Classic Itineraries
Chang Hwa Bank Challenges Jian-Tan Mountain
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of China, Chang Hwa Bank organized a nationwide “Peak Taiwan Chang Hwa High” mountain climbing event. The first stop was successfully held at Toukeshan in Taichung, and on the 26th, led by Chairman Chen Huai-chou, Permanent Supervisor Kao Chih-shang, and General Manager Lin Wei-liang, thousands of enthusiastic participants gathered at Shoushan in Kaohsiung for the second stop. Chang Hwa Bank hopes to inspire the public across Taiwan to cherish and protect mountain forests through a series of three hiking events, joining hands in the important mission of conserving these natural treasures. The event also featured five pairs of twins serving as “Smile Ambassadors.” Led by Chairman Chen Huai-chou, Permanent Supervisor Kao Chih-shang, and General Manager Lin Wei-liang, they planted saplings symbolizing smiles, happiness, and peace, wishing everyone double the joy, happiness, and safety.
Conquer Xiong Mountain Together & Challenge the Guinness World Record
The "Health 100: Nationwide Climb Xiong Mountain Together" event, organized with the participation of five major mountaineering associations and over 200 mountaineering clubs across the country, will take place on October 2nd this year. It aims to challenge the Guinness World Record for the "Most People Climbing Multiple Mountains Simultaneously" at 12 mountain ranges across Taiwan, boosting the island’s profile in the global mountaineering community. Taiwan's outdoor and sports brand, Odor, has not only orchestrated the remarkable feat of climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents but also, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of China, has turned its focus to mountain climbing. Leveraging years of experience and resources in outdoor and mountaineering activities, the company is taking on the Guinness World Record challenge. The "Nationwide Climb Xiong Mountain Together" event aims to break the existing record set on September 10, 2000, by the United Kingdom and Ireland
Goats Raise Funds for Gear, Spark Creation of Mountain Museum
Shao Dingguo, who runs an ecological farm and homestay in Taitung, launched an online campaign to establish a mountain museum due to his passion for hiking. He is calling on fellow hikers to donate unwanted climbing gear, books, or various outdoor-related items—preferably older ones—in hopes of creating a museum that documents the history of mountaineering in Taiwan. Known as "Goat," Shao has been climbing since high school and, with over 40 years of experience exploring Taiwan’s mountains, eventually relocated from Taipei to Taitung where he purchased a mountain to turn into an ecological farm. He has long lamented the lack of a mountain museum in Taiwan, prompting him to start this gear donation drive, aiming to establish the museum through the collective effort of fellow hikers.
Attempted suicide by self-stabbing during mountain hike
A 65-year-old man surnamed Lin, suspected of suffering from a prolonged illness and losing the will to live, went hiking on Shishan Mountain the day before yesterday morning. He hid in the woods, where he used a fruit knife to stab his abdomen and then his neck, leading to his death by suicide. Police initially treated the case as a homicide, but later found a "will to die" letter in Lin’s clothing pocket, indicating a strong likelihood of suicide. After an initial examination by prosecutors and police, further forensic review was deemed necessary. Police explained that the 65-year-old Lin, who lived in Sankua District, Kaohsiung City, had gone hiking on Shishan Mountain the day before yesterday morning as per his usual routine but did not return home by evening. His family reported him missing, prompting police and firefighters to search the mountain without success. Yesterday morning, the search resumed, and his body was eventually found in a low thicket near the former Taiwan Cement mining area bicycle path. Police initially suspected a homicide, but later discovered a "will to die" letter in Lin’s pocket, along with a major illness medical card and a receipt for the purchase of a fruit knife. The case took a sudden turn from homicide to apparent suicide.
Moved by the mountains — Zhang Yuanshi challenges Broad Peak
For 22-year-old Zhang Yuanshi, a social sciences student at Tunghai University, Taiwan’s peaks over 3,000 meters are a vibrant paradise. Four years ago, he conquered the 6,900-meter Aconcagua in South America, awestruck by its majestic and desolate scenery. This time, with a pilgrim’s heart, he is taking on the 8,051-meter Broad Peak, preparing to journey into the Karakoram Range — the highest temple of mountaineering. “Climbing is something you do with your ‘life.’ I am moved by the mountains — it’s hard to put into words, you have to go to understand,” Zhang said. “My philosophy is to climb an even cooler mountain. This time, I’m taking on more of a learning role, hoping to be helpful. Though I’d love to reach the summit, the team’s success comes first.” The Odysseys World 8,000m Climbing Team set off on the 20th. Among the six climbers on this expedition, Zhang Yuanshi is the youngest and indeed has much to learn. Jiang Xiu-zhen, the first woman to complete the Seven Summits and both sides of Everest, also said she sees herself in Zhang and hopes to pass on her experience by supporting him.
Abandoning Fellow Hikers, Leader and Teammates Sued
Mountain guide Jian Zhicheng led a team on a traverse from Nenggao to Andongjun Mountains at the end of October last year. During the trip, team member Qiu Chuikun was left behind due to abdominal pain near the Wandananxi River. Neither teammates nor the leader stayed with him, and Qiu later died of hypothermia and shock. Prosecutors concluded the investigation and filed charges against guide Jian Zhicheng and two teammates, Hong Zonglong and Cao Junyan, on suspicion of negligent homicide. Prosecutors stated that the case was brought primarily to remind the mountaineering community of the importance of safety. Leaders must monitor their team members' conditions, provide necessary assistance and care, and keep close track of the itinerary to prevent such tragedies from recurring. This rare prosecution case occurred in late October last year. In the indictment, prosecutors noted that Jian Zhicheng led the Jet Rabbit Mountaineering Team on a traverse from Nenggao Mountain to Andongjun Mountain (entering via Tunyuan and exiting via Aowandan, covering a six-day route). On November 2, Qiu Chuikun was unable to continue due to stomach pain and stayed behind.
Spent 51 days searching but found no one: Hiker’s family slams rescue as perfunctory
In February this year, college student Zhang Bowei got lost while hiking on Bai Gu Mountain in Nantou and called for help via mobile phone. However, over 600 personnel from relevant authorities spent a full 51 days on the search but found nothing. Eventually, it was other hikers who discovered Zhang Bowei’s body. Yesterday, Zhang’s family appeared at the Legislative Yuan, accusing the authorities of conducting a perfunctory rescue operation, even failing to use mobile phone positioning technology to assist in the search, which led to their son’s tragic death. Zhang Bowei’s parents stated that at the time of the incident, the personnel at the search command center not only lacked professional rescue capabilities and disregarded scientific data, relying solely on experience, but they didn’t even have binoculars. They requested that rescuers carry mobile phone satellite positioning systems to record the search area or use mobile phone IP and TA values for location tracking, but the command center flatly refused, citing that “such things don’t exist.” In contrast
All scanned – Culture Hiking Club member still missing in search operation
Hualien: A group of six members from the Culture University Mountaineering Club entered the mountains from Taroko, Hualien on the 4th to climb Qingshui Mountain in Hualien. They had planned to descend on the 6th, but one member surnamed Lin became separated and lost contact, failing to meet at the designated location. The other members had to descend first and sought help from the Hualien County Fire Bureau. The fire bureau and the Taroko National Park Police formed a search and rescue team to enter the mountains, but as of press time, the missing member has not been found.
The County Magistrate Who Took to the Skies — Taiwan’s First, the World’s Greatest
Both times Li Xiaoshi returned from his mountain expeditions, I rushed to Taoyuan Airport to greet him — but this time, I could hardly hold back my tears. My classmate and close friend Li Xiaoshi, originally named Li Dewang, changed his name in memory of a fellow climber who perished on a mountain. Born in the romantic fishing village of Jinsha in Matsu, his mother — from Niujiao in Nangan, the same village as mine — passed on to him a unique blend of artistic talent and resilience. Beyond painting, calligraphy, and photography, he developed a passion for mountaineering. His love for climbing and his drive to conquer the world’s highest peaks surpassed even his reverence for life. Two years ago, he returned after carrying a statue of Mazu (the Goddess of the Sea) to the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. He then set himself the ambitious goal of climbing eight mountains over 8,000 meters in height. Among them, Manaslu was one of the most challenging. Prior to Li Xiaoshi, no Taiwanese climber had successfully reached its summit, making him the “Taiwanese First” to conquer Manaslu. Additionally, the statue of Mazu he carried on this journey was awarded a Manaslu summit certificate, making it the “World’s First Divine Being” to receive such recognition.
Swiss mountaineer Erhard Loretan dies in climbing accident on his birthday
Famous Swiss mountaineer Erhard Loretan died in a mountaineering accident on the 29th at the age of 52, coincidentally on his birthday. Loretan was guiding a 38-year-old Swiss client on an ascent of the Gruenegghorn in the Bernese Alps in southern Switzerland when the two fell over 200 meters after descending from an altitude of 4,043 meters. Loretan was killed instantly, while the client sustained serious injuries. The cause of the accident is unclear. Only a few people in the world have climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, and Loretan was one of them. He began climbing at the age of 11, summited Pakistan's Nanga Parbat in 1982, and over the next 13 years conquered the other 13 eight-thousanders. In 1986, he shocked the world by reaching the summit of Mount Everest at night without using supplemental oxygen.
Hiking Trail – Suailai Mountain: Lively and Colorful Bird-Attracting Flora
The Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area features several hiking trails. The most famous is Yuanyui Mountain, followed by Suailai Mountain, but the most popular is the Yuanyui–Suailai Trail that connects the two. ■Pros and Cons of Hiking from Yuanyui to Suailai or Vice Versa The Yuanyui–Suailai Trail stretches approximately 6.7 kilometers. The entrance to Suailai Mountain is located near the toll station at the 35K mark on the Daxueshan Forest Road, while Yuanyui Mountain is at the 27K mark—you can choose either as your starting point. Hiking from Yuanyui to Suailai involves over two-thirds uphill sections, which can be exhausting to the point of tears, and takes at least six hours to complete. The advantage is that the area usually gets foggy around noon. Starting early from Yuanyui Mountain increases your chances of seeing the vast mountain vistas and the sea of azaleas, and you can also bypass the toll station, saving you the 200 NT admission fee. On the other hand, hiking from Suailai to Yuanyui involves only one-third uphill, making it feel relatively easier. It takes about five hours to finish the whole trail. The downside is that if you start early in the morning and finish the easier part up Suailai before reaching Yuanyui, you’ll likely arrive around noon—just when the fog sets in. Not only will you miss the mountain views, but you’ll also have to climb the daunting Yuanyui Mountain in the thick fog. Both routes have their pros and cons.
Travel Information – Dress in Layers & Essential Mountain Gear
The Kite Beak Shaolai Trail is steep and full of challenges. Though it’s a one-day hike, you should bring all necessary gear and register at the Dadong Police Station at the 15K point before entering the mountains just in case. Chuang Yi noted that many hikers enjoy tying cloth strips to mark paths and even prefer to “create new routes.” Sometimes they end up at dead ends, then backtrack without removing the cloth strips, misleading unsuspecting tourists onto wrong paths and causing mountain accidents. The Forestry Bureau is currently making efforts to remove these strips and also advises hikers to stick to main trails as much as possible, hike in groups, wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring warm clothing or rain gear, and carry as many lightweight essentials as possible—such as dry food, water, lighters, fire starters, knives, salt, whistles, bandages, compasses—for preparedness. About half of the Kite Beak Shaolai Trail has mobile phone signal coverage.
Thumbs-up to Breaking the Ice: Mountaineer Overcomes Disability
A 54-year-old British man, Stephen Ball, became disabled after a mountaineering accident. Now equipped with a custom-made high-tech prosthetic limb embedded with an ice axe—resembling a real-life "Edward Scissorhands"—he has regained his joy for climbing. Living in Cumbria in northwest England, Ball was caught in a terrifying blizzard while attempting to climb Mount McKinley (the highest peak in North America) in Alaska in 1999. He fell about 600 meters during the mishap. Rescued after being trapped for several hours, Ball survived but lost parts of his left hand, several fingers and the thumb on his right hand, part of his nose, and his right foot due to severe frostbite. His left leg also had to be amputated after suffering twelve compound fractures. Initially, Ball thought his mountaineering days were over, but he sought help from technicians at the Cumberland Infirmary’s Disablement Services Centre in England.
Couple argues during mountain hike, girlfriend goes missing, plays hide-and-seek with rescuers
Huang Bingjun, an engineer at an electronics company, and his girlfriend Zou Shuting hiked up Mount Gary on the 10th. Unexpectedly, after reaching the summit of Mount Hakuni, they got lost on the way down. A serious argument broke out over which fork in the trail to take, causing Zou to storm off into the woods and go missing. Huang went down the mountain to seek help, but when police and firefighters launched a rescue mission the next day, Zou played hide-and-seek, only calling out for help at dawn on the 12th due to foot pain—and was successfully rescued. Zheng Shengfeng, deputy chief of the Miaoli County Fire Bureau’s Third Brigade, said angrily, “This is the first time we’ve encountered such a situation. It’s simply a waste of rescue resources and has had search teams running themselves ragged.”
Beijing police use helicopter for first-ever mountain rescue
On the evening of April 3, 39 hikers were stranded on Mao'er Mountain in Fangshan District, Beijing. Beijing police deployed multiple law enforcement units for the rescue operation and utilized a police helicopter, taking 13 hours to bring all trapped individuals down the mountain. This marked the first time Beijing police used a helicopter in a rescue mission. Xinhua News Agency reported that at around 19:50 on April 3, Beijing police received a report that over 30 students from Beijing Institute of Technology were stranded while hiking on Mao'er Mountain, with some having already become separated from the group. The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau promptly mobilized more than 300 officers to rush to Mao'er Mountain, while Fangshan District also organized a rescue team to carry out preliminary search and rescue efforts. Mao'er Mountain is located in the central part of Fangshan District, Beijing, with an elevation of 1,307 meters, and is one of the main peaks of the Western Hills of Beijing. Due to the mountainous terrain, mobile phone signals were unstable, which posed significant challenges for rescue teams searching for the stranded hikers. Rescuers could only use flashlights to scan the mountainside and shout loudly to locate the trapped individuals. Special police also employed thermal imaging devices to aid in the search.
Seventeen hikers trapped by snow rescued by seagull squadron
A spring snowstorm left seventeen hikers from three separate climbing teams stranded in the mountains of Hualien and Miaoli counties. Yesterday, the Seagull Rescue Squadron of the Chiayi Air Force and the Tainan Air Police dispatched two helicopter missions to rescue all seventeen individuals, who fortunately suffered no major injuries. The Chiayi Air Force Base reported that the two trapped teams—one in an unnamed mountain and the other on Pibida Mountain in Tai’an Township, Miaoli County—consisted of three and four members respectively. They had set out three days earlier on a planned seven-day trek in each location. Although all were experienced hikers, the sudden and powerful cold front brought heavy snow and strong winds, trapping them in the mountains. The night before, they separately contacted the National Search and Rescue Center for assistance. The Chiayi Air Rescue Squadron received the alert at 6:30 a.m. yesterday and immediately launched a helicopter rescue mission. The Seagull helicopter first flew to the unnamed mountain to airlift the three hikers, then proceeded to Pibida Mountain to carry out the next rescue.
Just half a year after repairs, the Beidawushan Mountain has collapsed again
It’s time to let Beidawushan rest and recover in peace. The scenic Beidawushan is a favorite among hikers, but after enduring multiple natural disasters, its geology has long been weakened. Last year, the Pingtung Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau invested over NT$8 million to renovate the trail using ecological engineering methods. However, just six months after completion, recent heavy rains have washed away parts of it again, leaving hikers lamenting its lack of durability. “The soil and rocks on Dawushan became loose after Typhoon Morakot. The access road in front of the trailhead in the Indigenous Reservation Area collapsed severely. Although enthusiastic hikers found alternative routes to detour, they had to walk an extra two hours to reach the trailhead. Last year, the Pingtung Forest District Office spent over NT$8 million to renovate the trail, adding handrails along many sections to help hikers maintain stability while walking along the slopes.” The Pingtung Forest District Office’s hiking trail renovation project received praise from hikers. Two
Hiking with an Insulin Syringe: A Diabetic Conquers Taiwan’s 100 Peaks
Huang Jianhui (pictured, photo provided by Huang Jianhui), who has suffered from diabetes for many years, spent three and a half years successfully conquering Taiwan’s 100 Peaks. He endured extreme challenges such as temperatures as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius, a broken rib, and even nearly running out of food when a wild Formosan sambar deer stole his supplies. No matter how steep the mountain slope, Huang had to regularly take out a syringe to inject insulin — earning him widespread recognition in Taiwan’s mountaineering community as “the man who hikes with a syringe.” Huang Jianhui, head of the personnel office at Yizhu Junior High School, is a diabetic whose frail health often left him catching colds frequently. Four years ago, upon learning that his condition had worsened and that he would need lifelong insulin injections, he decided to hike to build up his physical strength and improve his health. After gaining experience on smaller peaks, he began tackling the 100 Peaks, all of which are over 3,000 meters above sea level. Every weekend, Huang packs his gear and joins various hiking groups, taking on both major and minor peaks without exception.
Chang Hwa Bank Taiwan: Hiking for a Good Cause
The final event of the "Taiwan Peaks: Chang Hwa High" mountain climbing activity, organized by Chang Hwa Bank, was held on the 24th at Jian-Tan Mountain in Taipei City. Chang Hwa Bank Chairman Chen Huai-Chou led senior executives from various departments to participate, with over 3,000 citizens attending this grand event. Chen Huai-Chou stated that Chang Hwa Bank has always actively cooperated with national financial policies and, adhering to the spirit of solid management and serving the public, provides comprehensive financial services to the community. In line with the government’s push for public-sector enterprises to actively organize and participate in public welfare activities, this year’s three-stop nationwide "Taiwan Peaks: Chang Hwa High" mountain climbing event not only invited the public to step outdoors and experience the beauty of nature, but also took the lead in doing good deeds. By donating funds to participate in the "Environmental Quality Education Foundation's Urban Nursery Program," hundreds of tree saplings were planted. He invited everyone to join in the effort of "growing seedlings." He also expressed hope that the event would serve as an example to encourage more people to contribute to the future of the Earth.
Editorial — KMT and PFP Climb Separate Mountains, Leaving the Outcome to Voters
The People First Party (PFP) issued a statement the other day, emphasizing that if no single party secures a majority, the people will have options, rendering the possibility of KMT-PFP cooperation virtually null. There’s no denying that, whether it’s Ma Ying-jeou’s bid for re-election or the legislative elections, the KMT faces a far more challenging electoral landscape than it did over three years ago. The lessons from the 2000 transfer of power are still fresh in memory, and the renewed divergence between the KMT and PFP has indeed caused deep concern among many pan-blue supporters. But rather than getting repeatedly entangled in long-standing KMT-PFP grievances, it’s better to let the people decide.