Classic Itineraries
Hikers Stranded on Mountain Rescued by Police and Firefighters in the Three Gorges Area
A hiker surnamed Zhang went for a walk on Niuzao Mountain in Yingge District, New Taipei City, on the 26th. However, he misjudged the distance and found himself returning after 6 p.m., when it was pitch black. The man did not know how to get down the mountain and called for help. After receiving the report, Sergeant Jiang Qingtian and Officer Qiu Shaohong from the Hushan Police Station of the Sanxia Police Precinct immediately headed to the mountain area for a search and rescue mission with firefighters. The path was difficult to navigate, and the mountain roads were steep and perilous. To locate the lost hiker as quickly as possible, police and firefighters braved the cold and conducted a thorough search across the mountain area. After four hours of arduous searching, they finally found the lost Zhang and his dog at around 10 p.m. in the mountainous region near Hongsong Kiln’s Sankeng area in Yingge District, and safely escorted them down the mountain.
"Computer Equipment" — Dafang’s electric-assist mountain bike wins Taiwan Excellence Gold Award
The TRB1 electric-assist mountain bike, launched by BESV, Dafang’s (8163) premium electric bicycle brand, has been awarded the 2018 Taiwan Excellence Gold Award. The BESV TRB1 is also the only product in the bicycle industry to receive this honor this year. Dafang stated that the TRB1 features industry-leading 756 watt-hours of power. Thanks to this powerful battery performance, riders can fully utilize electric assistance and fully enjoy long-distance rides. Whether for longer commutes, extended outdoor leisure, or challenging mountain roads, there’s no need to carry a second battery, allowing riders to freely enjoy a riding experience that combines sport and fun. BESV’s uniquely designed dual-tube frame technology not only provides ample space for an extra-large capacity battery but also gives the TRB1 frame exceptional rigidity, enabling it to
Gaining weight from hot pot in winter? Burn fat with this partner hiking workout
In winter, do you often feast with friends? The chilly season is perfect for gathering around hot pot and barbecues, but after the big meals, the cold outside makes you reluctant to exercise—or maybe you just lack motivation to work out alone. Before you know it, your body has quietly accumulated a lot of fat, and your weight keeps creeping up. HowToTrip’s “Couples Workout” series will teach you exercises you can do at home to burn fat. These simple moves deliver high-intensity results. The video includes a warm-up plus five exercises. The first warm-up is the jumping jack—a staple from elementary school. Just remember: don’t let your knees cave inward for proper form. Keep jumping until you’re slightly out of breath, then move on to the next exercises.
Man gets lost while hiking alone; Daxi police locate and rescue him from the jungle
On the evening of the 23rd in Daxi District, Taoyuan City, a member of the public got lost while hiking. After receiving the report, Daxi police, along with local firefighters and volunteer officers, went to search and successfully found the trapped Mr. Li in the jungle about 200 meters below the ridge near Yugong Pavilion at 23:20. Mr. Li was able to return home safely. Police stated that Mr. Li entered Xizhou Mountain alone for a hike in the afternoon of the 23rd, but due to the dim light, he mistook another forest trail for his usual hiking path. After entering, he strayed off course and became lost, unable to descend the mountain. After pinpointing his location via GPS, it was determined to be near Yugong Pavilion. Upon receiving the report, the police station, together with firefighters and volunteer officers, entered Xizhou Mountain to conduct the search. Along the way, they used whistles, shouts, and called Mr. Li to confirm his direction before using machetes to clear a path to reach him. He was finally found in the jungle about 200 meters below the ridge near Yugong Pavilion.
Public service knows no borders: Officers help two foreign hikers in distress
Police officers from the Sixth Brigade of the Seventh Battalion of the National Police Agency’s Seventh General Corps recently provided assistance to two stranded foreign hikers in the Tianchi Mountain area of the South Cross-Island Highway. The grateful foreign hikers expressed their heartfelt thanks for the warm support from the officers of the Meishan Squad. Deputy Commander Zhang Junxiang of the Seventh Sixth Brigade stated that Taiwan, located in a subtropical region, experiences distinct seasons and boasts stunning landscapes. The magnificent scenery of its high-mountain national parks attracts many international hiking enthusiasts. However, due to unfamiliarity with Taiwan’s terrain and weather conditions, it is not uncommon for hikers to find themselves in need of rescue. On the 13th, two Canadian hikers became stranded in the Tianchi Mountain area of Yushan National Park after road access was cut off and dense mountain fog caused disorientation. Compounded by rain and insufficient cold-weather and waterproof clothing, they suffered from wet, cold conditions and were physically and mentally exhausted.
Female hiker falls 50 meters down a valley, rescued by helicopter hoist and hospitalized
A group of five hikers entered the mountain via Batongguan in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, on the 10th, planning to descend from Hualien on the 17th. At 3 p.m. on the 12th, a female team member surnamed Zhou fell about 50 meters down a valley, suffering a broken hand, suspected pneumothorax, and was unable to walk, prompting a rescue request. Lin Cheng-yi, captain of the Nantou County Fire Bureau’s Third Division, stated that the injured person had been hoisted by helicopter and sent to the hospital for treatment. The Yushan Fire Station of the Nantou County Fire Bureau and the Yushan National Park Administration received the report and immediately dispatched a ground rescue team of four, who set off fully equipped. Due to the journey requiring three days and two nights on foot and the steep mountain paths being unsuitable for moving the injured, to save time, they also applied for helicopter rescue. To facilitate the helicopter hoist, at 4:30 p.m., they guided the group to slowly help the injured descend about 2.3 kilometers, arriving at the Central Gold Mine Hut at 7 p.m. to camp and await rescue.
A wild bison herd blocks the path on Yangmingshan; hiking couple hugs for help
After days of gloomy weather, the sun finally came out yesterday, and a couple from Taipei went hiking on Yangmingshan. But when they were about to descend, they unexpectedly encountered a family of four wild bison blocking their way. Fearing that making noise might provoke an attack, the couple didn’t dare to move. As it grew darker, they had no choice but to call for help. Both the National Park Administration and the fire department rushed to the scene, carefully herding the well-fed bison off the trail and escorting the couple down the mountain to safety. According to an Apple Daily breaking news report, the rescued couple told police and firefighters that they were about 600 meters up the “Dingshan Shitiling Trail” on Yangmingshan when they were stopped by a group of water buffaloes. Worried that trying to shoo them away might lead to an attack, and with the mountain area rainy and overgrown with wild grass, they feared taking a detour in the slippery conditions could be even more dangerous—so they called for assistance. The two could only stand still at a distance from the animals until rescuers arrived and safely guided them through the trail back home.
Fell 200 meters off the trail at Batongguan, mountain guide rescued
A male guide surnamed Wang was leading a group of hikers when he accidentally fell off a cliff on the 28th while traveling along the Batongguan Historic Trail. The Yu Shan Branch of Nantou County’s Fire Bureau conducted a multi-day search and found him conscious but suffering from hypothermia about 200 meters from the fall site on the 29th. He was evacuated using a long backboard and carried manually to an open area before being airlifted by helicopter to the Fire Training Center and then transferred to Zhushan Show Chwan Hospital for emergency treatment. Nantou County Fire Bureau’s 3rd Division Chief Lin Cheng-yi stated that the Yu Shan Fire Brigade received a report on the 28th that nine hikers, including the male guide surnamed Wang, were on Section 10.5K of the Batongguan Historic Trail (near the forest road by the Duiguan Patrol Station), and that one of them, the male guide surnamed Wang, had fallen into a valley and needed rescue.
Funds for the Renovation of the Ludi Mountain Hiking Trail Secured by Legislator Chiu Chih-wei with Assistance from Taipower
To help the Mituo District Office complete the renovation of the wooden hiking trail on Ludi Mountain, which it manages, Legislator Chiu Chih-wei not only successfully secured NT$6 million in funding from the Southern Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau under the Council of Agriculture but also proactively sought special assistance from the Taipower’s Sinda Power Plant. On November 9, 2017 (106 year, 11th month, 9th day in Taiwan calendar), the Sinda Power Plant agreed to grant NT$2 million to the Mituo District Office to facilitate the completion of the Ludi Mountain wooden hiking trail renovation. Chiu Chih-wei stated that although the coastal areas of Mituo and Ziguan in Kaohsiung City are mostly flat, there lies Ludi Mountain in the southern part of Mituo District, standing 53 meters high and composed of muddy rock layers. Originally a military restricted area, Ludi Mountain was handed over to the then Mituo Township Office in 2006 (the 95th year of the Republic of China) for management, and the “Ludi Mountain Nature Park” was established, covering an area of approximately 56 hectares. In recent years, as the Kaohsiung City Government has actively promoted tourism, Ludi Mountain has gradually become a popular spot for local leisure and sightseeing. During holidays, many families visit the mountain for hiking and exercise, enjoying the physical activity while taking in the coastal scenery of Mituo from the mountaintop.
Area Scan – Mountain Guide Falls Off Cliff, Air Force Helicopter Dispatched for Rescue
Nantou: A nine-member team from the Tainan-based Changhong 102 Mountaineering Team applied to enter the mountains from Taitung’s Xiangyang on the 23rd and planned to hike the South Section II, aiming to reach Xinyi Dongpu on the 28th. Unexpectedly, when the group reached a point 10.5 kilometers from Dongpu, the 59-year-old team leader surnamed Wang fell off a cliff. The Nantou County Fire Bureau and the Yu Shan National Park Headquarters dispatched personnel for search and rescue operations and requested support from an air force helicopter. Before nightfall, only a backpack and clothes were found, and the search will continue on the 29th.
Hikers Stranded Due to Unfamiliar Terrain Rescued by Police and Firefighters in the Dark
A hiker surnamed Lin took advantage of the weekend on the 26th to go for a walk at Yunshen Waterfall in Sanxia District, New Taipei City. However, he misjudged the distance and found himself on the descent after 7 PM, when visibility was near zero. Fearing for his safety and unsure how to get down, Lin called for help. The officers from the Chajiao Police Precinct of the Sanxia Police Department, upon receiving the report, immediately joined forces with the firefighters to search the mountain area. The rescue path was difficult to navigate, with steep and treacherous mountain roads posing constant danger. In order to locate the lost hiker as quickly as possible, the rescuers conducted a painstaking, all-night grid search. At around 8 PM, they finally found Lin at the entrance to Yunshen Waterfall along the Zhongkeng Industrial Road and safely escorted him down the mountain. After being rescued, the hiker surnamed Lin expressed deep gratitude for the tireless efforts of the officers from the Chajiao Police Precinct of the Sanxia Police Department and the firefighters from the Sanxia Fire Department.
A mountain guide fell into a valley at Batongguan; land and air search efforts have yet to locate him
A nine-member hiking team from Tainan City applied to enter the mountains from Xiayang in Taitung on the 23rd, planning to hike the South Section Two and finish their journey in Dongpu, Nantou County, on the 28th. However, at around noon, while the group was 10.5 kilometers from Dongpu, the 59-year-old team leader surnamed Wang accidentally fell off a cliff. The Nantou County Fire Bureau and the Yushan National Park Administration dispatched personnel for search and rescue operations and requested support from an air rescue helicopter. By nightfall, only a backpack and clothing had been found, and the search will continue on the 29th. Yushan National Park Administration Secretary Bangkaer HaiFanan stated that the accident occurred in the Duiguan area, which is only about two hours' walk from Dongpu. The Nantou County Fire Bureau received a report from a hiker surnamed Li at 12:09 p.m. and immediately deployed four firefighters and six volunteer firefighters to assist in the rescue; conservation patrol officer Fang Liang from the Yushan administration also went to provide support. At 2:45 p.m., an air rescue helicopter departed from ChingChuanKang in Taichung, first conducting an aerial survey to pinpoint the location and then transporting six search personnel to GuanGao. Ground and aerial searches were subsequently carried out, with ground teams quickly descending to the fall site. At around 6 p.m., a satellite phone report indicated that a backpack had been found near the fall location, but the person was still missing, and the search will continue.
Film: Hiker Lost and Suffering from Hypothermia Rescued After Firefighters Grill for Warmth
On the afternoon of the 19th, a hiker surnamed Zhang went camping alone at Lake Garo. He planned to hike 18 kilometers the next day (the 20th) to reach Taiping Mountain Lodge, but got lost due to unfamiliarity with the terrain and called for emergency help from the fire department. Rescue personnel located the hiker on the morning of the 20th. Zhang went missing in the mountains around 3 p.m. on the 19th and used his smartphone to call for rescue. Relying on satellite positioning, firefighters found him at 11 a.m. on the 20th on Duomen Mountain. By that time, he was already showing signs of hypothermia. The firefighters started a fire on-site and grilled food to help him warm up. Once his strength returned, they escorted him down the mountain and to the hospital.
Not just food and shopping—explore Hong Kong’s hiking trails, geological wonders, and historic charm
There’s more than one way to enjoy Hong Kong—hike up Tai Mo Shan to admire the sea of clouds, visit High Island Reservoir to witness nature’s artistry, or delve into the immigrant history of Victoria City. Still think of Hong Kong only as a food and shopping paradise? Many would find it hard to believe that this city also offers hiking and cycling adventures. In fact, over 70% of Hong Kong’s land area is countryside, with green spaces just a bus ride or ferry trip away from the urban core. From November this year to March next year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is launching a new round of the “Discover Hong Kong’s Countryside” promotion, recommending a variety of distinctive hiking and cycling routes to encourage travelers to deeply experience the city’s natural beauty and scenic landscapes. To help visitors gain a deeper impression of Hong Kong’s natural scenery, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has invited several renowned photographers to guide the way, showcasing breathtaking views of the territory’s great outdoors through their lenses. Travelers can obtain the newly published “Hong Kong Hiking & Biking Guide” from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, using it to explore the territory’s magnificent natural and geological attractions. The guide is divided into three main sections: “Tracing History,” “Capturing Natural Beauty,” and “Discovering Geological Wonders,” featuring a total of ten recommended hiking routes related to these themes. Each route includes details on access, duration, difficulty level, and other useful tips, helping travelers choose the perfect path based on their preferences and fitness levels. Additionally, the guide introduces two cycling routes, offering another perspective to discover Hong Kong.
Mountain climbing accidents reduced as autonomous ordinance passed
Miaoli County Government passed an autonomous ordinance on mountain climbing activity management during its county affairs meeting on the 14th, explicitly stipulating that those engaging in mountain climbing must carry positioning-enabled equipment and communication devices, be led by a team leader, and have insurance. The goal is to reduce mountain-related accidents. In cases where rescue resources are expended, compensation will be sought from the insurance. The entire proposal awaits approval by the county council, after which Miaoli will become the fourth city or county to implement such an ordinance. Miaoli County Fire Bureau pointed out that there are 10 mountains within the county with altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters, and in recent years, mountain climbing has become a popular trend. However, mountain-related accidents have risen correspondingly year by year. Whenever an accident occurs, it often requires the deployment of significant manpower and resources for search and rescue, consuming considerable social resources.
Yuan Ze University mainland students develop Mountain Buddy APP, win first prize in Mobile Internet Innovation Competition
Led by Associate Professor Hsieh Ruei-chien from the Department of Information Management at Yuan Ze University, four mainland students jointly developed the mobile application Mountain Buddy APP to reduce the life-threatening risks of acute mountain sickness. They participated in the third National Mobile Internet Innovation Competition hosted in mainland China. With over 2,000 teams registering for the competition and 215 advancing to the finals after preliminary review, their team won first prize with the Mountain Buddy mobile application.
More climbers around the world are choosing to summit Everest from Tibet
There are only two routes to climb Mount Everest. One is from the southern side in Nepal, and the other is from the northern side on the Tibetan plateau. An increasing number of global mountaineering professionals believe that Nepal’s lackluster management and overcrowded conditions are driving climbers away from Nepal to the mainland. Moreover, the mainland is making significant investments to enhance the competitiveness of the northern route to the world’s highest peak. In recent years, individuals and groups offering cheap mountaineering services have sprung up like mushrooms in Nepal. Mountaineering experts have warned that these groups are attracting a large number of amateur climbers eager to conquer Everest, but they also bring greater risks of casualties, mainly because some expedition leaders themselves lack the necessary skills. Furttenbach, who has moved his climbing company from Nepal to the mainland due to safety concerns, said that these phenomena occurring on the southern side of Everest in recent years are absolutely...
Shoushan Hiking Trail – Admire the "Dreamy Curtain"
The popular Shoushan National Nature Park has reopened its North Shoushan Hiking Trail after a three-month phased renovation. In addition to installing self-guided interpretive signs to help hikers learn about Shoushan’s natural ecology and cultural history, new directional and mileage signs have been added to make trail markings clearer. The newly opened wooden boardwalk of the Shoushan Hiking Trail features a steel structure foundation, and the wooden treads are designed with anti-slip grooves. Currently, sections such as the Stone Deity section at the North Shoushan Parking Lot, the mining road via Panyong to Lotus Cave, and the 92 steps leading to Eza Ting (Elegant Seat Pavilion) have been completed. Walking along the North Shoushan Trail, you can explore the ancient human civilization that once thrived here—the Neiwei (Xiaoxi Shell Midden) site. Numerous cultural artifacts can be found along the way, including shells, pottery, stone tools, bone implements, and traded porcelain. Research suggests this may have been the living site of the Makatao people, a subgroup of the Pingpu indigenous group.
Hike the Shimen Mountain Trail and gaze at Taipei 101
Taoyuan City boasts numerous well-known hiking spots, including Luzhu’s Five Wine Barrels Mountain, Longtan’s Shimen Mountain, and Daxi’s Baiqi Forest Trail, all popular destinations for outdoor excursions. Among them, the Shimen Mountain hiking trail offers views of the Shimen Reservoir, and on clear days, you can even see Taipei 101 in the distance. Five Wine Barrels Mountain – Community-managed The hiking trail on Five Wine Barrels Mountain in Luzhu District is located on privately owned land and has been maintained voluntarily by local volunteers for many years. Locals say the mountain got its name during the Ming Zheng era when Cai Guangxing and his five sons, who settled here, were known for their love of drinking and remarkable tolerance. On one occasion, they reportedly drank an entire barrel of liquor, leading to the name “Five Wine Barrels Mountain.” Another story suggests that villagers used to bring their cattle here to drink, giving rise to the name “Ox Water Barrel Mountain,” which later evolved phonetically into “Five Wine Barrels Mountain.” The Shimen Mountain hiking trail is located near
Tanzih Xintian Trail with a view of Xiong Mountain
The Xintian Hiking Trail is located on Juxing Mountain in Tanzih District, Taichung City. With a total length of 2.9 kilometers, the wooden boardwalk zigzags along the mountain terrain, and the one-way hike takes about 60 minutes. The trail is shaded by dense woods, featuring broadleaf trees such as acacia, melaleuca, and bamboo groves, allowing hikers to breathe in the forest’s phytoncides. In addition to several lookout points, an eagle-watching platform has been added, offering a bird’s-eye view of the streetscape of Fengyuan. The trail features a circular uphill route, with the highest point at just 500 meters above sea level, making it suitable for family outings and leisurely walks. Many seniors and retirees come here together every day. Visitors say that being surrounded by various tree species and breathing in the phytoncides feels like a forest bath. There is a parking lot at the trail entrance, and on holidays, many small-scale farmers set up stalls to sell vegetables and fruits. The farmers say their “business is even better than at the traditional market!” The Xintian Hiking Trail has gained widespread fame. Taichung Mayor