User-Pays System in Effect: 3 Eastern Taiwan Attractions Start Charging Fees in 2017

▲ Dongsha River Eco Green Boat (Photo provided by Yilan County Government)

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive Report

The user-pays concept has gained increasing popularity in Taiwan in recent years, with many attractions introducing cleaning fees as a source of maintenance revenue. Starting this year, three attractions in Eastern Taiwan have announced that they will begin charging fees. Travelers should take note of the different entry regulations compared to previous years.

1. Yilan – Dongsha River Eco Green Boat
Based on the user-pays principle, Yilan County Government recently announced that it will officially start collecting site cleaning and maintenance fees from July 1, 2017. The fee is NT$30 per person for entry between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on a per-visit basis. Residents of Yilan County, children under 115 cm in height, and children under 6 years old are exempt. Additionally, individuals presenting a disability handbook and one accompanying person are also exempt. This fee aims to promote environmental awareness among visitors and enhance the quality of scenic recreational areas.

▲ Taroko Qilu Ancient Trail (Photo provided by netizen gigiguo80, no unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement)

2. Hualien – Qilu Ancient Trail
Starting March 16 of this year, in line with the user-pays principle, the Qilu Ancient Trail within Taroko National Park began charging fees. The full ticket price is NT$200 per person, and the half-price ticket is NT$100. Children under 6 years old and government officials on duty are admitted free of charge. Indigenous people of the local Taroko and Sediq tribes can enter without applying for park entry but must verify their identity with appropriate documentation. A daily visitor quota is also implemented: 96 people on weekdays and 156 on holidays.

To enter the Qilu Ancient Trail, visitors must first complete an online entry application via the Taroko National Park official website and apply for mountain entry approval with the police authorities. After approval, visitors must present their entry permit on the day of entry and purchase tickets on-site at the payment location near the Streamside Service Station (helmet distribution point), located at km 179.3 on Highway No. 8 (Central Cross-Island Highway). After payment, visitors should bring their ticket and entry permit to the Qilu Ancient Trail entrance for verification before entering. The trail entrance is located at the eastern end of the Swallow Grotto Trail, near km 178.1 on Highway No. 8.

▲ Taitung Forest Park (Photo from Taitung County Government official website)

3. Taitung – Taitung Forest Park
Taitung Forest Park boasts natural attractions such as Pipa Lake and the Black Forest, offering picturesque scenery that makes visitors feel as if they are abroad. As a representative local attraction, Taitung County Government announced the introduction of a maintenance fee starting January 1 of this year. The full ticket price is NT$30, while the senior and care ticket is NT$20. Residents of Taitung County can enter for free upon presenting proof of residency. Additionally, parking fees apply: NT$60 for large vehicles and NT$30 for small vehicles per entry.