Classic Itineraries
Two middle-aged British hikers trapped on snowy mountain survive 12 hours by digging shelter and hugging each other
A pair of middle-aged skiing enthusiasts from Scotland, UK, went up the snowy mountains together but unexpectedly got lost and stranded. With no choice, they spent the night on the mountain. In the bitter cold of minus 10 degrees Celsius, they dug a small shelter and huddled together for warmth, enduring until dawn when they were finally rescued by a search team and found to be unharmed. The two men in their 40s had gone skiing together but became lost due to poor visibility at an altitude of about 1,300 meters on the Cairngorm Plateau. One of them sent a text message to his wife at 8:30 p.m. to call for help. While waiting for rescue, the two dug a hole in the snow and hugged each other to keep warm. The rescue team searched all night after receiving the report but couldn’t find them. They resumed the search early the next morning. With the assistance of the Air Force, they eventually located the pair using night-vision goggles, and members of the Coastguard airlifted them to a base via helicopter. Rescue personnel said the men were well-equipped and in good physical condition when rescued. After being saved, they drank hot tea to warm up and did not require medical treatment.
27 stab wounds kill hiker; paranoid schizophrenia leads to life imprisonment
A man surnamed Zhou in Taipei City stabbed an elderly man surnamed Li, whom he had never met before, 27 times with a knife two years ago, killing him. The victim’s wife knelt in court and cried, begging the judge to sentence Zhou to death. However, considering that Zhou suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and had written a letter of remorse expressing his apology after the crime, the courts sentenced him to life imprisonment. After an appeal, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal, confirming that Zhou would not face the death penalty. On the morning of June 12, 2016, 88-year-old Mr. Li went to the Four Beasts Mountain area in Xinyi District, Taipei City, for exercise but went missing. Emergency services were alerted by his family and found him at a pavilion on the Hushan Trail. Li had been stabbed 27 times, bled profusely, and died of shock. Police later arrested Zhou. After being arrested, Zhou claimed that he had been suffering from mental illness since 2014, often feeling that snipers were targeting him, that he was being watched, and that people wanted to kill or hurt him.
Man gets lost and nearly dies while attempting to hike and view snow on Beichadian Mountain
A 30-year-old man surnamed Lan and three friends set out to hike Beichadian Mountain in Fuxing District, Taoyuan City, on the 5th to admire the snowy mountain scenery. However, after getting separated from the group, Lan became disoriented. The Taoyuan City Fire Department formed a rescue team to search for him and found him in the evening suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion, then rescued him. The firefighters stated that the four hikers had met via the Line messaging app and agreed to go snow-viewing at Beichadian Mountain. The group of four started from the trailhead, and after passing Baisha Waterfall, Lan, citing concerns about his personal gear and ignoring the advice of the other three hikers, left the group. He attempted to return alone to the original meeting point at the trailhead via the same route but got lost due to unfamiliarity with the terrain. The Taoyuan City Government Fire Department’s Duty Command Center received a report from the public at 17:59 on the 5th, requesting assistance in searching for Lan.
The wild stream ecological trail in the mountainous secret spot offers views of the mountain ranges and overlooks the Seediq Chunan Island Tribe.
For those who love challenging hikes and getting close to nature, there is a uniquely special wild stream ecological trail within the Tayal Resort in Guoxing Township. Here, you can hike amidst diverse lush greenery and the sounds of insects and birds, breathing in phytoncides, while admiring cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, metasequoias, and thousands of native plant species. The area boasts rich ecological resources, along with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vistas overlooking the Seediq Chunan Island Tribe — a truly breathtaking sight. On the Tayal Wild Stream Ecological Trail, you may also encounter monkeys, Formosan serows, wild boars, and flying squirrels coming up to say hello. Starting from April each year, the trail becomes a hotspot for fireflies, offering visitors a chance to witness the ecology of these magical insects and the wonders of nature. Li Jitian, General Manager of the Tayal Resort, revealed that the wild stream ecological trail passes by a statue of the Water-Dripping Guanyin. This statue was established in 1995 by Master Wei
Linmei Shiban Trail – A Beginner-Friendly Hiking Option
The Linmei Shiban Trail in Yilan is 1.7 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to walk, making it a very suitable "beginner-friendly" option for those trying out hiking trails. The entire trail is wide and gently sloped, shaded by lush forests, and features streams, waterfalls, and canyon landscapes along the way—perfect for family outings. The trail route is designed as a loop, entering on the right and exiting on the left. It was historically an important irrigation channel used by local residents for farming and daily water supply. Like a string of emeralds passed down from grandmother’s time, it is filled with historical traces of early settlers’ hardships and villagers’ deep nostalgia for childhood memories. Gentle Slopes · Close to Mountains and Water Last summer, the Linmei Trail was affected by several heavy rainfalls and typhoons, resulting in collapses and washouts in multiple sections, as well as damage and displacement of some boardwalks. The Luodong Forest District Office closed the park for repairs in October last year, opening only 800 meters of the trail. Now, the renovation is nearing
A bird’s-eye view of Lotus Pond and a family-friendly hike on Turtle Mountain Trail
The Turtle Mountain hiking trail by Lotus Pond in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, gets its name from its turtle-like shape. Later, the construction of Shengli Road divided it into two parts. The section close to the pond is now known as Little Turtle Mountain, while the other side across Shengli Road is Big Turtle Mountain. The hiking trail features well-laid wooden boardwalks that are gentle and not steep, taking only about 30 minutes to complete. Located right in the city with convenient transportation, it offers a bird’s-eye view of Lotus Pond and is a great hiking spot for the whole family. The Turtle Mountain Trail is composed of coral reef limestone geology and lies within the Shoushan National Nature Park. On the southern side, the Big Turtle Mountain hiking trail has three entrances: the one near the parking lot, the North Gate entrance, and the Lou Ding Ma entrance. Each path is easy to walk, with a cool breeze making the hike very pleasant. In the past, Big Turtle Mountain was a military stronghold and served as a strategic point guarding the naval port. As a result, remnants of military facilities such as bunkers, air-raid shelters, artillery positions, and ruins of wartime barracks can be found everywhere here—making for quite a unique sight. Though these military structures no longer serve defensive purposes, they have become habitats for wildlife. The cultural and military heritage of Turtle Mountain also gives it a distinctive character unlike other trails. Although Turtle Mountain is not very high, its flat surroundings and lack of tall buildings offer excellent views. From here, you can take in panoramic sights of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the beautiful Lotus Pond.
"Fat-Busting Travel" – Say goodbye to fatness. Mountain adventures & hiking trips bring you a healthy lifestyle
◎ Beginner-Friendly Hikes – Easily Explore Stunning Scenery The 1.7-kilometer Yilan Linmei Shiban Trail, with its short distance and gentle slope, is a perfect entry-level hike and a great leisure activity suitable for all ages – an ideal outing for sightseeing and relaxation. ◎ Wuzhi Mountain Ancient Trail – Experience the Hard Work of Early Settlers Winding up along the Beigang River, the Wuzhi Mountain Ancient Trail in Xizhi District, New Taipei City (located on Xivan Road) features bamboo groves, shaded paths, and babbling streams. Along the way, you’ll find remnants of early settlers’ land-clearing efforts, blending cultural history with natural beauty. A hike here is truly worthwhile. ◎ Fuyuan Mountain Hiking Trail – Fun for the Whole Family The 2.2-kilometer Fuyuan Mountain Trail in Guishan, Taoyuan, starts at the Tuzikeng trailhead and...
Freezing cold: Lost hiker found frozen like an ice sculpture on mountain
Recently, various regions across mainland China have been hit by successive cold waves, with temperatures plummeting to extreme lows. The Banshanting Police Station of the Nanyue Branch of Hengyang City Public Security Bureau in Hunan Province recently received a distress call from a tourist who reported being lost in the deep mountains of Nanyue Hengshan and begged for police assistance. After a four-hour search, officers found the lost hiker in a remote corner of the mountains above Guangji Temple on Nanyue Hengshan. In the -9°C cold, the stranded climber was frozen like an ice sculpture. Officers immediately took off their own gloves and handed them to him to keep warm, gave him a sip of hot water, and after he had warmed up, escorted him back to safety.
Elly Dai Ran 18 Appearances in 3 Days in Hong Kong, Praised for Vocals by Nancy Sit; Climbing to the Peak Made Her the "Taiping Princess"
Elly Dai recently traveled to Hong Kong for promotional activities, squeezing in 18 appearances in just three days, sleeping less than five hours each day, and even having to eat meals in her car. After finishing her promotional schedule, she headed up to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. She joked, “The Iron Lung Princess has become the Taiping Princess.” It was already late when she ascended the peak, and the streetlights had gone out, but the night view before her still moved her deeply. She expressed hope for more opportunities to perform overseas and to stand on bigger stages. She participated in the Lunar New Year special of TVB’s Hong Kong show “50 Years of Classic Hits,” where she performed her hit song “The Right One.” Fellow performers in the same episode — including Dicky Cheung, Kimberly Chiang, NG Yip-Kwan, and Au Wing-Kuen — all remarked after her performance, “It put a lot of pressure on us to sing after her.” In addition, Hong Kong celebrity Nancy Sit spoke highly of her vocal talent, while Elly herself fondly recalled Nancy’s classic TVB drama “A Kindred Spirit.”
Comparing Japanese mountaineering culture, he points out that Taiwan's oolong-style copying
\nTaiwan’s mountain landscapes are no less beautiful than Japan’s, but mountaineering photographer Snow Sheep recently shared on his Facebook fan page an article titled “Why Go Abroad to Hike?” In it, he reflects on the many deep-rooted flaws in Taiwan’s mountaineering culture—how it has long blindly copied foreign practices while ignoring the environmental differences between Taiwan and Japan, resulting in what he calls “oolong-style copying.” He lamented that blindly copying others’ good ideas is a “super tragedy.”
The Snow Mountain Sacred Ridge Line is covered in snow—hikers, please stay safe
The first cold wave of the year has hit hard. The Snow Mountain Sacred Ridge Line, located at the border of Miaoli and Taichung, saw all its peaks turn white overnight. Even the Jiujyu Mountain Hut, at an altitude of 2,699 meters, has accumulated 5 cm of snow. Coupled with days of heavy rain beforehand, there are multiple areas with falling rocks and fallen trees along the eastern route. The Fifth Brigade of the Seventh Precinct Police Bureau urges hikers planning to climb Dabajianshan in the coming days to make adequate preparations and to carry and correctly use crampons, ice axes, and helmets to ensure safety. Jiujyu Mountain Hut manager Luo Haijun stated that at around 8 a.m. on the 11th, the temperature at the hut was minus 3 degrees Celsius. Although the altitude is below 3,000 meters, it experienced the first snowfall of the year. Areas with snow accumulation at the hut have become somewhat slippery, and walking without proper winter gear can be very dangerous. Captain Zhuang Mingxian of the Fifth Brigade of the Seventh Precinct Police Bureau said that due to
Jioming Lake closed to public; reopens 4/1
Known as the "Angel’s Tear," Jioming Lake attracts many hikers who travel great distances to visit. With over 20,000 visitors annually, the influx has caused significant ecological damage to the mountain area. The Taitung Forest District Office has closed the mountain for three months every winter for four consecutive years. This year, the closure runs from January 5 to March 31 to allow the mountain to recover. The stunning azure, egg-shaped lake draws numerous hikers on pilgrimage. To manage the uncontrollable number of visitors, the Forest District Office has implemented new measures including requiring bed reservations for entry, charging for beds, and enforcing a winter closure. The three-month winter shutdown gives the forest and wildlife a chance to rest. Lin Meng-yi, head of the Recreation Section at the Forest District Office, stated that last year Jioming Lake received over 26,000 hikers, consistent with previous years but significantly higher than the 16,800 recorded two years ago. However, unlike in the past when visitors mostly came on weekends, the implementation of visitor quotas has successfully distributed foot traffic, resulting in similar numbers on both weekdays and holidays.
Life-Saving Tool: GPS System Helps Taichung Fire Bureau Locate Hikers in Just 2 Hours
The Taichung City Fire Bureau’s newly developed GPS positioning assistance system proved miraculous. On New Year’s Day, two hikers in Taichung lost their way while descending Hengling Mountain in Heping District. Upon receiving the report, the fire bureau immediately activated the GPS positioning system to locate the callers and successfully found the missing hikers within just two hours. The bureau stated that hikers carrying mobile phones can use the phone’s GPS function to provide reference locations for rescuers, reducing search difficulties. The bureau explained that it has developed a GPS positioning feedback system, where the Disaster Relief and Ambulance Command Center sends an SMS containing the caller’s phone number and a link to the positioning assistance system. By clicking the link—as long as there is a stable network signal—the system automatically transmits the user’s location coordinates, enabling rescuers to quickly reach the exact spot and carry out a successful rescue. The bureau also recommends that the public join Line
Location Scan – Engineer Dies After Collapsing While Hiking Alone
Taichung: Lin, a 53-year-old mechanical engineer surnamed Lin, was hiking alone on the Daking No. 10 Hiking Trail on New Year’s Day when he suddenly collapsed about 800 meters from the trailhead. Fellow hikers discovered him and promptly called the police. When firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene, Lin had no vital signs. He was rushed to the hospital but could not be revived.
Hikers' public spirit? Toilet at Tianchi Mountain Lodge on the Nenggao Traverse blocked by underwear and headlamps
Tianchi Mountain Lodge is located 13 kilometers along the western section of the Nenggao Traverse National Trail. It serves as an important accommodation and emergency shelter for hikers tackling the Nenggao Traverse and surrounding peaks, while also functioning as a hub for ecological conservation and forest patrol. However, the lodge’s toilet has suffered severe vandalism. Recently, the Nantou Forest District Office completed repairs and urged hikers to take better care of the lodge’s public facilities.
Did the fire department’s short film offend the wrong people? Hiking officials overstep their authority, demand Taichung chief come clean
Was making a great short film wrong? The Taichung City Fire Department recently produced a film titled "Hearing the Call for Help in Mountainous Areas" to raise public awareness about mountain accidents and basic knowledge of outdoor activities. Unexpectedly, hiking officials directly called out the Taichung chief for an explanation, and later the video was even forced to be taken down. Insiders lamented the hard work of their colleagues being erased and angrily exposed the situation online, sparking outrage among netizens who blasted the officials for overstepping their bounds.
Warm-hearted guy: Netizens flood Qin Liangfeng’s Facebook to send support
During the drill, his main parachute failed to open, and his reserve parachute was obstructed by strong winds. Qin Liangfeng, 25, who is suspected to have had his foot tangled in the lines, graduated last year after passing a diving test. He is a tanned, sunny, and positive young man. On Facebook, he also shared his experience of a three-day, two-night beginner diving training course last year, during which he earned his beginner diver certification. His Facebook is filled with sunshine and positivity.
A bag of peanuts sustains man and dog for seven days during mountain ordeal
A 55-year-old man surnamed Qiu from Hsinchu City went hiking in Jinping Village, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County on the 5th, bringing along his beloved dog Michelle. Unexpectedly, the experienced hiker got lost the very next day despite knowing the area well. Qiu and Michelle survived the seven-day wait for rescue with just one bag of peanuts. At one point, they lost contact, but fortunately, firefighters accurately calculated their possible location and overcame numerous challenges to safely bring both man and dog down the mountain.
Hiker in Critical Condition After Suspected Snakebite Causes Severe Abdominal Pain
As the weather gets warmer, snakes are becoming more active. Yesterday at noon, a hiker surnamed Jian suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain while on the Zhongping Forest Road in Zhuoxi Township. Emergency responders were alerted and rushed to the scene. This afternoon, they carried him down the mountain and sent him to Yuli’s Tzu Chi Hospital for emergency treatment. When Jian arrived at the hospital, he had no heartbeat or breathing. After examination by emergency doctors, a suspected snakebite mark was found on his abdomen. Fortunately, he was revived after resuscitation efforts. The Hualien County Fire Bureau stated that Jian, a 52-year-old from New Taipei City, entered the mountains on the 5th with 10 other hikers from Dongpu in Nantou. They crossed the Mabolasih Range and arrived at Zhongping Forest Road in Yuli on the 11th. Yesterday at noon, while on the 35-kilometer section of the forest road in Taiping Valley, Jian suddenly suffered from unbearable abdominal pain and could no longer walk. His companions, realizing the seriousness of the situation, immediately called for help. The Third Brigade of the Hualien Fire Bureau responded by dispatching police, volunteer firefighters
Dreamt of Grandma? Korean Man Hikes and Finds Century-Old Ginseng Worth $277K
Do you believe that dreams of deceased loved ones can lead to unexpected wealth? A 57-year-old South Korean man recently dreamed of his grandmother right after holding her funeral. He then went hiking in Jirisan Mountain, South Gyeongsang Province, where he casually picked three wild ginseng plants. To his surprise, one of them was later identified as a century-old ginseng, valued at 100 million KRW (approximately NT$2.77 million). According to Yonhap News Agency, the man, surnamed Kim, hiked in Jirisan Mountain on the 5th of this month. During the trip, he came across three wild ginsengs and picked them on impulse. Later, experts determined that one of them was a century-old wild ginseng. The president of the Korea Traditional Ginseng Harvesters Association stated that such ginseng is extremely rare, with an estimated value of up to 100 million KRW (about NT$2.77 million). The century-old wild ginseng has a main root about 12 cm long, weighing around 40 grams, with the root itself weighing 1