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New Taipei City Travel

Once upon a time there was a walled city — Exploring Fangqiao City and the four temples

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Exploring Fangqiao City

When it comes to walled cities in Taiwan, the first places most people think of are Tainan City, Taipei City, and Hengchun Township. The gates of these cities, which were built by officials, still have their gates and even some of their walls, and some of them have had MRT stops named after them (Beimen [north gate] Station, Ximen [west gate] Station or the Taipei MRT line), and are a shared memory among present-day Taiwanese people. But did you know that there is also a walled city in Banqiao, the prime district of New Taipei City?

枋橋古城路標

When going from the MRT Fuzhong Station to the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, perceptive travelers will notice that the streetlights in this area are particularly old fashioned, and that they are labelled “Fangqiao Walled City.” On top of that, when looking down, you can see the words “City Border” on the street tiles. The ancient Fangqiao Walled City had five city gates, just like Taipei; additionally, its history is even better known than that of Taipei, primarily due to two major factors that led to the establishment of the city: the Lin family of Banqiao and the Zhang-Quan fighting.
古城界址

Back in the Qing Dynasty, there were frequent fights between Zhangzhou and Quanzhou immigrants; in order to defend themselves from the Quanzhou immigrants, the Banqiao Lin family, who originally came from Zhangzhou, built the Fangqiao Walled City in 1855, stretching out to present-day Ximen [west gate] Street, Beimen [north gate] Street, Nanmen [south gate] Street, and Guanqian West Road. However, during the Japanese occupation, the city was demolished to make place for traffic. Nevertheless, the temples located in the area still show traces of the old city.
枋橋古城地圖

Cihui Mazu temple
Located at the east side of the Fangqiao Walled City is the most popular Mazu temple in the Banqiao District. The temple is decorated on both the inside and the outside with fragmented ceramic art, sculptures, and color paintings, and the highly refined temple buildings are richly ornamented. In addition, the temple is a popular place for people to pray for prosperity, and local business magnates such as the Banqiao Lin family are all frequent visitors. If you look carefully, you can even find a dragon pillar bearing the business name of the Lin family.
慈雲宮屋頂剪粘
慈惠宮與板橋林家
慈惠宮財神

Banqiao Jieyun Temple
The Jieyun Temple and the Xinzhuang Dizang Temple, both located near the west gate of Fangqiao Walled City, are historically related to the Zhang-Quan fights; the Dizang Temple was built by the Banqiao gentry to commemorate the Zhangzhou people who died in the altercations. The Jieyun Temple, which is on the other side, was formerly known as the Zhonghe Ciyunyan Temple, but was destroyed during the armed struggles, and its remains were taken over by the Banqiao Jieyun Temple. Its collection contains many precious ancient plaques and scrolls, and there are many wood carvings of flying immortals wrapped in gold foil on both sides of the roof as well as in the main hall, which are very spectacular. The caisson ceiling has a special long oval design, and is of great historical and religious value.
接雲寺金仙人
接雲寺藻井
大眾廟

Banqiao Diyi Temple
The only one of the four temples to have been a city-designated temple, the Diyi Temple, was built by the Banqiao Lin family to commemorate the people who died fighting; it is also known as the Yuanshuai Temple. In 2021, after it was restored, the temple opened up for the public by appointment. The paintings of the Door Gods and the Qilin murals inside are all made by master painter Mr. Cai Longjin, the winner of the New Taipei Cultural Award. Next time you are in Banqiao, on your way to the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, slow down and closely follow the inscriptions on the ground to explore the former Walled City, and enter the temples to admire the exquisite paintings and craftmanship, and explore the past life of the city!
迪毅堂
迪毅堂濕壁畫

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Best Place for Children to Exert Energy- New Taipei Metropolitan Park
Do you feel like your children have endless energy? And time seems to become slower when staying at home? There are lots of inclusive parks in New Taipei City that have new facilities different from the all similar facilities at traditional parks. You can enjoy facilities in different ways! The most popular "New Taipei Metropolitan Park" has the natural riverside view. A giant grassland is here for people to run, jog and jump. Besides, romantic installation art and interesting amusement facilities for kids can be found here. Mommy and Daddy, let's move! Bring your kids here to exert energy!The New Taipei Metropolitan Park has an area of 424 hectares, which is 1.25 times bigger than the Central Park in New York City.The New Taipei Metropolitan Park extends from the Wugu District, Luzhou District to Sanchong District with a length of 7.7 kilometers and a total area of 424 hectares. It is the biggest riverside sports park in New Taipei City. The area of the New Taipei Metropolitan Park equals to 16 Daan Parks in Taipei City and is 1.25 times bigger than the Central Park in New York City!You will find 14 themed areas in the Park. Xingfu Shuiyang Park inside is an inclusive park and one of parents' favorites when it comes to taking children out. The transportation here is quite convenient. Take the MRT to "Sanchong Station" and you can walk to the Park. Besides, you can see the riverside view from height on the Chenguang Bridge next to the MRT Station. When at night, the romantic lighting will shine on the Bridge.The Erchong Floodway used to be a flooding area. After treatment and organization, it has become a great park in the city. At the Park you will find a giant grassland where people can run to their hearts' content or have a picnic. What's more, the flower field that changes with seasons are right next to the riverside view. Large installation art that is great to take photos with will be established on a constant basis. The most incredible thing of the Park is the amusement facilities set up along the embankment. You can always see cute children playing on the facilities. The facilities make the Park an ideal place for kids.The Super Exciting Slide of 7 Meter Height! Children Might Get Crazy When Just Entering the Park!Let's take a look at the Park area that might get children crazy. When walking out of MRT Sanchong Station, you will first see slides on a grassland. With the combination with the slope landscape, 6 slides were built in colorful shades! If you look closely, you will see the slides can be separated into 2 layers. On the upper layer is the tube slides over 1-floor height. And you will find lots of people lining up for the slides since it's rare to have a chance for using slides this long for free. Follow the instruction on the ground to line up.At the entrance of the slide is a flash notifier that will detect whether there are people at the exit below. Please follow the flash notifier to enjoy slides safely. There are 2 more curve slides on the upper layer, and they are longer and steeper. Therefore, the speed sliding down will be faster and people on slides will feel more excited! But before using the slides, you need to climb up first. Children can choose rock climbing, rope climbing, net climbing or taking stairs. Children seldom have the chance to climb using both hands and feet. It is challenging but a great way to train children's muscle!The Simple, Safe, Barrier Free and Interactive Facilities Realize the Spirit of Inclusion!On the lower layer are facilities for little kids. There are 2 curve slides here that are a lot shorter than the ones on the upper layer, and they are less dangerous. Moreover, at the end of the slide is a chair. Therefore, kids will not directly sit on the ground after sliding down, which is a lot safer. Next to these slides is the appealing terrazzo slide in a bowl shape. 2 slides are in the middle and around the slides are 2 half circle slopes. Children can sit side by side to slide down together. When sliding down, they can roll over at the same time. How fun is that!Below are 2 pieces of other playground equipment: The climbing ball is very challenging. Children have to climb and weave in and out of the ball using their arm strength and balance skills at the same time. The other equipment is the swivel chair. Children can choose to sit inside or push it and run around it outside. They can cooperate with each other. The faster the swivel chair spins, the louder the laughter is. How joyful!*感謝好景點網站( https://foncc.com/ ) 提供美照-->The whole playground is covered with colorful Polyurethane paving. The paving not only has a colorful and cute appearance, but is safer for the kids to run and jump in the Park. An instruction sign is set up next to each facility to remind people of safety notices while playing. Besides, the difficulty of how challenging the facilities are is written on the sign. Parents can pick the amusement facility based on children's age and physical strength to challenge your kids.If you continue to walk along the embankment, you will see a giant artificial grass-skating field with the slope of 7 meters. The blue and white color scheme makes the field look like a waterfall. With the blue sky and a large area of green land, the scene is beautiful and comforting. In the middle of this section is the grass-skating area. The ground is covered by artificial turf and you can slide down from the slope with a grass-skating board or cardboard. How exciting it is! On both sides of the field is the climbing area where children can climb up on the bumpy slope. After a few times of climbing up and down, they will definitely be exhausted! A little reminder for parents: The Park is spacious and it can get very hot in summer time, remember to put on sunscreen and stay hydrated. The grass-skating field is suitable for children who are above the age of 5. When sliding down, make sure to keep some distances from the previous person and do not climb up from the grass-skating area in the middle to stay safe.*圖片來源:好景點網站、我的新北市粉絲團-->Holidays Only! FUN Park Train for Parents and Children!Besides slides on the grass land and the grass-skating field like a waterfall, the "Embankment Slope Amusement Park" that was open in June 2020 is the latest highlight of the Park. The amusement park features animals in Taiwan is a must-visit!The New Taipei Metropolitan Park is the largest riverside park in Taiwan. The Erchong Circular Biking Trail of about 20 kilometers is built within the Park. We recommend you to bring your family members to come here cycling on the Trail and feel the natural temperature with wind breezing on your face. Beautiful landscaping is right beside the Trail, so if you feel exhausted for too much cycling, stop the bike, take some photos and take a break. Or you can take New Taipei Metropolitan Park Train at Xinfu Station (across Chongxin Bridge Flea Market) on holidays. The Train circles the Park counter-clockwise and passes by MRT Sanchong Station, the Waterfall Grass-skating Field, Amusement Park and Love-telling Plaza on the way. The trip is about 30 minutes.After seeing the introduction, I believe you feel like visiting the Park now! The New Taipei Metropolitan Park is definitely the best place for children to exert energy. We welcome you to bring your children and have fun here!Nearby Places to Go -->Air Force Sanchong First Military Village Chenguang Bridge
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New Taipei’s Biking Paths: ONE to TEN
New Taipei City features rich and diverse landscapes, from the azure Route 2 Taiwan along the North Coast and the Leisurely Mountain and Sea Route that preserves mining heritage, to the riverside greenery in metropolitan areas. Each location offers unique scenery and stories. Hop on a bicycle and embark on low-carbon travel through New Taipei City at the most relaxing pace! New Taipei City has established Youbike public bicycle stations across all 29 administrative districts and extensively developed biking paths in tourist areas, making cycling adventures more convenient and safer. The Department of Tourism has carefully selected 10 biking paths. Let's ride from 1 to 10, One to Ten, and explore the diverse beauty of New Taipei City on two wheels!1. Wanjin Biking PathStart from Wanli's Green Bay and head toward Jinshan's Jhongjiao Bay! The Wanjin Biking Path stretches approximately 15 kilometers, featuring a route paved with asphalt and wooden boardwalks, accompanied by cooling shade and gentle sea breezes along the way. Visit attractions such as Shuiwei Fishing Harbor and Huangqing Bridge while admiring scenery that weaves together pastoral landscapes and azure coastlines. After working up a sweat on the Wanjin Biking Path, explore Jinshan Old Street to sample local delicacies. In the evening, stay at a hot spring hotel where a warm pool will completely melt away every trace of fatigue. 2. Shuangxi District Biking Path The Shuangxi District Biking Path spans approximately 6.2 kilometers, offering the joy of cycling through the lush green and fresh air of the Pinglin River basin. Starting from Shuangxi Train Station, visit attractions along the route including Shuangxi Lotus Garden, Ruanqiao Section Waterfront Park, the Lotus Garden in Lin Family’s Old House, and the Lian Scholar's Historic Residence. The Shuangxi District Biking Path provides smooth and easy riding, perfect for families cycling together. Beside crystal-clear streams, visitors can admire flowers, watch fish, and play in the water—the ideal choice for relaxation and enjoying nature. 3. Sandiao Cape (Old Caoling Belt Bikeway) Rent an e-bike from Fulong Station and enter the Old Caoling Belt Bikeway for a 20-kilometer journey through mountains and sea. First, enter the Old Caoling Tunnel where the music of "Diu Diu Dang Ah" plays as you travel from New Taipei through to Yilan. When that light at the tunnel's end transforms into the magnificent Pacific Ocean, ride along the mountain-and-sea biking path accompanied by Guishan Island to reach Taiwan's easternmost point: Sandiao Cape Lighthouse. Check in for stunning photos and admire the endless azure ocean. Continue your journey through the stone houses of Magang and Maoao fishing villages before finally returning to Fulong Station to feast on famous traditional Fulong lunch boxes. 4. Shimen (Wanta Biking Path, Shuangwan Biking Path) Shimen District serves as the central point of the Route 2 Taiwan and represents Taiwan's northernmost administrative district. Visit Shimen to see the landmark Shimen Cave and the main island's northernmost point at Fugui Cape, then follow the Wanta Biking Path connecting to the Shuangwan Biking Path. With sea breezes pushing you forward, cycle toward Baishawan and Qianshuiwan. By connecting the Wanta and Shuangwan Biking Paths for a 12-kilometer journey along wooden coastal boardwalks, you'll feast your eyes on the algae reef intertidal zone at Laomei Green Reef, the wind-carved rocks of Linshan Cape, and the pristine sandy beach of Baishawan! 5. Wugu (Erchong Circular Biking Path) The Erchong Floodway represents an important project under the Greater Taipei flood control plan. Its first phase was completed in 1984, significantly improving flood issues throughout the Tamsui River basin. The New Taipei City Government has successively developed multiple sports venues and recreational facilities within the Erchong Floodway, including New Taipei Metropolitan Park, and designed the Erchong Circular Biking Path. This circular route spans approximately 20 kilometers, crossing the administrative districts of Wugu, Luzhou, and Sanchong. Attractions along the way include Wugu Wetland Ecological Park, Breeze Canal, Air Force Sanchong Village 1, Chongxin Bridge Tourist Market, and New Taipei Metropolitan Park. 6. Lujiaoxi Wetland (Dahan River’s Left Bank Biking Path) Transformed from an abandoned landfill into a 16-hectare ecological paradise, Lujiaoxi Wetland serves as the water quality guardian of the Dahan River while providing habitat for migratory birds and aquatic plants. This area forms part of the Dahan River’s Left Bank Biking Path, which extends 24.7 kilometers total. Riding upstream leads to Yingge's New Taipei City Art Museum and Yuanshan Weir, while heading downstream through various major riverside wetlands takes you to Xinzhuang Temple Street and Crescent Bridge. This creates a waterfront cycling route that seamlessly blends art, culture, and ecology.7. Qixi Biking PathFormerly known as "Shuifanjiao," Xizhi sits between Taipei and Keelung. In earlier times, the prosperity of water transportation along the Keelung River led to the development of a thriving market town focused primarily on tea leaves and mountain goods distribution. The Keelung River is renowned for its winding and meandering terrain, and the Qixi Biking Path runs alongside this river. Stretching from Keelung's Qidu to New Taipei's Xizhi, the most striking landmark along the route is the microphone-shaped "Starlight Bridge." The Wudu Tunnel connecting Xizhi and Qidu is an old Taiwan Railway tunnel built during the Japanese colonial period. This brick-constructed arched tunnel has been restored to reveal its former glory, and cycling through it allows direct travel from New Taipei's Xizhi to Keelung! 8. Bali Left Bank Biking Path Located on the left bank of the Tamsui River estuary, Bali offers expansive views where river meets sea, making it ideal for leisurely cycling exploration. Follow the Bali Left Bank Biking Path for a relaxing ride, starting from Guanyinkeng, passing beneath the rainbow-like Guandu Bridge and through the food-rich Ferry Pier Old Street, all the way to Taiwan's first archaeological museum: The Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology. Parks and green spaces dot the route, with the red "BALI" landmark set against the Tamsui River serving as a favorite check-in spot for social media enthusiasts. In the afternoon, choose a café to rest with a cup of left bank coffee, or visit the old street for crispy twin dough and fried seafood while savoring Bali's leisurely pace of life.9. JiufenCycling to Jiufen presents a challenging mountain-crossing adventure. Follow Municipal Route 102 starting from Ruifang, pushing upward along winding mountain roads toward the golden mountain city on the hillside. Upon reaching Jiufen, explore the old street, sip tea, and enjoy scenic views. If energy permits, continue along Route 102 toward Shuangxi. The highway features rolling mountains with expansive views, offering distant glimpses of Keelung Mountain, Jinguashi, and the North Coast. At Buyan Pavilion, named after Li Bai's poem verse "gazing at each other without growing tired," admire the straight road leading toward a sea of clouds.Jiufen live webcam showcases the beauty of this mountain town and provides current weather conditions. 10. Shifen Follow Municipal Route 106 into Pingxi, this coal-producing town located in the upper reaches of the Keelung River that has become world-famous for its sky lanterns. Cycle to visit railway towns along the route: Qingtong, Pingxi, Lingjiao, Wanggu, and Shifen, where you'll frequently witness sky lanterns carrying wishes rising gently into the sky. Cross the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge and Guanpu Suspension Bridge to admire the unique pothole geological formations in the Keelung River valley and the graceful water lines of Yanjingdong Waterfall, before finally reaching Taiwan's largest waterfall - Shifen Waterfall, where you can fully absorb negative ions. The Shifen Waterfall live webcam captures the waterfall's magnificent power and provides current weather conditions
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小客帶路