Dongxiaonan Mountain | 東小南山 | Dongxiaonanshan
🏔️ Overview
Dongxiaonan Mountain (東小南山), also known as Dongxiaonan Shan or East Xiaonan Mountain, is a high mountain in southern Taiwan’s Yushan Range. Rising to approximately 12,175 feet (3,711 meters) according to Yushan National Park, the mountain lies within Yushan National Park and forms part of the rugged high country surrounding Yushan, Taiwan’s highest mountain.
Dongxiaonan Mountain is an eastern subsidiary summit extending from the main ridge near Yushan South Peak. Despite its considerable elevation, its upper ridge is comparatively gentle. Yushan National Park describes shallow arrow-bamboo slopes with relatively little relief leading toward a summit characterized by loose rock and a steep cliff on one side.
The mountain is also included among Taiwan’s celebrated 100 Peaks (Baiyue), making it a recognized objective for experienced hikers attempting the island’s major high summits.
One detail worth noting is that published elevations for Dongxiaonan Mountain differ. The current Yushan National Park page lists the mountain at about 3,711 meters, while some modern topographic databases use approximately 3,707 meters and some older English references list 3,744 meters. For Mountain Field Guide, 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) is used as the primary figure because it is the current elevation published by Yushan National Park.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Asia |
| Country | Taiwan |
| State/Province/Municipality | Kaohsiung City |
| County/Region | Tauyuan District |
| Mountain Range | Yushan Range |
| Protected Area | Yushan National Park |
| Parent Peak | Yushan South Peak |
| Elevation | 12,175 ft (3,711 m) — official Yushan National Park figure |
| Prominence | Approximately 46 ft (14 m) |
| Isolation | Approximately 0.14 mi (227 m) |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Yushan South Peak, about 0.60 mi (964 m) NNW |
| Coordinates | Approximately 23.4389° N, 120.9633° E |
| Mountain Listing | Taiwan 100 Peaks (Baiyue) |
The prominence, isolation, coordinates, parent peak, and nearest-higher-neighbor figures above are based on PeakVisor’s topographic model. PeakVisor uses a summit elevation of 3,707 meters, so small differences may occur when its figures are compared with the official 3,711-meter Yushan National Park elevation.
📍 Location
Dongxiaonan Mountain is located in Tauyuan District of Kaohsiung City, within the mountainous interior of southern Taiwan. It lies inside Yushan National Park, close to the southern portion of the main Yushan massif.
The summit occupies an eastward-extending subsidiary ridge beside the main ridge of Yushan South Peak. This relationship explains why Dongxiaonan Mountain has such a small topographic prominence despite standing more than 12,000 feet above sea level: it is connected to substantially higher terrain by a high ridge rather than rising as an isolated mountain.
Yushan South Peak is immediately to the north-northwest and is both the mountain’s topographic parent and its nearest higher neighbor.
📏 Elevation, Prominence & Isolation
The official Yushan National Park elevation for Dongxiaonan Mountain is approximately 3,711 meters (12,175 feet). PeakVisor currently models the summit at 3,707 meters (12,162 feet), illustrating the small discrepancies that can occur among Taiwanese mountain databases and mapping systems.
Its topographic prominence is only about 14 meters (46 feet) in the PeakVisor dataset. This does not mean Dongxiaonan is a small mountain. Rather, it means relatively little descent is necessary before the terrain begins rising toward a higher summit.
Its modeled isolation is approximately 227 meters (0.14 mile). The nearest higher summit is Yushan South Peak, located roughly 964 meters (0.60 mile) north-northwest and rising to about 3,844 meters (12,612 feet).
This makes Dongxiaonan Mountain an excellent example of the distinction between elevation and prominence: it is one of Taiwan’s loftiest summits by absolute elevation but a relatively minor summit when measured by prominence.
🪨 Geology
Dongxiaonan Mountain belongs to one of the most geologically dynamic mountain environments in East Asia.
Taiwan’s great mountain ranges developed through the collision and compression associated with the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate. Yushan National Park explains that intense tectonic compression helped uplift Taiwan from the sea beginning several million years ago, and continued tectonic activity has produced the island’s exceptionally steep high-mountain terrain.
In the broader Yushan region, particularly from Tataka toward and east of Yushan, exposed rocks are dominated by metamorphosed sandstone and slate belonging to the Niitaka Group. These resistant but fractured rocks contribute to the steep ridges, cliffs, scree fields, and rugged alpine scenery characteristic of the massif.
Dongxiaonan’s summit itself contains extensive loose rock and scree, while one side of the mountain falls away in a pronounced cliff.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Vegetation near Dongxiaonan Mountain reflects its extreme elevation. The official park description specifically notes low arrow-bamboo grass, rhododendron shrubs, and alpine vegetation along the ridge. Areas of bare rock and loose scree become increasingly prominent near the summit.
These exposed plant communities must tolerate strong winds, low temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation, seasonal snow, and a very short growing season.
The wider Yushan National Park contains exceptional biodiversity across its enormous elevation range. Park surveys record 65 mammal species and approximately 233 native bird species, including all 29 bird species recognized by the park as endemic to Taiwan. Wildlife occurring within the park includes Taiwan serow, Taiwan sambar, Formosan macaque, wild boar, yellow-throated marten, and the Taiwan black bear, although hikers should not assume these animals will be encountered around Dongxiaonan’s exposed summit.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Dongxiaonan Mountain is normally approached as part of a longer journey through the Yushan Peaks trail system, rather than as a simple standalone day hike.
The official route between Yushan South Peak and Dongxiaonan Mountain is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long. It descends from about 12,612 feet (3,844 meters) at Yushan South Peak to approximately 12,175 feet (3,711 meters) at Dongxiaonan Mountain.
The park describes this section as comparatively gentle terrain covered with Yushan arrow bamboo. The summit, however, is covered with loose rock, and a cliff borders one side of the ridge.
The relatively easy-looking profile should not disguise the seriousness of the overall outing. Reaching this part of the Yushan massif requires substantial high-altitude travel. Nearby approach trails include exposed slopes, loose scree, steep ridges, and terrain where fog can make navigation difficult. The park specifically warns that high elevations around the Yuanfeng area are cold and windy and that the thin air creates a risk of altitude illness.
Hikers should also check current Yushan National Park entry permits, trail conditions, accommodation availability, and access requirements before planning a trip, as the official Taiwan hiking system manages applications and current route-opening information.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Do not judge Dongxiaonan Mountain solely by the gentle terrain near its summit. The challenge is reaching and traveling safely through a remote environment above 12,000 feet. Carry the Ten Essentials, allow time for altitude acclimatization, and turn around if weather, visibility, or physical symptoms deteriorate.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Dongxiaonan Mountain experiences a genuine high-alpine climate despite Taiwan’s subtropical latitude.
Yushan National Park reports an average annual temperature of only about 5.9°C (42.6°F) above 3,500 meters. Snow can occur from December through April, although the number of actual snowfall days varies considerably from year to year.
Rainfall is substantial throughout the park, averaging approximately 3,000–4,700 millimeters (118–185 inches) annually. The wettest period is concentrated from May through September. May and early June are affected by the East Asian plum-rain season, while summer through early autumn brings the risk of typhoons and thunderstorms.
For hikers seeking non-winter conditions, autumn—particularly during stable weather windows in October and November—can offer a favorable balance, based on the park’s climatological pattern. Conditions can still change rapidly at this elevation.
Winter and early spring ascents may involve snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and much more demanding travel. Summer brings warmer temperatures but a greater risk of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and typhoon-related closures.
Always check the official forecast and park status shortly before departure.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Yushan South Peak is Dongxiaonan Mountain’s most important neighboring summit. At approximately 3,844 meters (12,612 feet), it rises immediately north-northwest of Dongxiaonan and is connected to it by the official 2.4-kilometer trail segment.
Nanyushan (South Yushan) is another major high summit in the southern Yushan group and forms part of the extended network of routes accessible from the Yushan high country.
For more mountains elsewhere in Taiwan, see the Mountain Field Guide profiles of Mount Guan and Beidawushan.
💡 Fun Facts
- Dongxiaonan Mountain is one of Taiwan’s 100 Peaks, or Baiyue.
- Its summit rises above 12,000 feet, yet its modeled prominence is only around 46 feet (14 meters).
- The mountain’s nearest higher neighbor and topographic parent are both Yushan South Peak.
- The ridge is considerably gentler in appearance than some of the jagged summits surrounding the main Yushan massif.
- One side of the summit ridge terminates in a cliff, while the summit itself contains substantial loose scree.
- Published elevations are inconsistent: Yushan National Park currently gives approximately 3,711 meters, while PeakVisor uses 3,707 meters and some older references still show 3,744 meters.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Dongxiaonan Mountain?
Yushan National Park lists Dongxiaonan Mountain at approximately 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) above sea level. Some topographic databases give slightly lower figures around 3,707–3,708 meters.
Where is Dongxiaonan Mountain?
The mountain is in Tauyuan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, within Yushan National Park and the Yushan Range.
What is the nearest higher neighbor of Dongxiaonan Mountain?
PeakVisor identifies Yushan South Peak as the nearest higher summit, approximately 964 meters (0.60 mile) north-northwest of Dongxiaonan Mountain.
What is Dongxiaonan Mountain’s prominence?
PeakVisor calculates approximately 14 meters (46 feet) of topographic prominence. Its very small prominence results from the mountain’s close connection to the much higher Yushan South Peak ridge.
Is Dongxiaonan Mountain one of Taiwan’s 100 Peaks?
Yes. Dongxiaonan Mountain is included among Taiwan’s celebrated 100 Peaks (Baiyue).
Is Dongxiaonan Mountain difficult to hike?
The immediate ridge terrain is comparatively gentle, but reaching the mountain requires travel through remote, exposed high-alpine terrain. Altitude, rapidly changing weather, scree, cliffs, navigation challenges, and the length of the overall route make it suitable for experienced and well-prepared mountain hikers.
How far is Dongxiaonan Mountain from Yushan South Peak?
The official hiking route between Yushan South Peak and Dongxiaonan Mountain is approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles).
🔗 Related Articles
🔗 Related Hiking and Safety Guides
- The Ten Essentials for Hiking: What Every Hiker Should Carry
- What to Do If You Get Lost Hiking: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide
- Best Satellite Communicators for Hiking
