Classic Itineraries
Mindset for Mountain Climbing – Reaching the Summit Isn’t the Only Goal; Knowing When to Retreat Takes Courage Too
Wang Bili believes that the key factor in high-altitude mountain travel in Taiwan is the weather. On good weather days, hiking Shimen Mountain feels like strolling in a park, but on bad weather days, even the short 750-meter climb can be extremely tough. High altitudes have lower oxygen levels, and Shimen Mountain has less than 70% of the oxygen found at sea level. Hiking too fast can leave you breathless. Familiarizing yourself with your body’s reactions and the feeling of air pressure at high altitudes will make planning future high-mountain trips much easier. Therefore, Wang Bili suggests that travelers hike Shimen Mountain regardless of the weather—this way, you’ll understand the kinds of climate conditions you might encounter in the mountains. ■Weather Dictates the Difficulty of Climbing
Urban Commentary – Always Picking the Soft Persimmon
What are the “Four Evils”? Confucius said: “To execute without prior instruction is cruelty; to issue urgent orders after lax enforcement is tyranny…” These are two of the four. The recent aggressive demolition of vendors along the Daking No. 9 Hiking Trail by the Taichung City Government is an act embodying these two evils. The Daking Mountain area, though plagued by tiny black sandflies, has seen increased visitor numbers in recent years thanks to the municipal government’s efforts in infrastructure development and tourism promotion. What was once a bustling weekend hiking trail now attracts climbers even on weekday mornings and evenings. This influx of visitors has created business opportunities, with vendors gradually growing from just a few to over a hundred, essentially forming an alternative mobile market. Turning a hiking trail into a marketplace is similar in nature to turning a city street into a night market—the only difference being one is in the mountains, the other in the urban core. Night markets can be guided and managed into cultural landmarks of local identity—so why can’t disadvantaged farmers selling Daking’s agricultural specialties on mountain trails be given the same chance?
Scanning the City – Popular Hiking Route Nanshan Section 3: Black Bears Spotted
Nantou: The Nantou Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau recently detected black bear activity in the vicinity of the popular Nanshan Section 3 hiking route, a frequently traversed path, through infrared camera monitoring. As the area is near the 36-kilometer mark of the Jundai Forest Road, a routine camping spot for hikers at an altitude of approximately 2,680 meters, hikers are strongly advised to exercise caution when passing through this location.
Lost in the mountains for four days, survived on biscuits
Xu Chuansiu (second from right in the photo below, photo by Lai Bingjun), who went hiking alone at Fushan Botanical Garden in Yilan County, went missing after entering the park on the morning of the 11th. The next day, his family urgently asked the police and fire departments of Yilan County and New Taipei City to assist in the search. Yesterday afternoon, the Yilan County Fire Department found Xu on a trail near Zhiliangjiu Mountain. The physically weak Xu said after being rescued that he had survived these past few days on a pack of soda crackers and sheer willpower. When asked about his lucky rescue, he repeatedly expressed thanks for everyone’s concern.
Three released on bail over shady hiking trail pavilion inspection
The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office investigated corruption at the Guishan Township Office and found that Yang Yongchang, an incarcerated public works section employee, was suspected of conducting fraudulent project inspections. Among them, a hiking trail project worth NT$2.9 million, tendered three years ago, required the construction of seven pavilions. Investigators found visible discrepancies between the actual structures and design blueprints just by visual inspection. In addition to interrogating Yang Yongchang, the prosecutors also summoned three others. After questioning, Kuan Yu-ling, a technical specialist from the public works section, was released on NT$100,000 bail; contractors Chan Chia-long and Li Chao-lang were released on NT$80,000 and NT$30,000 bail respectively, while Yang Yongchang was remanded in custody.
Hiker Struck by Lightning: 1 Paralyzed from Waist Down, 1 Slightly Injured
On the 26th, a hiker was struck by lightning on Dongjun Dashan in the Central Mountain Range. A team of fourteen hikers from northern Taiwan had just set out from their campsite in the morning when they encountered a thunderstorm. After a flash of lightning, team leader Hsu Wen-liang and female team member Lin Chun-mei collapsed. Rescue teams from Nantou County Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the mountain, with a trek estimated to take four to five days. The National Search and Rescue Command Center has been requested to send a helicopter for support. Yesterday, due to heavy rain and severe weather in the mountains, the helicopter was unable to carry out the rescue mission. Today, deployment will be reconsidered based on conditions. The police investigation revealed that the hiking team belongs to the Taipei Mountain Association and was recruited online by Hsu Wen-liang. They entered the Central Mountain Range from Ruisui, Hualien on the 20th, planning to exit via the Jundai Forest Road on the New Central Cross-Island Highway on the 29th, with the entire journey spanning ten days. The night before last, they camped at the North Saddle Campsite of Dongjun Dashan in Xinyi Township. Yesterday morning, they broke camp and were proceeding as planned with an estimated three to four-day descent when they were unexpectedly struck by lightning around 9 a.m.
The Hardware Association is organizing a hiking event on the 29th
The Taipei City Hardware Business Association held a Jianan Butterfly Garden hiking activity on April 29 to promote healthy recreation and strengthen camaraderie among members. Fang Chenxian, chairman of the Hardware Association, stated that the association frequently organizes various networking events and has long been engaged in public welfare, fulfilling its social responsibilities. Examples include supporting the National Taiwan University Student Medical Mission Team in providing medical services to indigenous communities in Taitung; relaunching the "Hardware Newsletter" and distributing it free of charge to members and affiliate associations to foster member interaction and stimulate new business opportunities; hiring legal and accounting advisors to offer free consultation services to members; and awarding the “Mr. Chen Pan Ying Memorial Scholarship” to encourage members’ and employees’ children to become well-rounded, high-achieving students. Chairman Fang mentioned that this Jianan Butterfly Garden hiking event aims to bring together members, who are usually busy with their respective careers, through a shared outdoor activity.
Cycling uphill on a bicycle – Zhuang Fuhua’s new experience
』Zhuang Fuhua, hailed as the Taiwanese version of the "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" girl, recently embarked on a trip around Taiwan. On the 23rd, she arrived in Taitung where, aside from sharing her personal journey at the Notre Dame Hospital, she also rode a bicycle up a small hill beside Huoshui Lake to overlook the Pacific Ocean. The gentle sea breeze made Zhuang exclaim repeatedly how comfortable it felt. At the age of ten, Zhuang fell into a coma after inhaling excessive carbon monoxide from a fire and only regained consciousness four months later. However, she was left with mobility only in her neck and above, became blind, lost her ability to speak, and could only hear sounds. Nevertheless, through a digital pinyin chart and Morse code, she found a way to communicate. Not only has she been able to publish books, but on her 27th birthday last year, she also made a wish to travel around the island and go surfing. Zhuang’s mother, Qiu Meizhen, said they originally thought the birthday wish was an impossible mission. However, with the help of National Taiwan Sport University students Wu Jiaying and Gu Minghan,
Fitness & Scenic Spot – The She Tou Bike-Only Mountain Trail Awaits Your Challenge
The She Tou Evergreen Bike Trail can be divided into two routes. One starts from Hudi Temple in She Tou Township, passes by Qing Shui Rock Temple, and follows a gentle slope to Tianzhong Forest Park. The entire trail is about 5 kilometers long, surrounded by lush greenery, making it suitable for family outings. The other route begins at the back of Qing Shui Rock Temple and takes a steep path directly up to Hengshan, circles around, and then connects back to Tianzhong. It is 15 kilometers in total and is the first bike-only mountain trail in the country, as well as the main route of the annual Merida Cup Cycling Race. Among them, the “Hengshan 7100 Challenge Section” is known among cyclists as the “Soul-Crushing Slope” — don’t attempt it unless you have a strong physique. Qing Shui Rock Temple has a history of nearly 300 years and was once one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Zhangyi. Its architecture and carvings carry a classic, vintage charm. Every late winter and early spring, the camellia and cherry blossoms on the temple grounds are stunningly beautiful. Behind the temple, there is an insect ecological park that also includes a wild bird rescue station, a dragonfly breeding pool, and a butterfly conservation area. From time to time, you may spot injured “fliers” such as the fairy pitta and the violet cuckoo. In spring, butterflies flutter about, creating a breathtaking scene.
Scanned in the city — Hiker rescued after getting lost donates trail markers in return
Chiayi: A resident surnamed Tsai with extensive hiking experience went alone to Shuiyang Forest in Alishan Township in February. He got lost in a remote wilderness area midway. At the time, over 40 people were mobilized to search along the route for two days and one night. The fortunate Tsai, having gone through the terror of being lost, spent his own money to make 30 trail markers and 40 kilograms of safety rope. He entrusted patrol members to install the markers and set up ropes along the trail, hoping to do his small part in reducing the occurrence of tragic mountain accidents.
Mafengwo: Many scenic spots cut prices during May Day holiday, but famous ones remain in the “hundred-yuan era”
Recently, the official website of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) disclosed the list of scenic spots offering discounted tickets during the May Day holiday. Reporters found that most provinces and cities across the country have adopted preferential ticket pricing policies. The NDRC instructed price authorities nationwide, stating that this round of discounts applies to the ticket prices of over 1,200 scenic spots under government pricing or government-guided pricing...
Xinjiang Sports Bureau Issues Warning to Outdoor Enthusiasts Ahead of May Day Holiday
Dali Erhai Lake Cycling Race Kicks Off On the 25th, with the sound of a starting gun, the Erhai Lake Cycling Race during the March Street Ethnic Festival in Dali, Yunnan, commenced. Over 600 cycling enthusiasts clad in yellow T-shirts set off from the National Fitness Center by Erhai Lake, embarking on their journey around the lake. It is reported that this cycling race...
Chongqing Plans to Invest in Turning the Love Stairway into a Tourist Attraction
The elderly couple who eloped in a forbidden romance decades ago retreated to the mountains, where the man spent 50 years carving over 6,000 stone steps on the cliffs for his wife’s convenience. Known as the "Love Stairway," the woman, Xu Chaoqing, recently passed away and was buried yesterday next to her husband Liu Guojiang. The local government plans to invest 2.6 billion yuan (RMB, same below) to develop the Love Stairway Scenic Area to boost local tourism. In 1952, Xu Chaoqing was 26 years old and Liu Guojiang was 16. Xu’s husband had passed away, leaving behind four children. One day, Liu saved one of Xu’s sons from drowning, and their bond gradually grew. Their romance, considered taboo in the conservative village at the time, faced strong opposition. The lovers are reunited in death. In February 1956, 19-year-old Liu Guojiang eloped with 29-year-old Xu Chaoqing
Artistic Living – Weekly Book News
◆ Title: Riding the Wind, Drifting with the Waves ◆ Author: Chen Tian (Chen Wuxiong) ◆ Publisher: Southern Home ◆ Release Date: 9/6 Under Chen Wuxiong’s poetic lens, the vibrant face of Taiwan’s countryside is brought to life anew. It is a countryside that is strong, lively, and full of vitality. This poetry collection shares the simplicity and beauty of rural culture with the nation. Even more moving is Chen Wuxiong’s expression as he recites four-line quatrains in a mix of Mandarin and Taiwanese, not only revealing his love for the land but also his deep affection for farmers and the countryside. ◆ Title: Western Art ° Sticky Note ◆ Author: Xu Liwen ◆ Publisher: Huazi Publishing ◆ Release Date: 8/21 【This book uses light, profound, and vivid language to depict various anecdotes about artists, guiding readers into their inner worlds and allowing you to effortlessly step into the realm of artistic creation. Each short story is like a mini film, vividly presenting the artists’ creative journeys, unique personalities, and legendary lives in the most concise way, instantly offering a glimpse into their souls.】
Gazing at Yushan’s Summit: Kang Chiao Elementary Sets Up a Rock Climbing Wall
Kang Chiao Bilingual School has built the first rock climbing wall in an elementary school campus nationwide at its Green Mountain Campus. The wall replicates a scaled-down version of Yushan and serves as a training ground for sixth-grade students to prepare for next year’s summit attempt as part of their graduation ceremony. Principal Hsu Ming-chin stated that comprehensive exploration courses can nurture well-rounded students who excel both academically and physically. According to a 2012 Child Welfare League Foundation report on children’s sports activities, Taiwanese elementary school children not only have significantly fewer physical education classes compared to peers in countries like the U.S. and Japan, but also over 70% engage in less than two hours of exercise outside school each week. Since 2008, Kang Chiao schools have held mountain-climbing graduation ceremonies for four consecutive years. Including this year’s 276 sixth graders, a total of 1,000 graduates have climbed Yushan and Snow Mountain, proving through action that “students can excel academically and physically.”
November heats up—come and show your skills!
A series of events will officially kick off on November 10. Cycling enthusiasts, come and shine at this year’s hottest event in the cycling world. Since 2010, the Tourism Bureau and other organizations have successfully held two editions of the Taiwan Cycling Festival series, transforming innovative transportation infrastructure achievements into tourism resources and experiences. This year, the 2012 Taiwan Cycling Festival series, organized by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, will officially launch on November 10, warmly inviting all Taiwanese to create cycling milestones together and promote Taiwan. King of the Mountain Challenge: Foreigners Join the Competition The 2012 Taiwan Cycling Festival series, running from November 10 to 18, features numerous activities. One of the main events, the Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge...
Self-proclaimed second-rate entrepreneur Huang Nubo recites poetry atop Everest
A successful businessman, Huang Nubo leased 300 square kilometers of land in Iceland. Beyond his business achievements, he is also a well-known poet under the pen name Luo Ying. Few people knew him as Huang Nubo before, but the news of his attempt to buy land in Iceland made him widely recognized. However, he humbly describes himself as a "second-rate entrepreneur and third-rate poet." In private, he is even more passionate about mountaineering to challenge himself. This poet-entrepreneur spent six years, starting from 2005, completing the feat of reaching the summits of the world’s seven highest peaks on each continent and both the North and South Poles. Few entrepreneurs, poets, or even mountaineering experts have managed to achieve this. Standing at 192 centimeters tall, in June 2011, Huang Nubo donated assets worth 900 million RMB to Peking University. These assets were injected into the Peking University Zhongkun Education Fund to further promote...
Tokyo Weather Vane – Mount Fuji Poised to Join UNESCO World Heritage List
Mount Fuji is a must-visit destination for Chinese tourists traveling to Japan. Many have heard that the mountain’s lava possesses divine power and even pick up a piece as a souvenir, unaware that this is illegal and could result in a fine. Yet, the sacred and majestic Mount Fuji has indeed been an object of faith and admiration since ancient times. The famous ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai from Japan’s Edo period left a deep impression on the world with his masterpiece series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” particularly the iconic red Fuji in “Fine Wind, Clear Morning” (Kairo no Fujimichi), which remains highly sought after by collectors. The modern Japanese painting master Yokoyama Taikan was also a devotee of Mount Fuji; his works “Japan at Dawn” and “Ultramarine Fuji” leave viewers in awe of the mountain’s beauty. From Japan’s oldest existing poetry collection, the “Man’yōshū,” to classic literary works such as “The Tale of Genji,”
Avalanche on Nepal's Manaslu kills 9, 4 missing
A deadly avalanche struck Mount Manaslu in northern Nepal late on the night of the 22nd, claiming the lives of at least nine members of a European climbing team, leaving four missing, and rescuing twelve others. Mount Manaslu, standing at 8,156 meters, is the world's eighth highest peak. Nepalese rescue authorities said the avalanche occurred when the team was at Camp 3, a base camp at around 7,000 meters, as they were preparing to summit. The climbing team consisted of 25 members from Germany, France, and Italy. Police confirmed on the 23rd that two bodies had been recovered — one German climber and one Nepalese guide. Seven other climbers' bodies were found scattered around the base camp, but their nationalities are unknown. All twelve survivors were injured, with five of them airlifted by rescue helicopters to hospitals in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. And due to
Taiwan Cycling Trail: The Bicycle Festival Kicks Off Across Taiwan in November
Taiwan Cycling Trail is about to happen！The 2012 Taiwan Bicycle Festival will take place from November 10 to 18. In addition to the competitive Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge, there will be relay cycling tours around the island by ten groups, including an EMBA team from mainland China, disability groups, women from Hsinchu Science Park, representatives over the age of 55, as well as cross-island cycling tours and leisure bike rides combined with travel. Ride across Taiwan！Spanning eight days, the Taiwan Bicycle Festival will feature activities every day, with direct participation expected to exceed ten thousand people. 2010 Tour de France King of the Mountains Anthony Charteau, 2011 Tour de France Combativity Award winner Jérôme Pineau, and this year’s Giro d’Italia King of the Mountains Matteo Rabottini will all come to Taiwan to take part in the King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge. Liu Xilin, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, said that some say there are three things every Taiwanese person should do in their lifetime: