Happiness Ambassador Richie Jen recommends eagle watching and photography along the North Coast, with cash prizes up for grabs

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The North Coast National Scenic Area Administration (NCNSAA) has been promoting bridal photography along the North Coast for eight years. Over the years, not only locals but also international tourists from Hong Kong, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia have come specifically to the North Coast to take wedding photos. To promote the scenery of the North Coast, NCNSAA today invited Richie Jen to serve as its promotional ambassador and announced that from now until October 31, they are inviting all happy promoters—bridal photographers—to submit their works, with a top prize of NT$60,000. In addition, the “Artistic Journey Through North Coast – 2012 Photography Competition of North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area” is open to the general public. Entries are being accepted from now until October 31, with a top prize of up to NT$30,000.

Every year from spring to April and May, the skies above Guanyinshan are bustling with activity. Birds of prey such as crested goshawks, grey-faced buzzards, Chinese sparrowhawks, and cinnamon hawks soar high in the sky. Taking advantage of the eagle watching season and the opening of the Guanyinshan Forest Canopy Trail, an opening ceremony will be held on the canopy trail on April 21. The Guanyinshan Visitor Center has also planned a variety of nature-themed activities, including guided eco-tours, lectures, and fun challenge games. On four Sundays—April 22, April 29, May 6, and May 13—there will also be “Birds of Prey Ecology Lectures.” The newly opened Guanyinshan Forest Canopy Trail is a “viewing-style” wooden boardwalk, distinct from typical skywalks, featuring a gentle slope throughout the route, making it suitable for family outings.

In response to the trend of low-carbon tourism, the North Coast National Scenic Area Administration (NCNSAA) has also planned a Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Crown North Coast Line, running from Tamsui to Keelung. It is expected to launch in early May, with stops including Tamsui MRT Station, Shalun Beach, Sanzhi Visitor Center, NCNSAA Administration Office, New 18 Kings, Yun Garden, Chu Wei Art Museum, Shitoushan Park, Yehliu Geopark, Emerald Bay, Dawu Industrial Area, and Keelung Railway Station. Additionally, starting April 21, the existing Orange 20 bus line will be extended to the Guanyinshan Visitor Center to make it more convenient for visitors to explore the North Coast.

● Related Reading: Top 10 Winners of Photography Competition Announced; “American Dream Vacation” Begins Accepting Entries for New Season

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