New Taipei City Travel

At night, near the coast of Jinshan District, the only on the dark sea surface is the 4000-watt white fish-attracting lights of a neritic squid-catching boat in the distance, the sound of waves, and the sporadic traffic on Provincial Highway 2. Suddenly, a "boom!" sounded, and the flashing torches illuminated the silent sea surface, and the phototaxis small fishes jumped out of the sea one after another. This unique scenery limited to summer comes from the traditional fishing method unique to Jinshan Huanggang Fishing Harbor - "Jinshan sulfuric fire fishing," the most dazzling conventional fishing method in Taiwan.The sulfuric fire fishing boat is also commonly known locally as the "Hia-A-Tsun." Fishing boats set sail at night, and the captain stands at the ship's bow with a torch to attract phototactic fish species, such as pilchard, to jump out of the water, then catches them with a skimming net. It has been a traditional fishing method in Jinshan for a hundred years and was registered as a cultural asset of New Taipei City in 2015. During its heyday, more than 40 sulfur fire fishing boats were operating in the waters off the northern coast. However, in 2016, the T.S. Lines cargo ship ran aground in Shimen, causing an ecological disaster on the north coast due to the oil spill. The June 2017 flood caused seawater desalination in Jinshan, severely damaging the area's marine ecology for the second time and causing schools of pilchard to leave Jinshan. At one point, only one remaining ship, the Fuji 268, was still in operation.Fortunately, after several years of persistence, some mud carp have returned to the Jinshan coast in the past two years. Also, fishers have transformed the sulfuric fire fishing boat into a tourist experience activity. During the Sulfuric Fire Fishing season, which lasts from May to September every year, they combine fishing village tours with sea fishing to preserve the beauty of traditional fishing methods.The sulfuric fire fishing boat uses a flat-bottomed and flat-headed boat. It has a low speed but has the characteristics of fast turning and high maneuverability. 4-8 people operate the sulfuric fire fishing boat, including the captain and the fire crews. They use a fish finder on the bow to search for fish. The fire crews then use searchlights to identify the fish species. After confirmation, they use a torch to attract the light, attracting pilchard, Japanese anchovy, and other fish to jump out of the water. Also called Tainan sardine, pilchard is used as fish bait or grouper feed after processing. When the fishing conditions are good, a sulfuric fire fishing boat can catch more than 800 baskets of pilchard.The earliest sulfuric fire fishing boat used bamboo torches. After introducing calcium carbide during Japan's rule, fishers changed the ignition system to calcium carbide. Fishers poured water into the calcium carbide barrel to produce acetylene gas and through the filter cylinder to ignite the torch. The ignition produced a "boom" sound, which is the origin of the name of the sulfuric fire fishing boat today.Take a yacht out of Huanggang Fishing Port and enjoy one of Jinshan's eight scenic spots, "Bamboo Peak Mist," while tasting rice noodles with neritic squid. From the sea, enjoy the beautiful coastline of Jinshan and watch the dazzling Jinshan sulfuric fire fishing boat up close after nightfall.The yacht sails out of Huanggang Fishing Port, and what comes into view is the Jinshan Cape deep into the sea and the most famous landmark of Jinshan - the Twin Candlestick Islets. Besides, overlook the Yehliu Scenic Area and enjoy the scenery of the Jinshan coastline. While waiting for the sulfuric fire fishing boat, pick up a fishing rod and experience sea fishing fun.In the waters between Tiaoshi Coast and Yehliu, the sulfuric fire fishing boat used fish finders and searchlights for schools of pilchard at night. The yacht began to turn off the lights. After turning off the lights so as not to affect the sulfuric fire fishing boat's search for schools of fish, the yachts followed the Fuji 268 sulfuric fire fishing boat, everyone in the yacht holding their breath and waiting for the moment when the school of fish jumped out of the water. "Bang!" the gorgeous torches ignited on the sea, illuminating the dark sea of Jinshan. This unique view of the world is undoubtedly a beautiful visual feast."Yes, here comes fish!" Stimulated by the flames, the school of pilchard jumped out of the water, flashing like fireflies on the sea. The crew members skillfully caught the pilchard with the skimming net, and the passengers on the yacht celebrated with thunderous applause.The fire crew waved his hand handsomely to greet the crowd. The flashing torch in his hand is not only a tool for fishing but also carries a sense of mission to continue the tradition and pass on the unique traditional fishing method of Jinshan.

New Taipei City is renowned for its thriving industries, notably the long-established ceramic industry in Yingge, which has evolved since the Qing Dynasty, and the mining industry in Ruifang. During the export-oriented policy of the 1960s, light industries such as food, textiles, electronics, and others began to flourish. Factories congregated in Sanchong, Wugu, Xinzhuang, Banqiao, and Tucheng along Provincial Highways 1 and 3, contributing to the so-called "Taiwan Economic Miracle". As industries progressed, changes in labor costs and environmental consciousness prompted a gradual outward migration of manufacturing activities. In response to these shifts, some factories underwent a government-guided transformation into tourism-centric establishments, aiming to present traditional industries to citizens in a lively and enjoyable manner. Today, these locations have become popular leisure destinations for families, offering them opportunities to deepen their knowledge and create souvenirs through do-it-yourself (DIY) experiences. This chapter will introduce 8 tourism factories in different fields to satisfy the interests of travelers.【Sanchong】​​Beer Head Tourist BreweryEstablished in the spring of 2015 in Sanchong, the Taiwan Head Brewers, also recognized as the Beer Head, stands as the inaugural craft beer brewery tourism factory in Taipei City and New Taipei City. Spanning nearly 1000 ping, it is situated adjacent to the Xianse Temple MRT station and the Xingfu MRT Station of the Circular Line. The Beer Head prides itself on using primarily local ingredients in its beer production. Its notable offering is the "Twenty-four Solar Terms" beer series, which skillfully infused with Taiwan’s winter melon sugar, Changhua’s Jasmine tea, Pingtung’s cocoa, oriental beauty tea, and various other regional flavors. These beers are crafted to deliver enjoyable brews that capture the distinctive tastes of the island. The Taiwan Head Brewers offers professional tours guided by highly experienced brewers, providing travelers with an in-depth observation of the various beer brewing stages. Visitors can also pour a perfect pint of fresh beer themselves and can their creation under the brewer's guidance to take home!【Sanchong】Indian DIY LeathercraftTaiwan was once a stronghold of the pigskin leather industry but gradually declined due to the rise of environmental awareness and the outward migration of manufacturing activities. Established during this wave of industrial transformation, the Indian DIY Leathercraft is committed to promoting green, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and naturally vegetable-tanned leather crafts, including materials packs, hardware accessories, dyes, and finishing agents in various products. During the tour, professional tour guides will not only provide insights into the history and process of leather production but also offer the opportunity for travelers to engage in a do-it-yourself (DIY) activity, creating their own fashionable leather accessories using this ancient method, which is the oldest known leather-making technique!【Wugu】Fengde Tourism FactorySituated within the New Taipei Industrial Park, Fende is the first food company that began its business from a legally operated slaughterhouse. Apart from having its business scope extended to the supply of pork, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, Fende has also developed a “food and agriculture education”-themed tourism facility dedicated to promoting domestic agricultural products, fostering healthy dietary habits, and cultivating an appreciation for food. The factory is established with a transparent vegetable-and-fruit corridor and a production visiting area, allowing visitors to learn about the process from food processing to packaging and distribution. It also lively presents all kinds of food ingredients in front of visitors through interactive AR and VR guided teachings for them to do FUN DIY activities (such as making colorful mochi, shaking rice balls, and creating red tortoise cake) while enjoying the fun of cuisine.【Bali】PopSmile Popcorn Tourism FactoryRecognized as one of Taiwan's leading brands of flavored popcorn, PopSmile has opened Asia’s first popcorn tourism factory on the left bank of the Tamsui River in Bali. With a vibrant ambiance embellished with colorful themes, the tourism factory features an American small-town setting, making it irresistible for visitors to refrain from capturing photos with their mobile phones. Led by professional tour guides, travelers can explore the history and evolution of popcorn, acquire related life knowledge, and discover the advanced AI automation technology used in production lines. Visitors can also engage in entertaining interactive games and DIY activities. It is a must-visit destination for popcorn enthusiasts.【Linkou】Prince Creative Stationery KingdomPrince Stationery has long been dedicated to the eraser industry and hastened the production of Taiwan's first yellow-barrel ballpoint pen, creating the brand of “high-quality stationery from Taiwan”. Prince Creative Stationery transformed part of its factory site into a tourism facility, becoming the new highlight of Linkou’s tourism scene. Let's follow its mascot, Duke, into the “Time Tunnel of Eraser” and “Celebrity’s Stationery Treasure Box” to catch a glimpse of the eraser production process. Visitors can also create cute and creative stationery using completely non-toxic, eco-friendly materials, providing both adults and children with a delightful and memorable experience.【Yingge】Hsin-Wang Shu Ceramics Memorial MuseumYingge is the capital of ceramics in Taiwan and was home to thousands of ceramic factories during its heyday. Established in 1926, Hsin-Wang Shu Ceramics witnessed the rise and down of of Yingge’s ceramic industry. The Hsin-Wang Shu Ceramics Memorial Museum was established in 2010 and became the first tourism factory that passed the evaluation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The museum has preserved various historical artifacts, including antique-grade gas kilns, kick wheels, and other pottery-making equipment. The experiencing zone is divided into hand-pulling clay, hand-pinching pottery, glaze painting, and mosaic collage experiencing areas, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the joy of creating ceramics.【Tucheng】Wang Ding Time Arts MuseumHave you ever wondered why time appears different everywhere when you travel overseas? Wang Ding, established in 1984, invested significant resources in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and even sought expertise in Switzerland to develop the "World Time Zone Clock Movement". In 2012, Wang Ding established a time-themed arts museum to explore how the global time zones are determined and the assembly and production process of quartz watches. In the DIY zone, visitors can have an in-depth experience assembling quartz clock movements and designing products in their own style using the craftsmanship of watchmakers, which is both fun and educational!【Banqiao】Yumeeiren Garment Tourism FactoryYumeeiren initially operated as a ready-made garment factory and later transformed into a supplier of maternity clothing and related products. This long-standing clothing factory has been established for over half a century and has endured the decline of traditional industries and the impact of Taiwan’s declining birth rates. Despite these challenges, it continues to insist on maintaining the production line for maternity clothing catered to expectant mothers. From design to production and finally to the finished products, everything originates from Yumeeiren’s factories. It's the first maternity clothing company to receive MIT certification. Come visit the Yumeeiren Garment Tourism Factory to understand the process of creating ready-made garments, try making do-it-yourself baby clothing and fashion T-shirts. Moreover, all family members can also wear the unique, specially weighted maternity clothes available exclusively in Taiwan to experience the weight that mothers carry during their ten-month pregnancy journey.