Classic Itineraries
Yangmingshan National Park Authority urgently closes trails; Seven Star Mountain Trail Run postponed
A turning point has emerged in the 2016 Seven Star Mountain King Trail Run controversy. Today, the Yangmingshan National Park Authority announced that, to ensure visitor safety, certain trails within Yangmingshan National Park will be temporarily closed for maintenance, leading the organizers to postpone the event in the afternoon. The 2016 Seven Star Mountain King Cross-Country Trail Run, organized by Wei Yue Sports Marketing, was still being promoted by the organizers on Facebook as going ahead as planned, despite the Yangmingshan National Park Administration emphasizing that it had not granted approval. However, today the Qingtiangang Management Station of Yangmingshan National Park Administration issued a notice stating that, to protect visitor safety, multiple trails including the Seven Star Mountain Trail (near the entrance from Lengshuikeng to Seven Star Mountain), the Zhugao Mountain Branch Trail (entire route), and the Dingshan Shitiling Trail (near the Fengguikou trailhead) will be temporarily closed for repairs from April 29 to 30. Visitors are advised to avoid these routes.
Reducing Disaster Relief Waste – Taichung City Drafts Mountain Hiking Autonomous Ordinance
The Taichung City Government plans to formulate an autonomous ordinance for managing hiking activities. By regulating hiking hours and mandating insurance, it aims to prevent people from forcibly hiking in poor weather conditions. This not only safeguards hikers’ personal safety but also reduces the waste of rescue resources. Recently, a hiker who was climbing Yuanduozhi Mountain in Heping District suffered a swollen ankle and was unable to walk. The Taichung City Fire Bureau dispatched a helicopter for the rescue, only to later discover that the hiker could still walk, raising suspicions of public fund misuse and sparking public backlash. The city government hopes to avoid similar incidents through the proposed Taichung City Mountain Hiking Management Autonomous Ordinance. Fire Bureau Chief Hsiao Huan-chang stated that the ordinance will regulate the legal application process for entering mountains and parks, require hikers to carry GPS and communication equipment, mandate self-preparedness for hiking, and ensure that team leaders possess basic first aid skills.
The Taichung City Mountain Climbing Ordinance incorporates requirements for locators and rescue capabilities
Taichung City has many popular hiking routes. To ensure hikers are well-prepared for safety, the municipal government has drafted a self-governing ordinance for mountain climbing activities, which includes provisions such as equipping hikers with locator devices and communication equipment, and requiring team leaders to possess basic life-saving or primary first aid skills.
Controversy over Seven Star Mountain King Trail Run; Taipei City Government Calls for Respect Toward Yangmingshan Management Office
The 2016 Seven Star Mountain King cross-country trail run event sparked controversy, with the Yangmingshan National Park Administration refusing to approve its holding, yet the organizers still planned to go ahead as scheduled. The Taipei City Sports Bureau stated today that it respects the management stance of each venue authority and also hopes the organizers will respect the opinion of the Yangmingshan Management Office. The “2016 Seven Star Mountain King” cross-country trail run competition, organized by the Taiwan Sports Leisure Industry Development Association and the Chinese Taipei Athletics Association, and managed by Weiyue Sports Marketing Co., was not approved for hosting by the Yangmingshan National Park Administration on the grounds of potential impacts on safety and the ecological environment. However, the event organizers claimed on Facebook that the event would still take place on the 30th. Yangmingshan National Park Administration Director Chen Maochun stated today that this would absolutely not be permitted, and they will request the Taiwan Police College’s 7th Brigade to collect evidence on-site that day, with potential fines of over NT$1 million at the maximum. The Sports Bureau explained that the 201
Unauthorized Road Race Attempts to Enter Yangmingshan; Authority Warns of Fines Up to NT$1 Million
The Yangmingshan National Park Administration did not approve the 2016 Seven Stars Mountain King event. The organizers claimed on Facebook that the event would proceed as scheduled on the 30th. Yangmingshan National Park Administration Director Chen Maochun stated that this would not be allowed, and they will request the Seventh Special Police Corps to collect evidence on-site, with potential fines of up to NT$1 million.
Mountain climbing accident reported in Nantou; rescue team assists in descent
A mountain climbing accident has been reported in Nantou County, where a four-person team was climbing Zhuoshe Mountain in Nantou. Issues of food shortage and altitude sickness were reported. The fire department stated that the team has reported the altitude sickness issue has been resolved.
Life Lab》Mountain Hiking Trips to Revitalize Along-the-Route Settlements
The Danlan Ancient Trail is mainly located within New Taipei City. Chen Kuo-chun, Director of the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau, stated that to revive the century-old Danlan mountain path, the trail system’s route is scheduled to be finalized by the end of next year, with trail restoration to be completed by the end of 2019. The Danlan Century Mountain Trail is suitable for promoting long-distance, low-carbon hiking. He emphasized that the current top priority is to tidy up the trails, collect relevant historical materials and stories, and present the historical facts as completely as possible. The trail restoration will follow construction principles of “restoring the original ancient path, using local materials, and ensuring ecological permeability,” in order to minimize the impact on the environment and historical heritage spaces. Chen Kuo-chun admitted that the Danlan cultural and historical research as well as trail restoration require substantial funding, and although New Taipei is a directly governed municipality, it cannot bear the costs alone. Taipei City has largely motorized the Danlan Ancient Trail within its jurisdiction due to urban development. Chen Kuo-chun believes that the three counties and cities—New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan—that host sections of the Danlan Ancient Trail can jointly submit plans to the central government to seek funding. “We should all use the same signage to present the historical and cultural significance of the old Danlan trails, allowing international visitors to enjoy a consistent trail experience.”
Japanese hiker injured on Yushan; Brigade 6 of the 7th Battalion rushes to rescue
A Japanese female hiker, Ms. Nakao, was hiking up Yushan with a group. While descending, she accidentally fell and is suspected to have fractured her arm. Brigade 6 of the 7th Battalion of the Insurance 7 Corps received the report and dispatched personnel for the rescue. They found Ms. Nakao near Menglu Pavilion and promptly escorted her down the mountain, where her accompanying friends arranged for emergency medical treatment. Brigade 6 (formerly the Yushan Police Team) received a report from the Nantou County Government Fire Bureau that a tourist had fallen and been injured in front of Paiyun Lodge and requested assistance. The Tatachia Squad of Brigade 6 immediately sent personnel to the rescue. At the 1.8-kilometer mark of the Yushan Trail at Menglu Pavilion, they found the injured Japanese woman, Ms. Nakao. She had recently climbed Yushan with a group and fell due to loss of balance while descending. She experienced severe pain in her arm and is suspected to have a fracture. Brigade 6 personnel first immobilized the patient’s hand with a triangular bandage, then assisted and escorted her down the mountain. They also contacted the Tatachia shuttle bus.
The Elegance of a Sacred Mountain – The Endless Charm of Mount Fuji
With an elevation of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest peak in Japan. Since ancient times, it has been revered as an object of worship by the Japanese people and honored as the "Sacred Mountain." This beautiful peak is arguably Japan’s most important symbol, enjoying fame both domestically and internationally. In June 2013, Mount Fuji was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its graceful form has inspired the works of many artists, and even the reverse side of Japan’s 1,000-yen banknote features an image of Mount Fuji—testament to its profound significance in the hearts of the Japanese people.
Got lost while hiking due to misreading signs, prompting police and firefighters to launch a search
A man went hiking on a trail near Baiji Tunnel in Daxi District on the afternoon of the 22nd. He got lost after misreading the signs and kept wandering in the mountains without finding anyone else to ask for directions. Worried about being stranded, he called the police to report the situation. The Daxi River Prevention Squad arrived at the scene and found that the man was already on Section 1 of Sanmin Road in Fuxing District, back on flat ground. He told the firefighters that after reporting the incident, he followed the address and asked locals for directions. He successfully navigated using the pole numbers on utility poles as markers and managed to find his way out. He expressed gratitude for the joint assistance from the police and firefighters.
Reduce waste by mandating insurance for hikers
There’s no such thing as a free lunch in social welfare programs. Recently, a hiker on Yuanduozhi Mountain in Heping District suffered a swollen and twisted ankle that left them unable to walk. The fire department dispatched a helicopter for the rescue, but it was later discovered that the hiker could still walk, sparking public controversy. The Taichung City Government plans to draft the “Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Self-Government Ordinance,” aiming to reduce the waste of national rescue resources by regulating hikers’ climbing times and mandating insurance. Fire Chief Xiao Huanzhang stated that the “Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Self-Government Ordinance” will require legally permitted entry into mountains and parks, mandating the carrying of satellite positioning and communication equipment. Hikers should be prepared for self-rescue, and team leaders must have basic first aid capabilities. Hiking permits will no longer be issued when typhoons are approaching, and those already in the mountains will be required to descend in advance to prevent rescue personnel from carrying out search and rescue missions under dangerous weather and environmental conditions.
Reduce rescue waste: Fire department to mandate mountaineering insurance
"There's no such thing as a free lunch in social welfare." Recently, a hiker who was ascending Yuanduozhi Mountain in Heping District suffered from a swollen and immobile ankle. The Taichung City Fire Department dispatched a helicopter for the rescue, but it was later discovered that the hiker was still able to walk, sparking public controversy. The Taichung City Government plans to formulate the "Taichung City Mountaineering Activity Management Self-Government Ordinance," aiming to reduce the waste of national rescue resources by regulating hikers' climbing times and mandating insurance.
Hiking group member falls 600 meters down cliff on trail in Zhushan
A hiking accident occurred on the Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko National Park, Hualien. A 53-year-old man surnamed Huang, who was hiking with colleagues from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Hsinchu at noon, accidentally fell about 600 meters down a cliff while passing through the Zhuilu Grand Cliff. Police and firefighters contacted a rescue helicopter and searched along the Swallow Grotto area via stream tracing, but the man has not yet been found. However, rescuers have not given up hope. The Hualien County Fire Bureau received a report at 12:42 p.m. on the 16th, stating that 16 hikers from ITRI in Hsinchu were climbing the Zhuilu Old Trail when a 53-year-old man surnamed Huang accidentally fell into a valley at the 3K mark of the trail. Rescue personnel immediately assembled a team of nine firefighters and forest rangers from the Taroko area to form a rescue squad. They set out from Swallow Grotto, traced upstream along the Liwu River Valley, and requested air rescue assistance from an air ambulance helicopter. According to witnesses, the man is suspected to have accidentally stepped on a loose rock and fallen.
Woman Suffers Right Ankle Fracture While Hiking, Rescued by Helicopter Hoist
A 56-year-old woman surnamed Liu recently climbed Mount Wuming. On the 13th, while passing near the triangulation station of Yuanduozhi Mountain, she accidentally twisted and fractured her right ankle, leaving her unable to walk. The Taichung City Fire Bureau applied for a helicopter hoist rescue on the 16th to airlift the woman down the mountain and send her to the hospital for treatment. The Taichung City Fire Bureau stated that Liu and a hiking group of eight friends had planned to climb Mount Wuming. They applied for a four-day hiking trip, with the 13th being the final day. Near the triangulation station of Yuanduozhi Mountain, Liu injured her right ankle and could not walk. The team leader stayed with her at the site awaiting rescue, while the other members descended the mountain first. The Taichung City Fire Bureau received the report and dispatched search and rescue personnel on the 14th to carry out the rescue mission. However, the helicopter could not take off for the hoist rescue due to thunderstorms and hail along the flight path. Rescue personnel made contact with Liu at 3 p.m. on the 14th.
Cycling helps you lose weight effortlessly
At 2:00 PM on July 3, Beijing time, the first China Yingkou Minghu Lake Cycling Race, themed "Win in Yingkou, Create Cycling Legends," was officially launched at the Laoshan Velodrome of the General Administration of Sport of China. According to the event organizers, the race will be held at the Minghu Square in Yingkou, Liaoning—the largest cultural square in Asia. This ...
Press Conference for the 2013 China Yingkou Minghu Lake Cycling Race
At 2:00 PM on July 3, Beijing time, the "2013 First China Yingkou Minghu Lake Cycling Race," themed "Win in Yingkou, Create Cycling Legends," was officially launched at the Laoshan Velodrome of the General Administration of Sport of China. According to the organizing committee, the event will be held at the Minghu Lake Square in Yingkou, Liaoning—the largest cultural square in Asia. This...
Popular Hiking Destinations in Nantou – Fire Department Handles Three Rescue Cases in a Row
The Nantou County Fire Department received three consecutive hiking rescue calls this afternoon. At one point, over ten people on the Hehuan Mountain Range were reported needing help, but fortunately they were just late to regroup. Meanwhile, a man suffered a foot injury while hiking in the Ganziowan Mountain area and required assistance. The Nantou County Government Fire Department's Disaster Relief and Ambulance Command Section received three hiking rescue reports between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. An 18-person hiking team from Taipei entered the mountains on the 16th. While returning today, a 65-year-old man surnamed Tsai slipped and fell in the Ganziowan Mountain area, fracturing his right ankle and leaving him unable to walk. The team guide reported the incident, and with the injured person’s consent, the group stayed overnight at the Shilijih Campsite.
Watch Out for Snakes When Hiking and Camping – Especially These Six Venomous Species (Part 2)
After Qingming Festival, the weather gradually warms up, and snakes and insects in mountain forests become more active. Whether you live in rural areas near fields or enjoy hiking and camping on weekends, besides protecting yourself from mosquito bites, you should also be aware of the presence of various snakes. After learning about the top three most common biting snakes, which other dangerous venomous species should you watch out for? NO.4 Many-banded Krait (5.5%) Also known as the Taiwan krait, hundred-pacer, or shovel-snouted snake, it belongs to the elapidae family and is neurotoxic, making it the most venomous snake in Taiwan. The many-banded krait has an oval-shaped head with a black neck and a body marked with black and white bands. It is generally docile and moves slowly, rarely attacking humans actively. However, due to its highly potent venom, a bite can be extremely serious. NO.5 Hundred Pacer (1.4%)
Watch Out for Snakes When Hiking and Camping – Especially These Six Venomous Species (Part 1)
After Qingming Festival, the weather gradually warms up, and snakes and insects in mountain forests become more active. Whether you live near rural fields or enjoy weekend hiking and camping trips, in addition to guarding against mosquito bites, you should also be alert to the appearance of various snakes – especially the top six most venomous snakes ranked by national statistics on snakebite incidents. NO.1 Many-banded Krait (31.7%) Also known as the Red-tailed Green Bamboo Viper, Bamboo Pit Viper, or Green Bamboo Snake, it belongs to the Viperidae family and is the most common and numerous small to medium-sized venomous snake in Taiwan, with hemorrhagic venom. The Many-banded Krait has a triangular head, a body color of emerald green or grass green, and a brick-red tail tip. It has good camouflage but is highly aggressive and has a very high probability of biting. However, due to its relatively weak toxicity, the fatality rate is about 1–2%.
70 Teachers and Students from National Taiwan Normal University Conquer Yushan to Mark the University’s 70th Anniversary
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, National Taiwan Normal University announced today that President Chang Kuo-en will lead 70 teachers and students in batches to successfully summit Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan Main Peak, in mid-May. This mountaineering activity aims to put the university’s flipped education philosophy into practice. National Taiwan Normal University’s Department of Physical Education and the Department of Civic Education and Leadership Activities collaborated on this initiative. Last year, they selected 70 participants from 200 applicants across the university—individuals with experience and a spirit of challenge. Many professors among them had never climbed a high mountain before, making this feat nearly deemed impossible.