Guanyinshan

Guanyinshan is an extinct volcano of about six hundred and twelve metres on the south side of the Tamsui river mouth, named for a profile that from some angles resembles a reclining figure of Guanyin. Stepped trails climb it from a visitor centre, the main one to Yinghan Ridge, and from the top the Taipei basin, the Tamsui estuary and the Taiwan Strait are all in view. Grey-faced buzzards and other raptors pass over on migration in spring and autumn.

What you actually see

• The summit view - the Taipei basin, the river mouth and the strait together.
• The raptor migration - buzzards and other birds passing in spring and autumn.
• The stepped trails - climbs from the visitor centre to the ridge and summit.
• The volcanic form - the eroded cone on the south bank of the river.

When to go

October to April is the most comfortable and the clearest. Raptor migration peaks around March and October. Summer is hot and humid on the exposed steps.

Honest expectations

The climb is a relentless staircase and harder than the height suggests. Haze over the basin is frequent and cuts the view. There is little shade on the upper sections.

Nearby

Bali and the Shihsanhang museum are below, and Tamsui is across the river.