Classic Itineraries
Historic Win on Wuling: Nibali Claims Taiwan King of the Mountains Title
The 2017 Taiwan King of the Mountains Challenge delivered an unprecedented performance as Bahrain Merida’s Vincenzo Nibali clocked an incredible 3 hours, 19 minutes, 54.04 seconds to take the crown—becoming the first rider to break the 3-hour, 20-minute barrier and setting a new benchmark that left local cyclists in awe. The race kicked off this morning (20th) at 6 AM from Qixingtan, near sea level, battling strong winds as riders climbed toward Wuling on Hehuanshan Mountain, which sits at 3,275 meters above sea level. Covering a total distance of 105 kilometers, the event attracted 592 cyclists from 32 countries. As expected, “Shark” Nibali made his move on the Xinbaiyang section and dominated the grueling final 10 kilometers, overtaking last year’s champion Oscar and pulling ahead 3 kilometers from the finish. Speaking after his maiden victory, Nibali said, “Riding from near sea level up to over 3,000 meters is extremely tough and challenging.”
Tourism Bureau Deputy Director Forces Medal Photo with Champion, Netizens Criticize: Treating World Champion Like a Dog
Taking a photo with the award-winning rider—by forcefully grabbing the rider’s medal and facing the camera? The 2017 Taiwan KOM Challenge kicked off at 6 a.m. today (the 20th). Riders from 32 countries, totaling 592 cyclists, took on the challenge, including several well-known athletes from the Tour de France and World Championships. Starting from Qixingtan in Hualien, the route ended at Wuling, which sits at an altitude of 3,275 meters. The full course spanned 105 kilometers and is regarded by cyclists as a “must-do once-in-a-lifetime” route. The top three finishers were the Italian champion, “Shark Guy” Vincenzo Nibali; the Spanish runner-up Oscar Pujol; and the Danish third-place finisher Jo
Political chill can't stop it: Mainland cyclists take on the challenge of Wuling Peak
The 2017 Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge will start at 6 a.m. tomorrow, featuring former Tour de France yellow jersey wearers, five past kings of the mountain, and others — including mainland Chinese riders who have quietly joined despite “breaking through the political chill.” A total of 592 cyclists from 32 countries will compete for glory atop Wuling on Hehuanshan. The race begins near sea level at Qixingtan Beach on the Pacific coast in Hualien, winds through the towering, deep mountain gorges of Taroko, and reaches the highest point on Taiwan’s highways — Wuling on Hehuanshan. Covering an elevation gain from 0 to 3,275 meters over a distance of 105 kilometers, it is regarded by cycling enthusiasts worldwide as a classic route that everyone should challenge at least once in their lifetime. In 2011, Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Evans described the Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge as “the toughest cycling climb on Earth.” Now retired, Evans emphasized that this time he would focus on enjoying the race and the scenery. American cyclist Cameron is also returning to Taiwan to tackle the King of the Mountain challenge after competing in the Taiwan Round-the-Island Race.
First case: Three fined NT$60,000 each for illegal hike in Hualien
Three hikers from Nantou County entered the mountains from Dongpu, Nantou on the 7th. On the 14th, when they reached the 24K point of Zhongping Forest Road and were preparing to cross a stream, they were blocked by flash floods and rising water levels. They called the fire department for help and were airlifted down the mountain by helicopter on the 17th after the weather cleared, successfully escaping the danger. However, since the three had not applied for a mountain entry permit, the Hualien County Fire Bureau decided to fine each of them NT$60,000, marking the first penalty issued under Hualien’s Mountain Entry Regulations. Hualien County Government, due to frequent mountain accidents, implemented its self-drafted “Mountain Activities Management Autonomous Ordinance” this year. The public entering mountainous areas within Hualien must apply for entry as required, carry appropriate gear, and purchase comprehensive mountain insurance. Those who fail to comply may face fines of up to NT$50,000. The three hikers on the 17th who did not apply for entry have become the first case subject to such penalties.
First fine issued to hikers who didn’t apply for rescue after getting stranded on a mountain
By Yang Hansheng / Hualien Report Three hikers from Nantou County entered the mountains from Dongpu in Nantou on the 7th. When the three reached the 24K point of Zhongping Forest Road on the 14th and were preparing to cross a stream, they were blocked by flash floods and rising river water. They called the fire department for help and were airlifted down the mountain by helicopter after the weather cleared on the 17th, successfully escaping the danger. However, since the three had not applied for mountain entry permits, the Hualien County Fire Bureau decided to fine each of the hikers NT$60,000, marking the first penalty issued under Hualien County’s Mountain Entry Regulations.
Five hikers trapped on Zhiben Forest Trail rescued in dramatic operation
Five hikers who were climbing Big Ghost Lake and Little Ghost Lake had planned to descend on the 14th but got stranded at the 8K mark of Zhiben Forest Trail due to a landslide and flooding. As the trail had been blocked by a landslide at the 4K point near a waterfall with fast-flowing water, rescuers were unable to approach directly. They had to take a detour, slightly divert the upstream water source, and then hastily construct a makeshift log bridge using wood and ropes to daringly cross the rushing current. The stranded hikers were successfully rescued at 3:39 p.m. on the 15th.
A falling rock has damaged the iron chains at the Wind Gap on Yushan Main Peak; temporarily avoid reaching the summit
Due to the combined effects of the outer circulation of a typhoon and the northeastern monsoon, the Yushan mountain range has experienced heavy rainfall for several consecutive days. On the 15th, personnel from the Paiyun Lodge of the Yushan National Park Headquarters conducted an inspection and discovered that the iron chains at the Wind Gap on Yushan Main Peak had been damaged by falling rocks. Repair work is scheduled to take place on the 16th, and hikers are advised to temporarily avoid ascending to the summit. Lin Wen-he, deputy director of the Yushan National Park Headquarters, stated that since the park remains open to visitors, apart from advising hikers at Paiyun Lodge to temporarily avoid reaching the summit, construction staff at the Wind Gap site will also guide tourists along safe routes. Lin Wen-he pointed out that the repair of the iron chains is expected to take one to two days. Currently, the weather in the Yushan area remains unstable. Hikers are urged not to attempt to reach the summit during heavy rainfall. Before setting out, they should pay close attention to weather forecasts, follow the guidance of management personnel, and prioritize safety during their climb.
A female hiker suffering from altitude sickness was escorted down the mountain
A woman surnamed Liang and fellow hikers were descending the mountain when she exhibited symptoms of hypothermia and confusion upon returning to the mountain hut yesterday. The Taichung City Fire Department dispatched personnel today (14th) to the incident site. They assessed that the woman likely had altitude sickness, and due to poor weather conditions, a helicopter rescue was not possible. She will be assisted down the mountain by manpower.
Hiker Suffers from Altitude Sickness; Female Climber Carried Down Mountain by Firefighters
A woman surnamed Liang and fellow hikers were descending when she exhibited symptoms of hypothermia and confusion upon returning to the mountain hut yesterday. The Taichung City Fire Department dispatched personnel today (the 14th) to the incident site. They assessed that the woman likely had altitude sickness, and due to poor weather conditions, a helicopter rescue was not possible. She will be carried down the mountain manually.
Illegal Hiking in Hualien Carries Maximum Fine of NT$50,000
In recent years, the number of mountain accidents in Hualien has risen sharply, surging from 12 cases five years ago to 42 last year, leaving search and rescue personnel overwhelmed. The Hualien County Government has officially implemented its self-regulated "Mountain Activities Management Ordinance." Hikers entering mountainous areas within Hualien must apply for entry as required, carry appropriate gear, and purchase comprehensive mountain insurance. Those who fail to comply with the regulations may face a maximum fine of NT$50,000. Mountain Accidents Surge, Overburdening Rescuers The Hualien County Fire Bureau has observed a significant annual increase in mountain rescue operations in recent years. On the 11th, the bureau announced details of the "Hualien County Mountain Activities Management Ordinance," which stipulates that those entering any of the 58 regulated mountain areas in the county must follow a hiking plan, carry GPS-enabled devices and emergency communication equipment, be led by a professional guide, and have comprehensive mountain insurance. A fire bureau investigation found that many hikers
Couple hit by avalanche while hiking; girlfriend buried alive, boyfriend commits suicide in grief
An American couple who were passionate about hiking encountered an avalanche on October 7 during a climb. The boyfriend survived, but the girlfriend tragically died after being buried alive. A few days later, the boyfriend was found dead from suicide at home. According to the UK’s Daily Mirror, the American hiking enthusiasts were climbing a peak in southwestern Montana on the 7th when they were caught in an avalanche. The 23-year-old girlfriend, Inge Perkins, was buried alive and died, while her 27-year-old boyfriend, Hayden Kennedy, was lucky to survive. However, unable to bear the grief, he committed suicide at home on the 8th. The rescue team found the woman’s body under the snow the following day, the 9th. The boyfriend Hayden Kennedy’s father confirmed his son’s death and expressed deep sorrow and respect. The 27-year-old Kennedy was a renowned mountaineer
Taiwan KOM Race Raises Champion’s Prize to NT$500,000, a New Record
The 2017 Taiwan King of the Mountain (KOM) Cycling Race kicks off in Hualien on the 20th. This year, the women’s champion prize has hit a new high of NT$500,000, and the field features the strongest lineup in the event’s history. Britain’s Emma Pooley, a four-time consecutive world champion in duathlon, will compete against Japan’s Yumiko Yoshida, who won in 2013 and 2015, and Germany’s Claudia Lichtenberg, champion of the Giro Rosa, for the sole title. The Taiwan KOM Challenge will start at 6:00 AM on October 20 from Qixingtan in Hualien, climbing all the way up to Wuling at an altitude of 3,275 meters. This year, the women’s division sees a record 50 participants, and the total prize purse reaches NT$2.41 million. For the first time, the men’s and women’s champions will receive equal prize money—NT$500,000 each. The 35-year-old defending champion, British
Nearly 80,000 people in Guangzhou hiked up mountains to admire the moon, while the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern fair drew crowds like a school of fish
Yesterday (the 4th) was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Although Guangzhou experienced rain and overcast skies, it did not dampen the festive spirit of the public. Restaurants, shopping malls, and parks all saw large crowds. Not only was the Mid-Autumn lantern fair at Yuntai Garden bustling with visitors, but many citizens also chose to hike up high to enjoy the moon. Both the Canton Tower and the Moxing Ridge of Baiyun Mountain became popular destinations for celebrating the festival. According to reports, the number of visitors to the Canton Tower yesterday reached 14,690. As of 10 p.m. last night, the number of people who hiked Baiyun Mountain to admire the moon hit 81,687, while 25,135 visited Yuntai Garden to enjoy the lantern displays. The Mid-Autumn reunion dinner is the most cherished part of the holiday for locals. Yesterday, many restaurants had their Mid-Autumn Eve dinner reservations fully booked in advance, with some well-known establishments having most of their tables reserved a week ahead. A waiter at one restaurant noted that only a few individual seats were available on the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and those wishing to queue would need to arrive in the lobby by 4 p.m.
Lions Clubs International District 300-A2 Datong Office Hiking and Mountain-Cleaning Activity
Lions Clubs International District 300-A2 held its 33rd Family Fellowship Hiking, Mountain-Cleaning, and Environmental Protection Event on the morning of October 1st in Datong, with nearly 3,000 Lions members and their families participating. People of all ages picked up litter along the trail and carried it down the mountain. The event also included free blood glucose testing for diabetes. In short, it was a day of hiking and mountain-cleaning, promoting both health and environmental awareness. Lions Clubs International District 300-A2 has been organizing its annual Family Fellowship Hiking and Mountain-Cleaning Event every October for over 20 years. Previously, the hike led to Zhongshan Building on Yangmingshan. Due to the increasing number of participating Lions members and their families, the location was changed to Datong to shorten the hiking time, while adding activities such as mountain-cleaning, diabetes screening, and a Lions members’ gathering.
Historical recreation completed on Lane 60 of Dengshan Street
The Kaohsiung City Government secured funding from the Ministry of Culture to propose the Xingbin Project for Hamasen and the Jiancheng Project for the Old Fengshan City in Zuoying, aiming to restore these areas over eight years with a total investment of NT$2.7 billion. Among them, Lane 60 of Dengshan Street is a historic site where an ancient path intersects with a waterway. It officially opened on September 30, marking the completion of the first “Recreate Historic Sites” project field in Taiwan. The Ministry of Culture provides subsidies to cities and counties for their “Recreate Historic Sites” initiatives. Kaohsiung is the only locality to have both its Jiancheng Project (NT$2 billion) and Xingbin Project (NT$700 million) approved. The Jiancheng Project aims to revive the splendor of the Old Fengshan City in Zuoying, Taiwan’s first stone-built city, while the Xingbin Project is divided into four main themes—Mountain, Port, Railway, and Town—to revitalize the historical area of Hamasen. The Mountain theme of the Xingbin Project, a collaboration between the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Urban Development Bureau, has taken the lead in announcing the completion of the historical site at Lane 60 of Dengshan Street. This area was once where the British Vice-Consul Swinhoe, Taiwan Governor Liu Mingchuan, and Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito “intersected across time” in different eras. It will serve as an outdoor historical exhibition space, allowing visitors to step back in time.
Revitalizing Historical Sites Plan Leads the Way as Kaohsiung’s Hiking Street Lane 60 Completes
The Kaohsiung City Government secured funding from the Ministry of Culture to propose the Xingbin Project for Hamasen and the Jiancheng Project for the Old Fengshan City in Zuoying, aiming to restore these areas over eight years with a total investment of NT$2.7 billion. Among them, Hiking Street Lane 60, a historic site where an ancient path intersects with a waterway, officially opened on September 30, marking the completion of Taiwan’s first “Revitalizing Historical Sites Plan” site. The Ministry of Culture provides subsidies to cities and counties for their “Revitalizing Historical Sites Plans.” The Kaohsiung City Government’s Jiancheng Project received NT$2 billion, and the Xingbin Project NT$700 million, making it the only municipality to have both proposals approved. The Jiancheng Project aims to revive the splendor of Taiwan’s first stone-built Old Fengshan City in Zuoying, while the Xingbin Project is divided into four main themes—Mountain, Port, Railway, and Town—to revitalize the historical area of Hamasen. Today, the Mountain theme under the Xingbin Project, a collaboration between the Kaohsiung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau and Urban Development Bureau, proudly announced the completion of the historic site at Hiking Street Lane 60. This
You Anshun Wins Supporting Actor Award in High Spirits, Sun Kefang Trembles with Joy as Supporting Actress; Hiking Club Hooray
The winners of the Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Drama Series at the 52nd Golden Bell Awards have been announced—You Anshun for "Ah Bula's Three Women" and Sun Kefang for "Close Your Eyes Before It Gets Dark." You Anshun was overjoyed when receiving his award, happily exclaiming, "Now I finally know how heavy it is!" He said that if acting is like cooking, he’s neither the meat nor the noodles, but the scallions, and thanked the director for sprinkling them so beautifully. Sun Kefang trembled with excitement during her speech, her hands shaking repeatedly. She also specifically shouted, "Hiking Club Hooray!" She expressed gratitude to her parents in heaven, crying out, "I won an award, Grandpa, I love you." Her emotional speech moved viewers at home, who were thrilled to see her finally make her breakthrough.
Frequent Hiking Accidents on the Seven Peaks of Guguan; Taichung City Fire Bureau Speaks Out
The Seven Peaks of Guguan are seven well-known mid-level mountains in the Guguan area of central Taiwan, each with its own unique features, attracting many hikers. On September 23, reports emerged that six people sought help due to physical discomfort and getting lost. According to statistics from the Taichung City Fire Bureau, there have been 100 hiking-related incidents from January to August this year. To reduce such accidents, Fire Bureau Director Hsiao Huan-chang publicly appealed on Facebook that the Seven Peaks of Guguan are not ordinary hiking trails. Before climbing, one should assess their physical fitness, do sufficient research, and plan carefully to ensure a joyful hike and a safe return home. The Taichung City Fire Bureau received reports on the 23rd that two men and one woman were hiking Mount Bojinjia in Heping District and sought help after just 1.5 kilometers due to a woman feeling unwell; additionally, one man and two women got lost about 0.8 kilometers down the stream near Butterfly Valley Waterfall in Heping District and called for assistance from the fire department. The fire bureau’s statistics show that from 100 to
27 stab wounds kill hiker; victim’s wife pleads in vain for death penalty, second trial still hands down life imprisonment
(12:57, judgment reasoning updated) A man surnamed Zhou from Taipei City stabbed an elderly man surnamed Li, whom he had never met before, 27 times with a knife last year, killing him. The Taipei District Court sentenced Zhou to life imprisonment. During the high court trial, the victim’s wife knelt in court and cried, begging the judge to sentence Zhou to death. The high court, considering that Zhou suffers from schizophrenia and had written a letter of remorse expressing his apology after the crime, still sentenced him to life imprisonment, sparing him from the death penalty. The case is subject to appeal.
Retired teacher goes missing on mountain hike, remains found two months later
A retired teacher surnamed Li from Kaohsiung went missing on September 5 while hiking on Shoushan Mountain. His family reported him missing and search efforts were conducted multiple times, but he was not found. However, 66 days after his disappearance, his remains were finally discovered today (the 11th) by police and firefighters—but only as a skeleton. Authorities are still investigating why the retired teacher went missing during the hike, leading to his death.