Classic Itineraries
Climbing for blessings on the Heavenly Emperor’s Birthday – Kinmen locals show deep devotion
Climbing Da Mountain on the ninth day of the first lunar month to celebrate the Heavenly Emperor’s Birthday is a traditional folk custom in Kinmen. Early in the morning, families—both young and old—flock to Mount Taiwu. With reverent hearts, they wind their way along the mountain paths to visit the over 700-year-old Haimin Temple nestled in the mountain valley to offer incense and pray for blessings. Throughout the day, men and women of all ages shuttle back and forth, turning the usually quiet mountain area into a lively scene. Today is a weekend holiday, and the rare fine winter weather means those not working or in school have changed into casual clothes and shoes. Some start from the Yuzhang intersection on Mount Taiwu or the Pingtung Cultural and Recreational Center, while others enter the mountain via the Caicuo hiking trail. Along the way, birds sing and flowers bloom as entire families happily take in the sights, feeling relaxed and joyful. The “big mountain” referred to by locals—Mount Taiwu—is the highest peak on the island, standing just 253 meters tall. The Haimin Temple located within the mountain was first built during the Xianchun era (1265–1274) of Emperor Duzong of the Song Dynasty.
The No. 5 Trail in Daking, Taichung, will be partially closed until the end of March
To enhance hiker safety, the Taichung City Government will carry out renovations on Trails No. 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Daking this year. Among them, the No. 5 Acacia Trail will be closed from its entrance to Heisong Pavilion—approximately 700 meters—due to the deterioration and collapse of certain sections. The closure is effective immediately and will last until the end of March.
Hualien » Air Force Rescue Worker Dies in Mountain Fall in Hualien; Search and Rescue Team Recovers Body
A 35-year-old rescue worker, Ding Mingjie, from the Chiayi Air Force Sea Gull Rescue Squadron, went hiking alone in Hualien on the 30th but accidentally fell into a valley. After calling for help, Hualien’s search and rescue team searched overnight and found Ding at around 3 p.m. on the 31st in the Pingshih Mountain area—but he had already passed away. The cause of death is yet to be determined pending the body being brought down the mountain. Currently, Ding’s body has been transported to the Sanjia Camp hanging point, awaiting a helicopter hoist-down operation on February 1st, weather permitting. The deputy chief of Hualien Fire Department’s First Battalion, Hsiao Chih-yuan, explained the full rescue situation. Ding Mingjie called 110 on January 30th, reporting that he was hiking alone, had fallen off an iron cable suspension bridge in Pingshih Mountain, Sushan Township, into a valley, injured both legs and was in pain, and requested rescue. Hsiao Chih-yuan said that according to his phone description,
Climb till your legs give out—it’s worth it！ These hiking trails lead you to hidden paradises.
Hike until you’re breathless—all for the breathtaking views that greet you at the summit, and the invigorating rush of body and mind. Escape the city and find tranquility in the mountains. You don’t need to spend too much time—there are plenty of hiking trails in the suburbs of Taipei and New Taipei City where you can ascend and rendezvous with nature. Next holiday, put on your sneakers, go for a forest walk, and enjoy a refreshing hike. ● Mountain and Sea Scenery — Teapot Mountain Trail The blue sea, clear sky, and lush green forests coexist in one frame. When you climb Teapot Mountain, the mountain-and-sea scenery is all yours to take in—all the purest beauty of Taiwan’s land. The trail is mostly equipped with stone steps and guardrails, making for fairly good hiking conditions. The round trip takes about two hours, and there are several rest shelters along the way, perfect for those looking for a short hike. <Transportation>
Area Scan – Hiker Suffers Bloody Stool, Helicopter Rescue Launched in Nantou This Morning
Nantou: A team of five hikers recently entered the Central Mountain Range from Ruisui, Hualien, planning to traverse the Southern Section Three and descend via Xinyi, Nantou. However, a 58-year-old man surnamed Lin, suspected of suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding and bloody stool, found it difficult to walk. Yesterday, he called for help via satellite phone near Tianan Kulan Mountain. The Nantou County Fire Bureau assembled a rescue team, but the helicopter was unable to take off due to thick cloud cover. The aerial rescue is expected to be carried out this morning.
Enchanting Ferns: Green Lollipops on a City Hiking Trail
Taipei’s mountain-friendly trails boast a rich variety of ferns — from large tree ferns to small ones like round-leaved spleenworts and bladder ferns. Despite their size differences, they all sprout adorable lollipop-shaped buds that slowly unfurl into leaves, creating a truly unique sight. The Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development notes that the Xiangshan Trail in Xinyi District, accessible from the Lingyun Temple entrance, leads through mid-mountain paths to Yongchun Pavilion. Here, visitors can find a significant number of Hainan-born terrestrial ferns, whose terminal pinnae produce adventitious buds. These buds fall to the ground and grow into new plants. Along the Shiruyuan section, the rocky walls are densely covered with small ferns, including types of resurrection ferns and short-stipe ovate-saccate ferns. The Xianjiyin Rock Trail in Wenshan District is home to nearly 50 fern species. Starting from the archway entrance on Lane 243, Jinxing Road, the forest floor features small-scaled ferns, dense-scaled small-scaled ferns, and southern scale ferns. In the crevices of stone walls and on earthen slopes, you’ll find short-stipe ovate-saccate ferns, resurrection ferns, and elliptic thread ferns. Near the Xianyan Temple, a longan tree coexists harmoniously with bladder ferns, rhizoma bamboo ferns, and horsetail ferns.
Spring outing with exercise — Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse is your top choice
For a family spring outing this New Year, the newly reopened Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse is a great option, combining sightseeing with outdoor activity.
3 men on mountain hike return late, found safe by rescuers
Three men were hiking in Yilan County and were scheduled to come down the mountain yesterday evening, but they failed to return. After receiving a report, police and firefighters located them safely in the mountains at noon today and escorted them down. Yilan County Fire Bureau said today that Chen, along with brothers Dai, a total of three people, set off from their homes in Taipei on the morning of the 21st, arrived at the Taiping Mountain trailhead in Datong Township, and entered the mountains. They planned to take the Taili Vertical Trail toward Kalo Lake on a two-day, one-night hike. The group led by Chen was originally scheduled to come down the mountain yesterday evening, but they were not seen. Their family grew concerned about the sudden drop in mountain temperatures and reported them missing to police and firefighters last night. The fire bureau said that rescue personnel entered the mountains early this morning and found the group of three near noon. All three were safe and were subsequently escorted down the mountain by rescuers. 1060123
Taipei Metro Takes You to These Trails for a Graceful and Relaxing Hike
During the holiday break at home, indulging in food is inevitable, and you might worry about your weight skyrocketing? Taipei Metro has handpicked hiking trails and scenic spots along its lines for you. Quickly gather your whole family, follow the spirit of the ancients who rose at the crow of the rooster to practice martial arts, head out for a spring walk to stretch your muscles, and in the new year, climb high to enjoy the distant view and seize the day ahead—like the “early bird”! ◎ Wenhu Line – Zhongyongshan & Liyushan Hiking Trail Transportation Info: Take the metro to Dahu Park Station, Exit 1. After exiting, follow the signs and enter the hiking trail through Dahuhu Villa. Trail Introduction: Walking along the trail offers a bird’s-eye view of Taipei’s cityscape, with breathtaking views and scenery. The trail ends at Jinlong Zen Temple on Section 3 of Neihu Road, where the Eighteen Arhats by the roadside bid you farewell, marking the end of this hiking experience. ◎ Wenhu Line – Dahu Park Transportation Info
Precise Location: Kaohsiung 119 App Rescues Hiking Tourist
A hiker reported to the police that they were lost in an unknown mountainous area. Thanks to the precise location feature of the Kaohsiung 119 APP, this stranded hiker was successfully rescued.
Snow has fallen on Snow Mountain (Xueshan)! Starting today, snow climbing gear inspections will be enforced for mountaineers.
A cold front moved southward, bringing snow to the Xueshan mountain area—the second highest peak in Taiwan with an elevation of 3,000 meters—last night. Qiu Shunqing, a conservation volunteer from the Snow Mountain Management Office, reported that there is now snow accumulation at the 369 Mountain Hut, with the deepest layer reaching 1–2 centimeters. Starting today, the Wuling Team of the Fifth Brigade of the Seventh General Corps has begun cooperating with the Snow Mountain Management Office to conduct snow climbing gear inspections. Mountaineers during the snowy season must comply with relevant gear checks and park entry management procedures, and ensure they are properly dressed for the cold. The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters also reminds hikers to check weather forecasts before heading up the mountain, and to carry snow gear such as crampons and ice axes in accordance with winter regulations. Before setting out, make sure you know how to use all your equipment and that it is suitable for the conditions—never take this lightly. Also pay attention to the wind chill effect in the mountains, and regularly check yourself and your companions for signs of altitude sickness.
Hiking and race walking: Gaining business insights through sports
Libra-born Jiao Youheng is full of energy. Before turning 50, he was passionate about mountain climbing. After 50, he became enamored with long-distance race walking, often taking 10 to 14 days during summer vacations, carrying 18 kilograms of gear along with minimal food and essentials, leaving many footprints across North America while enjoying the solitude. Jiao’s love for endurance sports also reflects his commitment to the group’s philosophy of steady growth without seeking quick success—steadily and methodically transforming Huaxinke over the years. Having passed its 25th anniversary, Huaxinke is still much younger compared to Huaxin Lihua. By the third quarter of last year, Huaxinke delivered its best performance since its transformation—not only achieving a leaner capital base but also gaining clearer medium- to long-term planning. Jiao Youheng noted that passive components are essentially parts, akin to rice—indispensable across all industries. For decades, their average selling price (ASP) has steadily declined by 3–5% annually.
Han Kuo-yu runs for KMT chair; Hao: Brothers climbing a mountain must strive on their own
(Updated 16:19) Han Kuo-yu, general manager of Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation, announced his resignation and entry into the Kuomintang (KMT) chairmanship race, adding further uncertainty to an already complex election, creating a four-way contest for the party’s top post. One of the contenders, KMT Vice Chairman Hao Long-bin, visited the Sanqing Temple in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, today (12th). While praising Han’s capabilities, Hao also emphasized that this election is about “brothers climbing a mountain must strive on their own.” Hao Long-bin has been visiting rural areas in recent days to seek grassroots support, having traveled to Yilan twice within three days. In addition to Hao, other contenders include former Vice President Wu Den-yih, current KMT Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu, and Han Kuo-yu, who just resigned to run. After visiting the Sanqing Temple, Hao appeared relaxed and spoke openly to the media, with much focus on the impact of Han Kuo-yu’s candidacy. Hao Long-bin stated that in the past...
Female hiker breaks leg; firefighter encounters her and carries her down the mountain
A firefighter from Chiayi County, Cai Zonghua, was on his day off today and went hiking on the Dadiding Trail in the mountainous area of Chiayi for self-training when he happened upon a female hiker who had fallen and suffered an open fracture of her right leg. He immediately carried her down the mountain, and she was sent to the hospital for treatment by ambulance. The Third Brigade of the Chiayi County Fire Bureau stated that Cai Zonghua, a member of the Zhushan branch, took advantage of his day off to go hiking within his jurisdiction to enhance his physical fitness. At around 10:10 a.m., he noticed a 50-year-old female hiker surnamed Yan who had accidentally stepped into empty space on the stairs while walking on the Dadiding Trail, causing her to fall and sustain an open fracture of her right ankle. He immediately dialed 119. Cai Zonghua found that Ms. Yan’s injuries were severe, and there was still some distance from the Dadiding Trail to the Fengtianyan Plaza at Duli Mountain. Therefore, he carried her manually to Fengtianyan Plaza and waited for the ambulance to arrive. After bandaging and stabilizing her, she was promptly taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Friends of Nature teams up with Asia Outdoor to promote Leave No Trace
China’s leading outdoor industry exhibition — Asia Outdoor — will be held in Nanjing from July 24–27, 2013. During the event, China’s largest environmental NGO, Friends of Nature, will engage with outdoor gear manufacturers, outdoor groups, and other industry professionals through a series of interactive activities to share the concept of Leave No Trace...
Hiker Dies from Stomach Bleeding on Southern Cross-Mountain Trek
A hiking team from Taoyuan entered the mountainous area of Taoyuan District in Kaohsiung City on the 26th of last month, planning to spend six days climbing the southern section of the Southern Cross-Mountain Range. However, 64-year-old team member Liu Hanqiu suffered from stomach bleeding on the 28th. Firefighters from Kaohsiung and Taitung joined forces in the search and rescue mission. Due to poor weather conditions, it was not until yesterday that an Air Rescue Squadron helicopter successfully located Liu and two other hikers. Unfortunately, Liu had already passed away. Rescue personnel winched his body down the mountain, and the cause of death is still under investigation. The deceased, Liu Hanqiu, was the brother-in-law of Miaoli County Councilor Zhou Yuman. A passionate hiker, he tragically lost his life due to health complications in the high mountains. He was known for his efforts in promoting labor relations and marketing tourism. Friends and family described him as upright and warm-hearted, and they were deeply saddened by the news. Messages on the hikers’ Facebook page were filled with grief and reluctance to accept the loss. One person lamented, “We were supposed to finish the Northern Section Two together—how could this happen?” Zhou Yuman said that his brother-in-law set off on February 24th
Hiker dies from gastric bleeding despite helicopter rescue
A group of 14 hikers illegally climbed the southern section of the Nanheng Mountain Area. A male hiker surnamed Liu was suspected to have suffered gastric bleeding. Rescue teams from the police and fire departments ventured into the mountains to save him. The helicopter from the Air Rescue Squadron conducted a hoisting mission today, transporting the unresponsive Mr. Liu to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Kaohsiung City Police and Fire Departments received a report on February 28 from the Taichung City Fire Bureau, stating that at a campsite below Sancha Peak at the border of Taoyuan District and Taitung County, one hiker had gastric bleeding and was accompanied by two team members waiting for rescue. The three stranded hikers were trapped in high-altitude mountainous terrain at approximately 3,200 meters. The Air Rescue Squadron had dispatched helicopters for rescue missions multiple times, but poor weather conditions forced them to turn back. Rescue personnel from Kaohsiung City and Taitung County then proceeded on foot. This morning, the Air Rescue Squadron took advantage of improved weather conditions to deploy the helicopter for another rescue attempt, but Mr. Liu had already lost vital signs. He was still hoisted by helicopter to Chiayi Air Force Base, where an ambulance from the Chiayi County Fire Department transported him to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. 1060302
Local Scan – Hikers Stranded on South Cross Mountain Range; Rescue Hindered by Bad Weather
Kaohsiung: A hiking team from Taoyuan attempting to climb the “black mountain” (unofficial or off-trail route) in the southern section of the South Cross Mountain Range had one hiker reportedly suffering from gastrointestinal discomfort stranded at an altitude of 3,200 meters. They requested police and fire department assistance. Rescue personnel attempted a helicopter rescue yesterday but had to return to ChingChuanKang Airport due to poor weather conditions. Another rescue flight will be attempted today depending on the weather.
Snow accumulation in mountainous areas; Traffic Police urge hikers to stay safe
(Updated 19:23) After the wet and cold weather during the 228 holiday, a strong continental cold front has moved in. Multiple high-altitude areas within Shei-Pa National Park are covered in snow, creating a silver world. As the cold front turns drier and colder, the surface of the snow is melting and refreezing, making trails slippery. The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters and the Fifth Brigade of the Traffic Police 7th Corps urge hikers who have recently applied to trek in the Shei-Pa area to carry and use crampons and ice axes correctly, and above all, pay attention to walking safety to avoid accidents. The Fifth Brigade of the 7th Corps stated that the wet and cold weather during the 228 holiday brought moisture, and snow was observed above the Xinda Mountain Hut in the Pyeongtan Mountain area, one of the Four Beauties of Wuling. Taiwan’s second-highest peak, Snow Mountain Main Peak, standing at 3,886 meters, is covered with a thick layer of white snow. Snow has fallen throughout the Snow Mountain area above the 369 Mountain Hut, with about
A cold air mass moves in, bringing 10 cm of snow to the Snow Mountain cirque
After the wet and cold weather during the 228 holiday, another strong continental cold air mass has arrived, turning many areas within Shei-Pa National Park into a silver world. The Snow Mountain cirque now has 10 cm of snow accumulation. The Fifth Brigade of the Traffic Police Corps 7th Command urges hikers to pay extra attention to safety when climbing in the coming days. The Fifth Brigade of the Traffic Police Corps 7th Command stated today that during the four-day 228 holiday period, affected by the wet and cold weather, the main peak of Snow Mountain—the second highest peak in Taiwan at 3,886 meters—was covered with a layer of pristine white snow. In addition, areas above the Sanchiuhu Lodge in the main peak region experienced snowfall, and Pintian Mountain, one of the Four Beauties of Wuling, also saw snow above the Xinda Mountain Hut. The Snow Mountain cirque accumulated approximately 10 cm of snow. The Fifth Brigade of the Traffic Police Corps 7th Command pointed out that with the arrival of a new wave of strong continental cold air, the surface layer of the snow is prone to melting