In response to "World Hiking Day," Taipei City joins the global movement for hiking and mountain clean-up

Text/Photo by Chi Bing-hui, compiled and reported

Initiated by the International Sport for All Association – Trim and Fitness International Sport for All Association (TAFISA), the 2011 World Hiking Day will encourage people worldwide to connect with nature under the theme “Walk for Health,” expanding the activity to include mountain clean-ups. This year, the event is being held simultaneously in 130 countries around the globe. The Taipei City Government will also organize a hiking and mountain clean-up activity on the morning of September 25 at Neihu, lasting about three hours.

The Taipei City Bureau of Urban Development stated that the event will start at 8:00 a.m. on September 25 at Exit 2 of Dahu Park Station on the Taipei MRT Wenhu Line. Participants will hike along the Dahu Park lakeside trail, pass by Lao Gong Temple, the entrance to Kangle Mountain, the Kangle Mountain triangulation point, Kanghu Road, Public Television Service (Kangning Nursing School), and Minghu Elementary School — a route of approximately 5 kilometers suitable for the general public, families, seniors, and hiking enthusiasts. Hiking club guides will accompany the group throughout. The Kangle Mountain trail is shaded by trees and cooled by breezes, making it a favorite among morning exercisers. The highest point of the trail also offers one of the best views of Dahu Park.

After the hike, a closing ceremony and lucky draw will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Minghu Elementary School (No. 105, Section 3, Kangning Road, Taipei City). The ceremony will feature traditional folk performances, lion dances, Yonghe drum music and mountain dance performances, as well as community college dance acts. There will also be an educational presentation on LNT (Leave No Trace) principles for sustainable hiking. Prizes in the lucky draw include LCD TVs, digital cameras, and hiking gear. The public is welcome to join.