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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Rangers Brave Wilderness to Find Taiwan's Tallest Giant Tree

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Park rangers in Taiwan's Shei-Pa National Park embarked on a challenging expedition to find the island's tallest giant tree, a Taiwania cryptostegia known as 'Yitianjian'.
  • The journey involved arduous river crossings, steep ascents and descents through dense forests, and navigating treacherous, moss-covered rocks.
  • Despite the physical and mental strain, the rangers successfully located the giant tree, witnessing its majestic presence and the resilience of nature.

Park rangers in Taiwan's Shei-Pa National Park have shared the gripping account of their expedition to find 'Yitianjian,' the island's tallest giant tree, a magnificent specimen of Taiwania cryptostegia. The journey, undertaken on March 21 for International Day of Forests, tested the limits of the rangers' endurance and teamwork.

Setting out from the Xuejian Ranger Station, the team carried approximately 20 kilograms each. Their route, described as 'walking along the stream,' involved numerous river crossings, with water levels reaching their thighs and waists. The slippery, moss-covered rocks on the streambed presented a constant hazard, demanding extreme caution and mutual support.

"We used the entire team to fight the current, not just individual ability. This is not just crossing a river, it's a process of mutual support," one ranger recounted. The team employed a strategy of linking together, holding onto each other's shoulders or backpack straps to navigate the treacherous waters, emphasizing their reliance on collective effort over individual strength.

We used the entire team to fight the current, not just individual ability. This is not just crossing a river, it's a process of mutual support.

— Park RangerA ranger described the team's strategy and the importance of cooperation during the challenging river crossings.

Beyond the river crossings, the rangers faced a grueling 1,000-meter ascent from the valley floor into dense, pathless old-growth forest, followed by a 600-meter descent to a tributary. This demanding trek severely tested their leg strength and cardiovascular systems, particularly the strain on their knees during the descents. The psychological pressure of navigating the vast wilderness, questioning their path and the time required, added another layer of difficulty.

Finally, after pushing through challenging terrain and the fragrant pine forests, the rangers reached their goal. They were met with the awe-inspiring sight of 'Yitianjian,' described as "reaching to the sky, pointing towards the heavens," living up to its name. The successful completion of the mission, despite the hardships, left the rangers with a profound sense of fulfillment, having witnessed the enduring miracle of Taiwan's ancient trees.

Reaching to the sky, pointing towards the heavens.

— Park RangerA ranger described the awe-inspiring presence of the giant Taiwania tree.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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