Hiking Mt. Kuanyin

2010/11/01

FENG, WEN-HSING

On the 31st of October, around 200 people hiked up Mt. Kuanyin in picturesque Tamsui. They scaled the mountain as part of “the Great Kuanyin Hike”, a bygone Tamkang tradition revived, in part, to mark Tamkang University’s upcoming 60th anniversary. The hike was a jointly organized event, and participants came from a number of local welfare and Cub Scout groups with connections to Tamkang University. A notable participant in the hike was the President of Tamkang University, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, who doubled as a team leader.

“Those who haven’t hiked Mt. Kuanyin can’t really call themselves Tamkangians”, exclaimed Tamkang University Prof. of History, Luo Yun-zhi. His comment was a reference to Tamkang’s close affinity with its mountainous natural surrounds. Tamkang students often win prizes for artwork depicting Tamsui’s mountains and rivers; and there is even talk of the Kuanyin Mountain hike one day becoming a compulsory activity for all Tamkang students.

The importance of the hike owes partly to its place in Tamkang history as a venerable tradition. The tradition vanished for an entire decade, but under the joint efforts of various local groups, it has now returned. The hike is a chance for teachers, students, and participating groups to take a break from their busy schedule, and get out amongst nature. After the hike a raffle was held, and one lucky participant went away with a new laptop. All participants, however, came away with a memorable experience and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of Tamsui.

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