National Parks of Taiwan

The ROC is approaching its centenary year and commemorative events are being arranged all over Taiwan. To let the public experience the beauty of Taiwan close-up, Yushan National Park Headquarters has joined together with other national park headquarters in Taiwan in organizing the “Climbing to the top of national park peaks to celebrate the ROC’s centenary “, an activity that involves climbing seven of nine selected peaks, each different and important in its own way, in Taiwan’s national parks, giving participants an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Taiwan’s national parks and personally explore their rich ecology.

Planning work began formally in March 2010 and, after more than six months of discussions, Qixing Mountain in Yangmingshan National Park, Yushan Main Peak in Yushan National Park, Xue Mountain Main Peak and Dabajian Mountain in Shei-pa National Park, Qilai Mountain North Peak, Nanhu Mountain Main Peak and Hehuan Mountain East Peak in Taroko National Park, Taiwu Mountain in Kinmen National Park and Nanren Mountain in Kenting National Park were chosen as the peaks to be included in the activity. All those who love to hike in the mountains or challenge the self are welcome to take part. Anyone interested in taking part in this activity must first buy a “Peak passport” and climb seven of the nine peaks before September 9, 2011 then, after completion, send the passport to the designated place to receive a certificate and souvenir and be invited to the Tatajia Assembly.

Taiwan is a mountainous island, with over 70% of the land area covered by mountains, an environment that has nurtured a love of mountain climbing in Taiwan. This also means it is vital to teach people about the importance of protecting the mountain environment and also how to climb safely. The aims of this activity are to let people understand the conservation achievements of Taiwan’s national parks, by personally climbing peaks nurture a humble and respectful attitude to nature and to pass on safe climbing concepts, so that people get to know and love this land by engaging in safe and environmentally-friendly activities. The climax of the whole activity will be the Tatajie Assembly in which people who have successfully submitted the required seven peaks and well-known Taiwanese climbers will attend. The event will also be accompanied by the “Song of Yushan” concert and an exhibition and is sure to be interesting and fun.

Yushan National Park is ecologically diverse and has natural scenery that is incomparable. Climbing the main peak of Yushan is the dream of many avid climbers in Taiwan and overseas. Secretary Lin Wenhe, who has worked in Yushan National Park Headquarters for many years, recommends Yushan through the four seasons. In spring, summer and autumn climbers are welcomed by different special seasonal features and various lovely alpine flowers in bloom while, in winter, snow and ice climbing equipment is needed to climb the beautiful snow capped peaks. In addition to using this activity to show people the beauty of Yushan it will also be used to canvas for votes for Yushan in the New Seven Wonders vote, with the aim of taking Yushan onto the international stage and marketing Taiwan internationally!

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Yushan National Park Headquarters