Dayoukeng

If you have ever been to Yangmingshan, you probably had been to Xiaoyoukeng (meaning small mineral site) to see the sulfurous gases emitted from craters. The place is of low danger and rich educational value, suitable for children to visit. But, have you ever wondered if there is a place named for large mineral site?

Actually, there is indeed a place named for large mineral site, which is called Dayoukeng. However, travel guides and staff of visitor center would not tell you this because Dayoukeng is a dangerous site which has been prohibited for access by Yangmingshang National Park. The crater’s width of Dayoukeng is more than one multiple of that of Xiaoyoukeng. As you can observe Dayoukeng from a close distance instead of looking up or overlooking (for Xiaoyoukeng), you will have a strong feeling of being virtually on the scene. Standing on the rocky ground burned black, you will feel as if you are a volcano explorer.

The color and vein of the rocks around Dayoukeng are notably different from that of rocks we often see, probably due to constant emission of sulfurous gases and geological landform. Looking toward the crater, you can see that the tools previous settlers used for digging sulfur remaining there. Several emitting holes around constantly emit sulfurous gases, which make the edges of the holes yellowish brown. The sulfurous gases emitted from the crater are sometimes light and sometimes dense. When it goes furious, the whole area of the mountain top will be covered by plumes of thick black smoke.