To encourage the public to embrace hiking and learn more from nature, the Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters cordially invites citizens to join us in ushering in the New Year by climbing Mt. Qixing, the highest peak in Yangmingshan National Park, during the “2014 New Year's Day Mt. Qixing Climb-A-Thon”. As an EPA-certified environmental education facility, the Park Headquarters is the best place in Taiwan to learn about volcanic environments. In addition to being a persistent advocate of ecological conservation, the Park Headquarters also makes great efforts to promote environmental education. The Park recently launched an array of healthy, nature-based outdoor activities in hopes of increasing public awareness, participation, and enjoyment, and further enhancing the Park’s environmental education capabilities. 

Previous New Year’s “Climb-A-Thon” events at Yangmingshan have always been full of cheerful mountaineers calling out “Happy New Year!" to one another and exchanging greetings along the route, spreading a renewed hope of passion, health, self-confidence, and positive energy. Coming into close contact with nature offers citizens a variety of benefits ranging from physical, mental, and spiritual wellness to a general sense of well-being and happiness. 

Participants of the “2014 New Year’s Day Mt. Qixing Climb-A-Thon” will climb Mt. Qixing after attending a national flag-raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m. at the front square of the Headquarters Visitor Center in Yangmingshan National Park. The 4.5-kilometer hiking route will start at the Headquarters Visitor Center and end at the Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center, pass a trail intersection by Qixing Park, and include ascending Mt. Qixing’s main peak. The challenge is open to all who are enthusiastic about mountaineering or hiking. The route’s impressive scenic beauty — including serene natural environments and crisp air — will surely be a memorable experience for every participant. 

The Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters encourages New Year’s Day hiker participants to arrive by public transport, which includes Bus routes No. 260, Red 5, and No. 230, and then transfer to Bus 108 at the Yangmingshan bus station and get off at the Headquarters Visitor Center. Other options include taking Bus No. 111, 109, or 681 and getting off at the Second Parking lot in Yangmingshan National Park, or taking Mini Bus 9 or 8 and getting off at the Headquarters Visitor Center and then walking to the front square. At the end of the event, Bus 108 and a shuttle bus service will pick up hikers at Xiaoyoukeng and take them to the Yangmingshan bus station, where buses bound for MRT Jiantan Station and other transport hubs will be available. 

Each mountaineer is invited to pick up a souvenir （while supplies last!） in the check-in area of the Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center and enjoy free hot ginger soup at a concession stand in the basement. A limited number of reusable containers will be provided at the ginger soup concession instead of disposable items in order to promote an energy-saving low-carbon lifestyle. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own cups and utensils. 

Because the temperature on Mt. Qixing can often hover around zero degrees at this time of year and weather conditions can be unpredictable, participants are reminded to wear warm attire, prepare adequate rain gear （including umbrellas and/or rain coats）, and bring any necessary medications. Visitors are also urged to be extra careful when driving in the vicinity of the Park. For more details about the event, please call （02） 2861-6341 Ext. 800 or 801.