The 9th annual “Leave No Trace Hiking Fun” event, organized by HowToTrip to promote the “Leave No Trace” philosophy, encourage proper hiking practices, and preserve the beauty of Taiwan’s mountains, has been held over 60 times nationwide since its inception. This year, the event was launched simultaneously in New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, attracting nearly 10,000 participants.

HowToTrip and hikers take the pledge to uphold the Seven Principles of Mountain Care (provided by the organizer).
At the New Taipei Hōng-lôo-tē Trail site of HowToTrip’s Leave No Trace Hiking Fun, 4,500 hikers gathered to show their support through action (provided by the organizer).

This year’s “Leave No Trace Hiking Fun” carefully selected three of Taiwan’s Little Hundred Peaks for climbing. The event began with professional coaches leading warm-up exercises using stress-relief sticks developed by HowToTrip, followed by a mountain protection oath. HowToTrip’s Executive Vice President Chang Kuo-chin, along with representatives from the Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture, the Chinese Taipei Hiking Association, Gore-Tex Taiwan, and the Taiwan Leisure Hotel Association, led the walk together.

This year’s “Leave No Trace Hiking Fun” features three scenic mountain routes: the “Hōng-lôo-tē Trail” in Zhonghe, New Taipei City, the “Biting Dog Trail” in Taichung, and the “Dagangshan Trail” in Kaohsiung. The full hiking routes span approximately 8 to 9 kilometers, with guides from the Chinese Taipei Hiking Association accompanying participants along the way to teach proper hiking techniques. Additionally, special forest ecological interpreters from the Forestry Bureau have set up “Eco Mini-Classrooms” at designated spots along the trails to introduce the local flora and fauna. The event also featured live performances by the mountain music group Rainbow Valley Band, delivering educational and entertaining content to promote the principles of “Leave No Trace.”

HowToTrip’s Executive Vice President Chang Kuo-chin and a representative from the Chinese Taipei Hiking Association personally signed the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace on-site (provided by the organizer).

HowToTrip’s Executive Vice President Chang Kuo-chin stated that HowToTrip has long been dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Taiwan’s mountains to the public, hoping that people can enjoy nature while also taking action to preserve its splendor. This year, a family-friendly category was added to help instill environmental awareness from the home, nurturing ecological conservation values in children from an early age. These future leaders will, in turn, inspire more people to value environmental protection. Moving forward, HowToTrip will continue to promote Leave No Trace education, aiming to conquer all of Taiwan’s Little Hundred Peaks and unite one million people in this cause.