Classic Itineraries
Mount Fuji Opens for Climbing; Avoid Rushed Hikes
[The Japanese Mount Fuji, registered as a World Cultural Heritage site this month, will welcome its first climbing season opening day tomorrow. Local authorities are urging tourists and travel agencies to avoid organizing overly rushed hikes to prevent accidents. At 3,776 meters above sea level, Mount Fuji was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in late June. It will open for climbing on July 1 this year. Straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, Mount Fuji has three main climbing routes to the summit: the Gotemba and Subashiri routes from the Shizuoka side, and the Yoshida route from the Yamanashi side. Local authorities expect a large influx of visitors this year, with mountain huts already receiving a surge in bookings. However, they warn climbers not to push themselves too hard just to catch the sunrise.]
Equipment Tips – Trekking Poles Offer Many Benefits: Don’t Forget a Hat and Water Bottle
If you also want to hike around the island, Xiao Cao recommends carrying a hydration bladder to stay hydrated on the go and taking sun protection seriously—never hit the trail without a wide-brimmed hat. Most importantly, treat your feet well by choosing comfortable, easy-to-walk-in hiking shoes; those with amphibious features are even better, as they dry quickly if soaked in the rain. He only carries a backpack with two sets of quick-dry tops for changing. To lighten his load, he skips the tent and sleeping pad, instead staying at budget-friendly homestays, temples, or relatives’ homes. Additionally, a trekking pole helps with walking—it can ward off snakes in the grass and deter unfriendly dogs. Best of all, it gives you an extra icebreaker when chatting with strangers. He reminds hikers that there’s no need to overpack; just bring what’s essential. Otherwise, you’ll only be burdening yourself. Moreover, you’ll figure out your actual needs once you start hiking—you can always pick up truly necessary gear along the way.
Location Scan – Elderly Hiker Missing, Family in Distress
Tainan: Seventy-eight-year-old Kuo Chin-ling went hiking at the Xinhua National Botanical Garden on the 23rd and has been reported missing. His son filed a report stating that his father’s scooter was still parked at the garden’s main entrance. Kuo was last seen wearing grayish-white pants and sports shoes. Xinhua police are urging the public to contact 110 or the Zhii Police Station at 5902949 if they spot Kuo.
Taliban attack: 2 Chinese climbers among those shot dead
Armed militants attacked mountaineers near Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, killing 10 foreigners. Soon after the incident, representatives of the Pakistani extremist group Jundallah and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack, even boasting about killing them. Among the deceased were two Chinese climbers, Yang Chunfeng and Rao Jianfeng, whose bodies are expected to be repatriated to China on the 25th.
Mountain Climbing Tourism Festival – Lamigirls Join You for Bamboo Shoot Picking
The New Taipei City Tourism Bureau launched the 2013 New Taipei City Mountain Climbing Tourism Festival. On the morning of the 24th, the Chinese Professional Baseball League cheerleading squad Lamigirls took on the role of charming guides, introducing the beautiful scenery of Guanyin Mountain in Wugu and the peak season for green bamboo shoots from June to September each year. They also personally demonstrated how to harvest quality shoots. The guided tour route started from the Guanyin Mountain Visitor Center, passed through the Guanyin Mountain Forest Canopy Trail, and ended at Lengyan Pavilion. Lamigirls also showcased their bamboo shoot picking skills at Qiganhu Farm located near the mountain foothills. The Lamigirls even named the harvested bamboo shoots “Lami Shoots,” expressing their hopes for the Rakuten Monkeys (Lamigo) baseball team to achieve outstanding results in upcoming CPBL matches. Wu Guochi, owner of Qiganhu Farm, said that his homegrown green bamboo shoots were once personally selected as a “dream ingredient” by Japanese Michelin three-star chef Hiroyuki Sakai, and have won top awards in national agricultural product competitions year after year.
Seven-member hiking team gets lost in Kaohsiung mountains; rescuers brave rain to bring them down
A seven-person hiking group was trekking on [Minghai Mountain] in Maolin District, Kaohsiung City, yesterday when they got lost due to darkness and heavy rain, unable to discern the trail. After receiving the report, the 119 emergency service launched an overnight mountain rescue and finally located the seven hikers today. Rescuers used ropes to help them climb down a steep ravine before safely bringing them down the mountain. Having gone without sleep for a whole night, the group was extremely exhausted upon descent. The Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau received the distress call about the lost hikers last night and immediately dispatched the [Mountain Rescue Team] from the Liouguei, Maolin, Taoyuan, and Meinong fire stations to conduct the search. Since the seven hikers were not carrying a GPS and could not clearly describe their location, coupled with heavy rain and fog in the mountainous area, the rescue operation was quite challenging. Fortunately, there was a nearby cell tower ensuring mobile phone signal connectivity.
10 Pakistani tourists shot dead, 2 Chinese climbers killed and 1 injured
A group of mountaineering tourists in northern Pakistan's mountainous region were attacked, resulting in at least 11 deaths, including 10 foreigners. Among the Chinese climbing team, 2 were killed and 1 was injured. The bodies of all deceased foreign tourists have been airlifted to the capital, Islamabad. Two injured tourists also arrived on the same flight, including 1 Chinese and 1 Nepalese. The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed that all three Chinese casualties were male, and the embassy will make every effort to assist the injured in returning home as soon as possible and properly handle the aftermath for the deceased. Pakistani Interior Minister Nisar said that among the deceased foreign tourists, the identities of four have been confirmed, including 2 Chinese citizens, 1 Chinese-American, and 1 Nepalese. The incident occurred at a mountain camp in the Gilgit region, and a faction of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility, vowing revenge for the killing of a Pakistani Taliban leader by a U.S. drone last month.
Pakistani militants shoot dead 10 foreign mountaineers
Pakistani police said that several militants stormed a hotel in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, shooting dead 11 foreign tourists preparing to climb a mountain before fleeing. Police said the nationalities of the tourists are still unclear, but Reuters quoted a police officer as saying that several of them were Chinese. Additionally, reports said the victims included Ukrainians and Russians. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities have sealed off the area, and police have begun hunting the attackers. Pakistan-administered Kashmir borders China and boasts naturally stunning landscapes, attracting many foreign tourists. However, in recent years, a series of attacks by Pakistani Shia Muslims have affected security in the region.
Local Spotlight – Mountain Hiking Festival with 4 Guided Tours
New Taipei: The Mountain Hiking Festival will be held on the 22nd in Wugu District. The meeting point is at Guanyin Mountain Visitor Center, and the endpoint is Lengyan Pavilion. Four tour groups will depart at 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 10:30 AM respectively, each with a designated guide. The Guanyin Mountain Forest Canopy Trail is an approximately 800-meter slope, with the entrance located in the ecological park. Free participation is welcome.
Local Highlights – New Taipei Mountain Climbing Festival: Explore Guanyin Mountain
New Taipei: The New Taipei City Mountain Climbing Festival will be held on the 22nd in Wugu District. The route goes from the Guanyin Mountain Visitor Center, passes through the Forest Canopy Trail, and ends at Lengyan Pavilion. There will be designated guides at specific points along the way, with four departure times in the morning: 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 10:30 AM. Along the route, you’ll learn about local specialties such as Guanyin Mountain’s famous green bamboo shoots, the Tough Guy Ridge Trail, Lingyun Temple, and other scenic spots. Participation is welcome and free.
Area Scan – Hiker Rescued by Helicopter Hoist
Nantou: A hiker surnamed Chen from Taipei City was climbing the southern section of the Central Mountain Range when he suffered from altitude sickness and twisted his ankle near Zhushan, leaving him unable to walk. The Nantou County Fire Bureau informed the National Fire Agency, and on the 19th, he was rescued by helicopter hoist and transported to Tainan Municipal Hospital for treatment.
Local Spotlight – New Taipei Mountain Climbing Festival: Explore Guanyin Mountain on Saturday
New Taipei: The New Taipei City Mountain Climbing Tourism Festival will be held on the 22nd in Wugu District. The route goes from the Guanyin Mountain Visitor Center, through the Forest Canopy Trail, to the final stop at Lengyan Pavilion. There will be designated guides at specific points, and four departure times are available: 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 10:30 AM. Along the way, you’ll learn about local specialties such as green bamboo shoots, as well as attractions like the Tough Guy Ridge Trail and Lingyun Temple. Free participation is welcome.
Local Spotlight – Mountain Hiking Festival Kicking off at Guanyin Mountain this Saturday
New Taipei: The 2013 New Taipei City Mountain Hiking Festival will be held on the 22nd in Wugu District. The route starts at the Guanyin Mountain Visitor Center, passes through the Forest Canopy Trail, and ends at Lengyan Pavilion. Designated guides will provide information at fixed points. There will be four departure sessions, each half an hour apart, starting from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Highlights along the way include Guanyin Mountain’s specialty green bamboo shoots, the Tough Guys Ridge Trail, and the Lingyun Temple, among other scenic spots. Free participation is welcome.
Hiker with altitude sickness rescued by helicopter
A hiker climbing the southern section of the Central Mountain Range was rescued this morning after reportedly suffering from altitude sickness and a foot injury. The Air Force helicopter successfully airlifted the individual and transported them to Tainan Airport for medical treatment. The Nantou County Fire Bureau reported that the hiking team, consisting of four members from Taipei City, included an injured male hiker surnamed Chen. He was suspected to have developed altitude sickness-related pneumothorax, vomiting, and a foot injury that left him unable to walk. He was stranded near the 3,000-meter-high Zhushan Triangulation Station waiting for rescue. The fire bureau received the distress call around 7:00 a.m. and requested helicopter assistance from the National Search and Rescue Center. The rescue helicopter took off from Tainan Airport at 7:30 a.m. and successfully completed the airlift around 8:30 a.m., planning to transfer the patient to a local hospital in Tainan for further treatment. 1020619
Cross-Strait Historical Tales – Shanghai Tycoon Du Yuesheng
When Zhang Xueliang announced his retirement from politics and left Beiping for Shanghai in preparation to go abroad, he was hosted by Yuesheng and stayed at No. 181 Fuxi Road. One evening, a bomb-throwing incident occurred. This reflected poorly on Yuesheng’s reputation, and more importantly, posed a serious safety threat to Xueliang. Yuesheng had his own unique philosophy on life, which he often shared. He believed that there were three types of “difficult noodles” to swallow: The first was “face” — when a friend was in an awkward situation, no matter how big the issue, you had to step in and help. This kind of “face” was hard to swallow, but you couldn’t refuse. The second was “dignity” — even if you couldn’t dress the part or pretend to be refined, you should still act and speak honorably. This kind of “face” wasn’t easy to maintain, but you had to uphold it. The third was “appearances” — once you had a courtyard, you wanted a garden; once you had a wife, you wanted a concubine. It was a bottomless pit that could never be filled. If you insisted on keeping up with such appearances, the demands would only grow larger, and your principles would drift further away. First, you’d lose yourself, then offend your friends, and eventually, you’d meet your downfall. So this kind of “face” was best avoided. But if you had to engage with it, you had to do so carefully.
Hiker falls into valley, search and rescue underway
The Taipei City Fire Department received a report around 1 p.m. today that a male hiker had fallen into a stream at the foot of the mountain near the Erziping Visitor Center hiking entrance in Yangmingshan, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway. The department was alerted around 1 p.m. that someone was suspected to have accidentally fallen down the mountain approximately 20 meters from the hiking entrance leading toward pillow mountain from the Erziping Visitor Center. After receiving the report, the fire department dispatched one ambulance, two fire engines, and a total of seven rescue personnel to the scene. Upon arrival, it was initially understood that a 63-year-old male hiker had reportedly fallen into a bushy area by the stream at the foot of the mountain due to being unfamiliar with the terrain, and search and rescue operations are continuing. 1020618
Special Exhibition of Li Xiaoshi: Mount Lhotse Photography Works Unveiled
The legendary mountaineer Li Xiaoshi unfortunately lost his life while climbing the world’s fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, in May. To honor this unique Taiwanese hero, the county government has organized the special exhibition “Gentle Breeze and Waning Moon, Stone in Heart.” For the first time, photography works left behind by Li Xiaoshi during his final days at his resting place, Mount Lhotse, are being unveiled. Li Xiaoshi’s eldest son, Li Yao, described his father as different from most mountaineers—not climbing merely for adventure or challenge, but to seek inspiration in the mountains. That’s why his heavy gear always included a professional camera, often not just one or two. His father walked alone with his camera, traversing remote wilderness and scaling towering peaks, coming from the mountains and ultimately returning to them. Even on this climb up Mount Lhotse, Li Xiaoshi carried as many as six cameras. Fortunately, three were brought back. Li Yao and Li Xiaoshi’s widow, Lin Qingqing, selected several of these precious photos to be displayed as part of Li Xiaoshi’s posthumous works, alongside over a hundred other photographic pieces and casual calligraphy and paintings, all showcased in the special exhibition running from August 3 to September 15.
Mountain accident in Japan: Three South Korean hikers in critical condition, one missing
A mountain accident in the Japanese Alps in central Japan has left three South Korean hikers in critical condition, with one person missing. A group of about twenty South Korean hikers were climbing Mount Kino, which stands at 2,728 meters, together on Sunday. Yesterday afternoon, they called the Japanese police for help, reporting that nine team members were missing. After search and rescue efforts during the day yesterday and this morning, eight people have been found—five are unharmed, three have no heartbeat or breathing, and one remains unaccounted for.
2 South Koreans Die in Japanese Mountain Hiking Accident; 3 Still Missing
Twenty South Koreans from Busan were hiking in Japan’s Chubu region, part of the Japanese Alps, yesterday when five lost contact. This morning, two were found dead. The remaining three are still unaccounted for, and rescue operations are ongoing. According to a report by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency today, those who were hiking with the missing individuals said there was wind and rain on the day of the hike, with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius, and no Japanese guide was present. (Nam Chang-woo, reporting from Seoul)
Two South Koreans die in mountain accident on Japan's Honshu
South Korean media reported today that five out of twenty South Koreans from Busan lost contact while hiking in the Japanese Alps on Honshu yesterday, and two of them were found dead this morning. The twenty individuals consisted of fourteen men and six women, aged approximately between 48 and 78. The Japanese Alps refer to the collective name for the three major mountain ranges in central Honshu: the Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi Mountains. (Reported by Wang Changwei, Seoul)