During the 2026 New Year holiday, numerous violations were reported within the park area. In pursuit of snow viewing, some visitors illegally climbed the slopes at Wuling, and a total of five cases of unauthorized cooking were reported in the Wuling parking lot. Upon receiving reports, the Taroko N. P. HQ and the Hehuanshan (Mt. Hehuan) Unit of the Seventh Special Police Corps immediately dispatched personnel to the scene. Confirmed violations will be penalized in accordance with regulations.

Looking back at 2025, Taroko not only faced challenges related to environmental recovery but also raised penalty standards for prohibited activities within the Taroko National Park area starting in September. This regulatory revision demonstrates the National Park’s firm commitment to maintaining ecological order. Statistics from the Taroko N. P. HQ and the Ninth Division, the Seventh Special Police Corps show that violation hotspots last year remained concentrated in the Hehuanshan (Mt. Hehuan) area, including illegal parking, unauthorized entry into ecological protection zones, and environmentally damaging behaviors such as setting off fireworks and cooking food. The Taroko N. P. HQ solemnly announces that enforcement against disorderly behavior and illegal entry in the Mt. Hehuan area will be intensified in 2026, urging visitors to begin the new year with respect for mountains and forests.

During park closures caused by typhoons last year, some hikers still forced entry into the mountains, which was not only illegal but also placed a heavy burden on rescue resources. At popular locations such as Wuling and Kunyang on Mt. Hehuan, certain visitors sought social media attention by illegally setting off fireworks, climbing slopes, pitching tents and cooking at will, or even bringing generators to assemble computers, play mahjong, and engage in dangerous driving behaviors such as drifting and burning tires, all of which disrupted other visitors. These violations were addressed through technology-based enforcement and public reports, with fines of up to NT$3,000 imposed in accordance with the law. Since the new regulations took effect on September 5 last year, the minimum fines for illegal parking, setting off fireworks, firecrackers, and barbecuing have also been increased.

The Taroko N. P. HQ reiterates that alpine ecosystems are extremely fragile, and even minor human interference may cause irreversible damage. The adjustment of penalty amounts is not intended solely as punishment, but rather to foster public awareness and respect for the natural environment. As many international visitors also travel to national parks, public behavior is closely tied to the nation’s image. Looking ahead to 2026, the Taroko N. P. HQ will implement an “around-the-clock enforcement” mechanism and continue working with police and relevant authorities to strengthen park management. Violations involving the Forest Act, Waste Disposal Act, or public safety concerns will be referred to the appropriate authorities for further action. In particular, enforcement against illegal activities in the Hehuanshan (Mt. Hehuan) area will remain a priority to ensure order and protection of the alpine environment.

The Taroko N. P. HQ reminds all visitors planning to visit Taroko to check traffic control schedules and trail opening information before traveling, obtain permits as required when entering ecological protection areas, and practice proper mountain etiquette. Natural landscapes are a precious asset shared by all, not a place for individual misconduct. Visitors are encouraged to follow regulations consciously while enjoying Taroko’s magnificent scenery and to jointly protect this hard-earned mountain environment—so that an inadvertent violation notice does not become a regretful memory of the journey.