Classic Itineraries
Merida Bicycles Wins Gold Award
The annual bicycle extravaganza, Taipei International Cycle Show, will be held from today (the 22nd) through the 25th at the Nangang Exhibition Center and Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center, attracting 1,115 exhibitors. Yesterday, the event announced the Bicycle Innovation Design Awards. This year, entries from 16 countries totaled 154 submissions, with Merida’s full-suspension electric mountain bike among seven other works receiving the Gold Award. The organizers stated that overseas entries accounted for as much as 30% this year, with 57 works ultimately making the final cut, seven of which won gold. This year’s submissions focused on designs driven by smart technology and emphasized convenience and portability. Among them, Merida’s eONE-SIXTY 900E is a full-suspension electric mountain bike that had previously won both the Design and Innovation Award and ranked first in the BEST IN TEST evaluation in Germany.
It's hard to know whether Mount Everest has been conquered. Nepal rolls out a new measure
Some climbers planning to scale Mount Everest in the next two months will carry GPS devices for their own safety and to prevent false summit claims.
A woman was rescued after accidentally setting her tent on fire while trying to keep warm during a solo hike.
A 19-year-old woman surnamed Zhang went hiking alone. Last night, it rained in the mountainous area, and to keep warm, Zhang started a fire inside her tent. The fire accidentally burned the tent, prompting her to call for help. A helicopter rescued her this morning. The Nantou County Fire Bureau reported that the 19-year-old Zhang hiked into the mountains alone from Hualien County and arrived in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, last night. However, it started to rain, and to stay warm, she lit a fire inside her tent. Unfortunately, the fire destroyed the tent, and her clothes got wet. Fearing hypothermia, she called 119 for help. The Nantou County Fire Bureau stated that after receiving Zhang’s report, they immediately contacted the Air Patrol Police. The helicopter took off this morning and rescued the woman by noon. The helicopter landed at Taichung ChingChuanKang Airport, and Zhang was taken to Taichung Kuang Tien General Hospital for treatment. 1060319
Solo mountain climber rescued by helicopter in central Taiwan: Woman airlifted down from mountain in Taichung
A woman surnamed Zhang from Taichung was climbing alone in the southern section of the Central Mountain Range. On the 18th, she arrived in Xinyi Township but, due to overnight rain, attempted to keep warm by starting a fire in her tent, which unfortunately caught fire and was destroyed. She also suffered from hypothermia. At 12:20 p.m. on the 19th, an Air Rescue Corps helicopter successfully airlifted her and transported her to Taichung Airport. Zhang reported to the fire department that she had entered the mountains alone on March 13 from Ruisui in Hualien to climb the southern section of the Central Mountain Range. While passing the triangulation point of Benxiang Mountain in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, due to rain the previous night, she tried to keep warm by starting a fire inside her tent, which accidentally burned down. Her clothes also got wet, resulting in hypothermia. Fearing for her life, she urgently needed rescue. After receiving the report, the Nantou County Fire Bureau immediately applied to the National Fire Agency for helicopter rescue and asked the Xinyi Fire Station to organize a search and rescue team to enter the mountains. This morning at 11:55 a.m.,
The start of fees at the Zhuilu Old Trail leads to nearly halved hiker numbers
The Zhuilu Old Trail, a famous attraction in Taroko National Park known for its stunning cliffside views and limited daily entry, has consistently seen full bookings and ranked as the park’s most popular hiking trail every year. Since the official implementation of entry fees yesterday, only 62 and 49 hikers entered on the first two days respectively—nearly a 50% drop from pre-fee levels. The park authorities view this initial decline as expected and are taking it in stride. In recent years, the Zhuilu Old Trail has gained immense popularity. According to park statistics, last year saw over 30,000 applicants, averaging nearly 100 applications per day, making it the most frequented hiking route in Taroko. The trail is normally limited to 96 entrants on weekdays and 156 on weekends, often resulting in a sold-out situation that leaves those on the waitlist disappointed. To maintain hiking quality and manage trail capacity, the park this year adopted the “user pays” principle, making the Zhuilu Old Trail the first site within the park to implement an entry fee system.
Woman falls off cliff while climbing Wuliaojian Mountain; police and firefighters deploy 30 personnel for rescue
A 27-year-old woman surnamed Chen climbed alone from the Yuli Store trailhead to Wuliaojian in Sanchong District this morning. While traversing the narrow ridge at Duli Peak, she slipped on the wet and slippery path and fell about three stories down the mountainside. Rescue units received the report at around 12:46 p.m. and immediately deployed 30 police and volunteer firefighters, who split into two teams to search the mountain. After more than three hours of rescue efforts, they successfully brought Ms. Chen down the mountain. She only suffered a knee injury and is fortunately in stable condition. Lin Yongdong, head of the Fifth Disaster Relief Brigade of the Fire Department, stated that Sanchong District is home to several mid- to low-altitude mountains such as the Manyueyuan Mountain Range and Wuliaojian, which often attract visitors from all over. He reminded those engaging in hiking activities to thoroughly gather mountain trail information and avoid hiking in rainy weather whenever possible.
Hiker goes missing; overnight search leads to rescue and descent at dawn
The Taichung City Fire Department received a report yesterday evening that a hiker had gone missing on Tangmading Mountain in Heping District. Rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to search the mountain, and the hiker was found trapped on a cliff early this morning. After an all-night effort to free him, he was escorted down the mountain. The department received a report from a hiking team at around 5 p.m. yesterday, stating that a group of five men and two women had entered Tangmading Mountain through the Songhe Tribe hiking entrance. After reaching Butterfly Valley, a male hiker surnamed Liu went ahead on his own via a water route, while the rest of the group lost contact with him at the 1.5 km mark. Despite searching the area for about two hours, they found no trace of him. At around 6 p.m. yesterday, the Heping Branch of the Fire Department, together with two forestry officials who are also hikers, set out from the hiking entrance. Rescue personnel reached the hikers at the 3.5 km point of the Butterfly Valley Trail and first guided the six hikers to descend. Other rescuers then split into two teams to search separately...
Hiker Rescued After Getting Stranded on Cliff
A group of seven hikers was climbing Tangmading Mountain, one of the Seven Peaks of Guguan, and on the afternoon of the 13th, they detoured to Butterfly Valley Waterfall on their way back. Unexpectedly, a 57-year-old man surnamed Liu became separated from the group after venturing alone along a waterway and went missing. Rescue personnel found him stranded on a cliff last night and helped him get to safety. Liu suffered a laceration on his right big toe but refused medical treatment and left on his own.
A man and a woman stranded in the mountains on Yuushou Mountain for 3 days rescued unharmed
Two men and women were part of a hiking group climbing Yuushou Mountain but fell behind due to exhaustion and got lost in the mountains. They were successfully rescued today, both in good health and returned home after resting. Wu, a male, and Hong, a female, joined a hiking group of over 20 people on the 12th to climb Yuushou Mountain—one of the "Six Beauties of Puli." Due to weaker physical conditions, Wu and Hong did not reach the summit. On the way back, as they were at the rear of the group and too tired to continue, they stopped to rest at a hunting lodge. When they tried to catch up, they took a wrong turn and became lost. The two hikers attempted to call 110 and 119 for help in the Yuushou Mountain area but had no signal. Eventually, they managed to reach 112 and successfully reported their situation, describing the nearby terrain. Based on the information, Nantou police and firefighters deduced their possible location, advised them to stay put, and organized a large-scale, rotating search team. The pair was rescued this morning.
Maintaining Hiking Safety for the Public: Zhongxianlong Hiking Trail in Wufeng, Wuri to Undergo Renovation
The Zhongxianlong hiking trail in Wufeng District, Taichung City, has deteriorated over the years, with multiple sections of its wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms cracked and rotten. Taichung City Councilor Chang Fen-yu secured NT$2 million in funding from the municipal government for repairs. After an on-site inspection this morning, it was confirmed that NT$4 million will be allocated for the renovation to ensure the safety of hikers. Chang Fen-yu pointed out that Zhongxianlong boasts an excellent location and breathtaking views, making it a popular leisure spot for many during weekends and holidays. However, after more than a decade of exposure to sun and rain, numerous sections of the wooden steps and viewing platforms have developed cracks and rot, posing safety risks to hikers and urgently requiring comprehensive repair, replacement, and maintenance. Chang Fen-yu said that last year, she secured NT$2 million in funding to renovate the landscape platforms, using composite wood to replace the damaged parts. Today, she once again convened relevant agencies for an inspection, hoping to complete the follow-up restoration work.
The missing hiker on Hehuan Mountain has still not been found; today, two more hikers are reported lost on Yuansheng Mountain in Guoxing Township
The missing Pan, a hiker on Hehuan Mountain, has not been found after three days; search and rescue efforts by police and firefighters from Hualien and Nantou, volunteer firefighters, the Taroko National Park Headquarters, and the 9th Battalion of the Traffic Police Corps are ongoing. Today (13th), a hiking team climbing Yuansheng Mountain in Guoxing Township, Nantou, reported that two hikers are lost. Police and firefighters have mobilized to launch a mountain rescue operation. Authorities revealed that a group of about 40 hikers went to climb Yuansheng Mountain in Guoxing Township yesterday. Today, one man and one woman became separated from the group and are stranded, unable to descend. They called the Nantou County Fire Bureau via mobile phone, stating they were trapped in a stream valley, not in life-threatening danger, but their phone battery is running low. Upon receiving the report, seven rescuers from the Guoxing, Puli, and Zhongxinzhuang fire stations were dispatched into the mountains to carry out an intensive search and rescue mission.
Some sections of the Daking No. 10 Trail have aged and collapsed; the Taichung City Government proposes a renovation plan
The popular Daking No. 10 Trail among hikers in central Taiwan features gentle slopes and rich biodiversity, making it a favorite; however, due to aging and collapsed sections in parts of the trail, the Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau has allocated an additional budget of NT$10 million to prioritize its improvement. If approved by the city council, the project is expected to be contracted in June and completed by the end of this year. The Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that there are 12 trails in the Daking area, spanning a total of 15.6 kilometers, attracting 2.2 million visitors annually. The trails, characterized by wooden boardwalks made of Acacia wood, are distinctive and appealing to foreign hikers. The Daking hiking trails are mainly divided into two systems: the Toukoshan Mountain Range and the Xiping Mountain Range. The former includes Trails 1 to 5 and 5-1, which feature steeper terrain and are suitable for experienced hikers; the latter includes Trails 6 to 10 and 9-1, which are family-friendly and designed for leisure activities.
A must-have for outdoor adventures！ Garmin fēnix is now only ¥3,380 on JD.com
In the past, our impression of GPS devices for outdoor adventures was that they were mostly handheld. But Garmin has changed that perception by launching a wristwatch-style outdoor adventure GPS device — the Fēnix. This product combines a variety of powerful functions and is more convenient to carry than traditional handheld GPS devices. It can handle all kinds of challenges thrown by nature, and offers up to 50 hours of battery life in GPS mode (the best endurance in the industry), making it very practical for those who love mountain climbing and exploration. Currently, this product is priced at ¥3,380 on JD.com. Interested friends might want to check it out.
The KAILAS "Climbing Hope Stars" Ignites a New Wave of Youth Climbing Across the Nation
The Grand Event of the KAILAS "Climbing Hope Stars" Youth Climbing Coaches Training Class In recent years, with the surging popularity of climbing in China, this all-around and fashionable sport has not only won the hearts of young and middle-aged people but has also gained widespread popularity among teenagers. Since 2009, KAILAS has been consistently...
Missing Hiker on Guan Shan in Nantou Found
The male hiker surnamed Li, who went missing and called for help on Guan Shan in Nantou County yesterday (the 7th), was found after a one-day-and-one-night search. Thanks to the joint efforts of 15 personnel from the Nantou County Government Fire Bureau, the Divine Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue Team, and forestry patrol officers, rescuers managed to locate the missing hiker. By continuously trying to reach him via mobile phone, they learned that there were wooden markers nearby painted red with the letters “林政” and the number “7.” With the assistance of on-site forestry patrol officers, they successfully pinpointed his location. At around 4 p.m. on the 8th, the lost man was finally found. He is in good health and is currently being escorted down the mountain by the rescue team.
Firefighter goes missing during mountain climb; Hualien County Chief expresses gratitude to search and rescue teams
In early last month, firefighter Li Ying-hsun from the Taipei City Fire Department went missing during a mountain climb. After 18 days of large-scale search and rescue efforts with no results, and the deployment of substantial manpower and resources, the search has now been suspended. The firefighters involved had to overcome treacherous conditions and endure immense pressure, and many adopted a “better safe than sorry” attitude toward seeking divine guidance or fortune-telling. Wang Ming-chung, head of the Disaster Relief and Ambulance Second Brigade of the Hualien County Fire Department, stated that Li Ying-hsun went missing in the Nanshan-zi Mountain area of Wanrong Township. The terrain is steep and rarely visited—even local mountain guides said their last entry into the area was six years ago. Coupled with sudden weather changes, the rescuers faced extreme hardships. With rapidly changing weather and rugged mountain paths, the search operation faced numerous challenges. Over the 18-day search, six team members were injured and one member of a civilian search and rescue team died in the line of duty. Wang Ming-chung pointed out that even with the help of local guides to “clear the way,” the search yielded no results. The mountains were so steep that there was no space to set up camps, and team members could only rest as best they could in the rain, wrapped in sleeping bags—but they still gave their all in the search effort.
Why do middle-aged Taiwanese men love wearing hiking jackets? Netizens reveal why they can't put them down
Many Taiwanese people notice that men on the streets are generally well-dressed after traveling to Japan or South Korea. In contrast, Taiwanese men appear more plain and seem less concerned about fashion, believing that looks trump everything. Recently, a netizen posted on PTT (the Taiwanese online forum "Ptt.cc") wondering why Taiwanese men love wearing hiking jackets, sparking heated discussion among users.
Snow Mountain Range Turns White Overnight on Xuebang Sacred Ridge – Stay Safe During Holiday Mountain Hikes
Last night, a frontal system passed through along with the southward movement of a cold air mass, causing temperatures to drop sharply. The mountain peaks along the Sacred Ridge of Shei-Pa National Park, located at the border of Miaoli County and Taichung City, were covered in snow overnight. The Shei-Pa National Park Administration and the Fifth Brigade of the Traffic Police Corps urged hikers planning to visit during the Qingming holiday to prepare proper winter mountaineering gear and pay attention to safety. This frontal system brought ample moisture, coupled with the arrival of the cold air mass. Mountains over 3,000 meters in Shei-Pa National Park saw snowfall starting last night. From the Guanwu Recreation Area, the Sacred Ridge of Shei-Pa, stretching from Snow Mountain to Dabajianshan, was blanketed in white overnight. According to forecast data from the Central Weather Bureau, nighttime temperatures in the Snow Mountain cirque area dropped to between minus 3 and minus 4 degrees Celsius, with Dabajianshan even reaching minus 6 degrees. As the weather gradually turns dry and cold, snow on mountain trails can easily turn into slippery ice. Proper use of crampons, ice axes, or trekking poles and other winter hiking equipment is essential when crossing these areas to ensure safety.
Hiker Lost in the Mountains Rescued After Sending Photo via LINE
A 57-year-old man surnamed Jian from New Taipei City headed up Huangdi Temple in Shiding District alone around 10 a.m. yesterday (30th). While descending in the evening, he got lost. He called the fire department to report the incident and sent back a photo of his location via LINE, allowing rescuers to identify the area where he was stranded based on the landmarks in the image and successfully rescue him. The fire department stated that Jian mentioned in the call that he only knew he was heading down from Huangdi Temple toward Niaozuijian. The Shiding Fire Sub-bureau asked him if he could use the LINE messaging app and requested he take and send back a photo of his surroundings. Jian immediately took a picture next to a high-voltage power tower and a maintenance platform. As Huangdi Temple has become a popular hiking spot in recent years, with frequent incidents of hikers getting lost, the Shiding Fire Station set up signs with identification numbers across the mountain area three years ago under the leadership of Chief Huang—
Local Spotlight – Neihu District Office Hosts Hiking Event on April 8
Taipei: The Neihu District Office’s 2017 Universiade “Bear Up” Hiking Event is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 8, at the Dagou Creek Flood Control Park. After distributing promotional item vouchers and raffle tickets (limited to 1,500, while supplies last), the event will feature a tennis experience zone to enhance public understanding of the sport. Everyone is welcome to join the Bear Up Friendship Group and cheer for Team China together. On the day, policy information booths including the Neihu Tax Office (please bring 5 paper invoices and 3 electronic invoices from March and April) and the Neihu National Taxation Bureau (please bring 6 to 10 invoices from March and April) will be offering attractive giveaways.