Classic Itineraries
Hiker discovers mummified body in ice, turns out to be woman missing for 31 years in avalanche
Mountain climbing and hiking are popular leisure activities for many people, but they also carry the risk of encountering natural disasters, making them potentially dangerous. Recently, a hiker in Russia discovered a doll-like mummified body in the ice while climbing Mount Elbrus. After police identified the remains, it was revealed to be Elena Basykina, a woman who had gone missing in an avalanche 31 years ago. Her relatives, upon hearing the news, sorrowfully said, "We've waited for her for 30 years." According to reports from multiple international media outlets, a hiker in Russia recently spotted a wax-doll-like corpse encased in ice while ascending Mount Elbrus. Nearby, there were also clothes believed to belong to the body. Among the items, they found a passport and an airplane ticket dated April 10, 1987. After the hiker reported the find to the authorities, relevant agencies investigated and confirmed the identity.
Hualien man dies after collapsing during mountain hike in Gongliao Longdong
At around 11 a.m. on the 22nd at the Gongliao Longdong platform in New Taipei City, a man surnamed Huang from Changhua County was hiking along a nearby trail with friends when he suddenly felt unwell, collapsed, and lost vital signs. After receiving the report, coast patrol officers arrived to conduct the rescue and transported Mr. Huang to Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Despite emergency treatment, he could not be revived.
Admire the breathtaking sea view – The Bao Shi Mountain Trail reopens tomorrow after renovation
The New Taipei City Government’s Department of Tourism stated that the Bao Shi Mountain Trail began renovation in April this year. During the project, damaged paving was replaced, new bases were added, and a fresh layer of gritstone pavement was installed. The work has recently been completed, and the trail will reopen to the public starting tomorrow (the 8th), offering hikers a safer mountain-walking environment. Bao Shi Mountain, standing at an elevation of 260 meters, features a trail less than 200 meters long with a gentle slope, making it a low-difficulty hike that is especially popular among seniors, families, and couples. The viewpoint at the end of the trail has received particularly high praise, with its 360-degree, unobstructed panoramic views showcasing the stunning seascape and layered mountain ranges, including the Yin-Yang Sea, Keelung Mountain, Cup-and-Saucer Mountain, the ruins of the 13-Level Ore Processing Plant, abandoned flues, and the Jinshui Highway. The tourism bureau noted that it is now autumn and winter, and the misty, romantic miscanthus grass has spread across Bao Shi Mountain.
Hushan Trail Reports Hiker Fall Down Slope; Victim Sent to Hospital Without Life-Threatening Injuries
On the afternoon of the 2nd, a male hiker surnamed Chen fell down a slope on the Hushan Trail in Tai’an Township, Miaoli County, reportedly due to a misstep. He sustained multiple lacerations across his body and collapsed in pain. Firefighters were dispatched upon receiving the report, but due to the narrow mountain roads and slippery terrain, it took over five hours to successfully transport the injured man to the hospital. Fortunately, Chen remained conscious and is currently out of life-threatening danger after receiving treatment. According to preliminary police information, the 58-year-old Chen was part of a hiking group from Douliu, Yunlin, consisting of more than 20 people who had come to hike on the Hushan Trail. While passing between markers 7 and 8, Chen is believed to have slipped and fallen down the slope, causing multiple lacerations. However, the wet and slippery mountain roads, along with the rugged and narrow hiking trail, made the rescue operation more difficult. Firefighters received the alert around 12:00 noon and rushed to the scene. It ultimately took them over five hours...
The county magistrate lost badly; Cai Bizhong goes on a mountain-climbing graduation trip
In the Hualien County magistrate election, the Democratic Progressive Party suffered a crushing defeat. Acting Magistrate Cai Bizhong pledged in his administrative report to the county council that he would "guard" the county government without implementing any major policies. In the final three weeks of his term, Cai Bizhong embarked on a journey through nature and mountains. Today, he went hiking in Yushan National Park to attend the completion ceremony of the restoration of an old Bunun tribe house, giving off strong "graduation trip" vibes. Two months before the year-end general election vote, Magistrate Fu Kun-chi was removed from office due to stock trading violations, and the central government appointed Cai Bizhong to take over the Hualien County government. Undeterred by rumors, he took bold actions such as investigating and summoning personnel involved in the Ideal Formosa case under the county government, ordering the cancellation of the bid for the Sunrise Champs-Élysées project to avoid it becoming a "haunted house," and temporarily suspending the youth housing project. He also boasted about canceling the opening ceremony of the "Five Religions Unity" Heaven Worship event, claiming to have saved NT$8 million in public funds. However, his continuous exposé actions only stirred backlash among the people of Hualien. Fu’s wife, Xu Zhenwei...
Snow Season Services to Launch Next January; Hehuanshan National Park Urges Hikers to Climb with Descent in Mind
The Hehuanshan National Park Headquarters will implement snow season services from January 3 to March 31, 2019, shifting from a management-focused approach to an open-service attitude. It will continue trial programs including allowing applications for the Snow Lion Ridge route during the snow season, requiring team leaders to self-assess their ice climbing qualifications, and designating specific cirque areas for snow climbing training teams to camp. The park also urges the public to be well-prepared before mountain climbing—climb with the goal of descending safely. The park authority noted that two fatal mountain accidents occurred between October and December on the No. 230 Forest Road and at the Sumedah Cliff, resulting in two deaths. To protect the high-altitude ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, the snow season services will begin in January. For general entry permit applications (excluding the Snow Lion Ridge), group sizes should consist of 2 to 6 people including the team leader, who must assess their own experience in snowfield training or hold a certified mountaineering guide qualification. When snow accumulation in cirques reaches more than 20 centimeters,
3 Hikers Die on Volcano, Buried for 59 Years — Mummified Remains Reveal Shocking Truth
Three hikers lost their lives 59 years ago while attempting to summit Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico. Their bodies remained frozen at the mountain's summit for nearly six decades before finally being brought down for proper burial. In fact, the trio had been discovered back in 2015, but due to the treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions, rescue efforts were called off. However, during the excavation, searchers uncovered a startling secret beneath the thick snow. Amid the snowy landscape, dark skulls and mummified hands emerged — a shocking sight in 2015. At first, rescuers thought the remains belonged to a single person, but further digging revealed that the skull and hands came from two different individuals. Their light red clothing, muscles, and internal organs had almost completely deteriorated. Investigators believe the two may have died while embracing each other. Not long after, the third body was found nearby.
Learn to climb mountains and learn from the mountains.
Walking along the undulating trail of Hehuanshan’s Northwest Peak, facing one steep uphill and downhill after another, even the teachers found it tough, yet the students didn’t complain much. At the steeper sections, they reminded each other to watch their steps; when tired, they encouraged one another. Some students even secretly brought back highland milk tea, brewed by the guide, for a teacher who couldn’t make it to the summit. From before dawn till after dark, this mountain trek offered not just the beauty of nature but also a glimpse of the students’ sincerity and kindness. This is the reflection written by a teacher who last week hiked the Hehuanshan range with a group of eighth-grade students. These children, having gone through eight mountaineering training sessions and under the school’s comprehensive administrative and medical arrangements, spent three days climbing five of Hehuanshan’s famous peaks, including the 14-hour round trip to the Northwest Peak. Many parents expressed their heartfelt emotions on social media, as this was an activity they wouldn’t have been able to organize on their own. Thanks to the school’s arrangement, they were able to witness their children’s potential.
HowToTrip Brings Taiwanese Mountaineers to the International Stage
In 2005, HowToTrip initiated the Seven Summits Climbing Project to showcase Taiwan to the world and reshape the international mountaineering community's perception of Taiwanese climbing teams. Through systematic funding, training, and preparation, three team members successfully summited Mount Everest on May 19, 2009. They carried the national flag from Nepal and reached the summit — marking the only time a team representing Taiwan has done so under the name "Taiwan Team." After completing the Seven Summits project, HowToTrip continued with the 8,000m Alumni Training Program, encouraging the younger generation of mountaineers to step out of their comfort zones, bravely explore international climbs, and lay the foundation for the future. From 2006 to 2018, the team’s climbing covered all seven continents, with cumulative altitude gains exceeding 150,000 meters — equivalent to the height of 18 Mount Everests.
Climbing Without Knee Pain: 4 Principles to Reduce Fatigue & Injury
Taiwan is surrounded by high mountains, and many people use their free time to hike or walk on trails, even challenging themselves with mountain climbing. Ascending not only brings a sense of refreshment but also promotes joint flexibility, making it a beloved recreational activity for many. However, some experience muscle soreness or knee pain after hiking. Dr. Lin Qinggu, a physician, advises that when climbing, one should focus on landing on the full foot, walking with feet slightly turned out, utilizing the knees more, taking small steps on steep slopes, and using abdominal breathing. These methods not only reduce fatigue but also lower the risk of injury. According to a report from Chinese Health Network, the main cause of muscle soreness is lactic acid. The production of lactic acid indicates that the body is using the limited glycogen stored in the muscles. When glycogen is depleted, it leads to physical exhaustion and may pose risks. Family physician Dr. Lin Qinggu explains that the accumulation of lactic acid causes the expansion of muscle blood vessels,
Volunteers in Gukeng Township Build Hiking Trails, Achieving Multiple Benefits
Gukeng Township in Yunlin County is mountainous, with a network of hiking trails. Although the county government allocates an annual budget for trail maintenance, wear and tear from weather and prolonged use still leave some sections in need of attention. To maintain good trail conditions, the Gukeng Township Office has called on the public to become trail volunteers, jointly preserving the paths while promoting both fitness and public welfare — achieving multiple benefits at once. In conjunction with the upcoming Taiwan Coffee Festival in November, the township office planned to recruit around 40 trail volunteers, but the spots were filled within just one day of announcement, highlighting the community's strong commitment to trail conservation. The township office will invite Liu Xiaoxian, a part-time instructor from the Forestry Bureau, among others, to teach professional knowledge about trail restoration. Participants will learn about the concept of hand-built trails and gain hands-on experience repairing paths using locally sourced materials and methods tailored to the terrain. Magistrate Huang Yiling hopes that through these engaging and fun courses, residents and volunteers will be more motivated to take initiative in trail upkeep. By providing professional training, the public can learn how to properly carry out simple trail repairs, ensuring the sustainable use of the trails. The initiative also aims to equip local residents with basic trail maintenance skills, contributing to the preservation of the area’s trails.
Bicycles》Climbing Prince Wang Yinzhi Sets Off Again, Aims to Finish KOM Race First
Wang Yinzhi, once a top contender in Taiwan’s cycling league and known as the “Climbing Prince,” retired in the second half of 2015. He switched careers and worked as a car salesman, but eventually returned to the world of two wheels. He has also started planning individual cycling tour activities. Today, he announced his comeback by attending the press conference for the 2018 Taiwan Excellence Good Gift BIKE Day event. Wang revealed that although he was formerly a professional athlete, he now prefers roles as a personal coach and ambassador for cycling tourism. By designing cycling routes in Taiwan and Japan, he hopes to explore more career possibilities. He will also compete again in the Taiwan Cycling Mountain King KOM Challenge, which kicks off on October 26. “It could be considered my return to competitive cycling,” Wang said. His last participation in the Taiwan Cycling Mountain King KOM Challenge was in 2014.
Top 5 Hiking Trails in Tainan – Follow the Illustrated Guide
Tainan City boasts five major trail systems—Baihe Guanziling, Zengwen Reservoir, Dongshan Xiwuling, Meiling, and the Wushan surrounding areas—featuring over 20 hiking trails. The Tainan City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau has selected five beginner-friendly trails and collaborated with illustrator Shen Enmin to present them in a charming hand-drawn style. They have released the “Tainan Mountain-Friendly Trails Map,” which the public can pick up as a foldable brochure or download directly online for convenience. The Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that Tainan, located in the southern part of the Chianan Plain, has an east-high-west-low topography. The mountainous areas in the east are spread across Baihe, Dongshan, Nansi, Nanhua, and Zuozhen, offering picturesque landscapes where mountains meet water. Hiking here is not restricted by season—it’s great for beating the heat, breathing in phytoncides, and enjoying rich forest biodiversity, making it perfect for family-friendly outings. This information comes from the Council of Agriculture’s hiking and trekking trail system.
Taichung》Warming up for Double Ten National Day: Lu Hsiu-yen and fellow party lawmakers hand out national flag stickers
As Double Ten National Day approaches, KMT legislators Chiang Chi-chen, Taichung City Councilors Chang ?-fen, and Chen Pen-tien, along with their service office teams, will head to Fengyuan’s Peikeng for a mountain-cleaning hike and fitness walk, distributing small national flag stickers to celebrate the nation’s birthday. This year, Taichung mayoral candidate Lu Hsiu-yen also joins in the celebration, greeting fellow hikers and wishing them a good morning. Many citizens eagerly take the flags and stick them on right away to mark the national occasion. Fengyuan’s Peikeng has long been a popular hiking spot for locals. Every year before Double Ten National Day, Legislator Chiang Chi-chen leads his service office staff on a clean-up hike, not only aiming to preserve the beautiful environment of Peikeng but also encouraging his team to maintain healthy exercise habits. The group hikes all the way up to 500 Heights, which offers a panoramic view of Taichung city, where they raise the national flag to “warm up” the celebration for the Republic of China’s National Day. Chiang Chi-chen noted that in recent years
Map of Hiking Trails in Tainan Goes Live, Charming Hand-Drawn Style Catches the Eye
Tainan City boasts five major trail systems, including those in Baihe Guanziling, Zengwen Reservoir, Dongshan Xiwuling, Meiling, and the Wushan surrounding areas, featuring over 20 hiking trails. The Tainan City Tourism Bureau has carefully selected five beginner-friendly hiking trails and collaborated with illustrator Shen Enmin to present them in an adorable hand-drawn style. The “Tainan Hiking Trail Map” has been released, and the public can pick up a printed foldout map or download it directly from the internet, making it highly convenient. The Tainan City Tourism Bureau stated that located in the southern part of the Jianan Plain, Tainan features an east-high-west-low terrain. The mountainous areas in the east are distributed across regions such as Baihe, Dongshan, Nansi, Nanhua, and Zuozhen. The landscape, nestled between mountains and water, offers pleasant scenery. Hiking here is not restricted by seasons—it helps beat the heat, allows you to breathe in phytoncides, and lets you enjoy rich forest ecology, making it perfect for relaxing family outings. From the Council of Agriculture’s
Mountain climbing risks: Annual insurance coverage doubles
In recent years, public awareness of mountain climbing risks has increased through various promotional channels, and with the relaxation of rules allowing individuals to purchase mountaineering insurance on their own, participation in such insurance has become more active than before. Property insurance providers report that by the end of July this year, annual insurance coverage has already doubled. According to statistics from the Bureau of Insurance Affairs Development Center, in 2017, the premium income for mountaineering insurance was NT$5.72 million, with claims already amounting to NT$3.5 million, resulting in a claims ratio of 61%. This year, with more cities and counties requiring mountaineers to purchase insurance and the relaxation allowing individual purchases, the insurance premium for the first seven months has reached NT$6.047 million, surpassing last year’s total and showing a 104% increase compared to the same period last year. Taiwan is one of the countries with the highest mountain density in the world, with one hundred peaks selected as part of Taiwan’s "100 Peaks." The stunning scenery attracts many hiking enthusiasts and has fostered numerous mountaineering clubs. To reduce the cost of search and rescue operations for missing climbers, local governments have included mandatory mountaineering insurance in their self-governance ordinances. When applying to enter controlled mountain areas,
Owning a luxury home is no longer just a dream for young people. Xianglin Construction unveils a 'light luxury' residence tailored for the younger generation in Central Taiwan
As the real estate market warms up and developers step up their efforts, listed developer Xianglin Construction has just secured the purchase of land parcel 840 in Daxin Section, Taichung City. Located at the junction of Beitun District and Tanzi District, adjacent to Provincial Highway 3, the Daxin Section boasts excellent transportation and living amenities, with easy access to Freeway 74 and the Green Line MRT Airport Terminal. Scheduled to break ground in October this year, this will be Xianglin’s first 'light luxury' residence designed specifically for young people in Central Taiwan, drawing significant market attention. Long known for promoting community greening and rooftop community gardens, Xianglin Construction is set to launch a new project near the junction of Beitun and Tanzi Districts, alongside Provincial Highway 3. The plan includes integrating the pedestrian overpass opposite the community elementary school with an incentivized open space to create a green area, as well as commissioning designers to transform another green space within the community into a family-friendly park to foster positive interactions with neighboring residents.
29 hikers lost while exploring scenic rock formations in Keelung; Ruifang police and firefighters conduct nighttime rescue
Yesterday (September 30), a Sunday with rare sunny weather, a large group of 29 friends and family set off from Taipei to hike and enjoy the autumn scenery at Nanya Rock Formations in the Northeast Coast. However, in the afternoon, they got lost due to unfamiliarity with the trails and quickly called for help. Since there were children in the group, Ruifang police and firefighters took the situation seriously and promptly dispatched 15 officers for the search and rescue mission. Fortunately, the group was successfully located and escorted out of the mountains. The police stated that they received a report yesterday about a hiking group lost near Nanya Rock Formations. With the sky darkening and risks increasing, emergency responders quickly assembled a 15-person rescue team from Bitou Police Station, Ruifang, and Jiufen Fire Stations to conduct the search.
Zhang Fen-yu Launches Campaign HQ, Vows to Boost Wufeng’s Hiking Industry
Incumbent Taichung City Councilor Zhang Fen-yu from Electoral District 13 held a campaign headquarters launch event, with endorsements from Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung, legislators Ho Hsin-chun, and Huang Guo-shu, among others. Zhang believes that due to the lack of a comprehensive urban plan, development in Wufeng District had stagnated in the past, and she hopes to revitalize efforts to develop the area’s hiking and agricultural industries in the future. Lin Chia-lung, let’s win!, Zhang Fen-yu, let’s win!. Surrounded by supporters, Lin Chia-lung and Zhang Fen-yu walked into the venue, greeting residents along the way. Lin pointed out that the Greater Taichung population continues to grow and is soon expected to exceed 2.8 million. Various infrastructure projects such as Greater Taichung 123, the interconnected metro network, and the Shanhai-Tun Sub-Center are also being developed one after another. Lin emphasized that the development of Taichung City is felt across all districts, particularly in the Tun District, where a new urban plan has taken shape. The goal is to create a “suburban urbanization” in the Tun District, providing residents with the high-quality standards of a directly governed municipality.
A must-have for athletes: Scientists develop an ultra-cool floating backpack that stays steady while hiking or running
To address this issue, a professor from the University of Pennsylvania developed a patented Suspended Load Technology (SLT), which keeps your backpack relatively stable during movement — a key feature of the Lightning Packs backpack. And it’s not just for men; the brand has created four functional backpack sizes to accommodate various body types and needs. Many professional hikers and backpackers are eager to try out this invention, but this cool product won’t be officially available until July 2019. Interested friends can check the link provided below for more info!