Natural is best: Taipei revamps hiking trails to promote eco-friendly mountain adventures

By MOOK Travel & Living Net Editorial Team / Reported and compiled by Liao Qiyu

As concepts of ecological conservation and sustainable development mature, more and more people enjoy spending their holidays in the mountains to embrace the tranquility of green travel. To promote mountain hiking and the idea of sustainable ecology, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems’ Earth Engineering Office continues to develop “natural trails” and organizes trail activities to spread the message that “natural is best,” allowing everyone to more easily experience the beauty of nature and join in the effort to conserve mountain areas.

Upholding the philosophy of “natural is best,” with the goals of “zero increase in impervious paving and zero loss of natural surfaces,” the Earth Engineering Office transformed the old concrete surface of the disused police shooting range on Cui Shan Trail into a grassy area, changed the former asphalt concrete surface of Hengling Trail into a natural stone and wood chip path, and converted the previous concrete surface of Zhongpu Shan Trail into a natural dirt trail—creating “natural trails” that further advance environmental conservation.

To enhance public understanding of natural trails, the Earth Engineering Office specially organized a Natural Trail Experience Activity in early October this year along the branch trail of the Coast Guard Administration at Xianji Rock. Members of the public were invited to participate, learning from professional instructors and actually helping to maintain the trails. Through the sweat poured into the paths, we grow to cherish the natural environment and natural trails even more, joining together to protect our home and ensure the sustainable development of our ecological surroundings.