Location and surroundings
Dabu Shan is part of the Alishan Range, within South China Mountains in East Asia. It is in Taiwan, in Chiayi County, under Zhuqi Township. At 316 m, it is a modest summit rather than a major alpine peak, and the land around it is a mix of settled hills, roads and small ridges rather than remote high mountain terrain.
The area around the summit is close to everyday infrastructure. Zhuqi Township lies 2.7 km to the northwest, Fanlu Township 4.6 km to the south, and Liujiaoting 5.7 km to the west. That makes Dabu Shan a local hill in a populated landscape, with short approaches from nearby towns and villages.
Neighbouring peaks
- Hu di Dong Shan — 284 m, 4.1 km north
- Caigongdian Shan — 326 m, 4.2 km south
- Cai Gong Dian Dong Nan Feng — 307 m, 4.4 km south
- Dakeng Shan — 1,023 m, 4.4 km east
- Keng Shan — 161 m, 4.6 km west
- Kengtoucuo Shan — 215 m, 4.6 km north
- Touqian Shan — 212 m, 5.2 km north
- Dingkeng Shan — 249 m, 5.2 km southwest
Caigongdian Shan is the nearest higher peak, only 4.2 km to the south and 10 m higher than Dabu Shan. Several nearby hills are lower, while Dakeng Shan rises much more sharply to the east, showing how quickly the terrain changes in this part of Chiayi County.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest mountains are all to the east or northeast, where the main Alishan high country begins. The tallest is Data Shan at 2,663 m, 24.7 km east. Other major peaks in that direction include Ta Shan at 2,482 m, 21.9 km east, and Wansui Shan at 2,445 m, 24.9 km east.
Also within that radius are Maimaishan South Peak at 2,396 m, 23.9 km southeast, Luqu Shan at 2,288 m, 25.0 km northeast, and Erwanpingshan at 2,195 m, 22.4 km east. From Dabu Shan, these are the main high summits that define the broader skyline of the range.
The range
Dabu Shan belongs to the Alishan Range, which has 395 named peaks. Its highest peak is Data Shan at 2,663 m, about 25 km east of Dabu Shan. The range is part of the wider mountain chain that runs through East Asia and South China Mountains, and in this area it forms a much higher backbone than the low hills around Zhuqi Township.
At 316 m, Dabu Shan sits near the lower end of the range’s elevation spectrum. Its rank, 361st out of 395 named peaks, shows that it is one of the smaller named summits in the Alishan Range rather than one of its main high points.
Getting there
The nearest settlement is Zhuqi Township, 2.7 km northwest of the summit. Fanlu Township is 4.6 km south, and Liujiaoting is 5.7 km west. For public transport, Zhuqi station is 2.8 km northwest, while Longshanxin Village bus stop and Jingpu bus stop are both 1.7 km north of the top.
From Longshanxin Village, the walk is about 2.1 km on foot with 120 m of ascent, roughly 30–45 minutes. From Zhuqi Township, it is about 3.5 km on foot with 190 m of ascent, roughly 50–75 minutes. These are walking estimates based on distance and height gain; the real path may be longer.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020, adjusted to summit height. The summit is warm through the year: the warmest month is July, at about 27 °C, and the coldest is January, at about 17 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month.
The surrounding area receives about 1,900 mm of precipitation a year. August is the wettest month, with about 400 mm, while December is the driest, with about 35 mm. Rain can make paths slippery at any time of year, especially after heavy summer downpours.
Best time to visit
Because temperatures stay mild to warm all year, Dabu Shan can be visited in any season. The main weather factor is rain rather than cold. The wetter part of the year brings heavier showers, while late autumn and winter are generally drier, which can make short walks more comfortable.
For an easy outing, the most practical days are those with settled weather and good visibility. After rain, expect damp ground and slick surfaces on paths and roadside sections. In the warmer months, start early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in a low, humid part of southern Taiwan, so the surroundings are likely to be a mix of secondary forest, roadside vegetation, small cultivated areas and disturbed hillside cover. In this kind of landscape, walkers may see broadleaf trees, bamboo, shrubs and dense undergrowth, with birds and small reptiles common in the warmer months.
Because the summit area is close to settlements and transport links, the walk is more about local hill country than wilderness. Even so, steep or muddy sections can appear after rain, and insects are more active in warm weather.
Practical tips
For a short climb like this, wear shoes with a good grip, especially if the ground is wet or the route uses roadside edges, dirt tracks or uneven hillside paths. A light layer is useful if wind picks up near the top, and it is sensible to carry water and sun protection for the lower, warmer sections.
In Taiwan, mountain rescue uses 119; police are 110. If mobile signal is weak, try 112. There are two communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest 5.0 km to the north, so reception may be possible, but it can still fail in dips or behind ridges.
Interesting facts
Dabu Shan is a small summit by Alishan standards, ranked 361st out of 395 named peaks in the range. Its nearest higher neighbour is Caigongdian Shan, just 4.2 km to the south and only 10 m higher. That makes Dabu Shan part of a closely spaced cluster of low hills near the edge of the higher Alishan country.
The mountain is also known as Dabushan and 大埔山. Although it is not a major high point, it sits in a landscape where the higher peaks of the range rise to the east within a relatively short distance.
FAQ
How high is Dabu Shan? It rises to 316 m above sea level.
Where is Dabu Shan? It is in Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan, in the Alishan Range.
How do I get there? The nearest public transport points listed are Zhuqi station, 2.8 km northwest, and Longshanxin Village and Jingpu bus stops, both 1.7 km north.
How long does it take to walk up? From Longshanxin Village bus stop, the estimate is about 30–45 minutes; from Zhuqi Township, about 50–75 minutes. These are estimates from distance and height gain, and the real path may be longer.
What is near the summit? Nearby peaks include Caigongdian Shan to the south, Hu di Dong Shan to the north, and Dakeng Shan to the east.
What is the view like? The main high mountains in the wider view are to the east, including Data Shan, Ta Shan and Wansui Shan.
Will I have mobile signal? There are two communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest 5.0 km north, so signal is possible but not guaranteed. It often fails in valleys or behind ridges. Use 112 for emergency services over any available network, and download maps before setting out.