Classic Itineraries
Area Scan – Hiking Elder Goes Missing, Found in Xincheng Mountainous Area of New Taipei
Fuxing: A 73-year-old surnamed Lin went missing on the morning of the 14th of this month after setting off with friends from the Taman Mountain trailhead in Taoyuan City. He was en route to Mingchi Villa in Datong Township, Yilan County, when he disappeared. At around 4 p.m. on the 16th, Mr. Lin was found by firefighters and rescue personnel along with the Taiwan Rock Rescue Team in the Chaken mountainous area of New Taipei City. He was conscious and in good health. It is estimated that he will be escorted down from the Taman Mountain trailhead in Taoyuan City early on the 17th.
Staff shortages leave mountain rescue efforts in despair
Mountain search and rescue is an extremely specialized skill, arguably the pinnacle of mountaineering artistry. One must be capable of self-rescue to save others. Yet under Taiwan’s current system, the vast majority of mountain rescue responsibilities fall on police and firefighters who lack mountaineering expertise — an unbearable burden indeed! Firefighters receive primarily fire-related training in school, with mountain rescue instruction barely touching the surface. After being assigned, they typically undergo routine training just once or twice a year. Their daily duties are consumed by firefighting, emergency medical services, and administrative paperwork. With insufficient expertise and training, simply making it up and down the mountain safely is considered a success — let alone conducting high-level technical rescues for missing hikers. Staff shortages have long been a challenge for fire stations in remote mountainous areas, and the situation is worsening. The Ren’ai Fire Station, for example, has an official staff quota of 10, but only about five are on duty each day. Yet the area of Ren’ai Township is larger than that of Changhua County. These five people are tasked with handling all fire, EMS, rescue, snake removal, and even wasp nest extraction duties for the entire township.
Mountain Rescue National Compensation Frightens Off Volunteer Search Teams
Zhang Boyi, a medical student at China Medical University, went missing while climbing Mount Baigushan alone. The Taipei District Court ruled that the Nantou County Fire Bureau’s inadequate rescue efforts warranted a national compensation payout of NT$2.67 million. Rescue personnel are disheartened; the family is also pursuing litigation against the Nantou County Government; meanwhile, future access to mountains for hikers faces higher barriers—resulting in a lose-lose-lose situation. After the Zhang Boyi mountain rescue national compensation case, a Lin surnamed hiker fell into a valley during an outing in the Qianzhuowan Mountains of Ren’ai Township. In the past, volunteer rescue teams would have joined the search, but under the shadow of the national compensation ruling, civic groups hesitated to get involved, leaving only the Fire Bureau and Forestry Bureau to shoulder the rescue responsibilities out of duty. Grassroots police and volunteer firefighters say this kind of “reward-less for merit, liable for mistakes” verdict is like a toxic doctor-patient relationship. No rescuer wants a tragic outcome, nor do they lack sympathy for the anxious families—but mountain rescues come with many variables and technical challenges. The more units involved, the greater the chance of something going wrong. How can such a verdict be satisfying?
Replacing control with mountain education is the fundamental solution.
Taiwan is an island densely covered with high mountains, yet in the past, due to government restrictions, the mountains were closed off and the seas banned, resulting in the descendants of the sea being unskilled in maritime activities and the mountain people inept at climbing. Even occasional trips up the mountains or into the water often ended in disappearances or drownings—how absurd is that?
Three mountaineers from China University of Geosciences conquer the highest peak in North America
China University of Geosciences revealed that three members of its mountaineering team recently successfully summited Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America at an altitude of 6,194 meters. This marks the successful completion of the sixth leg of the team’s mission to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents. China News Service reported that Mount McKinley is located in south-central Alaska, USA, and is the tallest mountain in North America. Every year, over 1,000 climbers attempt to reach its summit. Although its elevation is relatively modest compared to other high peaks, Mount McKinley presents significant climbing challenges. Situated within the Arctic Circle, the mountain features extremely cold weather and is riddled with crevasses and avalanche-prone areas, demanding high technical skill and endurance from climbers. The report stated that since 2012, the mountaineering team of China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) has successively summited the highest peaks in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania,
Hiker Suffers Burns, Porter Assists in Medical Treatment
A gas explosion accident occurred unexpectedly at the Jioming Lake Shelter Mountain Hut on the evening of the 11th. A hiker surnamed Chen was preparing dinner by boiling water with a summit stove when the high flame allegedly caused the soup pot to explode. The hiker sustained multiple burns on his body. The high-altitude porters and kitchen staff on site immediately joined in the first aid efforts and accompanied him down the mountain for medical treatment early yesterday morning. Fortunately, he is in stable condition. The hiker surnamed Chen is part of a self-organized hiking team from Taichung. Around 6 p.m. the day before yesterday, the eight-member hiking team arrived at the Jioming Lake Shelter Mountain Hut. The hiker surnamed Chen began cooking dinner, but possibly due to inexperience, the flame of the summit stove was set too high, causing the soup pot to overheat and explode. Scalding hot water splashed everywhere, and the hiker surnamed Chen was the first to be hit, suffering burns to his face and body. At that time, the high-altitude porters and kitchen staff in the hut heard the explosion and immediately rushed to assist. They found the hiker surnamed Chen had suffered severe burns.
Mountain climbing is risky but affordable—yet climbers aren’t buying the insurance
Chinese people love mountain climbing, but they rarely purchase comprehensive mountain climbing insurance before hitting the trails. Since the introduction of comprehensive mountain climbing insurance last year, six property insurance companies, including Cathay Insurance, have launched such policies. However, over the past year, sales of these policies have been extremely low. Currently, property insurers offering comprehensive mountain climbing insurance include Cathay Insurance, Fubon Insurance, Shin Kong Tokyo Marine, Shin Kong Insurance, Hua Nan Insurance, and Mingtai Insurance. Industry insiders say sales have not met expectations. The Yushan National Park Headquarters has recently encouraged group applicants for Yushan climbs and day-trippers attempting a single push to the summit to purchase comprehensive mountain climbing insurance before their ascent. However, the Yushan National Park Headquarters also clarified that purchasing climbing insurance beforehand is merely an “encouragement” for climbers, not a “mandate.” Those who wish to buy it must contact individual property insurers before their climb. The headquarters does not sell any climbing insurance nor collaborates with any insurers.
Man suspected of getting lost and dehydrated while hiking found dead
The New Taipei City Fire Department and Xindian Police Precinct received a report around 9 p.m. today (the 11th) from the public, alleging that someone had likely gotten lost while hiking on the Gucailu Ancient Trail near Feitsui Reservoir. A large number of rescue personnel were dispatched to search the area. Around 10 p.m., they found a man lying in the bushes, who had no heartbeat or breathing. He was rushed to Xindian Gengxin Hospital, where he is currently undergoing emergency treatment. According to preliminary information from police and firefighters, the man had hiked along the Guishan Road near Feitsui Reservoir with two friends this afternoon, heading toward the Gucailu Ancient Trail. One of them is suspected to have gotten separated from the group and lost. The two friends searched for a long time but couldn’t find him. After spending considerable time descending the mountain, they went directly to the Guishan Police Office at Xindian Police Precinct to file a report. The police then notified the fire department to initiate a mountain rescue. Because the ancient trail is narrow and rarely visited, the two rescued hikers were also unable to clearly identify the location. Police and firefighters searched from different mountain paths, including Xinwu Road and Beiyi Road.
A group of five climbers can purchase comprehensive mountaineering insurance.
Recently, a solo climber got into a mountain accident, leading to a court ruling that ordered state compensation for the rescue efforts, sparking a mix of opinions. The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters urges hikers to form a team of at least five before climbing so they can purchase “comprehensive mountaineering insurance.” Starting this year, the coverage has been expanded to include search and rescue expenses, offering more comprehensive protection.
Taichung Councilor He Wenhai Concerned About Mountain Rescue Operations, Personally Joins Training Exercise
No Reward for Merit, but Compensation for Damage? A mountain rescue case in Nantou County was ruled by the Taipei District Court as ineffective, resulting in state compensation, which led to a mass withdrawal of civilian rescuers from mountain rescue teams. On the 4th, Councilor He Wenhai specially led 13 people including Heping District Chief Lin Jiantang, utilizing the Fire Bureau’s quarterly regular training period, to conduct a 4-day, 3-night seasonal training session with five specialized personnel from the two mountain accident rescue teams under the Second Battalion—Lishan and Heping. The goal was to practically assess the fire department’s mountain rescue capabilities.
Qunyi Family Day: Enjoy a Lohas Hike in the Four Beasts Mountains
The 2015 Qunyi Financial Group Family Day "Hike the Four Beasts Mountains" event kicked off with great fanfare on June 6 at Tiger Mountain in Taipei. To promote a healthy and active lifestyle, this year’s event was expanded significantly. In addition to employees from Qunyi Financial Group’s head office and affiliates, colleagues and their families from the group’s northern branches were also specially invited to join in. The event drew over a thousand participants, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere. Participants in the 2015 "Hike the Four Beasts Mountains" Family Day from across the group’s companies, led by senior executives including Wang ?zhi, Chairman of Qunyi Jinding Securities; Zhao Yongfei, General Manager; Sun Tianshan, Chairman of Qunyi Futures; Cai Mingyan, Chairman of Qunyi Investment Consulting; and Qiu Zhaojian, Chairman of Qunyi Insurance Agency, followed fitness instructors in a group aerobic warm-up session. With a thousand people moving together, the energy and health-conscious spirit were palpable.
Earthquake in Sabah, Malaysia: 160 Hikers Stranded on Mount Kinabalu
According to a report by China News Service in Kuala Lumpur on June 5, Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, Malaysia, said that due to the earthquake that struck Ranau this morning, 160 hikers are currently stranded on Mount Kinabalu. He said that Mount Kinabalu Park has suspended all climbing activities, and the foothill areas have been severely damaged by falling rocks, but no casualties have been reported so far. He also mentioned that 35 out of the 195 hikers have been safely evacuated to the mountain entrance of Mount Kinabalu. This morning at 7:15 a.m., a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Ranau, with the epicenter located 16 kilometers northwest of Ranau at 6.1 degrees north latitude and 116.6 degrees east longitude. Sabah police stated that the quake lasted approximately 30 seconds. The Malaysian Meteorological Department noted that strong tremors were felt in Kota Kinabalu (the state capital), areas near Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang, Tuaran, and Tambunan. The department is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates to the public.
Mountain Rescue Ruling Leads to State Compensation Claim; Nantou County to Appeal and Draft Autonomous Regulations
The Nantou County Government will appeal the state compensation ruling over a mountain rescue case, calling it highly unreasonable, said Magistrate Lin Ming-tsuen on the 3rd. The county will also draft the "Nantou County Mountain Hiking Management Autonomous Regulations" to establish penalties. Repeat offenders who trespass in mountain areas will be referred to legal authorities, with detention recommended. Nantou County Fire Bureau Director Lin Cong-chi stated that after the court ruled the fire bureau was liable for inadequate rescue efforts and ordered state compensation, a hiker went missing on Qianzhuowan Mountain. Due to the chilling effect, local volunteer rescue teams were unwilling to join the search—showcasing how much such compensation rulings impact police and volunteer firefighters. Lin Ming-tsuen said the county government will draft the "Nantou County Mountain Hiking Management Autonomous Regulations" within six months. The rules will prohibit solo climbs of high-altitude mountains, requiring groups of at least three to five people. Hikers must also register at local fire stations beforehand and rent satellite phones for
Local Report – Hiker Lin Jun-chen Dies in Mountain Accident, Body Recovered
Nantou: The body of 66-year-old hiker Lin Jun-chen, who died after falling off a cliff while climbing alone on Guanzhuowan Mountain in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County during the plum rain season, was found by rescue personnel on the 30th of last month. On the 1st, as weather conditions in the mountain area improved, the Ren’ai Fire Brigade requested a helicopter hoist operation to safely transport the body down the mountain.
Warm-hearted Chen Delie Carries Wheelchair-Bound Girl Hiking to Watch the Sunrise
CTI Entertainment’s "Backpackers" aired on the 31st, featuring Chen Delie and wheelchair-bound girl Lin Xinbei as they explored the beauty of Taiwan—from Beitou and Sun Moon Lake to Alishan. To fulfill her dream of riding a bicycle again—something she hadn’t done since becoming paralyzed in her legs at age four—Chen took her for a bike ride around Sun Moon Lake and even carried her up Alishan to watch the sunrise. Chen Delie lifted the girl, who had previously only been able to see the world from a 135cm-high wheelchair perspective, and shared with her the dawn he could see from his 185cm height. Touched and choked with emotion, Lin Xinbei thanked Chen Delie, saying, “He made me feel I’m not alone.” She also mentioned that stepping out was her way of encouraging others like her, hoping everyone can go out and bravely explore the world.
The China International Camping Congress will be held in Bayinbuluke in August.
Super travelers who would sell their cars and houses just to go on a trip. Heijian, a Chengdu native born in the north. Since 2000, over the past 13 years, his footsteps have covered 82 countries across seven continents. If not for the upcoming self-driving trip from Chengdu to Tibet starting on the 16th, he might be exploring some corner of the world. This August, he will also join Liang...
Discovering the Forgotten Wilderness – The North Face’s Eighth Route to Tibet
On May 28, 2013, the “Discovering the Forgotten Wilderness – The North Face’s Eighth Route to Tibet” outdoor documentary exhibition officially opened at the Polar Bear Gallery in the M50 Creative Park, located at No. 50 Moganshan Road, Shanghai. On the first day of the exhibition, nearly 20 media outlets were invited to the site to experience this extraordinary eighth route to Tibet...
Colorful Yuantong Trail: Hike, Enjoy Scenery, and Admire Art
Fifty teachers and students from Zhonghe District’s Jinhe High School spent their summer vacation helping the Jinshengli community paint a mural wall along the Yuantong Temple hiking trail. They created over 10 large-scale artworks, giving the old trail a fresh new look. Happily, they said participating in this community activity made for a unique summer break. The Jinhe Cultural and Educational Foundation called on student volunteers to head to the hiking trail to clean up the environment and paint. Under the blazing sun, the students, drenched in sweat, took part in environmental service learning. In addition to providing hikers with a cleaner and more comfortable trail experience, the activity also helped them stay physically active and enriched their summer vacation. Student Chen Yixuan’s artwork was themed “Never Lose Your Inner Child”; another student, Wang Yuzhen, chose “Love” as her theme, aiming to express love for teachers, classmates, family, school, and the community. Other diverse themes such as “Dreams,” “Be Yourself,” and “Aliens” added splashes of color to the hiking trail walls, offering a whimsical, childlike scenery to enjoy while hiking.
Jinhe and Jinsheng Join Hands to Clean Mountains and Paint Walls for Learning
Fifty teachers and students from Jinhe High School in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, took advantage of their summer break to help paint a mural wall along the hiking trail at Yuantong Temple in Jinsheng Community. They created over ten large-scale artworks, giving the old trail a fresh new look. Village Chief Lin Su-e stated that Jinsheng Community once won the national award for the most environmentally outstanding village, and with the slogan “Jinsheng is My Home,” it called on residents to participate together. This event specially collaborated with a local school, aiming to bring a renewed vibrancy to the community. The activity was initiated by the Jinhe Cultural and Educational Foundation, which mobilized student volunteers to assist with trail maintenance. The students prepared various cleaning tools and carried out mountain-cleaning service learning under the scorching sun, hoping to make the community cleaner and provide hikers with a more comfortable and refreshing environment. The students found the experience very meaningful, as it not only helped them stay physically active
Mountain Bike Asian Championships: Chinese Taipei Team Adds Another Silver Medal
The Chinese Taipei team competing in the Mountain Bike Asian Championships in Malaysia has secured another victory today, as young rider Tsai Ya-Yu claimed a silver medal in the junior women's cross-country race with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 39 seconds. Coupled with the bronze medal from the team relay event on the first day, and yesterday’s gold won by Jiang Sheng-Shan in the downhill race, the team has earned a medal every day—marking their best performance in nearly 13 years. The final day of the Mountain Bike Asian Championships featured a series of cross-country races across various categories. Tsai Ya-Yu competed in the junior women’s category, which consisted of four laps around a 4.5-kilometer course. She finished just behind her Thai opponent to take the silver. In the junior men’s category, Lee Chi-Chin placed 16th. Downhill king Jiang Sheng-Shan secured 21st in the men’s elite category, while Huang Ho-Hsuan finished 8th in the elite women’s group.