Perched high on Taipei’s Yangmingshan, Chinese Culture University (PCCU) is often called Taiwan’s highest school, and for good reason. Sitting on the slopes of the mountain, the campus is surrounded by fresh air and greenery, offering a calmer atmosphere compared to the bustle of downtown Taipei.
Being on the mountain means you won’t have a metro station right at your doorstep like city-center universities, but getting to town is still manageable. From campus to Shilin District, it’s about 15–20 minutes by scooter or 30–40 minutes by bus, depending on traffic. Most students manage their commute easily with scooters or public buses.
For most CCU students, renting a room or a small studio near campus is the go-to choice. The neighborhoods around Yangmingshan offer plenty of student housing, from affordable shared rooms to private studios with their own bathrooms. You’ll also find lots of small eateries, cafés, and convenience stores nearby, making daily life pretty simple.
Unlike the city center, there aren’t big malls or a buzzing nightlife scene up here. Instead, the area is quiet and a great fit for students who want to focus on studying or enjoy being close to nature. If you’re after more excitement, you can always live downtown and commute up the mountain, but most students prefer the convenience of staying nearby.
If you value privacy, need a peaceful study environment, or plan to live with a partner, renting an entire floor apartment might be a better option. Most buildings around CCU are older walk-ups or mid-rise complexes, but you’ll also find a few newer developments and modern-style communities. These are especially popular with graduate students or anyone planning to stay long-term. Living on Yangmingshan gives you the best of both worlds — everyday convenience and the calm of being surrounded by nature.
CCU has a fair number of international students, though not as many as larger schools like NTU, NCCU, or NTNU. Still, its Chinese language programs and unique mountain setting make it a popular choice for overseas students who want to experience a more natural side of Taipei while still enjoying access to the city.