"We'll be back next year!" Yesterday morning, Want Want China Times Media Group and the Republic of China Hiking and Mountaineering Association jointly organized the "Walk to Boost Taiwan" Lulutu Hiking Event in Zhonghe, covering a distance of approximately 5 kilometers. The event attracted over 2,500 participants. Du Zhiming, manager of the newspaper's distribution department, noted that hiking has become a national pastime and plans to hold the event again next year.
The Lulutu Mountain Trail is well-designed, offering a healthy path suitable for all age groups. In addition to enjoying the scenery of Zhonghe District, the shaded areas along the trail help invigorate hikers. By the time the event began, thousands had already gathered. Many came as families — with children and elderly members in tow — and there were also numerous three-generation families participating. The total number of participants exceeded 2,500, and many devotees even joined the walk voluntarily.
The event kicked off with performances by hip-hop, locking, and popping dance students from Huaxia Institute of Technology, showcasing the youthful energy typical of young people. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and swayed to the music. There was also a performance by Shi Wei, the pop tenor known as the "Prince of Sounds" from the Atayal community, who sang two classic hits, treating attendees to an auditory feast.
Du Zhiming pointed out that hiking has become a widespread recreational activity. The event received strong support from the National Health Administration and the New Taipei City Sports Department. The Lulutu Mountain Trail at Nanshan Fude Temple in Zhonghe provided the venue, and the Republic of China Hiking and Mountaineering Association managed the execution. The event garnered a positive response among hiking enthusiasts and will be held again next April to promote healthy leisure activities for all.
Lai Fangyan, chairperson of Nanshan Fude Temple, said that the Earth God is one of the most widely worshipped deities in folk belief. Since hiking benefits health, they fully supported the event’s success and specially prepared "red turtle offerings" for participants to take home. The Earth God will surely bless everyone with good health and safety.
A participant surnamed Chen said that joining the event not only benefits physical health but also gives a chance to win big prizes such as TVs, so he naturally gathered his whole family to come. "Hiking together as a family feels great — you can chat while walking," he said. Another participant surnamed Hsu mentioned that the organizers were very thoughtful, having set up water stations along the route to help participants maintain their energy throughout the course.