Time to Take a Hike
Jeudi 1er avril 1999
Hiking and mountain climbing have long been popular recreational activities in Taiwan. Why are these activities so well-liked, and what are the attractions of Taiwan's mountains?
It is an early Saturday morning with sunny skies and fresh air--a perfect day for outdoor adventure. A group of people--both young and old--have already gathered around the entrance to a mountain path on the outskirts of Taipei. They appear spirited, joking, laughing and chatting together. A sense of excitement lingers in the air. "Is everybody here ready to go hiking?" volunteer guide Tsai Tso-ming yells to the crowd. "All set!" the crowd answers simultaneously. "Good! Let's go and enjoy nature to our hearts' content!"
With no work and no classes, it's time to break out into the wild. Owing to the government's implementation of a policy of two Saturdays off per month, Taiwan residents are now able to take their time to embrace nature and better manage their lives. "Thank God it's a Saturday off," Tseng Fen-fang, a kindergarten teacher, states with great delight. "It's only on these days that I can totally escape from work routines and take part in hiking, my favorite exercise." With the two-day weekend, Tseng says she usually likes to go hiking on Saturday and then do chores on Sunday. "I feel quite satisfied with this kind of arrangement, which enables me to pursue my own hobby and put everything in order as well," she says.
Tseng explains that she likes hiking because of its convenience and benefits to mental and physical health. "While in the mountain area, I can breathe fresh air, enjoy beautiful scenery, and stretch my body. It's like being 'immersed in green,' and it makes me feel comfortable from head to toe," Tseng says. "Moreover, I get to know about a lot of plants and insects through the trail guide and signs along the path," Tseng says. "That makes hiking not only entertaining and recreational, but also educational." Tseng adds there are now many mountain paths on the outskirts of Taipei, and most of them can be reached by bus. "Generally, it takes me about thirty minutes to one hour to reach the entrance of the mountain path. Because of its convenience, hiking always stands out as my number-one recreational choice during the weekend."
According to Chen Kao-der, a ranking official with the Taipei City Government's Bureau of Business Management, there are an estimated sixty-nine mountain paths maintained by his bureau in the Taipei area alone, with each about a mile or two long. By and large, these paths are scattered around the mountainous areas of Peitou, Shihlin, Neihu, Nankang, Hsinyi, Ta-An and Wenshan. "After undergoing renewal projects, these mountain paths are now smooth and easy to walk on. That makes hiking an ideal exercise for both the young and the old," Chen says. "Moreover, there are various paths available for selection. People can explore a different one each time and not get bored."
Chen adds that newspapers often provide updated information on hiking and mountain climbing as well as other forms of recreational events that take place across the island during the weekend. The government's launching of the system of two Saturdays off per month, he says, has indeed further boosted the island's recreational activities. "Now with increased leisure time, many people begin to think of how to make better use of it to make their lives more balanced and relaxed," Chen observes. "They are also more attentive to recreational quality in that they not only want to have fun but also get some exercise to keep themselves in good shape and condition." Outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain climbing that cost almost nothing have lured many people. The most popular mountain area, Chen says, is Yangmingshan. Outdoor enthusiasts need spend only an hour or so to reach mountain paths and get ready for hiking. "The convenience of hiking has greatly enhanced the willingness of residents to take part in such an activity," he adds.
In the meantime, to cope with the shorter workweek policy and rising demand for recreational activities, Chen states that his bureau has been stepping up its efforts to improve related recreational facilities in a bid to encourage more citizens to go outdoors and enjoy nature. The bureau is in charge of the construction, maintenance and renewal of mountain paths around the outskirts of Taipei. Chen says that, in an attempt to further promote hiking, the Taipei City Government has injected some NT$20 million (US$625,000) on a yearly basis for the improvement of existing mountain paths, including the setup of route signs, guardrails, and ecological explanation boards. It also spent another NT$20 million on the renovation of two campgrounds situated in Peitou and Neihu. The campgrounds are now open to groups of more than twenty, free of charge. So far, more than 10,000 people have utilized these facilities, Chen says.
While implementing renewal projects in addition to safety and practical concerns, another consideration is whether the paths can match their surrounding natural landscapes, Chen explains. Newly restored mountain paths are between four and seven feet wide, and are built with natural materials such as timber, stone, and railroad ties to give the paths not only a smooth surface for hikers, but also a natural look that matches the surroundings.
Chen continues by explaining that, to make hiking more accessible and popular, his agency is conducting comprehen sive planning on how to integrate mountain path routes. "Our plan is to integrate existing mountain paths as well as establish recreational facilities and a corresponding transportation system," Chen notes. "In doing so, we will launch fact-finding tours to explore new routes. Hopefully, through well-rounded planning and integration, residents will be able to enjoy outdoor activities at their convenience and to their utmost satisfaction."
In addition, as part of promotional campaigns, the bureau has published a series of free maps and brochures detailing the routes of mountain paths in the Taipei area, and other necessary information such as how to get there and how long it takes to hike. To enhance the fun of hiking, the bureau has introduced educational signs while teaming up with civilian groups to organize various kinds of leisure activities in mountain areas.
If a weekend adventurer feels hiking is not exciting and energy-consuming enough, there is another choice--mountain climbing. Huang Tsung-ho, president of the Republic of China Alpine Association, says mountain climbing in Taiwan has surged in popularity because of the two-day weekend. A look at the thriving number of mountaineering clubs and their participants shows how popular the activity has become here. Based on Huang's estimate, there are more than 200 mountain -climbing clubs on the island, with group climbs from time to time. Huang, also chairman of the Yungho Mountain Climbing Commission, recalls that there were a mere twenty members in 1973, but that now the figure has jumped to nearly 5,000.
Huang attributes the sustained popularity of mountain climbing here to higher living standards and greater attention to recreation and exercise. "In the past, the reason mountain climbing didn't become popular was that it's an activity that usually takes two or three days," Huang says. "Under these circumstances, most people who had to work half a day on Saturday were unable to engage in such an activity." However, with a two-day weekend twice a month, it is more feasible for people to plan mountain climbing.
He gives another important reason that explains the popularity of mountaineering: Taiwan's abundant mountain re sources. "As a matter of fact, two-thirds of the Taiwan area, which measures nearly 36,000 square kilometers [approximately 14,000 square miles] in total size, stands out as mountainous," he says. "And the fundamental topographic feature of Taiwan is the central range of high mountains running from the northeast corner to the southern tip of the island." In particular, steep mountain terrain over 3,000 feet high constitutes about thirty-two percent of the island's land area. Five longitudinal moun tain ranges occupy almost half of the island, Huang adds.
Popular places to climb are the Yushan National Park, the Taroko National Park, and the Shei-Pa National Park, as well as the Mount Ali Range. "In Taiwan, there are some two hundred peaks with elevations at over 3,000 meters [approximately 10,000 feet] and moreover, they are mostly forested," Huang says. "An ecological environment like that is hard to find anywhere else in the world."
As Taiwan enjoys an oceanic and subtropical monsoon climate conspicuously influenced by its topography, plant growth is especially robust. "The mountains on the island feature dense and green forests, spacious plains, and an exuberant growth of diverse types of flora," Huang states. "The beauty and magnificence of Taiwan's mountains are just beyond description." What's more significant, Huang emphasizes, is that Taiwan's mountains can be visited all year round. In comparison, higher mountains in the North American and European regions can record temporary closures for up to four months during winter.
Huang goes on to say that he is always enchanted with the beauty of Taiwan's mountains, and cannot refrain from visiting them over and over again. So far, at the age of sixty-three, he has climbed a total of eighty-six mountains here, and he will continue exploring new ones. He is most impressed with Mount Tapachien, which offers tremendous views of neighboring valleys. "You'd be amazed at the wonders of nature over there, and be reluctant to leave," he states. "The charming scenery makes mountain climbers feel they are dancers in a secluded paradise."
Lydia Lai, an English teacher, shares her experience of mountain climbing both at home and abroad. Over the years she has visited many mountains in North America, other Asian regions, and Europe, but she still prefers to climb Taiwan's mountains. Lai feels that the major attraction of Taiwan's mountains lies in their variety. "Many of Taiwan's mountains are high enough to experience dramatic differences in climate, which serve to nourish the growth of various kinds of plants," Lai explains. "As such, along with the ascending elevation from the tropical to the freezing zone, mountain climbers get to appreciate a wide range of flora." The ever-changing landscapes and rich ecological variety are what impress her the most.
Besides enjoying being "immersed in green," Lai says she is often surprised by waterfalls when climbing mountains here. "Taiwan's weather is relatively warm, and that enables plants to grow fresh and green, making for beautiful scenery in mountain areas," Lai indicates. "Moreover, Taiwan's mountains, with different elevations and grades of steepness, can cater to all levels of mountain climbers." In comparison, climbing mountains in Europe during the freezing winter season often calls for advanced skills, she adds.
Lai once visited the island's (as well as Northeast Asia's) highest mountain--12,966-foot Mount Jade in Yushan National Park. "When I climbed to the top of the mountain, I was thrilled at the breathtaking scenery, and couldn't take my eyes away," she recalls. "The beauty of nature there gave me a lot of inspiration about the meaning of life, as well as an awareness of the importance of nature conservation." Lai has also visited Canada's Jasper National Park and says that while its mountains are magnificent, Taiwan's ranges feature a greater variety of plants, compared with the former's mostly conifer-laden hills.
Lai applauds the government's implementation of the granting of even-numbered Saturdays off every month. "Now, with the longer weekend, I can plan to go to places that are farther away, and have sufficient time to take a good rest from busy daily routines." She adds that before the alternate two-day weekend was implemented, she always had to struggle between recreation and dealing with affairs related to work and home. If Lai chose to go out on Sunday, she would sense great pressure during the night in that she had to be in a hurry to get some things done. "One obvious improvement is that the 'Monday blues' syndrome that used to bother me a lot has now been substantially alleviated," Lai states with a big smile.
On another front, Huang of the Alpine Association suggests that the government list all mountains above 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) as national parks so that they can be better preserved and managed under the protection of the legal system. He also urges the government to strengthen its efforts to improve recreational facilities, particularly in the mountains. "Right now, the major inconvenience encountered by mountain climbers is a severe shortage of accommodations, as well as water and electricity," Huang points out. "To resolve these problems, the government could establish more large-scale campgrounds along with wastewater treatment facilities while developing more water resources." In addition, Huang suggests that the government open more rescue cottages that provide tents, sleeping bags, and cooking utensils, so that mountain climbers do not have to carry heavy equipment with them when they stay overnight.
Hsieh Chang-hsien, another mountain lover, expresses a similar opinion by stating that Taiwan is endowed with abun dant mountain reserves, many of which are still waiting for development. Hsieh proposes that the Tourism Bureau form a special task force with the relevant authorities to conduct thorough surveys of the island's mountains, and consult mountain -climbing associations about related policies. These associations, Hsieh claims, have an in-depth understanding of the topo graphic features of mountains here and what the problems and needs of mountain climbers are.
Hsieh also hopes that the government will further relax and streamline regulations governing entrance to mountain areas. Under the law, individuals are required to apply for an entry permit beforehand from the police and be accompanied by a qualified guide before climbing mountains higher than 3,000 meters. Hsieh thinks this system is too strict and complicated. He suggests that legal mountaineering clubs be allowed to climb without guides, and that on-the-spot registration be permit ted. The easier access will encourage more nationals, as well as foreigners staying only a few days in Taiwan, to climb mountains.
Hsiao Ching-fen, chief of the National Park Department under the Ministry of the Interior's Construction and Planning Administration, expresses the government's stance this way: "The promotion of recreational activities as well as development of related facilities in the mountains, especially those situated within national parks, should be conducted under the precondition of conservation. That's for the sake of sustained utilization of natural resources that have now become increas ingly rare and should be cherished." Hsiao explains that it would not be feasible to launch more development projects in the mountains to meet rising demands from visitors without proper regard for the supply of existing resources.
Nonetheless, some national park headquarters have allocated funds on a yearly basis to build solar rescue cottages that provide lighting at night and electricity for radios. These headquarters also conduct cautious planning and maintenance of the log-formed paths along steep cliffs and signboards while strengthening patrol services to better safeguard climbers.
With regard to visitor safety, recreational quality, and a possibly negative impact on ecological areas as a result of the massive influx of visitors, the National Park Department has worked to set a limit on the number of people allowed to enter Mount Jade. Those who seek to visit the park should submit an application to the relevant authorities seven days to three months prior to their planned activity, Hsiao explains.
On the other hand, in light of the changeable weather and steep and perilous topography of Taiwan's mountains, strict entrance regulations and accompanying guides are essential to ensuring the safety of visitors, Hsiao explains. In particular, foreigners who intend to climb Taiwan's high mountains should first contact government agencies in charge, or mountaineer ing clubs, to ask for detailed information as well as assistance in securing accommodations and guide arrangements.