In 2005, HowToTrip launched the “Seven Summits Climbing Project” to realize the vision of “showcasing Taiwan to the world” and improve how the international mountaineering community viewed Taiwanese climbing teams. With 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 a total altitude gain exceeding 150,000 meters — equivalent to the height of 18 Mount Everests or 312.8 Taipei 101 towers. Over the years, the project has invested over NT$70 million.
Cheng Kun, Chairman of HowToTrip, was taken on a fishing trip around Taiwan by his father, Cheng Yu-tsai, when he was just six years old. Where there were no roads, his father would rappel down with gear, as the fish in such remote spots were particularly abundant and large. Now, as a business leader, Chairman Cheng encourages his team to embrace a daring, challenge-seeking mindset and not to settle for just sitting in the office. As a result, employees enjoy two “Sports Leave” days each year. Those who complete an Ironman 113K, Ironman 226K, or a 100-kilometer marathon are awarded trophies and bonuses at the company’s annual dinner, celebrating them as true heroes.
Cheng Kun said: “For HowToTrip, ‘creating life’ means having the courage to take your first step, to experience and embrace nature — and the wonder and vitality that this world offers us.”