing streams, and intense rainfall continually modify mountain slopes.
Beinanzhushan therefore sits within a landscape that remains geologically dynamic rather than being an ancient, stable mountain mass.
Unlike some misleading descriptions of the mountain, Beinanzhushan is not known as a volcanic peak. Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range was created primarily through tectonic collision and uplift.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
The enormous elevation range of southern Taiwan creates a succession of ecosystems from warm lowland forests to cold high-mountain vegetation.
Beinanzhushan lies within the Guanshan Major Wildlife Habitat, one of Taiwan’s largest important wildlife habitats. The protected area contains broadleaf forest, mixed conifer-broadleaf forest, conifer forest, high-elevation shrub communities, and alpine vegetation.
At higher elevations around the Central Mountain Range, hikers can encounter characteristic Taiwanese mountain plants such as:
- Taiwan fir
- Taiwan hemlock
- Taiwan red pine
- Taiwan juniper
- Alpine rhododendrons
- Yushan cane
- High-elevation grasses and shrubs
Dense stands of Yushan cane, a hardy mountain bamboo, are particularly characteristic of many exposed high ridges in Taiwan.
The greater Guanshan habitat also supports an impressive variety of wildlife. Government biological surveys have recorded mammals such as:
- Formosan black bear
- Taiwan serow
- Formosan sambar deer
- Reeves’s muntjac
- Taiwan macaque
- Wild boar
- Yellow-throated marten
- Flying squirrels
Birdlife is similarly diverse, and the surrounding mountain forests provide important habitat for many of Taiwan’s endemic and threatened species.
The remoteness of this section of the Central Mountain Range has helped preserve extensive areas of relatively undisturbed habitat.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Beinanzhushan is a serious wilderness objective rather than an easily accessible day hike.
The mountain is commonly associated with the South Section 1 traverse, known in Taiwan as Nan Yi Duan (南一段). This long-distance high-mountain route follows a rugged portion of the southern Central Mountain Range and is normally undertaken as a multi-day expedition.
The journey involves combinations of:
- Long ridge travel
- Major elevation changes
- Dense forest
- Bamboo-covered slopes
- Remote camps
- Limited water sources
- Steep ascents and descents
- Navigation through isolated terrain
Unlike Taiwan’s more accessible high peaks, Beinanzhushan cannot generally be treated as a casual summit outing. Approaches may involve old forest roads, remote trails, and long distances from reliable road access.
Near the summit, the landscape becomes more open. Grassy slopes and lower vegetation can provide extensive views over the southern Central Mountain Range when weather is clear.
The summit itself is marked by a survey point and is much broader and less rocky than the dramatic pyramid-shaped summit of Mount Guan farther north.
Permits & Access
Hiking regulations and route conditions in Taiwan can change because of typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, forestry restrictions, and conservation measures.
The official Taiwan Hike Smart system lists Beinanzhushan among the high-mountain destinations for which hikers should check route status and applicable entry requirements.
Do not rely solely on older trip reports when planning an ascent.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Beinanzhushan’s summit may appear relatively gentle, but getting there is the real challenge. Treat the journey as a remote high-altitude expedition. Check official route status, permits, water availability, weather forecasts, and recent trail reports before leaving, and carry navigation and emergency communication equipment appropriate for a multi-day wilderness trip.
For general preparation advice, see the Mountain Field Guide’s Hiking & Climbing Guide and Hiking Gear Guide.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Weather is one of the most important considerations when planning an expedition to Beinanzhushan.
Autumn is often one of the better periods for high-mountain travel in Taiwan. Cooler temperatures and periods of clearer weather can follow the hot, wet summer, although typhoons remain possible and conditions are never guaranteed.
Winter can produce exceptionally clear mountain views, but temperatures at elevations above 3,000 meters can fall below freezing. Frost, ice, snow, and powerful winds are possible.
Spring can offer pleasant conditions between weather systems, although rain and cloud frequently affect the mountains.
Summer generally brings the greatest combination of heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and typhoon risk. Heavy rain can rapidly make remote trails hazardous and trigger landslides or damage access routes.
Regardless of season, hikers should consult the latest high-mountain forecast immediately before departure.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Mount Guan
Mount Guan, or Guan Shan, rises north-northeast of Beinanzhushan.
At approximately 3,667–3,668 meters, it is considerably higher than Beinanzhushan and is one of the most impressive peaks of southern Taiwan. Its pyramid-like summit, steep cliffs, and more than 1,000 meters of prominence make it a dominant feature of the southern Central Mountain Range.
It is also Beinanzhushan’s nearest higher neighbor and topographic parent.
Beidawushan
Farther south, Beidawushan reaches approximately 3,092 meters (10,144 feet).
Between Beinanzhushan and Beidawushan, the crest of the Central Mountain Range drops considerably in elevation. This separation helps make both mountains visually prominent within their respective sections of southern Taiwan.
Beidawushan is one of Taiwan’s most topographically prominent mountains and another celebrated member of the Baiyue.
💡 Fun Facts
- Beinanzhushan’s correct Chinese name is 卑南主山.
- It is one of Taiwan’s famous 100 Peaks, or Baiyue.
- It is traditionally ranked 54th on the Baiyue list.
- Beinanzhushan is classified among the Ten Majestic Mountains of the traditional Baiyue groupings.
- Its summit elevation is generally reported as about 3,295 meters.
- Different topographic databases disagree by a few meters on its exact elevation and prominence.
- Guan Shan is Beinanzhushan’s nearest higher neighbor.
- The mountain occupies the southern end of one of Taiwan’s great continuous high-mountain ridge systems.
- South of Beinanzhushan, the Central Mountain Range drops substantially before rising again toward Beidawushan.
- The surrounding Guanshan Major Wildlife Habitat protects an enormous area of forest and high-mountain ecosystems.
- Beinanzhushan is generally approached as a remote multi-day mountain journey rather than a simple day hike.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Beinanzhushan?
Beinanzhushan is approximately 3,295 meters (10,810 feet) high. Peakbagger uses 3,294 meters, while Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration and PeakVisor use approximately 3,295 meters.
Where is Beinanzhushan?
The mountain lies in southern Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, along the boundary between Kaohsiung City and Taitung County.
What is the Chinese name for Beinanzhushan?
Its Chinese name is 卑南主山.
Is Beinanzhushan one of Taiwan’s 100 Peaks?
Yes. Beinanzhushan belongs to Taiwan’s famous Baiyue, or 100 Peaks, and is traditionally ranked 54th.
What is Beinanzhushan’s prominence?
Peakbagger gives approximately 430 meters (1,411 feet) of prominence. PeakVisor calculates approximately 437 meters (1,434 feet).
What is Beinanzhushan’s isolation?
PeakVisor calculates approximately 18.7 kilometers (11.6 miles) to the nearest terrain exceeding Beinanzhushan’s elevation.
What is Beinanzhushan’s nearest higher neighbor?
Its nearest higher neighbor is Guan Shan (Mount Guan) to the north-northeast.
Is Beinanzhushan difficult to hike?
Yes. Although the terrain near the summit is not necessarily technical, reaching the mountain generally requires remote, multi-day high-altitude trekking. Long distances, steep terrain, variable weather, navigation, water logistics, and limited emergency access make it an undertaking for properly prepared hikers.
Is Beinanzhushan volcanic?
No. Beinanzhushan belongs to Taiwan’s tectonically uplifted Central Mountain Range. The range formed primarily through the collision and compression associated with the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates rather than recent volcanic activity.
Are permits required?
Requirements depend on the exact route and current regulations. Hikers should check Taiwan’s official Hike Smart system before planning a trip because entry rules and trail availability can change.
🔗 Related Articles
🔗 Related Hiking and Safety Guides
📚 Sources
- Peakbagger – Beinanzhushan — Peakbagger data for Beinanzhushan and the Baiyue list, including the approximately 3,294 m elevation and 430 m prominence.
- PeakVisor – Beinan Zhushan — elevation, prominence, coordinates, isolation, parent mountain, nearest higher neighbor, range, and protected-area information.
- Central Weather Administration – 卑南主山 — official Taiwanese mountain information and weather resource; identifies the mountain at approximately 3,295 m between Kaohsiung and Taitung.
- Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency – Guanshan Major Wildlife Habitat — official information about the protected area, forests, vegetation, conservation value, and geographic setting.
- Taiwan Hike Smart – Mountain Route Status — official route-status and high-mountain access information, including Beinanzhushan and South Section 1 routes.
