Typhoon Barway approaches: Taoyuan's Lalashan, Dongyanshan, and other attractions to close from July 10

Taoyuan City's Department of Tourism is implementing preemptive closures for several popular tourist sites in response to the approaching Typhoon Barway. The storm's expanding 380-kilometer radius poses a significant threat, with forecasts predicting its eye will cover all of Taiwan by Friday evening. To ensure public safety, the Lalashan National Forest Recreation Area and the Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area will be closed starting July 10.

Additional attractions under the city's jurisdiction, including the Houcihu Garden, Jiaobanshan Residence Park, Luofu Hot Springs Visitor Center, Skywalk, and Sky Rope Bridge, will also close simultaneously. The Lalashan Baling Ancient Trail Ecological Park and Malun Fort are also included in this precautionary measure. The Yunei Stream Hot Springs and recreational area will close earlier, beginning at 1 p.m. on July 9.

Authorities emphasize that mountain weather and river water levels can change rapidly during a typhoon. They strongly advise the public against venturing into mountainous areas, rivers, or wild hot spring zones. The closures will remain in effect until further notice, with reopening dependent on the typhoon's impact, weather conditions, and safety inspections of the sites. The department will announce when the areas are safe to reopen.

Furthermore, the Beiyi Highway tourist shuttle buses serving Jiaobanshan, Xiaowulai, and Luofu, which operate on weekends, will also be suspended starting July 11. Their resumption of service will be announced based on weather conditions. The city government is prioritizing visitor safety and urges everyone to stay informed about the typhoon's progress and heed official warnings.