The Taiwan Silk Weaving Guild, together with the Textile Industry Research Institute, the Alumni Association of the Department of Textile Engineering and Department of Molecular Science and Engineering at National Taipei University of Technology, the Republic of China Textile Research and International Exchange Association, and the Taiwan Industrial Textiles Association, jointly organized the “2018 Silk Weaving Industry Hiking and Friendship Raffle Event,” spanning a total distance of about 6 kilometers. A total of 1,250 participants attended, showcasing the dynamic and energetic nature of the textile industry.
Dai Hong-yi, Chairman of the Silk Weaving Guild, said that to advocate for the physical and mental health of employees in the silk weaving industry and to promote family happiness, the guild has been hosting the Silk Weaving Industry Hiking, Health, and Friendship Raffle Event since 1998, which is now in its 21st year.
Over the past eight years, the hikes have taken participants from the western, northern, southern, and eastern districts outside Taipei City into the urban core or deeper into Taipei’s historic neighborhoods, allowing attendees to witness the radiant rebirth of old Taipei. However, for many years, numerous participants have provided feedback to the guild that the hiking activities have mainly focused on mountain trekking and enjoying nature. In addition to getting away from the noise of the city and immersing themselves in the natural beauty of green hills and clear waters, participants can also closely observe flowers, listen to the chirping of insects and birds, enjoy the caress of the breeze, and breathe in fresh air.
This year’s hiking event specially selected a route starting from Qilian Bank at the northernmost tip of Taipei City, passing through Yangming University, then ascending a 500-meter uphill staircase to reach Junjian Rock, continuing on to Mingzhen Jing Temple, and finally arriving in Xinbeitou.
Among these sites, Yangming University was once the earliest quarry used by Liu Ming-chuan during the construction of Taipei City. Beside the university’s College of Social Sciences, one can clearly see the remnants of ancient stone quarries carved by our predecessors.
The prosperity of Xinbeitou’s hot springs has also given rise to historic structures such as the Xinbeitou Train Station, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Puji Temple, Meiting, and the Beitou Branch of the Japanese Military Hospital.
Additionally, Taiwan’s very first hot spring hotel — Tian’gouan, founded in 1896 by Mr. Hirata Gen’go — along with Takunaiyu, have helped establish Xinbeitou as Taiwan’s premier hot spring town.
Coupled with the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, also the first “Diamond-rated” green building in Taiwan and known as the “Green Architecture Library,” and the Ketagalan Cultural Center, Xinbeitou has become a warm and culturally rich tourist destination. These attractions also bring joy and vibrant energy to professionals in the silk weaving industry.