The tragic death of bikini hiker Wu Jiyun has sparked widespread public discussion. To facilitate applications for mountain activities, the Ministry of the Interior’s Construction and Planning Agency announced today that it will collaborate with the Forestry Bureau to establish an integrated mountain service platform website. Within six months, the Forestry Bureau’s mountain hut application system and the Construction and Planning Agency’s national park entry application website are expected to be consolidated into a single portal to streamline the process for hikers.
Wu Hsin-hsiu, head of the Construction and Planning Agency, stated that this year the agency will conduct a comprehensive review of mountain services, integrating functions previously scattered across the Forestry Bureau, the National Fire Agency, the National Police Agency, the Construction and Planning Agency, and the Tourism Bureau. A single-entry portal is expected to be launched within six months to make it easier for the public to access these services.
In the past, the public often didn’t know whom to turn to when planning mountain hikes. For example, the “Xi-A Hike” involved responsibilities from National Taiwan University, the Forestry Bureau, and the Tourism Bureau, leaving many confused and increasing the difficulty of making applications.
Additionally, the Construction and Planning Agency noted that currently, only popular hiking routes in three alpine national parks—Yushan, Taroko, and Shei-Pa—are listed for application. After a review by the agency, the national park entry application website will be revised within one month to include an “Other” category, allowing applicants to request non-standard routes.
Regarding feedback from hikers on mountain closure timing and schedules, taking the Nanheng Three Mountains and Guanshan Trail within Yushan National Park as examples, the agency found that these trails are still suitable for hiking and trekking. However, the Highway Bureau’s Third Maintenance Office, Jiaxian Section, plans to repair the Nanheng Highway to allow access up to Tianchi (Km 136). Once the road reopens, the Nanheng Three Mountains and Guanshan Trail may be adjusted to a higher difficulty classification and hiking itinerary plans modified accordingly before being trial-opened for applications.
However, the Nanheng Highway (Provincial Highway 20), severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, remains partially closed (from Meishankou at Km 109 to Xiangyang at Km 154). The Construction and Planning Agency will coordinate with highway authorities to actively explore feasible reopening timelines or alternative trailhead options.
Moving forward, the Construction and Planning Agency will continue promoting mountain safety education, spreading awareness through various channels such as organizing safety lectures, leveraging social media, and utilizing diverse media platforms. These efforts aim to educate the public on necessary preparations before, during, and after hiking activities—including creating a complete hiking plan, physical training, proper gear, emergency contacts, purchasing comprehensive mountaineering insurance, and carrying GPS-enabled emergency communication devices—to ensure hiking safety.
(China Times)