As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, many families are planning outings that combine exercise and leisure. The “Smile Mountain Line Grand Traverse Stamp Rally” promoted in New Taipei City has entered its final countdown stage. Since its launch in July 2025, the campaign has attracted nearly 1,500 participants who have successfully completed all 12 trail sections and unlocked the full-completion achievement. With the campaign set to conclude on April 30, 2026, a third round of prize draws has been announced to encourage more people to take advantage of the Spring Festival holiday and head into the mountains.
Participation is simple. By downloading the Hiking Notes App and activating the designated mission, participants can earn lottery eligibility by completing each trail section and collecting the corresponding gems. Completing a single section qualifies participants for regular prize draws, with chances to win 500 New Taipei Coins or practical gifts. Those who complete all 12 sections and collect a total of 66 gems can enter the grand prize draw, with top prizes including 5,000 New Taipei Coins and professional hiking gear.
For the Spring Festival holiday, the Smile Mountain Line also recommends two suburban routes that are easily accessible and suitable for family outings. The “Yingge Backyard Walk” route follows the Yingge Stone Trail, offering scenic forest views and city landscapes along the way. After the hike, visitors can stroll through Yingge Old Street and try hands-on pottery experiences, allowing children to engage with local culture alongside outdoor activities.
Another recommended route is the “Hongludi Blessing Hike,” which combines hiking with Lunar New Year blessing traditions. The trail offers elevated views overlooking the Taipei Basin and the Xindian River, making it a popular Spring Festival excursion. After the hike, visitors can also stop by Smile Mountain Line service spots to extend the journey through reading and ecological activities.
The Hongludi blessing hike combines hiking with expansive views, attracting visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo / New Taipei City Tourism Website)
Through its stamp-collecting missions and prize draws, the Smile Mountain Line encourages the development of hiking habits while linking local communities and commercial areas, turning the Spring Festival holiday into an ideal time for health, family bonding, and local travel.
