[2025 Miaoli Attraction] Travel Guide for Huoyan Mountain (Updated Mar)

Miaoli Huoyanshan is renowned for its unique terrain and stunning red mountains, making visitors feel as if they are in an exotic land. Due to its loose geological structure, the mountain walls often weather, forming ancient canyons and cliffs that are quite challenging. Our hiking journey starts from the trailhead, where we can admire the spectacular canyons, unique rock formations, and volcanic breccia along the way. Upon reaching the summit, we can overlook the magnificent scenery of Miaoli's mountains and the Taichung Basin. Although the trail is relatively steep, the breathtaking views during the climb make it well worth the effort 😊

Huoyanshan is located in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, and is one of the lesser-known peaks. It attracts countless hiking enthusiasts with its unique mountain shape and magnificent scenery. This trip to Huoyanshan made me feel the shock of the natural landscape during the climb, realizing how beautiful Taiwan is! In the morning, the weather was clear. Around seven o'clock, my friends and I arrived at the trailhead of Huoyanshan. The trailhead is set under the Sanyi Highway ramp, making transportation relatively convenient and parking fairly easy. The trail is not particularly steep, with dense forests along the way, except for a short stretch of the skyline with no shade. Today is undoubtedly very suitable for a morning hike. Some parts of the Huoyanshan trail are paved with stone steps, making it relatively easy to walk, but there are also some steep sections, especially near the summit where the terrain becomes more rugged. As the altitude increases, the view starts to open up. Soon, we reached a popular scenic spot, the most magnificent part of the mountain hollow, but also the place with the most accidents, as some people always ignore their safety, crossing the forbidden line to take beautiful photos, only to fall into the valley—a moment's slip leading to eternal regret. The bare mountain is mainly composed of gravel mixed with sandy soil, with weak cohesion. Over time, weathering and rain erosion have fragmented the terrain. The soil is rich in iron, so looking down from a high point, it resembles burning flames, waiting for the Banana Princess to fan out the fire. When I stood at the top of Huoyanshan, all the fatigue disappeared in an instant. Along the way, you can overlook the speed of the highway or enjoy the magnificent scenery at a leisurely pace. We stayed at the summit for a while, taking photos, resting, and cooking food. Chatting with friends, sharing hiking experiences, the satisfaction of this moment is truly indescribable. This was a pleasant journey and a hiking route suitable for both beginners and veterans. One day, you will stand here too, turning my words into your own experience.

Mount Huoyan (火焰山), or Flaming Mountain, is one of the most striking natural landscapes in Xinjiang, China. Located in the Turpan Basin, it is known for its blazing red sandstone ridges that appear to be on fire under the scorching sun. With summer temperatures soaring above 50°C (122°F), it is considered the hottest place in China. This mountain is not only a geological wonder but also deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. It is famously featured in the classic novel “Journey to the West,” where the legendary Monkey King (Sun Wukong) battles to extinguish the flames that block his path. Today, visitors can find a giant iron wok statue in the scenic area, symbolizing the heat of the mountain. For outdoor adventurers, exploring Mount Huoyan offers a unique desert experience. The landscape is made up of rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and endless sand dunes, making it a perfect place for hiking, camel rides, and photography. The nearby Grape Valley (葡萄沟) provides a lush contrast to the arid mountains, offering refreshing shade and some of China’s best sweet grapes and raisins. Another must-visit is the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient Buddhist site carved into the cliffs, showcasing stunning murals from the Tang Dynasty. These caves highlight the region’s historical significance as a cultural crossroads along the Silk Road. Whether you’re drawn by its fiery landscapes, rich legends, or Silk Road history, Mount Huoyan is an unforgettable destination that captures the wild beauty of China’s desert regions. #outdooradventure

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Huoyan Mountain, located at the junction of Sanyi and Yuanli in Miaoli, is a gravel rock layer deposited from the snow-capped mountains and uplifted by crustal movement. The rock layer on its peak is exposed, with little vegetation and easily eroded by heavy rains. It is a rare badland landscape in Taiwan. Miaoli Huoyan Mountain is one of the 100 Small Mountains. It is about 5.5 kilometers long and has a gentle slope along the way. The difficulty of the trail is relatively low, and it is not difficult for novices to conquer it. It is a hiking trail suitable for the whole family. If you can't go to the Grand Canyon in the United States, you can also experience the feeling of going deep into the Grand Canyon by coming to Miaoli's "Huoyan Mountain"! Weather is also a choice when hiking the Huoyan Mountain Trail. A sunny day will produce great views and the photos will be beautiful no matter how you take them, but there is little shade and the sun is too strong. On windy days, the dust is flying everywhere and you may feel dirty; but looking at the miniature version of the Grand Canyon will make you forget all your dislikes. 💞Recommendation reason: It is known as the "Taiwan version of the Grand Canyon" and is also one of the must-visit attractions for Internet celebrities. 🗓️Itinerary: One day