Known as the "Angel’s Tear," Jioming Lake attracts many hikers who travel great distances to visit. With over 20,000 visitors annually, the influx has caused significant ecological damage to the mountain area. The Taitung Forest District Office has closed the mountain for three months every winter for four consecutive years. This year, the closure runs from January 5 to March 31 to allow the mountain to recover.
The stunning azure, egg-shaped lake draws numerous hikers on pilgrimage. To manage the uncontrollable number of visitors, the Forest District Office has implemented new measures including requiring bed reservations for entry, charging for beds, and enforcing a winter closure. The three-month winter shutdown gives the forest and wildlife a chance to rest.
Lin Meng-yi, head of the Recreation Section at the Forest District Office, stated that last year Jioming Lake received over 26,000 hikers, consistent with previous years but significantly higher than the 16,800 recorded two years ago. However, unlike in the past when visitors mostly came on weekends, the implementation of visitor quotas has successfully distributed foot traffic, resulting in similar numbers on both weekdays and holidays.
During the closure, trails will be fully inspected, and hazardous sections will have reinforced facilities. A viewing platform will be built at the Jioming Lake refuge hut, and kitchen facilities will be expanded. The Jioming Trail will be partially reopened.