Beware of bears in the area: Xiangyang Mountain Hut at Jioming Lake will be closed for renovations starting June 10

▲ The breathtaking scenery of Jioming Lake is known as the “Angel’s Tear.” (Photo / Kaohsiung Food Map)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Xiangyang Mountain Hut, located along the Jioming Lake National Trail, has recorded 10 separate incidents of Formosan black bears entering the hut since June 1. To prevent potential human-bear conflicts, the Taitung Forest District Office carefully evaluated the situation and consulted with experts and scholars before deciding toclose Xiangyang Mountain Hut from July 10, 2016 to September 8, 2016.

▲ Frequent bear intrusions at Xiangyang Mountain Hut have caused public concern. (Photo / Guanshan Precinct, Taitung County Police Bureau)

Liu Chiu-lien, Director of the Taitung Forest District Office, stated that to ensure a safe lodging environment for hikers, various bear-proof measures and construction projects will be carried out during the closure period—such as installing bear-proof doors and food storage cabinets to eliminate food odors and prevent bears from entering kitchens to find food—offering greater safety assurance for visitors.

▲ Current status of Xiangyang Mountain Hut. (Photo / Screenshot fromForestry Bureau website)

In addition, adjustments have recently been made to the application system for mountain huts along the Jioming Lake National Trail, so visitors should confirm the new procedures to avoid disappointment.

Jioming Lake National Trail Mountain Huts
Address: Haiduan Township, Taitung County
Note: Xiangyang Mountain Hut will be closed from July 10, 2016 to September 8, 2016

Hut application system adjustments are as follows
1. The website for applying for mountain hut stays has been updated. For bookings on or after August 14, please use the new website atjmlnt.forest.gov.tw
2. Day-trips to Jioming Lake now require online reservations; on-site applications are no longer accepted
3. Starting August 14, accommodation fees for mountain huts and campsites are adjusted as follows: NT$600 on holidays / NT$400 on weekdays (per person) for huts; NT$600 on holidays / NT$500 on weekdays for campsites
4. The minimum and maximum number of applicants per reservation has increased from 2–6 people to 2–12 people, with the 2-person option reserved for high-altitude support staff only