Yilan · Taipingshan
Bortle 3 · Rural dark sky ｜ Elevation 1950m ｜ SQM ~21.5 ｜ Best view South
The Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area at ~1,950 m — the most accessible high-alpine dark sky in northern Taiwan, ringed by cloud seas and cypress forest, ideal for a two-day trip from Taipei or Yilan.
🌌 Tonight the Milky Way core climbs to a shootable altitude around 20:14, sinks back near 03:04, and peaks around 22:44 at roughly 36° in the South.
Up via the Yizhuan-1 road; park entry fee and hours apply — staying inside the park is easiest for night viewing.
Lodge, food, hot springs and parking; well-equipped.
Mar–Oct Milky Way season; watch for cloud and rain from the northeast monsoon.
See the nearby city's stargazing calendar
Bortle class and SQM are estimates for well-known sites, used to compare darkness — not on-site measurements.
Related tools: Taiwan Dark-Sky Map · Stargazing & Moon Viewing Score · Meteor Showers