The series of events for the “107th National Hiking Day,” jointly organized by the Sports Administration of the Ministry of Education and the Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, took place across Taiwan from September 9 to October 21, featuring over 200 in-person activities as well as online hiking events. These initiatives allow people nationwide to earn rewards and improve their health through exercise anytime, anywhere.
Taiwan boasts abundant mountain and forest landscapes. To increase public participation and promote the Leave No Trace philosophy, the 107th National Hiking Day specially organized online hiking activities on the “Hiking Notebook” platform. It launched five major themed routes: “10,000-Person Mountain Cleanup Operation,” “Let’s Collect Small Hundred Peaks,” “Join the Hiking Photography Scene,” “Mountain Closeness · Coolness · Light Trails,” and “40 Classic Must-Visit Trails Across Taiwan.” Whether enthusiasts prefer suburban mountains, mountain cleanups, or sports photography, they can find an online mission that suits their interests. By uploading hiking photos or scenic mountain views to the event website according to specified guidelines, participants have the chance to win prizes.
Sports Administration Director
At the press conference, host Xie Zheqing also mentioned the "three big lies of mountaineering," conveying the unforgettable and addictive nature of hiking and trekking. The first lie is "It's very easy!" Mountaineering groups use this phrase to encourage people to take their first step into hiking, but in reality, the challenge may not be as easy as it sounds and is actually quite demanding.
The second lie is "We're almost there!" When hikers are already out of breath, the guide ahead will use "We're almost there" to motivate them, but it might still be a while before reaching the destination. The first two "lies" are things others say, but the third lie is something one tells oneself: "I'm never coming back!" Even if you feel extremely tired during the hike or trek and think you never want to do it again, once you get home and wake up, you can't help but open a map to find the next challenging destination, immersing yourself in the joy of hiking and trekking.