This year’s New Taipei City Mountain Climbing Festival centers around the theme of "Mountain-Hugging Light Travel," combining hiking and trail ecology with historical and cultural guided tours. It offers packaged tour packages for an in-depth mountain exploration that includes visiting historical sites and observing the natural environment, aiming to deliver a unique and moving experience.
The city government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that the “Mountain-Hugging Group Tour” features five carefully selected trail tour packages to offer distinctive hiking adventures. The packages include: First, the Northern Taiwan Alps-to-Niigata Trail Tour, which connects the Beishi Creek Ancient Trail and the Wantan Ancient Trail. Along the clear and beautiful streams, you can explore the charm of the ancient trails. Lush greenery provides shade along the way, accompanied by the sound of flowing water. Just around a bend, you’ll suddenly come upon a pristine, jade-green pond.
Second, the Seeking the God of Wealth Tour, where the Hupao Pond Trail is built along a clear and enticing stream, with a gentle slope that’s perfect for family trips. After passing by an ancient temple dedicated to the God of Wealth, Hupao Pond comes into view.
In addition to exploring the area’s unique God of Wealth culture, the tour also includes a visit to the Shoushan Temple Farmers’ Market, where you can enjoy pesticide-free vegetables and locally sourced ingredients prepared as à la carte dishes.
Third, the Mountain and Sea Leisure Tour, which takes you through the Qing Shan Waterfall Trail, shaded by lush trees and alive with the sounds of insects and birds. As you walk, you can look back at the rolling hills and terraced fields. The “Qing Shan Waterfall,” about 8 meters high, is surrounded by mist, resembling Japan’s Jinba Falls, exuding a powerful presence. In addition, the tour combines a different kind of experience from hiking—taking a yacht ride to admire the beautiful Northeast Coast scenery, including the “Jinshan Candlestick and Twin Islets.” You can also enjoy a fisherman’s seafood rice noodle soup and learn about marine ecological conservation.
Fourth, the Little Hundred Peaks Forest Exploration Tour, where you’ll visit Erge Mountain—one of Taiwan’s Little Hundred Peaks. The trail is easily accessible, with expansive views. From the mountaintop, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Taipei Basin, Datun Mountain Range, Guanyin Mountain, as well as the areas of Shenkeng, Shiding, and Feitsui Reservoir. On clear days, you may even see the Five Finger Mountain and Seven Star Mountain.
Beyond the vast scenic beauty, the tour also visits the Qing Shan Educational Farm, where you can enjoy an herb-themed set meal and try your hand at DIY herbal tea bag making.
Fifth, the High Climb to View Mountain Ranges Tour, where you’ll explore the Paotzu Trail. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of terraced fields and tea plantations. At the summit, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the mountains encircling the Taipei metropolitan area. You’ll also visit the famous Paotzu Waterfall in Shenkeng. Additionally, you can savor exclusive white oven-baked bread paired with natural dried fruits, nuts, and Australian lake salt at the Shan Shan Farmhouse.
Using intricate wood-fired baking techniques and the warmth of handmade effort, the farmhouse crafts naturally delicious European-style bread. You can also knead your own dough, select your own toppings, shape your pizza, and create a one-of-a-kind DIY pizza experience.
These five trail package tours combine trail guidance with unique experiences and will begin operating in July. 1050613
(Central News Agency)