Classic Itineraries
A man went hiking during his holiday and an accidental discovery made him rich overnight
In a foreign country, a man went hiking during his holiday and accidentally picked up a piece of transparent stone. At the time, he had no idea what kind of stone it was and didn’t think it was very valuable, so he just put it in his bag and took it home. After returning home, he searched online for information because he didn’t know what it was, so he started by looking up crystals. After spending a lot of time, he finally found out what it was. Originally, this crystal is called kunzite, a high-grade crystal raw stone known as the “queen of amethysts.” After inviting a geologist to examine it, the man decided to buy the mountain and mine this purple crystal together with his family. In the video, you can see people digging for kunzite. The mine isn’t very deep, and they are using a hard, thin steel wire to dig bit by bit. The unearthed kunzite emits a pinkish-purple glow, looking extremely gorgeous and beautiful. This gemstone shows different colors when viewed from different angles. The man never expected that just going hiking could lead to him striking it rich overnight.
Fulfilling Dreams at Cambridge Circle, Shouting Transformation Declarations on the Hehuan Mountain Range
Known for its diverse education approach, Cambridge Bilingual School aims to push students out of their comfort zones and create challenging learning environments. For the first time, 285 eighth-grade students, led by professional mountaineering guides and teachers, tackled the Hehuan Mountain Range. Over a 4-day, 3-night journey, they climbed five high mountains. At the summit, the students shouted out their self-declarations of transformation. Cambridge Bilingual School students had previously summited Snow Mountain during elementary school to receive graduation certificates. This year, the school planned for eighth-grade students to climb five peaks in the Hehuan Mountain Range: Shimen Mountain, Hehuan North Peak, Hehuan West Peak, Hehuan East Peak, and Wufanaiwei Mountain—routes that are more challenging in both distance and difficulty. The students have been preparing for the climb since May last year, training in mountaineering skills and physical endurance.
Hiking tourist falls on Meiling Scenic Area; firefighters successfully rescue
At 12:39 noon today, the Tainan City Fire Department received a report from a Mr. Su, who said he was hiking in the Meiling Scenic Area of Nansi District when he accidentally slipped into a valley while walking from the Earth God Temple toward Yixiantian. The fire department immediately dispatched Deputy Chief Yang Juncheng of the Second Disaster Relief and Rescue Brigade to lead the rescue, with personnel from the Nansi and Yujing stations responding, and also called in the Tainan City Special Search and Rescue Team to assist. Rescue personnel set up a command post at No. 31-23, Banana Mountain, Wanqiu Li, Nansi District, to assemble vehicles and personnel, and assigned the Nansi and Yujing teams as search and rescue squads under the ICS framework to enter the area for the mission. Due to the steep terrain along the route, which made it difficult for regular vehicles to pass, and the urgency of the rescue, local volunteer firefighters used a four-wheel-drive pickup truck to reach the site. The on-site command post immediately contacted the trapped individual by phone and continued knocking on bamboo groves to help rescuers pinpoint the exact location.
Eye Challenge: How Many Climbers Can You Spot on the Precipice?
Take a try—how many climbers can you spot in these photos at first glance? Gianluca Pisano, a 44-year-old computer engineer from Italy, recently went hiking near Monte San Martino in the eastern Alps to capture the sunset over the mountains. While he was there, he faintly noticed something moving on the towering cliffs opposite him. When he zoomed in with his telephoto lens, he discovered that there were actually four climbers scaling the sheer rock face.
He discovered a sword while hiking, and the appraisal results left everyone stunned.
A Norwegian hiker named Goran Olsen was trekking in the Telemark border area of Haukeliseter, about 250 kilometers from Norway’s capital Oslo, when he unexpectedly found a well-preserved Viking sword beneath a rock on an ancient path. After expert research, it was revealed to be 1,200 years old. The sword is 30 inches (77 cm) long, made entirely of wrought iron, and despite some slight rust, it looks remarkably intact. Even more astonishingly, the discovery site is covered by snow and ice for over six months of the year, which may be the reason it has survived to this day. According to local archaeologist Jostein Aksdal, the sword likely dates back to around the...
70 scouts from New Taipei City’s Boy Scout troop get lost on hike in Jinguashi and are rescued
Yesterday morning, 70 scouts from a troop in Xindian District, New Taipei City, including 48 adults and 22 schoolchildren, went hiking and trekking in areas such as Ruifang’s Jinguashi. Due to unfamiliarity with the terrain, the group of 70 became lost in the mountains and were stranded for nearly four hours. As it grew darker and colder, the leaders had no choice but to call for help from the fire department around 5 p.m. Fortunately, after a search and rescue operation, all 70 people were found at the Lile Copper Smelter in Ruifang District, New Taipei City. All are safe and are currently being escorted down the mountain by firefighters. The New Taipei City Fire Department received the report yesterday afternoon and immediately dispatched four teams — the squadron, Ruifang, Jiufen, and Xiufeng — with a total of 34 personnel to search the mountains. After three hours of searching, they found the group around 9 p.m. at the Lile Copper Smelter in Ruifang, New Taipei City. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but due to the darkness,
Students and teachers from Taiyuan Junior High School safely return after mountain climb
Twenty students and teachers from Taiyuan Junior High School in Taitung, who had gone camping and hiking in Qili Stream in Donghe Township, were unable to be contacted due to heavy rain in the mountains the previous evening and poor communication in the area, causing great concern among parents. Rescue personnel from Taitung entered the mountains on the 1st to search for them. After an aerial reconnaissance by an air force helicopter located the students’ position, rescuers guided them down the mountain. Seeing their children return safely, parents were overjoyed and tearfully repeated, “It’s good that you’re back, just good that you’re back!”
Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge: French Rider Dominates Wuling
Organized by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge kicked off at 6:30 AM on the 30th as 412 riders from 32 countries around the globe pedaled swiftly. The route started from the coastal area of Qixingtan in Hualien, near sea level, and climbed all the way to the finish line at Wuling on Hehuanshan, which sits at an altitude of 3,275 meters — covering a total distance of 105 kilometers. This year’s overall champion was French rider Damien Frederic Monier, who claimed victory with a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes and 19 seconds, while Taiwanese rider Feng Chun-kai secured the title of Taiwan Champion. The Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge route is hailed as an international paradise road and has been ranked by Le Cycle, France’s best-selling cycling magazine, as one of the world’s top ten most grueling extreme race courses. As riders ascend, they can take in the stunning, almost otherworldly landscapes along the way.
Norwegian hiker discovers 1,000-year-old Damascus steel sword in excellent condition, climate change aids archaeology
Norwegian archaeologists said on the 29th that a hiker hiking in the mountains happened to find a 1,200-year-old Viking sword in remarkably good condition, once again indicating that global warming has been highly beneficial to the field of archaeology. Agence France-Presse reported that archaeologist Jostein Aksdal, based in the western town of Bergen, said the Viking sword is 80 cm long and made of Damascus steel, dating back to the earliest period of the Viking Age, around the late 8th century AD. Aksdal also told AFP that the Viking sword was highly valuable at the time because only people of high status were qualified to wield such a weapon, while most Vikings (pirates) could only carry simple knives or axes. The hiker discovered the ancient sword three years ago but only recently handed it over to the archaeological community. Next,
Taiwan's King of Climbing Race Kicks Off: Elite Cyclists from 32 Countries Take on the Challenge
The 4th edition of Taiwan’s King of Climbing cycling challenge kicked off at 5:30 a.m. on the 30th at Qixingtan in Hualien. Combining breathtakingly beautiful scenery with grueling physical demands, it is hailed as one of the world’s top 10 toughest races. Cyclists from 32 countries tackled the climb from Qixingtan in Hualien all the way up to Wuling on Hehuanshan, aiming to conquer the final 10-kilometer stretch known as “Heaven’s Road,” which features continuous ascents. The King of Climbing route spans a total of 105 kilometers, and with participants required to finish within 6.5 hours, the difficulty level is extremely high. It has been recognized by the French cycling magazine Le Cycle as one of the world’s ten most challenging races, ranking alongside routes in the Alps.
Rescuing Hikers: Police Chief Honored as "Good Cop with Tea"
On the 27th, Yu Shiping, Chief of Tai Gang Police Station under Hengshan Precinct of Hsinchu County Police Bureau, attended an award ceremony at the National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior, to receive the "Good Cop with Tea" award. At the end of last month, Chief Yu heroically rescued 17 hikers stranded during Typhoon Dujuan. His brave actions were recognized among the nation’s top police good deeds from July to September, earning him the first-ever "Good Cop with Tea" Award in the Public Service category from the National Police Agency.
2015 King of Climbers: Feng Chun-kai Breaks Through to Claim Taiwan’s No. 1 Title Again
The 2015 Taiwan King of Climbers cycling challenge saw a strong field of competitors. With just 2 kilometers to go before the finish, France’s Damien Frederic Monier clashed fiercely with Denmark’s John Ebsen, who was aiming for his third consecutive title. In the end, Monier crossed the finish line first in 3 hours, 34 minutes, 19.86 seconds, shattering Ebsen’s bid for a three-peat. Representing Merida-Lampre, Taiwan’s Feng Chun-kai finished in 7th place with a time of 3 hours, 38 minutes, 19.24 seconds, securing the best result among Taiwanese riders. The race started early this morning at 6:30 AM from Qixingtan Beach in Hualien at sea level, ascending via the Taroko Bridge toward Xinbaiyang and Bilu Sacred Tree areas. After passing Dayuling, the route featured another tough climb before reaching the finish line at Wuling on Hehuanshan at an altitude of 3,275 meters. The total distance of 105 kilometers has been dubbed...
Improvement work on the Beikeng stream environment in Fengyuan North Pit to commence in November
The Beikeng hiking trail in Fengyuan District is a popular local hiking route. Local residents once suggested to Mayor Lin Chia-lung that the environment of the Beikeng stream alongside the trail be improved. Subsequently, the Taichung City Water Resources Bureau carried out a series of maintenance works on the stream environment and drainage system improvements. The stream dredging has now been completed, and foundation reinforcement has been conducted at areas where the existing stream embankments have eroded. The project to improve the gully drainage system is scheduled for construction in November, which is expected to further enhance the local recreational environment. Water Resources Bureau Director Zhou Ting-zhang said that Mayor Lin had visited the Beikeng hiking trail and listened to feedback from hikers. The public suggested improving issues such as poor drainage in certain gullies and the environment of the Beikeng stream along the trail. Following this, Mayor Lin instructed the Water Resources Bureau to expedite drainage system improvements and stream environment maintenance. The Water Resources Bureau noted that regarding the environmental issues of the Beikeng stream, the stream has already been dredged, and overgrown bamboo and trees on both banks have been trimmed. To optimize the water area environment next to the trail, foundation reinforcement has been carried out at sections where the existing stream embankments have eroded. At the same time, safety facilities such as block-shaped guardrails along the hiking trail have been repaired to protect public safety.
Bicycle Mountain King: Olympic Gold Medalists to Take on the Challenge
The main event of Taiwan’s Cycling Festival, the Taiwan KOM Challenge – King of the Mountain, will kick off this Friday at Qixingtan on the Pacific coast in Hualien. Over 200 world-class cyclists will tackle the grueling 105-kilometer route that climbs from sea level to an altitude of 3,275 meters. Liu Xilin, Deputy Director of the Tourism Bureau, said that the final 10 kilometers of Taiwan’s KOM Challenge feature gradients ranging from 17 to 27 degrees, earning it the nickname “Road to Heaven.” It has also been ranked among the world’s top ten toughest races by Le Cycle, France’s best-selling cycling magazine. This year, the event will see its first-ever participation by an Olympic gold medalist.
31 Countries’ Cyclists Unite to Tackle Taiwan’s King of Climbs
With its delicious food, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, the Taiwan Cycling Festival has left a deep impression on foreign riders. At the end of this month, cyclists from 31 countries will gather in Taiwan once again to take on the world’s most challenging mountain cycling route. The festival’s 20 group rides around the island will serve as a “warm-up tune,” preparing for the upcoming launch of the “Round-the-Island Route One” at the end of the year. Serving as a Warm-Up for Route One The Taiwan King of Climbs is not only an enjoyable experience but also one of the best forms of tourism marketing. Zhou Xiaolin from the Yang Cycling Team, who has participated in the KOM Taiwan King of Climbs for four consecutive years, has witnessed the event grow from 79 foreign riders at its inception in 2012 to nearly half—about 200 participants—being international this year. The competition has become increasingly intense and has garnered even more acclaim. Zhou Xiaolin won the division championship in the King of Climbs in 2013 and last year completed the race in freezing temperatures of 3°C, gaining a profound appreciation for what was hailed by a French cycling magazine as
Avalanche in the French Alps kills 2 Lithuanian climbers
An avalanche struck the French Alps on Sunday (the 3rd), resulting in the known deaths of two Lithuanian climbers. French officials have warned that risks persist in the area over the next few hours. According to the Associated Press, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve stated in a press release that the two climbers died in an avalanche near the Chamonix ski and mountaineering center in the Mont Blanc massif. Cazeneuve urged the public to remain vigilant about avalanches and called for preventive measures against avalanche hazards in the region. Chamonix, popular among mountaineers from around the world, features challenging slopes and breathtaking scenery. Rescue personnel in Chamonix reported that the victims were a man and a woman, both Lithuanian climbers.
Challenge yourself to reach the summit with philosophy — 3 essentials for healthy hiking
With the rise of the healthy lifestyle trend, more and more people have taken up hiking in recent years. Hiking allows you to test your endurance and physical strength; reaching the summit and gazing at the beautiful mountain scenery fills you with a great sense of accomplishment. Although hiking is beneficial for both body and mind, it still carries risks and dangers. The following is an article titled “3 Must-Knows for Healthy Hiking!! A Must-Read for Beginners!” published on AiJingYan (Love Experience), detailing essential knowledge for healthy hiking and expert warnings that hikers can refer to. ＠Healthy Hiking Essentials＠ 1. Prepare a pair of suitable shoes
Hikers Stranded in Jiuxionggen Mountain Area Rescued After Police and Firefighters Launch Search
Police officer Zhou Minglun and officer Lin Yuqing from Jinxī Police Station of Xindian Precinct received a report from the dispatch center around 9 p.m. a few days ago, stating that a 46-year-old man surnamed Yu was stranded in the Jiuxionggen mountain area within their jurisdiction. Upon receiving the information, the police station immediately coordinated with the Pinglin Fire Brigade, volunteer firefighters, and local residents familiar with the mountain terrain to form a search and rescue team. The rescuers initially attempted to use mobile phone signals to locate the man, but his phone had run out of battery, making it impossible to pinpoint his position. Xindian police contacted the man’s wife, who reported the incident. She explained that her husband had set out for a mountain exploration at around 5 a.m. but had not returned home by the agreed time. She broke down in tears, expressing deep concern about what would happen if something happened to her husband. The search and rescue operation continued from the time of the report that evening until 6 a.m. the next day, but the man was not found. However, the police and firefighters did not give up hope.
12 students trapped on high mountain, rescuers criticize them for seeking death
On New Year’s Eve, 12 college students from mainland China who had no professional gear or mountaineering experience rashly decided to climb to the summit of Mount Zhao Gong, a 2,434-meter-high snow-capped mountain, to watch the sunrise at the start of the new year. However, due to their lack of experience and inadequate equipment, they became exhausted and immobile. While waiting for rescue after calling for help, a team of professional mountaineers climbed up to where the students were. Without mincing words, a member of the professional climbing team said that attempting to climb a mountain without experience and dressed like that was simply seeking death. But because they were unfamiliar with the mountain paths, they became physically drained, and two college students suffered minor injuries. Eight of the students were stranded on the mountain at an altitude of 2,100 meters. As night fell, rain mixed with snow began to fall, and the temperature dropped below freezing. It wasn’t until the police received the distress call and assembled over 30 rescuers to head up the mountain overnight. They walked for three hours on icy, frozen roads and eventually found the eight stranded students at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Another four students had followed the professional climbers to the summit. The entire rescue operation lasted 12 hours, successfully saving all eight stranded hikers as the new year arrived.
Hiking for Health: Legislator Chiang Chi-chen Invites You to Join New Year’s Flag-Raising and Mountain Hiking
To welcome 2016, Legislator Chiang Chi-chen will host the “Happy Start • Welcome 2016 Flag-Raising and Lohas Hiking” event at 7:00 AM on January 1, 2016 (Year 105 in the Republic of China calendar), at Zhongzheng Park in Fengyuan. The event will feature a flag-raising ceremony led by the Fengyuan Aile Choir singing the national anthem, and thousands of small national flags will be distributed on-site. Participants are encouraged to sing out their support for the country and exchange New Year greetings.