To mitigate the impact of Chinese mainland restrictions on independent travel for mainland tourists, New Taipei City Government has significantly expanded various tourism activities. The flagship “Activity Instead of Consumption” campaign, in partnership with travel agencies and local specialty stores, introduces the New Taipei Mountain Hiking Festival, marketing 9 selected deep mountain trail tour packages. All-inclusive packages (transport, meals, activities) are available for under NT$2,000, aiming to boost the tourism market.
This afternoon, the New Taipei City Tourism Bureau held a press conference for the New Taipei Mountain Hiking Festival, themed “Discovering Deep Mountain Aesthetics.” Nine forest hiking routes suitable for day trips were unveiled, including Bengshan Pit Ancient Trail, Pingxi Ancient Trail, Fangshan Pit Ancient Trail, Zhongkeng Ancient Trail, and CanGuangliao Ancient Trail.
Tourism Bureau Director Chang Chi-chiang said, “Relying on others won’t do—we have to rely on ourselves!” The New Taipei Mountain Hiking Festival is just the first move in the tourism push. Future events will include the “Youth Mountain & Sea Line,” featuring popular coastal routes such as the northern coast and northeast coast, large-scale outdoor electronic music parties at Gongliao Beach, public art installations on the Bi Tan waterways, and the Tamsui Fluorescent Pink Night Run. The festivities will continue through November with the opening of the “New Taipei Happy Christmas Town.” There will be monthly events, and the public is welcome to visit New Taipei City for fun.
The Tourism Bureau announced that registration for the New Taipei “Mountain Hiking Festival” will begin at 2:00 PM on August 14, with a limit of 1,000 participants. Interested individuals can check the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel website for more information.
Chang Chi-chiang added that although the current Mountain Hiking Festival is limited to 1,000 participants, public response has been enthusiastic. The bureau will work with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Bureau to secure additional subsidies and continue expanding the number of available registrations.
(China Times)