Classic Itineraries
Mountaineering team frequently stands up teammates, leaving rescuers in a tough spot
An 11-member "Thousand-Year-Old Team" mountaineering group from the Taichung Mountaineering Association entered the Central Mountain Range’s Southern Section Three from Ruisui Township, Hualien County, on the 3rd, planning to reach Xinyi Township, Nantou County, via the Junda Forest Road on the 13th. Along the way, three members fell ill and stayed behind in the mountains. The rest of the team pressed on regardless, only realizing nine days later upon returning to Fengyuan that 73-year-old Yu Chiyi was missing. They then reported the case to the fire department. Hualien’s firefighting team launched a search and rescue operation, and yesterday found Yu Chiyi with swollen feet and mobility issues at the 34-kilometer mark of the Ruisui Forest Road. An 11-member "Thousand-Year-Old Team" from the Taichung Mountaineering Association entered the Central Mountain Range’s Southern Section Three from Ruisui Township, Hualien County, on the 3rd, planning to reach Xinyi Township, Nantou County, via the Junda Forest Road on the 13th. Three members fell ill along the way and stayed in the mountains. The team continued without them, only discovering nine days later upon returning to Fengyuan that 73-year-old Yu Chiyi had been missing. They then filed a report with the fire department. Hualien’s firefighting team sent personnel to search and yesterday found Yu Chiyi with swollen feet and difficulty moving at the 34-kilometer point of the Ruisui Forest Road.
Famous Japanese riders to compete, wearing "Thank You Taiwan" T-shirts
The MAXXIS (Maxxis) Taroko International Mountain Bike Race will be held on November 20. On the 9th, Japanese riders gathered at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan in Tokyo for a send-off event. Japanese cycling champions such as Shingo Fukushima, winner of the Japan Cycling Road Race Championships, attended and shared their thoughts on facing the high-level challenge of Taroko. Shingo Fukushima, 39, is a well-known Japanese cycling athlete. He is the champion of this year’s Taiwan Cycling Round-the-Island Race and also the champion of last year’s Japan Cycling Road Race Championships. In an interview, Fukushima said that he also participated in this race last year but only finished fourth, and this year he hopes to win the championship. Fukushima said that the Taroko race route has many slopes, which is an unknown challenge for Japanese riders—an interesting yet difficult course. The air is great, but it feels like no matter how much you breathe, it’s never enough. At the start, you can still enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way.
Taiwan Cup Cycling Race – Feng Jun-kai Claims Third Place and King of the Mountains Title
Feng Jun-kai, a top rider from Taiwan’s Action Cycling Team who had been out of the spotlight earlier this year due to severe pneumonia, lived up to expectations at the first Taiwan Cup International Road Cycling Race yesterday. He crossed the finish line alongside Japan’s Aoyanagi Noriaki and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Polivoda. The finish-line camera declared Aoyanagi the winner, while Feng took third place and also earned the title of “King of the Mountains,” putting in a stellar performance. The inaugural 2011 Taiwan Cup International Road Race kicked off yesterday in Hualien. The event attracted riders from 11 countries, including Spain, Australia, Malaysia, the United States, Italy, Ukraine, China, the Netherlands, Japan, France, and Argentina, as well as the Rabobank team, ranked fourth in the world’s top-tier cycling teams. As an invitational race covering a challenging 199.2-kilometer route from the Huatung Valley through the Yuchang Highway and along the coastal highway back to Hualien,
Sinosteel General Manager Ou Chao-hua Creates Blue Ocean with Mountaineering Spirit
Sinosteel General Manager Ou Chao-hua is not only a torchbearer of the Sinosteel spirit but also an executor of the company’s proactive push for product value innovation and the strategic goal of creating a blue ocean. Ou stated that the steel industry is by no means a sunset industry, but rather a supply chain for advanced industrial materials. As long as the company can master various business strategies such as technological innovation, quality improvement, cost reduction, and competitiveness enhancement, product value will inevitably continue to rise, and a sustainable blue ocean market can be created. Sinosteel Chairman Zou Ruoqi recently proposed a new business policy of product value innovation and blue ocean creation for the company’s long-term development. Tall and slim, with a gentle and amiable personality, Ou Chao-hua is passionate about mountaineering. He said that after joining Sinosteel in 1972 (the 61st year of the Republic of China), he developed a love for mountain climbing from 1975 (the 65th year) onwards. He often went hiking with colleagues who shared the same interest...
Hikers Invade, Threatening to Damage Tan Tou Shan Relics
The Tan Tou Shan relics in Lin Yuan District, Kaohsiung, have remained hidden in the wilderness for a thousand years, preserved in excellent condition and potentially qualifying as an ancient monument. Recently, however, the site was exposed due to an influx of hikers. Not only is there a risk of damage, but the exposure has also attracted the attention of collectors of historical artifacts, who are offering money to unsuspecting fruit farmers to purchase unearthed relics—causing great concern among local cultural heritage workers. The Kaohsiung City Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that in 1991 (the 80th year of the Republic of China), the Ministry of the Interior surveyed valuable archaeological sites nationwide, identifying seven in Lin Yuan District. Among them, the Feng Bi Tou site has already been designated as a national historic site, and the central government plans to invest NT$2.6 billion to build a museum at Feng Bi Tou to showcase locally unearthed artifacts. Additionally, both the Tan Tou Shan and Qing Shui Yan sites were listed as valuable relics. The Tan Tou Shan site is currently under investigation by the Academia Sinica’s Institute of History and Philology, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior. Academician Liu Yichang is studying the cultural significance of the site to determine whether it should
Nearby Wonder – Mount Tanigawa, Japan’s Most Notorious “Man-Eating” Mountain
When visiting Kusatsu, don’t just soak in the hot springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend heading to nearby Mount Tanigawa for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, or even bungee jumping, then unwind in the same hot springs once frequented by author Dazai Osamu, and try the famous “dam curry rice.” ■Setting for Supernatural Fiction Mount Tanigawa is less than a two-hour drive from Kusatsu Onsen, standing at an elevation of 1,977 meters—not particularly high. It only takes a little over three hours round trip from the cable car station to the summit. However, it is Japan’s most infamous “man-eating mountain,” much like Taiwan’s notorious Black Mt. Qilai. Fog can roll in without warning, and since 1931, over 800 hikers have lost their lives here, making it the deadliest mountain in the world. Ms. Rin Tokiwa from Gunma Prefecture’s Tourism and Industry Division shared that during one of her climbs on Tanigawa, she bent down to tie her shoelaces, and when she looked up again, she was suddenly engulfed in thick fog—a truly harrowing experience. Accidents often occur within just 200 meters of campsites, where hikers find themselves unable to return despite the short distance, contributing to the mountain’s popularity as a setting for supernatural stories.
Hi-Core lithium iron batteries deliver exceptional endurance
With surging oil prices and growing environmental concerns, Hi-Core Energy Technology was established under the guiding principles of developing clean energy, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring stable energy supply. Upholding a scientific spirit and approach, the company has achieved significant success in researching and developing lithium iron battery products. It has successfully developed a series of lithium iron batteries for vehicles, large trailers, military Humvees, golf carts, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles, as well as energy storage batteries and industrial power battery packs.
City-wide Scanning - Kaohsiung City Council Hosts Hiking Event This Weekend
Kaohsiung: To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China and encourage citizens to engage in healthy recreational activities, the Kaohsiung City Council will hold a “100th Anniversary of the Republic of China – Kaohsiung City Council Hiking Event” at Shoushan at 8:00 AM on the 22nd. All participants who complete the hiking route will receive an event T-shirt.
Woman dies, another injured after falling off Yushan while climbing
A shocking mountain-climbing accident occurred yesterday on the Yushan Main Peak trail. A group of 26 hikers from Taipei was descending after reaching the summit in the early morning when 61-year-old Lee Chu reportedly slipped and fell into a valley near the windy section. Her niece-in-law, Chen Biyun, who was following behind, attempted to grab her but lost her balance and tumbled down a slope several feet away, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The 26 members of the Taipei-based Wild News Mountaineering Club were divided into two groups led by team leaders surnamed Chen and Tsai. They arrived at Yuanyue Mountain Hut—about two kilometers from Yushan Main Peak and located above Pyasan Lodge—on the afternoon of the 18th. Yesterday, they split into two teams to ascend the peak in the dark and began their descent around 6:30 a.m. A group of 12, including the team leader surnamed Chen, had reached a point about 120 meters below the main peak—just above the windy section and the cage-like guardrail—around 6:40 a.m. when 61-year-old Lee Chu, who was walking toward the back of the group,
City-wide Scan – Double Ten Mountain Hike to Celebrate National Day & Pray for Taiwan
Kinmen: The Kinmen Defense Command hosted a joint military-civilian Double Ten Day mountain hike yesterday to celebrate the centennial of the Republic of China. Over 3,000 military personnel and civilians set off from six different hiking routes before gathering at Mount Taiwu’s Haiyin Temple to offer incense and pray for blessings, jointly witnessing this historic day.
BIGPACK 2013—The Peak Quest Project is now launched
Whether it's a mountain at 500 meters or 8,000 meters, in the heart of every climber, there is a place they dream of conquering. Perhaps past climbing experiences have left brilliant memories, or maybe they are still searching for the next goal to pursue. The peaks stand tall in that distant horizon where dreams lead—Summits after summits... Let us continue our perseverance and courage among the ridges.
14 Hikers Rescued; Xinjiayang Tribe Awaits Assistance
Heavy rains over the past few days caused the Dajia River to swell, and the 14 hikers stranded in the mountainous area were successfully evacuated down the mountain yesterday. Meanwhile, 45 people in the Xinjiayang Tribe are located in a red alert zone for landslides, and over 100 others, including fruit farmers and workers tending sloped farmland nearby, are still trapped. The Heping District Office plans to deliver supplies, but efforts are ongoing due to the steep terrain and lack of a suitable landing pad. The on-site commander, Liu Mingzong, chief of the Huan Shan Police Station, stated that at 6:30 a.m., the group resumed their journey after regaining strength, and a second rescue team entered at 10 a.m. to assist. They met at the 16-kilometer mark at noon and together helped escort the hikers down the mountain. However, they encountered a landslide at the 3.5-kilometer point and requested an excavator to clear the way. By around 6 p.m., all had been safely evacuated. Additionally, between kilometers 71 and 79 on Provincial Highway 8, the Central Cross-Island Highway,
Returning Home with a Heavy Heart – Wishing for a Door to Teleport Back to Taiwan for Hiking
Four months, a full semester, but for exchange students from mainland China, time always flies by too quickly, as if time itself is envious of such a wonderful exchange experience. I really don’t want to leave the hiking club and wish I had a door that could teleport me back here so I could join the next activity right away — this is Hu Haiting’s greatest wish. She is a junior majoring in International Trade at Shenzhen University and is currently an exchange student at Chinese Culture University. Though Hu Haiting may appear petite and has a delicate face, she has a boyish personality. During the club recruitment at the start of the semester, she didn’t hesitate to join the Huagang Hiking Club. From February until now, she has already participated in six or seven club activities. Her healthy sun-kissed tan is proof enough. Among all the activities, the one that left the deepest impression on her was the hike up “Earless Teapot Mountain.” She said it was her first time walking along a ridgeline and also her first time climbing such a steep, stair-less mountain.
Fourteen missing hikers on Central Peak found
Fourteen hikers who were climbing the North Section II of Central Peak were originally scheduled to descend on the 11th, but due to consecutive days of heavy rain, swollen rivers, and multiple road collapses, they were stranded at the Erwu Creek campsite. Eight police and firefighters set out at 4:00 a.m. on the 12th to search for them and successfully located the group at 1:55 p.m. All individuals are safe and are expected to descend on the 13th. The fire department received a report on the afternoon of the 11th that a group of eight hikers, led by team leader Hong Huajun, had set out on the 7th to climb the North Section II of Central Peak and were supposed to return on the 11th but had gone missing. Unexpectedly, at 8:00 p.m. that same day, another report came in about six more hikers, led by team leader Lu Yifeng, who had also lost contact. Both groups were following the same route and timeline, taking the abandoned Route 730 Forest Road, ascending from Shanmen Mountain, passing through Wuming Mountain, Ghost Gate Peak, and staying at the Erwu Creek campsite. Police and firefighting personnel began...
348 people evacuated in Ren'ai; 6 hikers reported missing
Heavy rain has intensified the disaster situation in Ren'ai Township. To prevent casualties, the Ren'ai Township Office carried out a mandatory evacuation of 348 people yesterday. Even residents with mobility issues were carried out of landslide-prone areas by soldiers. According to police in Nantou, a group of six — four men and two women led by tour guide Lin Maokun — entered the mountains from Dongyang, Taitung on the 6th, but failed to exit as scheduled from Dongpu, Xinyi on the 12th. Their current status is unknown, and police and firefighters are making every effort to establish contact. The Lushan Hot Spring area has long been designated as a geologically sensitive zone due to the surging Taroko Stream and landslides on Beipo Mu'an Mountain. Early on the 12th, Acting Ren'ai Township Chief Li Chongqing went to Lushan to assist police and firefighters in persuading business owners and residents to evacuate, though several households refused, either locking themselves indoors or hiding. According to cumulative figures from the Ren'ai Township Office, nearly 2
40 people stranded in Xiangyang; police hike 20 km to deliver supplies
After days of heavy rain, landslides and mudflows on the South Cross-Island Highway caused multiple road closures. Forty people — including hikers evacuated from the mountains, officers from the Xiangyang Police Station of the Guanshan Precinct, and staff from the Forestry Bureau’s Xiangyang Work Station — were stranded in the mountains facing a food shortage. On the afternoon of the 12th, officers from the Lirui Police Station carried three days’ worth of supplies up the mountain, slightly easing the crisis. Guanshan Precinct Deputy Chief Zeng Huizong said that 22 hikers who had climbed Lake Jiaming two days ago became stranded at the Xiangyang Police Station after descending from the mountains. Together with the police officers and Forestry Bureau staff, they totaled 40 people who had nearly exhausted their food supplies. Without a resupply, they would have run out of food by noon today. Yesterday, the Haiduan Township Office transported three days’ worth of supplies to the Lirui Police Station. The station chief and officers then carried the supplies on foot for about 20 kilometers, successfully delivering them to Xiangyang yesterday afternoon.
The temporary bridge at Lide is gone; eight teachers hike ancient trail to school
With continuous rainfall, the approach to the temporary bridge at Lide on Taiwan’s South Cross-Island Highway has been washed away. The highway maintenance division has opened the new Lide Bridge as an emergency route. Eight teachers from the Lide branch of Wulu Elementary School spent over an hour hiking up the Tianlong Ancient Trail to reach the school. Meanwhile, 22 stranded hikers spent the night at a local police station, where officers provided hot meals—all individuals are safe. Yesterday, although rainfall in Taitung was light, some areas experienced sudden swelling of river waters and scattered road collapses. Early yesterday morning, a landslide occurred below Tianlong Hotel on the South Cross-Island Highway, washing away the approach to the Lide temporary bridge. Led by school principal Qiu Rongyi, the eight teachers from the Lide branch of Wulu Elementary School hiked for about an hour via the Tianlong Ancient Trail before being picked up by police car from the Lide police station and taken to the school.
Traveling Around the Globe – Gaze at Mount Fuji and Visit the Hometown of Chibi Maruko-chan
What sight best represents Japan? Most people would say Mount Fuji. It can be admired from both Tokyo and Yamanashi, but for the most unique mountain views, Shizuoka Prefecture takes the top spot. Whether you’re in tea plantations, cherry blossom groves, strawberry farms, or on a ferry at sea, you can see it almost everywhere. No wonder Chibi Maruko-chan, who lives in Shizuoka, often talks about Mount Fuji. Climbing Mount Fuji at least once in your life is a must-do experience. As Japan’s highest peak and a sacred mountain, every Japanese person hopes to make a pilgrimage to climb it. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, climbing is not allowed. Every year, the official mountain-opening ceremony is held on July 1st at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha (Mount Fuji Main Shrine), after which climbing is permitted until the end of August. The Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha enshrines the deity of Mount Fuji. Surprisingly, although the conical Mount Fuji appears majestic and powerful, its deity is actually a goddess, who is believed to bless safe childbirth. Priest Tsuchihashi explains...
73-year-old Japanese Grandma Conquers Everest Again, Breaking Her Own Record
Tomiko Watanabe, a 73-year-old Japanese grandma, has proven that age is just a number. On the 19th, she successfully summited Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848 meters, once again breaking her own record as the oldest female to reach the summit, set a decade ago. According to Japan’s Kyodo News, Watanabe was in good health after the climb and has already begun her descent. Committed to environmental protection, she is picking up trash left behind by other climbers as she descends and is expected to reach Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, in about eight to nine days at the earliest. Watanabe, from Fujikawaguchiko Town in Yamanashi Prefecture, along with four teammates, climbed Everest via the northern route from Tibet. They first reached a camp near 8,300 meters in altitude, then set out from the camp on the evening of the 18th, Nepal time, to make their summit push. Around 7 a.m. on the 19th, they successfully reached the summit once again.
Tip – Build up your fitness for an easier mountain hike
Mountain travel requires not only proper hiking gear but also physical training. Billy Wang suggests that travelers can train on nearby suburban hills, preferably those with an elevation difference of around 300 meters—like Seven Star Mountain, which is ideal. Such training helps strengthen muscles and improve knee endurance. Additionally, running twice a week on a treadmill can effectively boost cardiovascular fitness, which greatly aids in hiking stamina. To reduce the load they carry, hikers are often very selective about what they pack. But for Billy Wang, bringing an inflatable chair up the mountain can significantly enhance comfort during high-altitude trips, so he always packs one in his backpack. He says, “When camping or eating on the mountain, you’ll feel like you’re missing something to lean back on. Bringing a chair allows you to eat and chat comfortably, and you’ll even get envied by your companions.”