Compared to famous mountains abroad, Taiwan's mountain ranges have complex terrains, including valleys, scree slopes, and collapsing cliffs. A moment of distraction can send hikers plummeting into the abyss, posing challenges even for professional rescue teams. Liu said that the mountains and forests are not scary—if you prepare well in advance and approach nature with humility, hiking is truly fascinating.

Liu said that he has trained search and rescue personnel from fire departments in cities and counties such as New Taipei, Hsinchu, and Chiayi, and has led many members of the public on hikes across various mountains. The first thing he always teaches is "self-preservation": "If you enter the mountains with the mindset that you might die, then you won't die."

Liu pointed out that it's common to receive calls for help from people on the mountains. When rescue teams ask where they are or what routes they’ve taken, many hikers have no idea. Without gathering enough information in advance or even knowing how to read a map, they not only risk their own lives but also make rescue efforts more difficult. "If you know nothing at all, why come hiking in the first place?"

One year, he and a companion went to Shei-Pa Mountain to search for a missing bank employee. They descended to the bottom of the Sijilan River to look for the person. It was a section of the trail Liu had hiked before, yet no matter how they tried, they couldn’t find a way out. After wandering in circles, they ended up back at the starting point. The two decided to set up camp right there and stop pushing forward. The next day, after packing up and finishing their meal, they quickly found the way down the mountain.

Later, they learned indirectly that the farm owner nearby had died the previous week after falling off a cable car and into the valley. The two couldn’t help but shudder.

Hiking is so dangerous and frightening—so why are people still so obsessed with it? Liu said that a love for adventure can become addictive, but he doesn’t take blind risks. As long as you’re well-prepared, hiking is truly fascinating.