A whole row of red tents removed—“Angel’s Tear” Lake Kaming restores its scar-free beauty

▲ After the tents were removed, Lake Kaming has returned to its formerly pristine look. (Photo / Courtesy of Taitung County Tourism Website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Lake Kaming, known as the “Angel’s Tear,” was recently reported to have been illegally occupied by unauthorized individuals who set up a long row of tents, damaging the scenic landscape. The Taitung Forest District Office and Xiangyang Police Station have been up the mountain in recent days to crack down forcefully, ordering the tents to be dismantled and taken down the mountain. Lake Kaming has once again regained its beautiful appearance, drawing applause from hikers: “This time, the Angel’s Tear must be crying tears of joy.”

The Lake Kaming National Trail, where you can see the “Angel’s Tear,” had only just been repaired and reopened after being affected by the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Mindulle. But within days of reopening, hikers noticed a new “scar” by the lake. It turned out that someone had set up a long row of red tents, not only illegally occupying the lakeside area but also attempting to rent them out to hikers for profit. This angered many hikers, who reported the issue to the forest office, hoping to restore the lake’s original clean shoreline as soon as possible.

% Family emblem? Lying on the lakeside, one tent looks particularly glaring, completely ruining the scenery. (Photo / Provided by hiker Ms. Li, please do not reproduce without permission)

According to a report by the Central News Agency, the Taitung Forest District Office and Xiangyang Police Station, having received the reports, joined forces in recent days to crack down on the illegal occupation of state-owned land and the unauthorized setting up of tents. They ordered the violators to dismantle the tents and take them down the mountain, restoring the clean and beautiful appearance of the Lake Kaming shoreline.

Xiangyang Police Station Chief Zhang Nengwei stated that in the future, the Taitung Forest District Office, forest police, and Xiangyang Police Station will conduct irregular inspections. Any recurrence of such behavior will result in immediate dismantlement and legal action. Hikers are encouraged to assist by taking photos or videos of any illegal activities and reporting them directly to the Taitung Forest District Office. Taitung Forest District Chief Zhang Tiezhu also noted that starting September 21 of this year, camping or placing items on state-owned forest land—including around Xiangyang Mountain Hut, Lake Kaming Shelter Hut, and the Lake Kaming area—is prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted under the Forest Law, with penalties including imprisonment of up to six months to five years and/or fines of up to NT$600,000. Currently, those found in violation will first be given warnings and reminders.