Classic Itineraries
Foreign hikers lost in mountains; police deliver sky lanterns to calm nerves
The Ruifang Police Precinct of New Taipei City located five lost hikers in Houtong this afternoon using mobile phone positioning. The precinct chief also gifted them a sky lantern as a goodwill gesture to offer blessings and ease their anxiety. This afternoon at 2 PM, the Ruifang Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department received a report that five hikers were lost in Houtong, two of whom are Canadian Filipinos. The hikers got off at Houtong Railway Station and were hiking from the Sandiaoling Trail in Ruifang District toward Dahu Station in Pingxi District when they became lost in the mountains. Since they had phone signal, they called for help. Police instructed the lost hikers to stay put and not wander around to avoid complicating search efforts. Officers also used mobile positioning systems to narrow the search area. After about an hour of searching, officers from Shifen Precinct finally found the hikers in the Wufen Mountain area. Shifen Precinct
Hikers Suffer from Altitude Sickness, Rescued by Air Force Successfully
The Ministry of National Defense announced today that a hiker suffering from altitude sickness at an altitude of 3,029 meters was successfully rescued by an Air Force helicopter and transported to Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Ministry of National Defense stated that the National Search and Rescue Center reported at 5:45 p.m. on the 15th that a hiker surnamed Hsu at the Lulu Valley Mountain Hut in Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City (at an altitude of 3,029 meters) was experiencing altitude sickness and awaiting rescue, requesting military helicopter support for the rescue mission. After receiving the report, the Ministry of National Defense ordered an S-70C helicopter (tail number Z-493) from the Chi-Hang Air Base of the Air Force to carry out the rescue mission at 7:40 p.m. on the 15th; however, due to weather conditions, the helicopter did not take off until 5:58 a.m. today, landed in the target area at 6:25 a.m., and completed the patient transport (one patient and one caregiver) at 6:29 a.m., and then...
Climber suffers from altitude sickness on the southern section two of the Central Mountain Range; rescue efforts face challenges
A Taipei-based mountaineer climbing the southern section two of the Central Mountain Range experienced altitude sickness at the Lulu Mountain Hut. Rescue personnel are approaching from three routes—Taitung, Hualien, and Kaohsiung—and are expected to take at least two days to arrive. The National Fire Agency received a rescue report around 9 a.m. today stating that a 37-year-old male climber surnamed Hsu, who was part of a group ascending the southern section two of the Central Mountain Range, had developed altitude sickness and required immediate rescue. Since the incident occurred in the middle section of the southern range, right at the junction between Hualien and Kaohsiung, no matter whether approaching from Nantou, Kaohsiung, Hualien, or Taitung, it would take at least two days of trekking. The National Fire Agency decided to dispatch rescuers from Taitung’s Xiangyang area as the starting point. The Huan Shan Police Brigade of Taitung County Police Bureau stated that the rescue team is expected to meet with firefighters from Kaohsiung at Xiangyang Recreation Area around 2 p.m.; however, the Xiangyang section of the South Cross-Island Highway has been experiencing continuous rockfalls and landslides, requiring assistance from highway maintenance personnel under the Directorate General of Highways to clear the road.
Hualien hikers swept away in flash flood: 1 missing, 1 trapped
Heavy rainfall in Hualien’s mountainous areas has caused rivers to swell. Four hikers on the South Cross-Island Highway were wading through the Xinwulai River when one man, along with his backpack, was swept away by the floodwaters, while another became trapped on a sandbank. The Hualien County Fire Bureau received a distress call around 11:00 a.m. from a member of the public reporting that four hikers had been near the Xinwulai Bridge on the South Cross-Island Highway. One male hiker, along with his backpack, was washed away by the flood, another hiker was trapped on a sandbank, and the remaining two managed to escape. The Hualien County Fire Bureau’s Guanshan Brigade has rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations. A interception point has been set up at the Chulai Bridge downstream to search for the person swept away. Additionally, efforts are being made to use a throw rope gun to assist in rescuing the hiker trapped on the sandbank. 1030613
Sudden surge in the Xinwulü River leads to drowning of hiker
Four canyoning and hiking enthusiasts from Kaohsiung had gone canyoning in the Xinwulü River a few days ago. They had originally planned to descend the mountain the next day, but due to heavy rainfall intensifying the previous evening, the group decided to head down early. As they were about to reach the Xinwulü Bridge, the river suddenly swelled, leaving one person stranded on a sandbank and another swept away by the torrent. The swept-away individual was found on a sandbank approximately 2 kilometers downstream and was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately could not be saved. Authorities stated that the distress call was received at 11:00 AM. The Kuanshan Brigade of the Fire Department deployed all personnel for the rescue mission. Upon arrival, they immediately rescued the person trapped on the sandbank. The individual who had been swept away was also soon located downstream. Rescuers used a rubber boat to pull them ashore and administer emergency aid, but it was too late. The members of the canyoning group expressed deep sorrow, stating that as they were descending, the river water suddenly surged, stranding the four on a sandbank. Initially, two of them attempted to cross the river at risk, but when the third person tried to follow, they were suddenly swept away. There was no time to rescue them, and they could only watch helplessly as their companion was carried off by the current.
Hikers Rescued: Zhubei County Magistrate Thanks Pinglin Fire Brigade
On the 8th, a hiking team from Xinfeng Township, Hsinchu County, was trekking on the Daowei Mountain hiking trail in Pinglin District, New Taipei City, when a 35-year-old female team member surnamed Tsai suddenly experienced dizziness, difficulty breathing, and even went into shock and lost consciousness. After receiving the report, the fire department administered oxygen treatment and dressed her in a lightweight raincoat to keep her warm. Eighteen strong men were mobilized to carry her down the mountain in three separate shifts for medical treatment. On the 12th, the hiking team presented a letter of appreciation from Hsinchu County Magistrate Chiu Ching-chun to the police and volunteer firefighters of the Pinglin Fire Station to express their gratitude.
Hiker Injured on Southern Section Three of the Central Mountain Range; One Climber Awaits Rescue
A hiker participating in a climb on the southern section three of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range was unable to walk today due to a foot injury and requested rescue. Helicopters from the Air Rescue Squadron made two attempts but had to turn back both times due to thick cloud cover. The Nantou County Fire Bureau reported that the hiking group consists of eight members. They entered the mountains from Hualien County on the 4th and were scheduled to descend via the Jundai Forest Road in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, on the 15th. While traveling through the area of Kelekelean Mountain and Tiannan Kalan Mountain in the morning, a 48-year-old team member surnamed Ye suffered from a swollen foot injury and was unable to continue, prompting the rescue call. Because the location is remote and at least five days of travel are required to reach the site, the fire bureau first deployed four police and volunteer firefighters. It also requested an Air Rescue Squadron helicopter to transport additional rescue personnel from Shuili Township to the mountain. However, after two flights, the mission was aborted both times as thick clouds prevented access. Another aerial rescue attempt is planned for tomorrow morning. 1030610
Woman stranded on mountain calls for help; police and firefighters successfully rescue her
A 35-year-old woman surnamed Tsai went hiking on the Dawei Mountain Trail in Pinglin District, New Taipei City, on the 8th. Around 10 a.m., she called 119 for help on her own. Upon receiving the report, the Pinglin Branch of the Fire Department dispatched Squad Leader Tsai Chih-yuan and Volunteer Firefighter Squad Leader Wang Ting-chun, who immediately led six police and firefighters along with 12 volunteer firefighters to the scene. They made contact with the woman in need within one hour. The rescuers found that Ms. Tsai was suffering from dizziness and difficulty breathing, and was unable to walk on her own. Coupled with the poor weather and heavy rain, they immediately administered oxygen treatment and worked to keep her warm to prevent hypothermia. At 12:48 p.m., she was carried down the mountain using a SKED (sled-style stretcher) and taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, she was not seriously injured. Squad Leader Tsai Chih-yuan of the Pinglin Branch urged hikers not to engage in mountain activities when weather conditions are poor, and to pay attention to their physical condition before heading out.
Chinese Female Climber Takes Helicopter to Everest
Wang Jing, a well-known Chinese female mountaineer accused in May of taking a helicopter to Mount Everest, recently admitted that she had indeed used a helicopter to travel from the base camp to Camp 2. She cited the reason as a severe avalanche on Everest that had blocked the climbing route. After this report was published by the Beijing Youth Daily, it immediately caused an uproar among netizens on the mainland. Some even pointed out that today’s China is driven by quick success and instant benefits, with fraud prevalent everywhere — whether in mountaineering, scientific research, road construction, or housing — all have strayed from their original purposes. Mainland media widely reported in late May that Wang Jing, 40, successfully reached the summit via the South Col route of Everest at 6:20 p.m. on May 23, becoming the first person to summit from the South Col that year. Shortly afterward, however, Nepalese media quoted a helicopter pilot as saying that Wang had taken a helicopter from the base camp to
Female Chinese mountaineer Wang Jing admits to taking a helicopter to reach Everest Base Camp
Beijing Youth Daily reports that Chinese female mountaineer Wang Jing recently admitted to taking a helicopter from the base camp to Camp II during her Everest summit attempt. She had previously denied such claims. Wang explained that she took the helicopter because of the deadliest ice avalanche in Everest’s history in April, which completely blocked the route between the base camp and Camp II, leaving no other way to cross.
Hiking in Jiufen – A Man Goes Missing During a Search-and-Rescue Operation
A 35-year-old man surnamed Lian from Keelung went hiking in Jiufen, New Taipei City, two days ago and has been missing for four days. Police and firefighters have launched a search operation involving both officers and local residents, with plans to conduct a full-scale mountain search tomorrow. New Taipei City police and fire department officials stated that this afternoon, the Jiufen Fire Station received a report from the public about a 35-year-old man surnamed Lian from Keelung who entered the mountains for a hike at the 18-kilometer mark of County Highway 102 on June 2 but has not returned home since. His family and friends, worried about his safety, reported him as missing to assist in the search. Deputy Chief Huang Ming-hui of the Jinguashi Police Precinct under the Ruifang Police Bureau, along with Patrol Sergeant Wu Jieyuan, Police Officer Weng Huihuang, local residents, members of the Jiufen Fire Station, and volunteer firefighters—approximately 25 people in total—headed to the Banping Mountain area for the search after being notified. By nearly 9 p.m. today, the man had still not been found. The motorcycle belonging to the missing Mr. Lian, who has been out of contact for four days, was found at the 18-kilometer mark of County Highway 102, but he himself has seemingly vanished without a trace. The Jiufen Fire Station indicated that nighttime searches are difficult, and they plan to regroup and resume searching tomorrow morning.
The inaugural Wanda Changbai Mountain International Trail Running Challenge press conference was grandly held in Beijing...
Speech by Mr. Chen Jianli of Wanda Cultural Industry Group. The inaugural Wanda Changbai Mountain International Trail Running Challenge will officially kick off on June 29, 2013, at the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort. On May 25, 2013, the press conference for this trail running event was grandly held at the Beijing International Convention Center. Representatives from Wanda Cultural Industry Group...
Enhancing Mountaineering Safety: AEDs Installed in Taipei
The Department of Geotechnical Engineering under Taipei City’s Public Works Bureau announced today that to improve the safety of camping and mountaineering activities, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at seven locations including campsites and scenic areas. The department stated that it hopes these easy-to-operate life-saving devices can help seize the golden five minutes for rescue and save many precious lives, providing a safer and more user-friendly mountaineering environment for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. Chen Sheng-yi, acting chief engineer of the department, said that Taipei’s campsites and scenic areas have always been popular leisure spots for the public. To prevent unexpected cardiac issues that could lead to accidents, AEDs have been installed at seven locations: Bishan Camping Site, Guizikeng Camping Site, Xianji Rock Scenic Area, Yuanshan Scenic Area, Zhinan Scenic Area, Neigouxi Ecological Exhibition Hall, and Neishuangxi Nature Center.
One hiker dies on Xingda Mountain climb; fellow students descend safely
A student from National Chung Hsing University’s Mountaineering Club died yesterday after accidentally falling into a valley during a hike in Yilan with five other club members. The five students were airlifted by helicopter today and descended the mountain safely. A male student surnamed Gong from National Chung Hsing University’s Mountaineering Club, along with five other club members, went hiking on the Nanao Ancient Trail in Yilan on the 2nd, planning to descend on the 11th. However, Gong fell into a ravine about 50 meters deep yesterday, suffering multiple fractures. After being rescued by an Air Rescue Squadron helicopter and taken to a hospital, he was pronounced dead. At the time of the accident, another student surnamed Lin who was with them went down into the valley to rescue Gong and sustained a minor injury—a laceration on his left knee. He was airlifted again by the Air Rescue Squadron helicopter today and taken to Luye Boroh Hospital for treatment. As for how Gong lost his footing, the student surnamed Lin remained silent. The Yilan Fire Bureau stated that the five mountaineering club members, including the student surnamed Lin,
Forestry Bureau: The Nan'ao Ancient Trail remains closed
A student died yesterday after falling into a valley while hiking on the Nan'ao Ancient Trail in Yilan. The Forestry Bureau reiterated today that the trail remains closed due to damage from a recent typhoon and urged tourists not to visit. A Gong-surnamed student from the National Chung Hsing University Mountaineering Club and five other club members hiked the Nan'ao Ancient Trail in Yilan yesterday. During the hike, the student fell about 50 meters into a stream valley, suffering multiple fractures. Despite being airlifted by an Air Rescue Squadron helicopter, the student was pronounced dead. The Forestry Bureau’s Luye Forest District Office reiterated today that the Nan'ao Ancient Trail has been closed since July 25 due to multiple landslides caused by Typhoon Matmo. It has not yet reopened. Given the recent unstable weather conditions in the area, the public is advised to avoid entering the mountains to prevent further accidents. The Luye Forest District Office stated that due to severe collapses near the entrance of the Nan'ao Ancient Trail, making progress nearly impossible, further investigation is needed into how the National Chung Hsing University Mountaineering Club managed to venture deeper into the mountainous area. 1030806
23 killed in Nepal landslide; over 500 tourists rescued
A massive landslide struck northeastern Nepal, feared to have left at least 150 people dead, as rescuers today recovered 14 more bodies buried under tonnes of mud and debris. Mountain officials said more than 500 foreign trekkers and guides were rescued. Officials said the pre-dawn landslide on Tuesday was triggered by monsoon rains and swept away villages along a river in Sindhupalchok district, with 23 bodies, including six children, pulled from the rubble so far.
A National Chung Hsing University student falls into a valley, suffering multiple fractures
A Gong-surnamed student from National Chung Hsing University accidentally fell into a valley while hiking on the Nanao Ancient Trail in Yilan today, sustaining multiple fractures. Rescue workers will transport the student to the hospital by helicopter for emergency treatment. Yilan police and firefighters reported that the Gong student, along with five other members of the National Chung Hsing University Mountaineering Club, went hiking on the Nanao Ancient Trail on the 2nd and planned to descend on the 11th. However, the Gong student accidentally fell into the 50-meter-deep Brangawan Valley during the hike today. Fellow hikers abseiled down to the valley and found the Gong student with multiple fractures and in critical condition. They immediately contacted the university via satellite phone, and the Taichung City Fire Bureau relayed the information to the Yilan County Fire Bureau. After receiving the report, the Yilan County Fire Bureau promptly dispatched local firefighters to the rescue site. The Yilan County Fire Bureau stated that since the hiking trail entrance is at least a day and a half’s walk away from the scene, they have requested a helicopter to assist in transporting the student, who will then receive emergency medical treatment. 1030805
Fell 50 meters down a valley: HowToTrip student dies in a tragic accident in southern Australia
A group of six students from the Mountaineering Club at HowToTrip University were hiking along the Nan'ao Ancient Trail when, around 4 p.m. today, the Yilan Fire Department received a report forwarded from the Taichung Fire Department stating that one of the students, surnamed Gong, had slipped and fallen approximately 50 meters down a deep ravine. Rescue personnel and vehicles were quickly dispatched, but unfortunately, the student had already passed away.
Couple lost in mountains rescued by helicopter
A husband and wife surnamed Hsu from Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, went hiking on Mount Kalisan in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli last month on the 27th. They had planned to make a day trip but got lost on unfamiliar trails and were stranded in the mountains for three days. One of their mobile phones was lost, the other was nearly out of battery, and they survived on mountain spring water and boiled wild plants. Yesterday, they were found by ground search and rescue personnel. Due to the husband suffering a sprained ankle, they requested an air rescue helicopter to airlift them down the mountain for medical treatment. Both are in good condition. The couple attempted the “Kalisan to Kalisan Mountain traverse” for the first time. At dawn on the 27th, they entered via the Kalisan Mountain trailhead in Nanzhuang, Miaoli, expecting to complete the hike within a day. However, unfamiliar with the routes, they lost their way at a fork and were trapped in the mountains for several days. The Miaoli County Fire Bureau received the report and deployed a large number of personnel while requesting an air rescue helicopter operation. Around 1 p.m. yesterday, ground search and rescue teams located the pair and immediately called for the airborne support helicopter, which then airlifted both individuals down the mountain to receive medical care.
Toufen Police Station holds a mountain-climbing awareness campaign under the "Youth Project"
To prevent juvenile delinquency and harmful incidents during the summer vacation and to safeguard the healthy physical and mental development of teenagers, the Toufen Police Sub-bureau organized a "Shitoushan Hiking & Trail Cleaning Fun Tour" on the morning of the 1st at Shitoushan in Nanzhuang Township. Through the hiking activity, they promoted various crime prevention initiatives for the summer break to the youth. In the morning, over 200 elementary and middle school students participated in the "Shitoushan Hiking & Trail Cleaning Fun Tour." Police officers led the youths on the hike and trail cleaning, hoping that students would spend more time outdoors to build healthy bodies, enhance their appreciation for the natural environment, and combine the activity with a Shitoushan guided tour and lantern lighting ceremony to help them learn about temple architectural features and historical background. During the event, Chief Xie Zhimin of the Toufen Police Sub-bureau educated the youth on issues such as drugs, gangs, street racing, and online fraud as part of the crime prevention campaign. Interactive quizzes with prizes were used to boost participation.