Scenic areas to raise fees before year-end; new parking fee at Sun Moon Lake

▲ Parking fees at Little Yehliu, Sanxiantai, and Baxiandong will be raised by NT$10–50. (Photo / Courtesy of Taitung County Tourism Website)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Regarding the fee policy for national scenic areas, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced on the 7th after reviewing its managed national scenic areas that the first phase will involve raising parking fees at some attractions along the East Coast and introducing a new parking fee at the Zhongxing Parking Lot in Sun Moon Lake. As for the second phase, which includes plans for 17 new or adjusted fee items, the bureau stated that progress at each site will be regularly monitored and adjustments will be made iteratively.

The Tourism Bureau maintains a policy of keeping 13 of its managed sites open and free of charge to enhance service quality and facility standards. The first phase includes three cases of fee increases or new charges: raising parking fees by NT$10–50 at Little Yehliu, Sanxiantai, and Baxiandong, introducing a parking fee at the Zhongxing Parking Lot in Sun Moon Lake, and increasing the camping facility usage fee by NT$500 at Little Yehliu, Shitoushi Ping, and Ruisui Rafting Center.

Additionally, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration originally planned to introduce a cleaning fee of up to NT$100 for visits to Guishan Island starting from March next year, which initially sparked protests from local residents. After negotiations, residents registered in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, will be allowed to visit the island free of charge.