Taipei for seniors: A calm day out in Yangmingshan, Beitou, Qingtiangang

For travelers looking to experience a quieter, greener side of Taiwan, a day trip to Yangmingshan and Beitou offers a refreshing escape, especially for seniors or those who simply prefer a slower, more relaxed pace.

The route is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy nature and culture without long walks or rushed itineraries, as most attractions are located close to one another and are accessible by short drives or gentle paths.

GMA News Online made the trip earlier this December, a month where temperatures can drop to 11°C. Here are other quick reminders before heading to Taiwan:

• Visa: Philippine passport holders are currently granted visa-free entry to Taiwan under its visa waiver program, subject to validity and immigration requirements.
• Flight time: Direct flights from Manila to Taipei take more or less two hours, making Taiwan a convenient short-haul destination.
• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). As of December 27, conversion rate is PHP 1.87 = NTD 1.

Taipei vs. New Taipei City: Taipei City is the capital and urban center, while New Taipei City surrounds it and covers a much larger area, home to mountains, parks, and suburban districts. Attractions like Yangmingshan and parts of Beitou fall under both areas.

YANGMISHAN

Yangmingshan National Park

Established in 1985, Yangmingshan National Park sits atop an active volcanic zone spanning parts of Taipei and New Taipei City. Steaming fumaroles, sulfur vents, and rolling hills reflect its geological history, yet the park is designed to be accessible, with wide paths, resting areas, and scenic viewpoints.

Despite drawing many visitors, the park remains surprisingly soothing, with nature absorbing much of the surrounding noise. The cool climate and thoughtful layout allow guests to take their time and enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.

The cool December air added to the calm atmosphere of the area during our visit. The misty views and open green spaces made the experience feel restorative rather than rushed.

Flower Clock

One of Yangmingshan’s best-known landmarks, the Flower Clock offers a brief but pleasant stop. First installed in the 1950s, it is considered one of the park’s earliest tourist attractions, created to showcase Taiwan’s horticulture and cool-climate flowers.

Seasonal blooms are carefully arranged around the functioning clock face, giving returning visitors a slightly different view each time. Benches surrounding the area allow guests to sit, rest, and take in the greenery without extended walking. Nearby shaded paths also make it possible to spot squirrels darting through the trees.

BEITOU

In Beitou, time slows down.

The public hot foot bath area attracts many elderly locals who sit quietly, soaking their feet while chatting or simply watching the steam rise.

It serves as a welcome break from walking, allowing visitors to pause and rest while still enjoying the area’s hot spring culture.

Before entering the pool, guests are required to wash their feet at the faucets provided, and small cubicles are available nearby for storing personal belongings, making the experience orderly and comfortable for first-time visitors.

Beitou Thermal Valley

A short walk from the main road, Beitou Thermal Valley allows visitors to quietly observe milky, mineral-rich hot spring water flowing below. Thick steam rises continuously from the naturally heated pool, creating a hazy, almost dreamlike atmosphere — especially in cooler weather.

Designated seating areas make it easy to linger and enjoy the view without physical strain, making it a popular stop for relaxed photo moments that do not disrupt the area’s calm setting.

Beitou Hot Spring Museum

The Beitou Hot Spring Museum adds a cultural layer to the visit. Housed in a restored Japanese-era building constructed in 1913, the structure once served as a public bathhouse and was among the largest in East Asia at the time.

Carefully restored and reopened as a museum, the building preserves its original wooden interiors and large windows overlooking the surrounding greenery. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes and wear provided slippers, reinforcing the quiet, respectful atmosphere inside.

The museum features exhibits on Beitou’s hot spring culture, volcanic geology, and photographs documenting how the district developed into a wellness destination.

QINGTIANGANG

Qingtiangang Grassland

One of Yangmingshan’s highlights, the Qingtiangang Grassland is a vast open field surrounded by mountains, known for its flat terrain and wide-open views. The area is ideal for gentle nature walks, encouraging visitors to pause, breathe, and take in the surroundings.

During the visit, wild water buffalo could be seen roaming freely in the distance, adding to the pastoral feel of the grassland. The space feels expansive yet unhurried, making it particularly appealing to travelers who prefer calm outdoor experiences.

Fun fact: IV of Spades filmed the music video for their song “Aura” in Qingtiangang Grassland.

The Yangmingshan–Beitou–Qingtiangang route can be booked as a guided day tour with Route Tour through platforms like Klook, with starting rates listed at around P1,698, depending on ongoing promotions and discounts.

For independent travelers, the area is also accessible via public transportation.

Buses to Yangmingshan are available from Taipei Main Station, Jiantan, Shilin, Shipai, or Xinbeitou MRT Stations. Admission to the park is free. —JCB, GMA Integrated News