# Yushan Main Peak

> highest mountain in Taiwan

**Wikidata**: [Q500275](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q500275)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu_Shan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yushan-main-peak

## Summary

Yushan Main Peak (also known as Jade Mountain, Mount Yu, Mount Morrison, or Yu Shan) is the highest mountain in Taiwan, standing as the nation's tallest peak at an elevation that makes it one of the most prominent mountains in East Asia. Located within Taiwan's central mountain range, this iconic peak holds significant cultural, ecological, and geographical importance, serving as a symbol of Taiwan's natural heritage and a major destination for hikers and mountaineers. The mountain is situated in Taiwan, a country in East Asia with coordinates approximately at latitude 24° and longitude 121°.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: Yushan Main Peak (玉山主峰)
- **Aliases**: Jade Mountain, Mount Yu, Mount Morrison, Mt. Jade, Gyokuzan, Patungkuonʉ, Usaviah, Saviah, Tongku Saveq
- **Classification**: Highest mountain in Taiwan
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 23.47°, Longitude 120.95726666667°
- **Location**: Taiwan (country in East Asia); specifically within the central mountain range
- **Administrative Regions**: Potentially associated with Sinyi Township (mountain indigenous township in Nantou County), Alishan Township (mountain indigenous township in Chiayi County), and Taoyuan District (special municipal mountain indigenous district in Kaohsiung City)
- **Country**: Taiwan (officially the Republic of China)
- **Wikipedia Title**: Yu Shan
- **Sitelink Count**: 51
- **Associated Species**: Alcippe morrisonia (Morrison's alcippe), a species of bird with sitelink_count of 23
- **Financial Connection**: E.SUN Commercial Bank (Taiwanese bank founded in 1992) and E.Sun Financial Holding Company (founded January 28, 2002) are related entities
- **Taiwan Country Data**:
  - Area: 36,193 square kilometres
  - Capital: Taipei
  - Population: Approximately 23.5 million (2023)
  - Continent: Asia
  - Timezone: UTC+08:00
  - Highest Point: Yushan Main Peak
  - Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 metres)

## FAQs

**What is Yushan Main Peak and where is it located?**

Yushan Main Peak is the highest mountain in Taiwan, located in the country's central mountain range. It is situated at coordinates 23.47° latitude and 120.95726666667° longitude, making it the tallest peak in Taiwan, which is an island nation in East Asia with a territory of 36,193 square kilometres.

**What are the different names for Yushan Main Peak?**

Yushan Main Peak is known by multiple names including Jade Mountain, Mount Yu, Mount Morrison, Mt. Jade, Gyokuzan, Patungkuonʉ, Usaviah, Saviah, and Tongku Saveq. The Wikipedia title is "Yu Shan" and it has a sitelink count of 51.

**What is the ecological significance of Yushan Main Peak?**

The mountain is home to diverse ecosystems and is associated with Alcippe morrisonia (Morrison's alcippe), a species of bird native to Taiwan. This bird species has a sitelink count of 23, indicating moderate recognition in knowledge bases.

**What cultural and administrative connections does Yushan Main Peak have?**

The mountain is located within Taiwan, which is administratively divided into 22 counties and 6 municipalities. Yushan Main Peak may be associated with mountain indigenous townships including Sinyi Township in Nantou County, Alishan Township in Chiayi County, and Taoyuan District in Kaohsiung City, all of which are recognized indigenous areas in Taiwan.

**What is the financial connection to Yushan Main Peak?**

While not directly related to the mountain's geography, E.SUN Commercial Bank (founded in 1992) and E.Sun Financial Holding Company (founded January 28, 2002) appear as related entities in the source material, possibly through corporate naming or sponsorship initiatives associated with Taiwan's peaks.

## Why It Matters

Yushan Main Peak matters as Taiwan's geographic apex, representing the nation's highest natural elevation and serving as a powerful symbol of Taiwan's mountainous terrain and natural beauty. As the highest point in Taiwan, it holds immense cultural significance for the Taiwanese people and serves as a major attraction for domestic and international mountaineers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The mountain's prominence is reflected in its representation as Taiwan's highest point in geographical records, atlases, and educational materials about the nation.

The ecological importance of Yushan Main Peak cannot be overstated, as it supports unique alpine ecosystems and biodiversity, including the Alcippe morrisonia bird species. The mountain's diverse elevation zones create habitats for various flora and fauna found nowhere else in Taiwan, making it crucial for conservation efforts and scientific research.

From a geopolitical perspective, Yushan Main Peak represents Taiwan's distinct geographical identity as an island nation with dramatic topography ranging from coastal plains to alpine peaks. With Taiwan occupying coordinates at latitude 24° and longitude 121°, the mountain's position in the central mountain range underscores the island's geological complexity and natural heritage. The peak's international recognition through its sitelink count of 51 demonstrates its global visibility as a notable geographical feature.

The mountain also holds significance in Taiwan's indigenous cultures, with multiple names including Patungkuonʉ, Usaviah, Saviah, and Tongku Saveq reflecting the heritage of local indigenous communities. Its association with mountain indigenous townships like Sinyi, Alishan, and Taoyuan further emphasizes its cultural importance to Taiwan's aboriginal peoples.

## Notable For

- **Highest Peak**: Tallest mountain in Taiwan and one of the most prominent peaks in East Asia
- **Multiple Names**: Known by at least 9 different names across various languages and indigenous traditions
- **Geographical Significance**: Located at coordinates 23.47°N, 120.95726666667°E in Taiwan's central mountain range
- **Biodiversity**: Home to Alcippe morrisonia (Morrison's alcippe), a distinctive bird species
- **Cultural Heritage**: Features indigenous names (Patungkuonʉ, Usaviah, Saviah, Tongku Saveq) reflecting local aboriginal traditions
- **Administrative Recognition**: Associated with mountain indigenous townships including Sinyi, Alishan, and Taoyuan districts
- **National Symbol**: Serves as Taiwan's highest point, featured in geographical records and educational materials
- **International Visibility**: Wikipedia article "Yu Shan" with sitelink count of 51 indicates significant global recognition

## Body

### Geography and Location

Yushan Main Peak stands as the paramount geographical feature of Taiwan, representing the island nation's highest elevation at its central mountain range. The mountain is precisely positioned at coordinates 23.47° latitude and 120.95726666667° longitude, placing it in the heart of Taiwan's mountainous interior. Taiwan itself occupies a territory of 36,193 square kilometres in East Asia, located at approximately latitude 24° and longitude 121°, with the Pacific Ocean forming its eastern and southern boundaries and the Taiwan Strait separating it from the mainland.

The mountain's strategic location within Taiwan's central mountain range places it in proximity to several mountain indigenous townships. Sinyi Township in Nantou County, Alishan Township in Chiayi County, and Taoyuan District in Kaohsiung City are all recognized administrative regions that encompass mountainous terrain and indigenous communities. These areas represent Taiwan's commitment to preserving both its natural landscapes and the cultural heritage of its aboriginal populations.

### Nomenclature and Naming

Yushan Main Peak is distinguished by its rich variety of names, reflecting its importance across different cultural and linguistic contexts. The primary name "Yushan" (玉山) translates to "Jade Mountain" in Mandarin Chinese, referring to the mountain's occasionally snow-capped peaks that resemble jade. The mountain is also known as Mount Yu, Mount Morrison, Mt. Jade, and Gyokuzan (the Japanese reading of the Chinese characters).

Beyond Chinese-derived names, the mountain holds significant meaning in Taiwan's indigenous cultures, with names including Patungkuonʉ, Usaviah, Saviah, and Tongku Saveq. These indigenous names carry deep cultural significance, representing the spiritual and historical connections between Taiwan's aboriginal peoples and the land. The Wikipedia article titled "Yu Shan" serves as the primary English-language reference, with a sitelink count of 51 indicating substantial recognition in international knowledge bases.

### Ecological Significance

The ecological importance of Yushan Main Peak extends far beyond its status as Taiwan's highest mountain. The mountain's dramatic elevation changes create diverse microclimates and habitats supporting unique alpine ecosystems. One notable species associated with the region is Alcippe morrisonia, commonly known as Morrison's alcippe, a bird species endemic to Taiwan's mountainous forests. This species has achieved a sitelink count of 23, reflecting its recognition in biological databases and ornithological literature.

The mountain's ecological zones range from subtropical forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows and rocky terrain near the summit. This diversity supports numerous plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to Taiwan or found only in specific high-elevation habitats. The conservation of Yushan Main Peak and its surrounding areas is crucial for maintaining Taiwan's biodiversity and ecological balance.

### Cultural and Historical Importance

Yushan Main Peak holds profound cultural significance for Taiwan's indigenous peoples, particularly the communities residing in the surrounding mountain townships. The indigenous names—Patungkuonʉ, Usaviah, Saviah, and Tongku Saveq—reflect centuries of cultural connection between these communities and the mountain. These names are not merely labels but carry spiritual significance, representing the mountain's role in indigenous cosmology and traditional practices.

The mountain's prominence in Taiwanese culture extends to its representation as a national symbol. As Taiwan's highest point, Yushan Main Peak appears in various aspects of Taiwanese identity, from educational materials to tourism promotional materials. The peak's challenging terrain and scenic beauty have made it a destination for hikers and mountaineers, contributing to Taiwan's outdoor recreation culture and eco-tourism industry.

### Administrative Context

Yushan Main Peak is located within the administrative boundaries of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China. Taiwan is a country in East Asia with a population of approximately 23.5 million people as of 2023. The nation is divided into 22 counties and 6 municipalities, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan. The mountain's proximity to Nantou County, Chiayi County, and Kaohsiung City places it within regions that contain significant mountain indigenous territories.

The administrative recognition of mountain indigenous townships like Sinyi, Alishan, and Taoyuan demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to preserving indigenous rights and cultural heritage. These areas maintain traditional lifestyles while also participating in modern administrative systems, creating a unique blend of contemporary governance and ancestral traditions.

### Financial and Corporate Connections

Interestingly, the source material reveals connections between Yushan Main Peak and Taiwan's financial sector through E.SUN Commercial Bank and E.Sun Financial Holding Company. E.SUN Commercial Bank was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, operating within the country's financial services industry. E.Sun Financial Holding Company was established on January 28, 2002, and maintains headquarters in Taipei as well.

These connections may reflect corporate social responsibility initiatives, mountain climbing sponsorship programs, or simply coincidental associations within the knowledge base. Regardless of the nature of the connection, these financial institutions represent Taiwan's modern economic landscape, which coexists alongside the nation's natural treasures like Yushan Main Peak.

### Taiwan's Geographical Context

Understanding Yushan Main Peak requires context about its home nation. Taiwan is an island country located off the southeastern coast of China, positioned at coordinates approximately 24° latitude and 121° longitude. The country's territory spans 36,193 square kilometres, with the Pacific Ocean forming its eastern and southern boundaries. Taiwan's highest point at Yushan Main Peak contrasts sharply with its lowest point at sea level (the Pacific Ocean), illustrating the nation's dramatic topographical diversity.

Taiwan's geographical features include rolling plains, low mountain ranges, and the central mountain range where Yushan Main Peak is located. The country operates in the UTC+08:00 timezone and maintains a right-hand traffic system. These geographical and administrative characteristics contribute to Taiwan's unique identity as a compact but geographically diverse island nation.

### Tourism and Recreation

Yushan Main Peak serves as one of Taiwan's premier hiking and mountaineering destinations, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The mountain's status as Taiwan's highest peak makes it a bucket-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The challenge of reaching the summit, combined with the stunning alpine scenery and unique ecosystems, creates an unforgettable experience for those who undertake the journey.

The surrounding area offers numerous trails and climbing routes of varying difficulty, catering to different skill levels. Visitors can experience the transition from subtropical forests to alpine environments, witnessing the dramatic changes in vegetation and climate that occur with increasing elevation. The region's natural beauty, combined with its cultural significance, makes it a cornerstone of Taiwan's eco-tourism industry.

### Conservation and Environmental Protection

The preservation of Yushan Main Peak and its surrounding ecosystems represents a critical priority for Taiwan's environmental conservation efforts. The mountain's unique biodiversity, including endemic species like Morrison's alcippe, requires careful management to ensure long-term survival. Conservation initiatives focus on balancing recreational use with environmental protection, implementing carrying capacity limits, and educating visitors about responsible outdoor practices.

Taiwan's commitment to environmental sustainability extends to its mountain ecosystems, with various protected areas and conservation programs in place. These efforts recognize that Yushan Main Peak is not merely a recreational asset but a vital component of Taiwan's natural heritage that must be preserved for future generations.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. BabelNet
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File