To encourage more people to go hiking and learn from nature, the Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters has organized an event for the first ascent of Mt. Qixing in 2013. We would like to invite the public to climb the highest peak in Yangmingshan National Park, Mt. Qixing, together on New Year's Day, 2013. The Yangmingshan Headquarters has been certified as an Environmental Education Facility from the Environmental Protection Administration and represents the best place in the nation for learning about volcanoes. In addition to regular efforts to conserve the natural ecology of the area, the facility also actively promotes environmental education and various leisure activities. Therefore, the New Year's Day festivities include both mountain hiking and a ceremony recognizing the park’s designation as an environmental education facility. We hope we can gather more momentum for environmental education at Yangmingshan National Park with the public's blessing and participation. 

In previous years, those hiking along the trails during the New Year's Day hiking event greet each other with “Happy New Year”, bestowing each other with warmth, health, confidence and vibrancy of the New Year. Similar to the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas, the event promotes GNH, or Gross National Happiness, by bringing citizens closer to nature through first-hand experience, providing health and happiness to the body and soul. 

The “First Ascent of Mt. Qixing in 2013 for the Unveiling of Environmental Education Facilities” is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM in the Yangmingshan National Park Visitor Center. After the flag-raising and unveiling ceremony, participants will depart to climb Mt. Qixing. The route starts from the Visitor Center, passes the Qixing Park intersection, continues up to the Mt. Qixing main peak, and ends at the Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center. The entire route spans 4.5 km. All who enjoy hiking are welcome to join in on the activities. Those participating can enjoy scenic views, the fresh air and the tranquility of nature, which will no doubt leave a deep impression and fond memories. 

We encourage visitors to download the Yangmingshan National Park Navigation App（simply enter “Yangmingshan National Park” in the search box of the Apple App Store）. Those who make it to the Mt. Qixing peak on New Year's Day, if they select the “Commemorative Photographs” option under the “Other Functions” list from the lower right corner of the home screen and take a photo at the mountain peak, and then upload the photo to Yangmingshan National Park Facebook fan page, they will be eligible to receive a gift from the main Visitor Center, Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center, or Lengshuikeng Visitor Center. 

The Headquarters encourages those participating in the New Year's Day hiking event to use public transportation. There are three ways to come by bus: take the number 260, Red 5 or 230 bus to the Yangmingshan Bus Station and transfer to the number 108 bus to the Headquarters Visitor Center; take 111, 109 or 681 bus to the Yangmingshan Second Parking Lot; or take shuttle bus 9 or 8 to the Visitor Center and walk to the plaza of the Visitor Center. For the return trip, visitors can take bus 108 or park shuttle bus to the Yangmingshan Bus Station from Xiaoyoukeng, and then take other buses back to the MRT Jiantan station. 

On New Year's Day, visitors who witness the flag-raising ceremony at the Visitor Center are eligible to receive souvenirs （while supplies last）. Also, invigorating hot ginger soup will be available to participants in the basement of the Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center. In order to conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint, paper cups will not be provided so please bring your own reusable cups. A number of reusable cups will be provided but supplies are limited. 

Lastly, weather in the mountains varies widely, and the temperature at the Mt. Qixing peak on New Year's Day can approach 0ºC. We advise all visitors to bring warm clothing and rain gear. For event information, please contact （02） 2861-6341 ext. 800, 801. 

Website: http://www.ymsnp.gov.tw。