The article describes a trek through the Tanghu Historic Trail in Chiayi County, Taiwan, highlighting its steep gradient, natural features like macaques and waterfalls, and historical significance as a route used by Han pioneers. The author details the journey, including encounters with wildlife, the scenic views, and the challenges of the trail. The trek also includes a visit to the Immortal Holes Trail and the Taiping Suspension Bridge, emphasizing the area's natural beauty and tourist attractions.

Kaohsiung, a city not typically celebrated for its architectural beauty, hosts several intriguing structures with historical significance. Among these are bombproof hangars from World War II, a merchant's mansion known as the Su Family Old Residence, and a Japanese military gun emplacement. The hangars, located near Kaohsiung International Airport, were originally built by the Japanese and later used as dwellings. The Su Family Old Residence, a Western-style mansion, reflects the wealth of its original owner, Su Chao-sui. The Japanese military constructed a cone-shaped air defense tower near Gangshan, which remains a mysterious and neglected landmark. These sites highlight the city's rich yet underappreciated architectural heritage.

Taiwan is making significant strides in battery recycling, driven by government regulations, corporate responsibility, and public awareness. The country faces challenges with the increasing volume of waste batteries from electric vehicles, necessitating advancements in recycling technologies. UWin Nanotech Co. is leading efforts with its innovative hydrometallurgy process, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to traditional methods. The EU's stringent recycling regulations serve as a model, emphasizing the importance of recovered materials in new battery production. Despite these efforts, Taiwan's battery recycling industry still faces hurdles, such as the need for higher purity levels in recycled materials and the development of a comprehensive recycling chain. The article highlights the potential of non-lithium alternatives and the importance of repurposing end-of-life EV batteries for energy storage.

The article explores the historical context and memorials related to anti-Japanese revolts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, during the Japanese colonial period. It highlights the Gunshuei Qingzhuang Incident and the Sande 11.14 Memorial Park, where massacres of Taiwanese civilians occurred in 1898. The Japanese colonial authorities' brutal tactics are criticized, and the article notes the lack of postwar recognition by the Chinese Nationalist regime. Memorials have been established to honor the victims, reflecting on the complex historical relationship between Taiwan and Japan.

The Society of Wilderness (SOW), an environmental NGO in Taiwan, is actively acquiring land to protect it from development and preserve natural habitats. Since its establishment in 1995, SOW has successfully acquired several plots, including Wilderness No. 1 and Wilderness No. 2, with the help of donations and strategic partnerships. The NGO aims to use these lands for ecological education and conservation, while also building a database of species to support their efforts against potential development. SOW's strategy includes acquiring smaller plots near urban areas to prevent undesirable development, inspired by Japan's Totoro Fund. Despite challenges, SOW continues to seek new opportunities to expand its conservation efforts.

Taiwan is expanding its energy storage capacity to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The state-run utility, Taiwan Power Co (Taipower), is enhancing grid resilience through pumped storage hydropower and large-scale battery storage systems. The article highlights various projects, including collaborations with companies like Fluence Energy, Inc and Taiwan Cement Corporation (TCC), which are investing in battery storage solutions. Safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries are addressed with advanced safety features. The development of energy storage in Taiwan is progressing rapidly, with significant investments in both pumped storage and battery technologies to ensure grid stability and reduce energy waste.

Despite a decade-long prohibition, Taiwanese fishers continue the practice of shark finning, driven by the high value of shark fins. Recent offenses highlight the challenges in enforcing regulations, with significant quantities of fins found on vessels like the Jin Maan Fa No. 66. The Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) calls for stricter laws, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy and permanent license revocation for first-time violators. Comparatively, the US and EU have implemented effective measures against finning. Efforts to reduce demand for shark fin soup in Taiwan have seen some success, but domestic consumption remains substantial.

Taiwan is promoting mangrove planting to enhance carbon absorption, with research indicating these ecosystems absorb carbon at rates double or triple those of terrestrial forests. The Ministry of the Environment’s Climate Change Administration has proposed rules allowing enterprises to earn carbon credits through mangrove and seagrass restoration. Despite past challenges, Taiwan's mangrove coverage has rebounded significantly due to human intervention. Experts emphasize the need for careful site evaluation and management to avoid negative ecological impacts. While the carbon sink capacity of these ecosystems is limited compared to Taiwan's emissions, they offer potential benefits for biodiversity and coastal protection. Concerns about potential 'greenwashing' and private ownership of state land are also raised.

Taiwan's university campuses, often overlooked, offer a blend of educational prestige and cultural depth. National Taiwan University features specialist museums and historical insights, while National Tsing Hua University houses the Tsing Hua Open-pool Reactor, emphasizing research and safety. National Taipei University of Technology is noted for its sustainable campus design. National Cheng Kung University is recognized for its energy-efficient buildings and historical architecture. Aletheia University and Tamkang Senior High School offer historical and architectural interest, while Tunghai University and Asia University showcase significant architectural achievements. These campuses reflect Taiwan's commitment to education, sustainability, and cultural heritage.

Provincial Highway 3 in Taiwan offers a scenic and culturally rich road trip from Taipei to Pingtung, covering 436.3 km through five municipalities and six counties. The route, known for its winding paths and historical sites, provides travelers with opportunities to explore lesser-known attractions such as Daxi Old Street, Beipu's Hakka settlement, and the Chuhuangkeng Oil Field Cultural Museum. The journey highlights Taiwan's diverse landscapes, from lush greenery to historical landmarks, and offers insights into the region's Hakka and Indigenous communities. Despite some challenging driving conditions, the highway presents a unique travel experience through Taiwan's heartland.