Taipei City Government

Each weekend a certain group of people can be spotted gathering at a MRT station or by a bus stop. They all wear red Polo shirts, and they all love tackling a good mountain. When all their companions have shown up, they head out to next peak.“We climb not for the joy of conquering. It's for the love of the great outdoors and the joy of being with like-minded companions, taking in nature's wonders.”So says Fang Xiu-mei, director-general of the Mountaineering Sport Association, R.O.C.. Sometimes, when the weather is not right, they all agree to head uphill to one of the members' homes to brew some good tea and have a good chat, for any day spent close to Mother Nature is a good day.

The number of people in Taiwan taking to high-hill trails for healthy exercise increases by the day. More and more trails are being maintained; many are located The Joy of Tackling Taipei’s Peaks with Mountain-Loving Friends in suburban areas, and are being fitted out with rest pavilions, information signage, and other facilities that augment the hiking experience. Some are historical trails, adding to the pleasure of an outing by enabling hikers to literally follow in the footsteps of their forefathers while getting their day's dose of invigorating exercise.

Mountaineering Sport Association groups“get vertical”almost every Sunday. They extend a warm welcome to foreign expatriates and visitors to join in the fun, and promise the friendly hospitality that only Taiwan mountaineers can bring.“We have people who can speak English or Japanese, and along the way we'll explain the lay of the land and explain local customs and traditions. And whenever we stop for a rest, you'll get to experience Taiwan's old-time tea and food culture too.”

Foreign friends are invited to join three upcoming hikes specially arranged as easy outings introducing the Taipei-area mountains. These will occur in May and June, each will be of a different character, and each will last two to three hours. On May 16 there will be an outing to Mt. Wenjian and Mt. Dalunwei. The members will proceed up the stone steps beside the Grand Hotel; from the crest line in behind the hotel, Songshan Airport, Taipei 101, and the rest of the city is laid out like a vast model in miniature below. When a rest is needed, a patch of level ground is found, tea equipment appears, and a pot of fine brew is prepared. Your tea-time food tidbits will be energy snacks you've brought yourself.

Before reaching Mt. Wenjian, you make your way through of patch of mixed forest, where the cool of the shade will be most welcome and you can shake off the heat and sweat of the steep trail sections you've surmounted. After the summit has been mounted, your group of friendly mountaineers will sometimes stop to cook up a pot of tasty noodles, or dig into meals they've each lugged up themselves. But sometimes a feast emerges, individuals taking out surprises like chicken stewed in rice wine, fish soup, pickled veggies, and other goodies to share. Whatever the menu, what always tastes best, you'll agree after your first outing, is the hearty camaraderie. The fun will last until sunset.

The two other climbs will happen on June 13 and 27, to Qingtianggang on Yangmingshan and on Four Beasts Mountains, respectively. Foreign friends are invited to register beforehand, and associated mountaineers with the appropriate language skills will be arranged. A happy day getting up close and happy time with Taiwan's mountains is guaranteed.