New Taipei City Travel

Tamsui, one of the earliest international commercial ports in Taiwan, has rich cultural assets and scenic oceans and mountains, making a well-known tourist attraction in Northern Taiwan. Tamsui, which opened its port to merchants and trade in 1860, was the main center of trade for Taiwan and the rest of the world, and it contributed to many important changes in Taiwanese society. The first girl’s school, Tamsui Girls’ School, was founded in Zhenli Street, which is located in today’s Tamsui. Communities such as the New Taipei City Government, Tamsui Traveler, and New Taipei City Community Traveling and Learning Care Association collaborated on Tamsui Women’s Road. It aims to discover local stories of female power and connect with historical sites of feminine significance. Let’s put on our hanfu and discover Her Story in Tamsui.The House of Maidens and the House of ReverendsThe House of Maidens and the House of Reverends were built by Rev. William Gauld in 1906 and 1909 respectively. The House of The House of Maidens and the House of Reverends were built by Rev. William Gauld in 1906 and 1909 respectively. The House of Maidens was originally provided as a residence for Ms. Jane Kinney, the headmaster of Tamsui Girls’ School, and Ms. Hannah Connell, the headmaster of Tamsui Women’s School, and is currently the Office of the President of Aletheia University. The House of Reverends was the residence of Rev. William Gauld; its piano studio became a smash hit after it was featured in the extremely popular movie Secret (2007), and is now the Research and Development Center of Aletheia University. The appearance of the two Houses is similar to that of the British consulate residence situated not far away; all of them are red brick buildings containing a cloister. What differentiates the two houses from the British consulate residence is that the exterior wall decoration is much simpler than that of the official residence. Rev. Mackay and his wife Chang Tsung-mingChang Tsung-ming, who was originally named Tsung-tsai, grew up in Wugu District in New Taipei City. After marrying Rev. Mackay in the former British Consulate in Tamsui in 1878, she studied hard, becoming an English-proficient teacher in the Women’s School, which made Chang a woman ahead of her time. Chang and Rev. Mackay also helped many Taiwanese women fettered by tradition, and they played important roles in the history of women’s education in Taiwan. Tamsui Women’s Road will vividly show you Chang Tsung-ming’s journey in Mackay Memorial Museum in the form of a street play.At the end of 1879, Chang Tsung-ming and Rev. Mackay started their journey back to Canada, passing through Xiamen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India, until they arrived in the Middle East. They visited the pyramids in Egypt, and the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. From there, they passed through Alexandria and arrived in Italy, where they visited the ruins of Pompeii, Rome and Vatican City. Then, they went to Paris and England, and finally arrived in Canada. After accompanying Rev. Mackay to finish his duties and fundraising in Canada, they flew through the US and Japan, and came back to Taiwan. This experience also made Chang Tsung-ming the first Taiwanese woman who traveled around the world.The Tamsui Girls’ SchoolAfter Rev. Mackay returned to Taiwan from Canada, he established the Tamsui Girls’ School in 1884 – the first women's school and the origin of women's education in Taiwan. The women's school has nurtured many outstanding women: the first female physician in Taiwan, Dr. Tsai Ashin (The heroine of the TV series A Cinematic Journey - the prototype of Qiu Yaxin) and the writer Wang Li Ruyue all graduated from Tamsui Girls’ School. In addition, in order to help educate married and adult women, Rev. Mackay established a women's school, which can be called the first “Classroom for Moms" in Taiwan.A-geiA-gei is a well-known snack in Tamsui. Just like Yonghe soy milk, when we think of A-gei, we think of Tamsui. The inventor of this famous snack was Ms. Yang Zheng Jinwen, who ran a snack stand with her husband, Yang Shugen. In 1965, she developed a new dish, for which she cut upoiled tofu, filled it with pork noodles, and sealed it with fresh fish paste. This dish became the symbol of Tamsui’s delicious cuisine, A-gei. The word “A-gei” originated from the Japanese word for oily tofu, "Abura-age." To the foreigners’ surprise, the packaging for takeaway A-gei was initially wrapped in newspapers to withstand the wet and cold weather in Tamsui during winter.Handmade thread-bound booksThe old name of Chongjian Street is Nine Valley Street, which refers to the nine stores that first opened here, making it the one and only Tamsui Old Street. Before the development of the shopping district in Tamsui’s Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui Old Street was the busiest place in Tamsui, with some of the old houses leading up into the hills still standing today. In the age of the Internet, where information is abundant, this place returned to the time of original paper books, bound one stitch at a time, carefully creating a world of books.The line “The beauty of Guanyin Mountain enters my view, a reflected painting of the morning sun” is from a poem by a female poet from Tamsui, Wang Li Ruyue. As you walk down Chongjian Street toward the MRT station, you can see Guanyin Mountain and the Samsui river in front of you, and experience the same feelings this poet felt. Tamsui, when looking from a female perspective, is the cradle of women’s education in Taiwan, which has fostered countless outstanding women before us. The first step from Tamsui then became a big step in the social change of Taiwan.

Summer is here! When the Meiyu-front gradually leaves Taiwan and the boundless blue sky appears, the blooming red phoenix flowers and the non-stop cicada chirping are announcing the arrival of summer. At Route 2 Taiwan of New Taipei City that goes from Bali all the way to Sandiaojiao (Cape Santiago) in Gongliao, the best season has also arrived. It is the perfect time for you to get close to the ocean at the North Coast that is rid of the northeast monsoon!Taiwan, which is surrounded by sea, has seen the development of various water sports in recent years with deregulations. Water sports have long been important leisure activities for humans, with boating, surfing, and more water sports being part of the Olympic Games! The beautiful and versatile coast of Route 2 Taiwan invites you to the best time on the sea!SUPSUP, short for Standup Paddleboarding, originated from the island paradise, Hawaii. It combines the concept of traditional paddling and surfing, using equipment of a board that is similar to large surfing boards, and a paddle that is longer than an adult's height. It is a water sport that can be quickly learned, suitable for calm waters. With a life jacket, people who can't swim can try it out too.Elephant Trunk Rock Scenic Area located at Shenao Fishing Port is a great place for trying out SUP on Route 2 Taiwan. Elephant Trunk Rock, which goes straight into the sea, was created by the carving of tidal waves and the northeast monsoon. Paddling on an SUP out to the sea at dawn, watch the dazzling sunrise on the sea, and then look back at Elephant Trunk Rock. The complete giant elephant will be right in front of your eyes. Smile to the camera and take a photo with the rising sun.Canoe&WindsurfingCanoes have been used by humans for more than 6,000 years as one of the earliest water transportation vehicles. Canoeing has been part of the Olympics since 1936. In calm waters, canoeing is a sport that is suitable for all ages and can be learned quickly. Friends and families with children can enjoy the activity together.(Photo credit: Fullon Hotel Fulong)Windsurfing, also known as sailboarding or boardsailing, was invented in the United States in the 1960s. Windsurfing is a combination of sailing and surfing, and it is a challenging sport that requires high level of control and physical coordination. Under the guidance of professional instructors, you can stand on the board, set sail, and make unforgettable memories. Combining the ocean with the unique inland river terrain, Fulong Beach is an excellent spot for windsuefing and canoeing. On Route 2 Taiwan which is mostly rocky shores, the golden, sandy beach here is rare. It is also the main venue for Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival, Northeast Fulong Life Festival, and Gongliao Hohaiyan Rock Festival. It is the most exciting scenic area on the North Coast. The Fulong Bento in front of the railway station is a delicacy not to be missed.SurfingYou can enjoy the swag of moving on waves with just one surfboard. This wave-powered extreme sport originated in the Polynesia. It is an activity that requires high level of skills and technique. But after you have conquered the wild waves, the sense of accomplishment and the deep coolness are said to be life changing. That is also the reason why this difficult sport is so fascinating to tens of thousands of people.Jhongjiao Bay Surf/SUP Center is the top choice for surfing in New Taipei City. This five-star surfing mecca has a visitor center, viewing platform, and surfing/SUP center. Together with the nearby Zhongjiao Elementary School Surfing Academy, they form the New Taipei City Surfing Education Center. In addition to professional surfing instructors, a land-based practice area is available. You can practice and build your balance and skills on the ground first. Children and those who can't swim can all have a go at surfing.GoShareGoShare is the trendiest low-carbon means of transportation on Route 2 Taiwan. You can rent an electric bike with just clicks on your phone. The bike is equipped with disposable helmet covers so that you can ride with peace of mind. GoShare has a total of 12 DOTs along the North Coast, connecting various major attractions. Put on a helmet and enjoy riding along the coastline.Shen'ao Rail BikeShen'ao Rail Bike was originally a coal-transporting railway. It has become a unique sea-viewing railway bicycle track in Taiwan. After three months of maintenance work on the tunnel structure, it reopened before the summer solstice this year. From June 18 to September 30, the "Magnificent Midsummer Romantic Night Ride" will be available from 18:00 to 20:30. With the beautiful lighting and atmosphere, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable journey under the summer starlight.