Classic Itineraries
473 riders take on the King of Climbers Challenge in first-ever drug testing
The 2014 Taiwan King of Climbers Cycling Challenge kicked off on November 15 at Qixingtan in Hualien, with 473 cyclists from 28 countries participating. The Tourism Bureau announced today that this year marks the first implementation of drug testing, elevating the event to world-class standards. The Tourism Bureau said the biggest highlight of this year’s King of Climbers Challenge is the increased total prize money of NT$2.41 million, with the overall champion taking home NT$1 million. The Tourism Bureau noted that due to the significant rise in prize money, the competition has been elevated to world-class standards. This year, aside from disqualifying athletes with prior positive drug test records from registration, strict drug testing will also be enforced for the first time. The route of the Taiwan King of Climbers Cycling Challenge starts from the nearly sea-level coastline of Qixingtan in Hualien, at an altitude close to 0 meters, passes over the Taroko Bridge, follows Provincial Highway 8 and Provincial Highway 14A, and finishes at the 3,275-meter-high Wuling summit of Hehuanshan.
Merida Cross-Country Race – Endorsed by Feng Chun-Kai
Dubbed as the highest-level domestic Merida Cup International Cross-Country Mountain Bike Competition each year, the event kicked off yesterday in Changhua, attracting nearly 300 elite riders from both home and abroad. The organizers invited 41-year-old Norwegian mountain biking queen Dale and CK Feng Chun-Kai to serve as event ambassadors. 2011 U23 World Champion Liki, making his first visit to Taiwan, also competed alongside local riders. Feng Chun-Kai expressed that he was truly happy to serve as a goodwill ambassador alongside Olympic gold medalist and mountain biking queen Dale. “With more opportunities to compete against top riders from around the world, I will definitely strive to make Taiwan proud.” This year’s Merida Cup Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race drew many top domestic riders, including 2014 Taiwan Mountain Bike Championship double champion Jiang Sheng-Shan and 2014 National MTB XC Cross-Country Tour Downhill Race second-place finisher Lin Wei-Chih.
Local Report – Unidentified Body Found on Baishi Mountain, Suspected to Be Missing Hiker
Nantou: On the 20th, the Ren'ai Police Precinct reported that an unidentified body was discovered near Baishi Mountain. Authorities suspect it may be Xiao, a hiker who went missing on December 5 last year while attempting a traverse of the Nenggao Antongjun Mountain range. Due to the distance from the Ren'ai Township Ren'ai Police Station, reaching the site on foot would take one full day and night. On the 20th, assistance was requested from the Air Police Service Team to dispatch a helicopter, aiming to airlift the body for identification to confirm the deceased’s identity.
Unidentified Body Found on Baishi Mountain, Suspected to Be Missing Hiker from Last Year
On the 20th, the Ren'ai Police Precinct reported that an unidentified body was discovered near Baishi Mountain. Authorities suspect it may be that of a hiker surnamed Xiao who went missing on December 5 last year while attempting a traverse of the Nenggao Antongjun Mountain area. Due to the distance from the Ren'ai Township Ren'ai Police Station, reaching the site on foot would take one full day and night. This afternoon, police requested support from the Air Police Service Squadron to dispatch a helicopter, hoping to airlift the body for examination in order to confirm the deceased’s identity. Last December 5, a hiker surnamed Xiao from Tanzi District, Taichung, went solo trekking on a traverse of Nenggao Antongjun Mountain but went missing. Rescue teams from Nantou County’s fire department, disaster relief units, Hualien County’s fire department, and the Central Region Search and Rescue Team of the Republic of China National Rescue Association deployed dozens of personnel daily in search efforts but found nothing. Yesterday, an unidentified body was reported near Baishi Mountain, and police believe it may be the missing hiker surnamed Xiao.
First event of Kaohsiung Sports Season: 2,000 participants in Guanyin Mountain Hike
The 2015 Kaohsiung Sports Season kicked off on the 17th with the Guanyin Mountain Hiking event. After the starting gun, over 2,000 people set off from the plaza in front of Dajue Temple. The 2.5-kilometer course saw many families taking part together, enjoying a slow and active hiking day amidst their busy lives.
Location Scan – Hiking Trail: Giant Hornet Nest Removed
Makazayazaya: Hikers reported at around 9 a.m. on the 8th that a giant hornet nest was found near a hiking trail at an altitude of 500 meters on Liding Mountain. The Makazayazaya Fire Brigade was alerted and went up the mountain to investigate. They discovered a large nest measuring approximately 1 meter in length and width. Without disturbing the hornet colony, they successfully removed the hive by cutting the branch with a chainsaw, completing the hornet removal mission.
The Jiang Zemin family of three generations hikes Mount Dongshan in Hainan for blessings
According to a post on the WeChat official account of Hainan Dongshan Mountain, in early 2015, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Jiang Zemin, along with his wife Wang Yeping and their three generations of family, visited Mount Dongshan in Hainan to pray for blessings. Photos released by netizens show Jiang Zemin being supported by someone but looking in good spirits. His last public appearance was on October 3, 2014, when he visited the National Museum of China in Beijing. According to netizen accounts, as soon as Jiang Zemin arrived at Dongshan Mountain, he said, “It would have been a pity not to visit this famous mountain in Hainan.” Later, he also told Luo Baoming, then Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee who accompanied him, “Such a beautiful scenic spot—Hainan should promote it vigorously, and Beijing should too. When I go back to Beijing, I’ll promote it for you too. After this, the mountain will be packed with people.” When Jiang Zemin was leaving, he still seemed reluctant to go and said loudly, “Jiang Zemin has been here, and it’s been a rewarding trip.” Several major mainland news portals published this news on the 3rd but later removed the webpage.
Money Scam: 12 People Climb onto Shanxi Government Building Roof, Threaten to Jump
A group of people gathered on the rooftop of the Shanxi Shuozhou Development and Reform Commission building this morning, threatening to jump. Chinese authorities stated that the 12 individuals were investors who lost money after their investment company’s boss fled, and they hoped the government would help recover their losses. The 12 have since come down from the roof and are in communication with local government officials, temporarily resolving the crisis. According to Xinhua News Agency, at around 10:00 a.m. today, 12 people appeared on the rooftop of the Shanxi Shuozhou Development and Reform Commission building, threatening to jump en masse. The Publicity Department of the Shuozhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China said that preliminary information indicates these 12 individuals had invested funds with the Shanxi Helie Venture Capital Investment Co., Ltd. However, after the company’s head, Ma Aibin, went missing in November 2014, they suffered significant financial losses and sought government assistance in recovering their money. The Oriental Daily News further reported that Ma Aibin was the nephew-in-law of the director of the Shanxi Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the head of the Bulk Cement Office under the Shuozhou Development and Reform Commission, and one of the investors in Shanxi Helie Venture Capital Investment Co., Ltd. He absconded on November 4 last year with 180 million yuan (over 900 million New Taiwan dollars).
Location Scan – The Chiaming Lake Hiking Trail Closed Until April
Taitung: The Chiaming Lake Hiking Trail has been closed since December last year and is expected to reopen in April this year. However, the Taitung Forest District Office recently discovered that some commercial groups are still soliciting hiking trips to Chiaming Lake on social media platforms. Therefore, the office is urging the public not to sign up for such tours to avoid breaking the law or risking their safety.
Man falls into valley while hiking on New Year’s Day, rescued by helicopter
A 48-year-old man surnamed Ye, taking advantage of the four-day New Year holiday, formed a hiking team with seven other friends to climb Snow Mountain’s main peak. At 11:49 a.m. on the first day, Ye slipped and fell 200 meters down a valley while crossing the Holy Ridge Trail. He called 112 himself to report the emergency. Rescuers located him in the valley that same day, but due to the late hour, they set up camp in the mountains for the night. On the second day, a Sea Gull helicopter successfully hoisted him to safety, and he is currently under observation in the hospital. Ye has over 10 years of hiking experience. During the New Year break, he and his friends planned a five-day, four-night hiking trip with the goal of reaching the 3,000-meter summit of Snow Mountain’s main peak. On the first day, as the group was traversing the Holy Ridge Trail, Ye lost his footing on the narrow, slippery path and fell directly into a 200-meter-deep valley. Fortunately, he landed on a small ledge. His friends quickly called 112 for help.
Hiker falls into valley, rescued by S-70C Seahawk helicopter
A male hiker was injured after falling into a valley in the mountainous area of Taichung City. The rescue team from the Chiayi Air Base of the Air Force dispatched a Seahawk helicopter today to successfully rescue the individual and transport him down the mountain to receive medical treatment. Fortunately, his life is not in danger. The Taichung City Fire Department received a report at 11:49 a.m. yesterday that a male hiker had fallen into a valley approximately 200 meters along the trail from Mt. Pintian to Mt. Buxiulan in Heping District. As rescue efforts were unsuccessful yesterday, the National Search and Rescue Center was notified, leading to the deployment of a helicopter for the rescue operation today. The Chiayi Air Base of the Air Force stated that after receiving a notification from the National Search and Rescue Center at 9:55 a.m., the rescue team dispatched an S-70C helicopter at 10:05 a.m. The aircraft, piloted by Major Lin [name redacted] and Lieutenant Lü Zhenglin, along with the crew, took off from the Chiayi base and headed to the scene for the rescue mission. The helicopter spotted the injured person at 10:52 a.m.
Hiker falls into valley; Taichung police and firefighters rescue with difficulty
A man surnamed Ye from northern Taiwan who was hiking in Heping District, Taichung City, fell into a valley yesterday. With snow covering the mountain area, firefighters faced great challenges and finally managed to carry the injured man to the mountaintop today before rescuing him via helicopter.
Dementia-stricken elderly woman gets lost while hiking alone, rescued today
The New Taipei City Fire Department received a report around 2 p.m. yesterday (1st) from the Bitan Public Elderly Care Center in Xindian District, stating that a 75-year-old woman surnamed Hong with dementia had gone missing. The fire department alerted the police to search the vicinity. Surveillance footage showed the woman appearing at the entrance of Lane 62, Section 2, Xintan Road, Xindian District—7.5 kilometers away—but her whereabouts remained unknown. At 8 a.m. today (2nd), a mountain rescue team was formed to search the area, and she was found around 9 a.m. at the hiking trail entrance of Lane 81, Section 3, Xintan Road. She suffered minor abrasions on her left palm, was sent to the hospital for treatment, and is in stable condition.
Snow Mountain National Park: Winter Season Entry Controls Begin Today
To ensure visitor safety during the winter climbing season, the Snow Mountain National Park Administration has implemented entry requirements from today until March 31 (subject to snow conditions). Climbing teams planning to enter ecological protection zones must submit a self-checklist for snow climbing gear and technical skills, along with a declaration form, when applying for park entry. Team leaders are required to provide certification of snow training or a mountaineering guide license. Applications will be rejected if qualifications are not met. Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to take note. Snow Mountain National Park is home to multiple peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation. Since winter began, the area has experienced at least three major snowfalls, with successive cold fronts recently moving in. To safeguard climbers, starting January 1, all teams must carry appropriate snow climbing equipment, and team leaders must hold a valid snow training certificate issued by an accredited institution or a recognized mountaineering guide license. Relevant documents must be signed by both the leader and team members to confirm responsibility before entry will be approved.
Hualien Forestry Bureau Teams Up with Mountaineering Clubs to Protect Mountain Forests
On the 30th, the Hualien District Office of the Forestry Bureau allied with mountaineering clubs such as the Hualien County Mountain Association and the Hualien County Preschool Teachers' Mountaineering Association, pledging to jointly safeguard the nation’s mountain forests and natural resources. Huang Li-ping, deputy director of the Hualien Forest Management Office, said that incidents of illegal logging and poaching in remote mountain areas have been frequent. With limited manpower in public agencies, the involvement of civilian groups adds significant support to forest conservation efforts. Huang Li-ping stated that in recent years, exaggerated reports on the anti-cancer effects of Taiwan yellow cypress mushrooms, along with the popularity of woodcrafts made from Taiwanese cypress among tourists, have led to rampant theft of trees such as yellow cypress, red cypress, and Hinoki cypress. Criminal syndicates have even emerged, employing not only well-organized operations but also hiring strong, undocumented migrant workers to assist in transportation, making prevention increasingly difficult. Huang Li-ping said that to combat illegal logging and poaching, the Forest Management Office has increased patrol staffing in remote mountain areas.
Hikers rescued after getting lost; donate plaque to rescue team
Members of the "Mountain Walk & Lunch Wellness Club" went hiking on Gupoliao Mountain in Wulai District, New Taipei City, on the 10th of this month. Suspected to be unfamiliar with the trail conditions, they got lost and called for help from the New Taipei City Fire Department. The Fourth Disaster Relief and Rescue Brigade dispatched a large number of personnel and search dogs to conduct the rescue operation, which took 17 hours to safely bring down all 23 lost hikers. A club representative presented a thank-you plaque today (the 23rd) to express gratitude to the hardworking police, volunteer firefighters, and rescuers. The brigade commander, Chung Shih-ming, urged hikers to make thorough preparations before heading up the mountain, plan appropriate hiking routes, and carry sufficient drinking water and rations for emergencies.
Woman Collapses from Chest Tightness While Hiking; Ambulance Response Fails to Save Her
A 47-year-old woman surnamed Shi from Taichung City went hiking in the Heping District on the 15th, collapsed from chest tightness by the roadside, and was reported by her family. Although the Heping Fire Brigade’s ambulance was dispatched and support was called in from the Dongshi Brigade, the woman was found without vital signs upon arrival.
Hiker Dies of Shock from Abdominal Pain After Leaving Team; Court Acquits Fellow Members
A hiker, Yu Jinhé, and a man surnamed Shen formed a mountaineering team. Yu left the group due to abdominal pain and later died from septic shock caused by acute peritonitis. Five teammates accused of negligent homicide were acquitted. The Kaohsiung District Court verdict stated that Yu and the man surnamed Shen, along with four others, formed a team in 2012 (Republic of China Year 101) to trek the southern section of the Central Mountain Range. Yu, suffering from severe abdominal pain, separated from the group. A teammate surnamed Jian stayed behind to accompany him, while Shen and the other five continued descending. Yu later died from septic shock caused by acute peritonitis. Investigations by prosecutors and police revealed that Jian visited the Endemic Species Research Institute and informed Shen and the others about Yu’s condition. He also reported the situation to the Liouguei Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department to initiate a search and rescue operation. However, by the time they reached the campsite, Yu had already passed away. The forensic pathologist concluded that Yu could have survived with timely medical treatment. Prosecutors from the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office believed that Shen and the others had abandoned their teammate when he was unwell, which could be considered a criminal omission. In May of this year, they indicted Shen and the other five for negligent homicide.
Accused of Abandoning Hiker Leading to Death, 5 Companions Acquitted
In January of the previous year, 66-year-old frequent hiker Yu Jinhe and six others formed a hiking team. However, while trekking along the southern section of the Central Mountain Range, Yu left the group due to abdominal pain and later died in the mountains. At the time, except for a hiker surnamed Jian, the five others, including the team leader surnamed Shen, were accused by the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office of failing to render aid and were charged with negligent homicide. The Kaohsiung District Court ruled after the trial that Shen and the others could not have foreseen Yu’s death. Moreover, Yu’s cause of death—duodenal ulcer with intestinal perforation, acute peritonitis, and septic shock—was classified as a medical emergency. Even if the five defendants had followed the prosecutors’ suggestion to “actively search for him and wait for a reunion,” they might still not have been able to prevent his death. The court concluded by acquitting all defendants.
Consumer News – GoHiking Year-End Promotion: Get a Hiking Pole When You Spend Enough
Outdoor retail chain GoHiking is launching its year-end promotion, led by BLACK YAK, a top Korean outdoor brand endorsed by Korean star Zhao Yincheng. Purchase BLACK YAK products totaling NT$16,800 or more to receive a limited-edition hiking pole. Accumulated spending of NT$5,000 or more across the store gets you an instant NT$300 discount, while NT$10,000 or more earns you NT$1,000 off. Starting from the 15th, buy selected models from American urban casual bag brand Overland to receive a floral eco-friendly shopping bag. The promotion runs until December 31.