Yang Ming: More Than Just a Mountain – Decoding the 'Yang Ming' Multiverse in Taiwan, from Shipping and Academia to Philosophy

For those of us who've been around Taipei for decades, the name 'Yang Ming' means far more than just a single mountain. The biggest event in the capital during spring is undoubtedly the Yangmingshan Flower Festival. On weekdays and weekends alike, you'll see families and couples heading up Yangde Avenue, all eager to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms and azaleas covering the hillsides.

Mention 'Yang Ming', and the first image that pops into my head is a container ship with the characters emblazoned on its side. That's right, Yang Ming Marine Transport. As a kid, I'd always see their ships at Keelung Harbour. Back then, with Taiwan's economy taking off, a career at sea was a solid path. The shipping industry has had its ups and downs since, but Yang Ming remains a world-class player, its fleet weaving through major global ports – another source of pride for Taiwan in its own way.

Head up the Yangmingshan slopes, and you'll find a top-tier university nestled there – National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. Following the recent trend of university mergers, Yang Ming and Chiao Tung joined forces to become NYCU. The older generation might still call it Yang Ming Medical College, given its medical and life science departments are among the best in Taiwan. Every time I pass the campus and see students in white coats hurrying by, I'm reminded that this hillside isn't just about scenic views; it's brimming with knowledge.

Speaking of Yang Ming, you can't ignore the philosopher who profoundly shaped Eastern thought – Wang Yangming. Although he lived during the Ming dynasty, his 'School of Mind' philosophy has long had followers in Taiwan's intellectual circles. His principle of the 'unity of knowledge and action' is a mantra for many entrepreneurs. Interestingly, the names Yangmingshan, Yang Ming Marine Transport, and even Yang Ming Chiao Tung University are all, in some way, linked to him. Originally known as 'Grass Mountain', it was renamed Yangmingshan by President Chiang Kai-shek due to his admiration for the philosopher. Thinking about it, the name 'Yang Ming' really does weave through our lives, culture, and thoughts.

If you're planning a trip to Yangmingshan, here are a few local favourites:

• Lengkeng (Cold Water Pit): Don't just head to Qingtiangang. The reflection of the silvergrass in the ecological pond at Lengkeng is so picturesque, your photos will look like postcards.
• Zhuzihu (Bamboo Lake): Beyond the calla lily season, Zhuzihu is far more serene on a regular weekday. The real pro tip is to find a farmhouse restaurant for wild vegetables and sweet potato soup.
• Hsiaoyoukeng: Standing by the fumaroles and feeling the geothermal heat is what I call truly connecting with the raw power of nature.

A trip to Yangmingshan reveals that this national park is more than just Taipei's backyard; it's a living museum. From the volcanic terrain churned up from the ocean floor, to the sulphur mining relics from the Japanese colonial period, and the present-day university town and research hub – layers of stories are etched into the landscape. Down below at Keelung Harbour, Yang Ming's container ships are still busy loading and unloading, shipping Taiwanese products around the globe.

In Taiwan, the name 'Yang Ming' has transcended being just a person's name or a place. It's a cultural legacy, a symbol of industry, and a way of life. Whether you're up the mountain enjoying the flowers, delving into academic research, or following the pulse of global shipping, you'll find Yang Ming is everywhere.