Classic Itineraries
Uninterrupted tutoring for disadvantaged students; biking up mountains to find confidence
Rev. Chen Changhe, CEO of the Yellow Ribbon LoveNet Care Association, passed away on the 5th due to a myocardial infarction at the age of 65. The association will hold a memorial service at 3 PM on the 23rd at the Good Shepherd Church on Section 1, He Wei Road, North District, Tainan City. To continue Chen’s vision, the association will also maintain its tutoring services and lead disadvantaged children on biking mountain trips to help them rediscover their life direction. The Yellow Ribbon Association stated that on the morning of February 20th, Chen Changhe suffered a fracture in a traffic accident while visiting families and underwent surgery at Shinlow Hospital. At the end of February, he was transferred to Tainan Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for rehabilitation. On the morning of March 4th, he was still in his hospital room holding a meeting with association staff, discussing future plans and expectations for the association. Unexpectedly, the next day during rehabilitation, he suddenly fell into a coma. After being rushed to Cheng Kung University Hospital, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and he passed away from a myocardial infarction at 7:58 PM that evening.
Hikers Lost in Wulai Mountain Area Rescued
At around 4 p.m. on the 22nd, the New Taipei City Fire Department received reports from two individuals stating they were lost in the Badao'er Mountain area of Wulai District. Firefighters immediately formed a rescue team, dispatching two groups totaling nine personnel to conduct the search. Around 7 p.m., the missing 40-year-old man surnamed Li and 35-year-old woman surnamed Wu were located. Fortunately, neither was injured. The rescue team safely escorted both individuals down the mountain at approximately 9 p.m.
Hikers in distress: 21 firefighters launch rescue mission
The Taitung County Fire Bureau received a mountain rescue request after a hiker surnamed Hsu sustained a waist injury in the Jinfeng Mountain area and was awaiting help. A total of 21 search and rescue personnel were deployed in batches to conduct the search. The Taitung County Fire Bureau was informed yesterday by the Pingtung County Fire Bureau that a hiker surnamed Hsu had been surveying a hiking route near Huang Hot Spring in the vicinity of Mount Dawu in Taitung when he collided with a tree stump, injuring his waist. He became immobile and required rescue. Yesterday, the Taitung County Fire Bureau initially selected a team of elite personnel trained in mountain rescue to enter the mountains for the search. This morning, a second batch of rescuers was dispatched. If conditions remain favorable, they hope to locate Mr. Hsu before nightfall. The Taitung County Fire Bureau stated that Mr. Hsu described the location as having many forked paths, which is why a total of 21 people were mobilized for the operation. 1030319
Career Achiever – Zhang Xingwen Loves Mountaineering and Regains Confidence
Among outdoor adventures in Taiwan, mountaineering is the most popular. Rock climbing is a niche activity, but the adventures Zhang Xingwen, Technical Director of Edge Adventure, loves are even more niche – including tree climbing, ice climbing, and canyoneering (creek descent). Her exceptional skills and rich adventure experiences are truly astounding. Zhang jokingly refers to herself as a “returned turtle” (overseas returnee), having studied abroad in Canada where she earned a professional adventure license. She is almost the only expert in Taiwan with such a professional certification. She introduced tree climbing and creek descent, which originated in Europe, to Taiwan – a rare feat. The licenses she holds include mountain guide, rock climbing, wilderness, rope rescue, and skiing, among many others. Zhang specializes in mountaineering techniques and has been involved in broad mountain activities for 14 years, from intermediate mountain exploration training to rock climbing...
Feng Jun-kai, the King of Climbers, achieves an unprecedented three-peat
Securing the throne of King of Climbers in the Tour de Taiwan is no easy feat, and Feng Jun-kai of the Giant team knew that well. Though he once trailed in points, he never lost faith. The support from local fans and his teammates was his greatest motivation to push forward, and the taunt from Chinese mainland cyclist Wu Nan served as the final push that helped him clinch the three-peat. The fourth stage of the Tour de Taiwan took place in Tainan, a historic cultural city, featuring one sprint point and two mountain points. As it was the last stage with mountain points, the battle for the King of Climbers title intensified. Feng secured six points at the second-category Guan-a-Ling climb and ultimately overturned a 10–12 deficit to beat Wu Nan of Giant-Shimano, setting the first three-peat record in the 26-year history of the Tour de Taiwan. Tasos Matsioudis of the Greek SP team won the stage in 3 hours, 48 minutes and 27 seconds.
Retired Teachers Missing for Over 3 Months After Mountain Hike
“Mayor Hu, Please Bring My Parents Home from the Mountain Tragedy!” Ou Renqin and Yan Guixiang, a retired couple who both worked as junior high school teachers, went missing on November 25 last year while hiking the Holy Ridge Trail. They have had no contact since then. Their sons, accompanied by city councilor Chen Qinglong, appealed to Mayor Hu Zhiqiang on the 12th, requesting assistance in recovering their parents' remains so they can be laid to rest. Hu Zhiqiang promised full support. The couple’s sons, Ou Zonghan and Ou Zongze, knelt yesterday at the city council holding posters that read “Bring My Parents Home” and “Laid to Rest,” as well as a petition, to appeal to Mayor Hu Zhiqiang. The mayor quickly stopped them from kneeling and listened to the brothers’ plea. Ou Zonghan said their parents, who had taught at the junior high school level for over 30 years before retiring, went hiking on the Holy Ridge Trail in Shei-Pa National Park and were originally scheduled to come down the mountain on December 1. When they did not return home that day, the brothers immediately tried to contact them and filed a report. However, due to severe weather conditions, firefighters faced great difficulty in the search and rescue operation and found nothing. More than 100 days later, there is still no news of the parents.
Tour de Taiwan – Feng Junchai Makes Comeback Win, Claims Mountain Classification Triple Crown
At the most crucial stage of the 2014 International Tour de Taiwan cycling race in Tainan today, Feng Junchai of the Giant-Shimano team, who was aiming for a third consecutive victory in the King of the Mountains classification, seized the opportunity as the peloton caught up with the leading rider just before the Guanziling climb. He then surged ahead to secure a vital 6 points, ultimately defeating China’s Wu Nan, who had been in the lead, with a total of 12 points to claim the mountain jersey in a dramatic comeback.
Feng Jun-kai vies for King of the Mountains title, decisive battle in Tainan
Feng Jun-kai of the Giant-Advantech team is aiming for a third consecutive King of the Mountains title in this year’s Tour de Taiwan. Although he missed the chance to secure an early lead by failing to take the first-category climb at the Taoyuan stage, he didn’t give up. Yesterday at the Changhua stage, he actively broke away from the peloton and claimed a second-category climb, demonstrating his determination to defend the red jersey for the home team. The 2014 International Tour de Taiwan cycling race arrived yesterday at the “City of Flowers” — Changhua. Right from the start, riders faced the challenge of the Fenyuan mountain area, then battled strong winds along Provincial Highway 17, before the final showdown on Bagua Mountain. Although several riders attempted attacks during the race, only a four-rider group including Liu Chin-yi of the Giant-Advantech team managed to open up a gap, but they were caught just before the finish line. Ultimately, Australia’s Drapac Professional Cycling’s Wes Poole crossed the line first in 3 hours, 15 minutes and 14 seconds. Feng Jun-kai, who failed to score any King of the Mountains points in the first two stages, understands the importance of the Changhua stage.
Tour de Taiwan: Feng Chun-kai Claims King of the Mountains Title
The fourth stage of the international Tour de Taiwan cycling race today in Tainan saw Taiwanese rider Feng Chun-kai secure 6 mountain points to overtake mainland Chinese rider Wu Nan and achieve a three-peat as the King of the Mountains. The fourth stage of the international Tour de Taiwan road race took place today in Tainan, starting from the Yonghua Municipal Government Center in Annan District and finishing at the Zengwen Reservoir. The route included both flat and mountainous sections, featuring two mountain points and one sprint point. Tainan marked the last of this year’s two mountain points in the Tour de Taiwan. Leading the King of the Mountains competition after the first three stages was mainland Chinese rider Wu Nan with 10 points, while Feng Chun-kai trailed with 6. Feng secured 6 points at the second-tier Guanziling mountain point and ultimately overtook Wu with a total of 12 points to claim the King of the Mountains title, donning the red polka-dot jersey once again and completing his three-peat.
Taiwan Cycling Round-the-Island Tour: Feng Junkai Wins King of the Mountains for the 3rd Time
On the fourth day of the Taiwan Cycling Round-the-Island Race, Taiwanese cyclist Feng Junkai made a stunning comeback to claim his third consecutive King of the Mountains title, while Loannis Tamouridis of Greece's SP Pro Team broke away in the final stretch to win the stage. The 2014 International Taiwan Cycling Round-the-Island Road Race kicked off on the 9th with a five-day event, attracting 100 riders from 20 teams across 30 countries and regions. Today’s stage in Tainan saw all riders depart from Tainan City Hall, pass through Guanziling, and then tackle a nearly 40-kilometer mountain ridge climb before reaching the finish line at the Zengwen Reservoir, covering a total distance of 161 kilometers — the toughest section of this year’s race. In today’s race, Loannis Tamouridis of Greece's SP Pro Team
Family of missing hikers pleads for help in finding parents
The Eu couple, who went missing while hiking on the Holy Ridge Trail at the end of November last year, have still not been found. Today, their sons, Eu Zonghan and Eu Zongze, appealed to Taichung Mayor Hu Zhiqiang, begging for continued search and rescue efforts for their parents. The Eu brothers, accompanied by Taichung City Councilor Chen Qinglong, held banners that read “Bring My Parents Home, Let Them Rest in Peace” and a petition letter, and knelt down to plead with Mayor Hu at the Taichung City Council this morning. However, Hu stopped them from kneeling, and he immediately promised that the fire department would make efforts to assist in the search. Eu Zonghan explained that their parents, both retired junior high school teachers with over 30 years of service, set off to hike the Holy Ridge Trail in Shei-Pa National Park on November 25 last year. They were originally scheduled to come down the mountain on December 1, but did not return home that day. The brothers immediately contacted authorities and filed a report. Unfortunately, due to extremely severe weather conditions, it was very difficult for firefighters to carry out search operations, and they have found nothing so far—the parents still haven’t found their way home.
Taiwan couple missing in Taichung mountain hike; family asks Hu Zhiqiang for help in search
A Taiwanese couple surnamed Ou, who live in Tainan, have been missing since climbing the Holy Ridge Trail in late November last year. Their sons, the Ou brothers, came specially to Taichung today (the 12th) to appeal to Mayor Hu Zhiqiang, pleading for continued efforts to search for their parents. Hu Zhiqiang immediately promised that the Fire Bureau would do its best to assist in the search. Brothers Ou Zonghan and Ou Zongze, accompanied by Taichung City Councilor Chen Qinglong, went to the council to appeal to Hu Zhiqiang, hoping the municipal government would help in the rescue operation so that their parents, who went missing during a hike in Taichung, could find their way home as soon as possible. The Ou brothers said their father, Ou Renqin, and mother, Yan Guixiang, entered the trailhead from Wuling Farm on November 25 last year, climbed Chiyou Mountain, and then planned to hike the Holy Ridge Trail to reach Dabajianshan (Great Blade Mountain), but have been missing ever since with no contact. The brothers held up a banner that read “Bring My Parents Home, Bury Them in Peace” along with their petition letter, and at the emotional parts of their plea, they couldn’t help but kneel down—
Tour de Taiwan – Feng Junkai Claims King of the Mountains Points
The 2014 International Tour de Taiwan cycling road race held its Changhua stage today. Feng Junkai from the Giant-Shimano team, who had kept a relatively low profile in the first two stages, launched an aggressive attack in this leg as he aimed for a third consecutive King of the Mountains title. He broke away successfully 300 meters before the first climb, securing a second-category climb point and earning 6 points. He currently trails Garmin-Sharp’s Wu Nan by 4 points. Tomorrow’s Tainan stage features two more climb points that will determine who takes home the red jersey. This edition of the Tour de Taiwan features high-level teams and intense competition. Today’s Changhua stage had both its start and finish lines at Baguashan. Although several riders attempted breakaways, they were all caught by the peloton. In the end, Australia’s Drapac Professional Cycling’s Wippert claimed the victory with a time of 3 hours, 15 minutes and 14 seconds.
Big Head Bin’s Report – Hiking Trails: Taipei’s Green Highlights
A few days ago, a well-known American leisure and entertainment website selected the 26 best cities in the world for solo travel, and Taipei came out on top. In addition to the friendliness of its residents and the amazing food, the author also mentioned that if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, there are several spots within Taipei where you can go hiking and return in a single day – “what more could you ask for.”
Registration for the GIBBON Super Knights Slackline Challenge - 2013 Asia Outdoor Exhibition Stop is now open!
The 2013 European Outdoor Show will be held from July 11 to 14 local time in Friedrichshafen, Germany, welcoming over 900 exhibitors from 39 countries around the world, including many leading companies in the global outdoor industry. The exhibition will cover an area of 85,000 square meters. Over the past twenty years since its inception, the European Outdoor Show has consistently maintained its status as the ...
Can't stay idle even in summer—Kamen is practicing rollerblading and skiing.
Recorded last Sunday while practicing rollerblading at Olympic Forest Park. The skating style we practiced was quite unique, specifically geared toward skiing. Some passersby found our movements pretty strange—what's wrong with these people? We’re just skating, why are they waving two sticks around like that? Personally, I feel this kind of rollerblading is quite similar to skiing...
The Gobi Challenge of the MBA Silk Road Business Schools is held in Guazhou.
According to China National Radio’s “CNR News,” on the 22nd, the Central Radio and Television Station’s “Beautiful China Journey – Gansu’s Construction of Ecological Civilization” reporting team continued their coverage in Guazhou County, Gansu Province. The 8th “Silk Road of Xuanzang” MBA Gobi Challenge was also being held in Guazhou. At the scene, reporters observed that besides participating in the event, students from various business schools...
Hangzhou's Wushan Hill Launches 3 Routes to Help Citizens Hike and Breathe Fresh Air
"Best Place for Hiking and Fresh Air in Hangzhou?" Wushan Scenic Area Unveils Three Wellness Routes Yesterday, the Wushan Scenic Area in Hangzhou launched a wellness culture tour experience, organizing three health-focused hiking routes for citizens to explore. The first is the Premium Wellness Tour: Wushan Grand View – Zhouxin Shrine – Ancient Trees Platform – City God Pavilion...
Hunan’s climbing queen Lin Xi successfully summits Mount Everest
May 22 News: Polarstar athlete and Hunan-based free climber Lin Xi successfully reached the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, from the southern route at 10:00 AM on the 19th, and safely returned to the base camp (5,400m) yesterday morning. Lin Xi, a female police officer at the Hunan Women’s Prison, fell in love with outdoor sports after seeing a recruitment post on an outdoor website back in 2005...
Massive avalanche on Everest kills 13 Sherpa guides
The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (also known as Qomolangma or Sagarmatha), was hit by the deadliest avalanche in its history on the 18th. Thirteen people have been confirmed dead, three are missing, and four have survived—all of them local Sherpa guides, with no foreigners among the casualties. Although the three missing are believed to have no chance of survival, rescuers continued searching the site on the 19th in hopes of recovering their bodies. On the morning of the 18th, a group of Sherpa guides, carrying tents, food, and other equipment, set out from Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 meters, heading for Camp 1 at around 5,900 meters. Their goal was to prepare for next month’s climbers by setting up ropes and ladders. However, tragedy struck when they were climbing through the “Popcorn Field” area at approximately 5,800 meters on the southern slope. ‖The Popcorn Field earned its name due to its proximity to the treacherous