TAIPEI, January 1, 2026 –Director-General Wang, Cheng-Ji of the National Park Service (NPS), Ministry of the Interior, joined hundreds of citizens today at the Yangmingshan National Park Visitor Center for the "Welcoming the Dawn, Flags Flying for the New Year" event. The celebration featured a flag-raising ceremony and a communal ascent of Mt. Qixing on the first day in 2026. For many participants, summitting Mt. Qixing on New Year’s Day has become a cherished annual ritual, symbolizing a bold first step into a new journey from the heart of the mountains.

A Blessing Through Nature and Respect 

Director-General Wang remarked that "climbing high to gaze afar" on New Year’s Day is more than a hike—it is a personal blessing. This year’s event emphasized eco-friendly trails and a "low-interference" philosophy. "We want the public to experience the mountain in its purest form," Wang stated. "By walking toward, respecting, and learning from nature, people can find renewed strength and inspiration."

In honor of the Year of the Horse, limited-edition souvenirs were designed around local species with "horse" (ma) in their names: the Rhaphidophoridae (known locally as zao-ma) and the Pieris taiwanensis Hayata. These selections symbolize agility, vitality, and the natural cycle of life.

Immersive Melodies and Mountain Mist

The ceremony commenced at 8:00 AM with a performance by the acclaimed a cappella group Resonance. Their harmonious voices blended with the morning mist and crisp air, creating an immersive atmosphere for the families and hikers gathered. Participants expressed that raising the national flag amidst the park's majestic scenery was a deeply moving experience, creating a precious memory to start the year.

Closing the event, Director-General Wang highlighted that Yangmingshan’s proximity to the Greater Taipei area makes it a vital green sanctuary. He pledged that in the coming year, the NPS will continue to protect this "pure land" and the nation’s critical natural carbon sinks. By providing better recreational services and environmental education, the NPS hopes to help more visitors find hope in the mountains and carry a "better version of themselves" into the year ahead.