Challenge your courage: A beginner-friendly extreme sport in Taoyuan — learn to walk like a crab 3 stories above ground

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun / Taoyuan

Taoyuan has many venues for extreme sports challenges, but none are as thrilling as bungee jumping. However, if you’re not ready to jump right in, the“Xiayun Exploration Training Base” in the North Cross-Island Highway area offers beginner-level activities to train both courage and fitness — such as tightrope walking, learning to rappel from a 4-story height like special forces, and zip-lining. It’s a great entry point for building bravery and physical strength.

 ▲ The double-cable suspension bridge at Xiayun Exploration Training Base.

 ▲ Real experience walking across the double-cable suspension bridge at Xiayun Exploration Training Base. (Video/Photo by Cai Wenjun)

Surrounded by layers of mountain ranges, the “Xiayun Exploration Training Base” is full of pristine charm. Originally a training site for special forces’ physical conditioning, it is now used by the National Youth Corps. There are five main activities for visitors to try: rock climbing, zip-lining, double-cable suspension bridge, three-cable suspension bridge, and vertical descent. Each facility is about 4–5 stories high on average, offering its own unique thrill.

 ▲ For the double-cable suspension bridge challenge, participants must place the safety rope between their hands and push themselves sideways across.

 ▲ Midway across the double-cable suspension bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the North Cross-Island Mountain area.

Having tried it myself,the double-cable suspension bridge is the easiest challenge among all the activities.Coaches say that up to seven people can take on the challenge at once. After strapping on the safety rope, you need to place it between your hands, grip the upper cable, and shuffle sideways like a crab from the left starting point to the right endpoint.

To maintain balance, many participants grip the upper cable tightly, causing the bridge to sway back and forth under the tension — which is the most thrilling part of this activity. But halfway across, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking view of the layered mountains of the North Cross-Island Highway stretching toward the sky, while the gray asphalt road winds through the green hills like a silvery ribbon. The scenery is equally captivating.

 ▲ The three-cable suspension bridge requires you to grip the ropes tightly with both hands and walk forward slowly in an outward stance.

 ▲ The higher you go, the higher the handholds become.

The three-cable suspension bridge is slightly more challenging. Participants must hold onto the two side ropes with both hands, while only a single narrow cable lies beneath your feet. To maintain balance, you must walk in an “outward stance.” Another tiring aspect is that as you move closer to the center, the ropes get higher, and your arms gradually straighten from their initially bent position. At this point, you’ll need to grip the ropes even tighter to stay balanced while also watching your step. Coaches say that although it may not look difficult, some people still fail to complete the challenge.

 ▲ % Climb to a few stories high and learn how special forces descend.

Vertical descent offers an even greater thrill. Participants climb to a 4-story height, strap into a rope, then stand with their backs to the wall, pressing their feet against it to maintain balance — almost at a 90-degree angle to the wall. Then, they push off the wall with their legs while simultaneously letting the rope slide downward with their right hand, propelling their body downward.

The key to vertical descent lies in your legs — they must be shoulder-width apart, and when preparing to swing back toward the wall, you must quickly bend your knees to avoid injury or accidentally smashing your face into the wall due to poor support. Want to experience how special forces descend? This challenge lets you feel it firsthand.

Coaches also note that currently, the base only accepts group bookings. For details, you canvisit the official fan page of Xiayun Exploration Training Base (← Click here to go).

 ▲ Real experience of “rappelling” from a 4-story height. (Video/Photo by Cai Wenjun)

Xiayun Exploration Training Base
Address: No. 1, Zhongshan Road, Zeren Village, Fuxing Township, Taoyuan
Phone: 03-3822276