In our hearts, we have all harbored a dream of circumnavigating the island, perhaps delayed by work, family, and other commitments. However, we can reignite the fervor and courage of that dream through the stories of others. Some may even dedicate a lifetime to accomplishing this feat.
Layard Lai, the founder of Layana Company, is a strong advocate for personal carbon-reduction challenges through self-improvement. In addition to organizing annual hiking and climbing events to the Jade Mountain, he personally climbed Taiwan's 100 peaks in 2020 and completed the first walk around the island the following year, visiting 11 lighthouses along the way.
In 2022, Mr. Lai plans to establish a hiking certification platform for the people that walk around Taiwan visiting the different lighthouses. The application, designed for hiking enthusiasts, provides free certification to those who complete a walk around the island and travel over 1000 kilometers in total. The primary goal of the platform is to promote walking travel around the island, raising awareness about pedestrian road safety in local communities, and encouraging the construction of dedicated hiking roads that enhance the safety of the general public.
After its official launch, the platform will hold its first "Taiwan hiking sharing event" at the Qingxi Hall on April 8, 2023. This event will invite those who have completed the walk around the island to share their travel experiences and inspire others to embark on similar challenges.
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The speaker Ruiyi Chen is a Taipei native and a graduate of the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology's Department of Architecture. |
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Chia-Hung Chen, another speaker, was born in Yilan City and currently resides in Hsinchu County. He is a professional photographer with a passion for hiking and traveling.In 2009, he set out on a solo trip to Orchid Island, which inspired his dream of embarking on a solo journey around Taiwan.
In 2012, he completed his first motorcycle journey around the island, and in October 2022, he began his challenge of walking around Taiwan."A solo journey is not necessarily a lonely one because it allows you to truly appreciate the beauty of Taiwan's land." Walking through Taiwan's fields and coastlines and enjoying the local cultural stories are all highlights of his journey. |
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Liao Chung-Yen is the founder of the travel diary channel M男子 and a visual creator. "Every challenge on a journey helps us step out of our comfort zone and become the best version of ourselves." In 2022, he embarked on a 1,170-kilometer solo hike around Taiwan, documenting his travels with a drone and maintaining a vegan diet throughout the journey. Throughout the journey, During his trip, the kindness of the Taiwanese people left a deeper impression than the beautiful scenery. Whether it was words of encouragement, material support, or a ride, their kindness was unforgettable. The hike was not as idyllic as the photos suggest. It was often challenging, with exposure to sun and rain, foot pain, stray dogs, and long periods of solitude. When overwhelmed by negative emotions, he learned to manage his feelings and live in the moment, knowing that when faced with adversity, there's always an alternative path to take. |
| The Hike Taiwan certification platform team, led by Lai Yinzhu and Chen Mingsi, promotes the safest hiking direction model and certification approach. There are five options for applying for certification around the island, including finishing in sections without a GPS record or completing the entire hike in one go with no GPS record. For hikers who have not reached 1000 km but have completed 800 km, they can offset the shortfall with other hiking activities. Special certification is also available for unique cases such as replacing a deceased relative or friend with mobility impairment or using a wheelchair to complete the hike. For completion in stages, GPS records are required, and for completing the walk in one go, GPS records are also necessary. From January 1, 2024, the first options will no longer be included in the certification review, and applicants will need to apply using the GPS method. To apply for the Walk Around the Island certification, fill out the daily schedule form and provide the relevant data. The list of those who have completed the certification will be registered on the Hike Taiwan website's honor roll. |
Our event featured two esteemed guests, Secretary General Guo from the Taiwan Ocean Association and Secretary General Gao from the Taiwan Lighthouse Association, who provided valuable insights into Taiwan's pilgrimage routes, oceanic culture, and lighthouse heritage. The Taiwan Ocean Association has been at the forefront of promoting coastal hiking activities for over a decade, allowing participants to gain a deeper appreciation of the unique stories and changes of various coastlines over time. Similarly, the Taiwan Lighthouse Association has collaborated with the Tourism Bureau to promote bicycle tourism, organizing exciting activities such as the Four Poles Slow Travel, One Day Dual Lighthouse Challenge, and the Taiwan Island Cycling Lighthouse Tour.
No matter the reason for wanting to hike around the island, we can be sure that it is a personal challenge. In our daily lives, we are used to sharing and discussing problems with groups, leaving us with less space for self-reflection and introspection. However, the greatest value of hiking around the island is getting to know ourselves and listening to our inner voice. "Today's destination is tomorrow's starting point." said by Layard Lai, the founder of Layana Company.