Derict to middle content area
:::

:::

Couch Travels—A New Trend of Online Guided Tours Hosted by National Park Guides

If you can’t visit a National Park to observe its fascinating flora and fauna in person, then how about learning about park conservation online?

In 2011, the Construction and Planning Agency launched 101 travel guide videos for visitors to enjoy the top scenic spots in National Parks. In 2018, the Construction and Planning Agency selected 18 unique attractions to increasethe exposure of Taiwan’s National Parks and produced travel guide videos, so that foreign tourists could also enjoy the benefits of an exclusive guided tour.

The Taroko National Park Headquarters has produced new videos for the YouTube channel「 Way Wild Taroko」with a team of guides from the Headquarters' Interpretation and Education Section, who have been responsible for everything from content planning, filming, and post-production of the videos. The team hopes to introduce the local features of Taroko through a wide range of themes in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

As of June this year, they have already released six videos, including “From Calamus Rattan to Carrying Basket,” “Mountain-Moon Bridge,” and “Changchun Bridge from Across the Sea.”

alt-Couch Travels—A New Trend of Online Guided Tours Hosted by National Park Guides-1
“Way Wild Taroko” with a team of guides from the Headquarters' Interpretation and Education Section, who have been responsible for everything from content planning, filming, and post-production of the videos.
alt-issue3
In the film "Weaving of the Taroko Tribe", the narrator leads everyone through dialogue to understand and experience the culture of weaving.
In the
In the "Lifetime Events of Banyan Trees", the scenic spot introduced by the narrator is the famous Shakadang Trail in Taroko National Park.

In addition to the filming of videos by the guides of Taroko National Park Headquarters, the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters is giving their guides a chance to live stream online guided tours with no opportunity to redo takes.

During the nationwide Level 3 COVID-19 alert, people were unable to visit the National Parks. Therefore, the guides found an alternative route online to not only continue with the promotion of ecological conservation concepts, but also to communicate with netizens in real time and increase interaction opportunities.

As a result, the“See You on the Holy Ridgeline” Facebook Live Stream Event was held once a week from June 24 to July 23, with five sessions in total. Long-time environmental education volunteer guides were invited to participate in the event, giving 20-minute introductions to videos such as “Formosan Landlocked Salmon” and “Tawny Fish Owl—A Mysterious Bird in the Dark.” The guides also interacted with online fans and explained the prize draws.

alt-Couch Travels—A New Trend of Online Guided Tours Hosted by National Park Guides-3
“See You on the Holy Ridgeline” Facebook Live Stream Event
Education Section recruited the volunteer guides, and produced various display cards.
Education Section recruited the volunteer guides, and produced various display cards.

A high-quality live event not only relies on high-quality guides, but also on the behind-the-scenes preparation. The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters mobilized three Sections/Divisions to collaborate. The Planning Section managed the Facebook comments, the Information Division ensured the normal operation of the hardware and equipment, and the Interpretation and Education Section recruited the volunteer guides, and produced various display cards.

Netizens said that they were happy to participate in such a meaningful online activity and learn about ecology during the pandemic prevention period. They also expressed their appreciation to the dedication of the staff at the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters for maintaining Taiwan’s beautiful and precious natural resources.

The Headquarters will maintain an open mindset towards online activities, and given the opportunity, bring more exciting online events to the people of Taiwan.

alt-issue7
“See You on the Holy Ridgeline” Facebook Live Stream Event,this picture shows the "Salmon Dream" scene. The commentator Lin Fengyin brings puppets to the battle and sews masks for them.
The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters mobilized three Sections/Divisions to collaborate.This picture shows a profile shot of the live broadcast stage under the green screen.
The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters mobilized three Sections/Divisions to collaborate.This picture shows a profile shot of the live broadcast stage under the green screen.

Updated: