Text by MOOK Scenic Spots’ Mofei Photos by Charlie and Mark
Monday, October 1, 2018. Before dawn had broken, the weight of their backpacks did nothing to dampen their excitement. With blessings from loved ones, they left the warmth of their home in Jiangzicui, armed with no concrete plan—just the knowledge that they’d be circling Taiwan counterclockwise. They took that first step, declaring, “Now this is what traveling is all about.”
Starting point of the island-hiking journey: Jiangzicui, let’s go!(Photo by Charlie and Mark, same below)
PART 1 Banqiao Jiangzicui – Zhongli City – Xinzhu Xingpu
Their first-day destination was Zhongli Railway Station. Heading from Jiangzicui toward Xinzhuang, they discovered there were no pedestrian paths on the Crescent Moon Bridge. A kind auntie on a scooter stopped to ask if they needed a lift across, but with their island hike just beginning, how could they give in so easily? So they walked along the river dike, detoured to the Xinhai Bridge, then reached Fu Jen University. Walking along Wanshou Road toward Taoyuan, they received plenty of cheers and thumbs-up along the way—so heartwarming. The moment they spotted the words “Chung Yuan Christian University,” they almost teared up. At that point, their phone showed over 50,000 steps recorded. Back at the hostel, they dozed off while giving their family a safety call, only to jolt awake and immediately stretch a leg in preparation for the next day.
They took a group photo in front of Zhongli Railway Station to prove they could still smile.
The physically draining first day made the two oversleep past their intended departure time. On the way from Zhongli to Xingpu to visit Grandma’s house, they met a woman bursting with girl power on her own island-hiking journey—Sister Bai. Sister Bai was hiking solo around Taiwan, and she was even younger than the two of them. Her incredible bravery ignited a competitive spirit in Charlie and Mark, who, after exchanging mutual encouragement, continued on their respective journeys.
Sister Bai, who was hiking around Taiwan solo, inspired competitiveness in Charlie and Mark.
But life rarely goes as planned. After descending several hills, they hit a smooth downhill stretch and decided to lighten their load and enjoy the rush of coasting down. But after one turn, Charlie went face-first onto the ground, with large abrasions covering his limbs and intense pain shooting from his right knee that made walking normally impossible. Along the way, they encountered a kind betel nut stand owner who helped disinfect and dress the wounds. With sheer willpower, they made it to Xingpu, went to the hospital for a check-up (thankfully nothing serious), rested for a day at Grandma’s house to recharge, and prepared to set off once more!
Taiwan’s warmest betel nut stand helped Charlie disinfect and clean his wounds.
Q&A
What do you think is the hardest part about hiking around Taiwan?
CharlieC
When there’s no clearly defined goal, fatigue is inevitable. But if you have a clear objective—even if you know it’ll be tough—having that sense of direction makes the journey feel hopeful.
MarkM
Because we didn’t have a full plan, we had to arrange our itinerary the day before or the day of. But isn’t that what traveling is all about?
At Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Xingpu, take a commemorative photo together.
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