Qu was a popular leader among people who are enthusiastic about walking tours.

"She was such a nice person, so considerate. I still can't believe she died," said Yan Jinping, 59, who attended an eight-day tour to Taiwan led by Qu from May 11 to 18.

Qu's friends said she was hearty and outgoing.

Qi Jun (not his real name), the founder of a famous tour website, on which Qu used to post notices about tours, said Qu was not officially employed because she took more time to better take care of her daughter.

People liked taking part in the activities organized by Qu who loved walking, mountain-climbing and traveling, he said.

"When we were in Seoul, she remembered to hold a birthday party for our members," he said.

But this time, Qu missed her daughter's birthday party.

Her last moment on WeChat, a popular messaging app, was posted on Monday. There were two pictures with caption saying "A night market in Taipei with something to eat, to wear, and to play".