The territory of the Yangmingshan Administrative Bureau was administered by Shirin Town (士林街) and Hokutō Town (北投街) under Shichisei District (七星郡) of Taihoku Prefecture (臺北州).

It is famous for the hot springs (Onsen) from the Tatun Volcanic Group.

After the Chinese Civil War, the Kuomintang led Government of the Republic of China relocated to Taiwan.

This region was then made a special zone to protect the leadership of the country.

Magistrate of the Yangmingshan Administrative Bureau was appointed by the defunct Taiwan Provincial Government.