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New Taipei City Travel

The Xingfu Waterfront – Exploring New Taipei by cycling

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The Xingfu Waterfront – Exploring New Taipei by cycling
The irrigation and water transportation provided by the river have nurtured countless civilizations and the rise of many big cities. The most important river in northern Taiwan, Tamsui River, supports more than 8 million residents in its basin. Going back in time to the 18th century, the center of the Greater Taipei area was Xinzhuang by the riverbank. "Xinzhuang Port crowded by thousands of sails, and the market lit by thousands of household lights" entails the reputation of prosperity that Xinzhuang enjoyed. In mid-19th century, Tamsui became an important international commercial port. However, due to river siltation and pollutions caused by rapid industrialization, Tamsui River was forgotten by residents. After years of improvement efforts, the riverside in New Taipei is once again a great place for citizens to enjoy relaxation and recreation.
新店溪-來碧潭騎腳踏車

New Taipei City has a 1,382-hectare riverside park. Complete bicycle paths are made available along Tamsui River and its three tributaries—Dahan River, Xindian River, and Keelung River, with a total length of 210 kilometers, which is equivalent to the distance between Banqiao, New Taipei and Douliu, Yunlin! There are six major bicycle routes in New Taipei City, including Bali Left Bank, Golden Coast, Xizhi, Erchong Circular, Dahan River, and Xindian River. Hop on a bicycle and explore New Taipei from the waterfront at the speed of 15km per hour!
水岸六線自行車道
Bali Left Bank Bicycle Path
From Guanyinkeng Creek Estuary to Baxian Coast: 14 kilometers
[Route] Guanyinkeng Creek Estuary -- Guandu Bridge -- Bali Ferry Dock -- Laorong Bunker -- Sustainable Development Education Center -- Bali Left Bank Park -- Waziwei Nature Reserve -- Bali Cultural Park-- Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology -- Xiaguzi Fishing Port
八里左岸-船隻造型裝置藝術

Bali, located on the left bank of Tamsui River, is connected to Tamsui by ferries and Guandu Bridge across the wide Tamsui River. It is a port with a long history in New Taipei. Shisanhang Museum of Archaeology, an important archaeological site in Taiwan, is also located in this area. Cycling from the starting point of Guanyinkeng towards the estuary, you will see Guanyin Mountain on the left and Tamsui River on the right. On the way, you will pass by Guandu Bridge, Bali Ferry Dock Old Street, Shisanhang Museum of Archaeology, and other major attractions. Bali is also one of the top areas in terms of green space per capita. There are many inclusive parks along the route, such as Shanggang Park, Ferry Dock Park, Pianzigou Park, Shuixinggong Park, Shisanhang Cultural Park, and Bali Left Bank Park. The BALI landmark at Bali Left Bank Park is a popular social media photo spot.


The casual atmosphere of Bali has brought many coffee shops here. Choose a coffee shop to spend a relaxed afternoon or visit Ferry Dock Old Street to taste the famous Shuangbaotai (fried pastry) and various fried seafood to satisfy your inner foodie!
八里左岸-關渡大橋
八里左岸-八里地標
八里左岸-十三行博物館

Golden Coast Cycling Route

From Guanhai Park to North Coast: 16.7 km
[Route] Guanhai Park (the border between Taipei and New Taipei) -- Guandu Bridge -- Zhuwei Pier -- Mangrove Nature Reserve -- Golden Coast Riverside Park -- Tamsui Old Street -- Tamsui Ferry Dock -- Banyan Embankment -- Tamsui Customs Wharf Park -- Fisherman's Wharf -- Danhai New Town -- North Coast

金色水岸-淡水

There are many eateries on Tamsui Old Street. The most representative dish, A-gei, is made by hollowing out the middle of fried tofu, filling it with fried cellophane noodles, soaking it in a sauce, sealing it with fish paste, and finally serving it with a sweet and spicy sauce drizzled on top. It is a seemingly simple but unforgettably tasty dish.
金色水岸-紅樹林
金色水岸-紅毛城
金色水岸-情人橋夕照

Xizhi Bikeway

From the border between Taipei and New Taipei to Wudu (towards Keelung): 9.8 km
[Route] The border between Taipei and New Taipei -- Beishan Bridge -- Nanyang Bridge -- New Shehou Bridge -- Jiangbei Second Bridge -- Chengzhong Pumping Station -- Wudu Railway Station -- Wudu (towards Keelung)
汐止-星光橋

Xizhi, located at mid-stream Keelung River, was known as Shuifanjiao in the past. Situated between Taipei City and Keelung City, it is the most densely populated area on the east side of New Taipei City. Its early development was due to the rise of river transportation on Keelung River, in which Xizhi became an important distribution center for tea and other goods from the neighboring mountains. Keelung River is the most tortuous among the three tributaries of Tamsui River. You can feel the unique landscape of this river when cycling along the bank. The most eye-catching landmark of this bikeway is the Starlight Bridge that is shaped like a microphone. This single-tower, cable-stayed bridge is for pedestrians and bicycles only. Along the bikeway, there are major attractions such as Xizhi Old Street, Xizhi Jide Temple, and Wudu Tunnel Bicycle Path.

Xizhi Night Market is a treasure trove of delicacies, including stinky tofu, Chinese angelica duck, shaved ice, ba-wan (Taiwanese meatballs), and Taiwanese fried chicken, waiting for you to discover.
汐止-陳萬乞古厝
汐止-五堵隧道自行車
汐止-觀光夜市

Erchong Circular Bikeway
One lap of the bikeway: 20 kilometers
[Route] Floodway Sports Park -- Xingfu Waterfront Park -- Floodway Lotus Park -- Floodway Waterfront Park -- Floodway Central Park -- Floodway Zhuifeng Park -- Floodway Marsh Park -- Floodway Canal Park – Floodway Luti Park -- Breeze Canal -- Floodway Ecological Park -- Tamsui Riverside Park -- Duckie Park -- Floodway Sports Park

二重環線-新北大都會公園

Erchong Floodway was part of the Greater Taipei Area Flood Control Plan. It connects with Tamsui River on the east side to form a circle that bounds Luzhou, Sanchong, and part of Wugu as an island, which connects to Xinzhuang, Wugu, and Taipei City by a dozen of bridges. One lap of Erchong Circular Bikeway is about 20 kilometers long. New Taipei City Government has planned a number of sports and entertainment venues at Erchong Floodway, including New Taipei Metropolitan Park, Xingfu Water park, Breeze Canal, and Chenguang Bridge, which is designed for pedestrians and bicycles only. Along Tamsui River, there is Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1, which is an important cultural asset of New Taipei. Anti-aircraft artillery positions and underground tunnels there have been preserved and now used as a shooting location for film crews.

Sanhe Night Market next to MRT Taipei Bridge Station is where many eateries that have been in business for more than 30 years are, selling delicacies such as sesame oil chicken soup, wontons, ba-wan (Taiwanese meatballs), herbal tea, and papaya milk. They are great snacks after exercising.

二重環線-淡水河
二重環線-空軍三重一村
二重環線-三和夜市
 
Dahan River Bikeway

From Left Bank - Taoyuan City border to Sanchong: 24.7 km
[Route] Taoyuan City border -- Yingge Ceramics Museum -- Sanying Ceramics Park -- Ganyuan Riverside Park -- Shulin Riverside Environmental Park -- Lujiao Creek Constructed Wetland -- Xisheng Riverside Environmental Park -- Sanchong Riverside Environmental Park -- Floodway Sports Park

From Right Bank - Changfu Bridge to Huajiang Bridge: 19.5 km
[Route] Changfu Bridge – Sanxia Bridge -- Sanjiaoyong Bridge -- Xibei Riverside Park -- Tucheng Environmental Park -- Tucheng Mazutian Riverside Park -- Fuzhou Sports Park -- Banqiao Environmental Park -- Fuzhou Arts Riverside Park -- Huajiang Bridge
大漢溪-新月橋

Dahan River, formerly known as Dakekan River, is the longest tributary of Tamsui River. Its upper reach is the catchment area of Shimen Reservoir, which supplies water to Taoyuan City and the west side of New Taipei City. After entering New Taipei City, it passes through Yingge, Sanxia, Shulin, Tucheng, Xinzhuang, Sanchong, and finally merges into Tamsui River with Xindian River in Jiangzicui, Banqiao. The first section of Dahan River Bikeway is the heart of New Taipei City's art and creativity. Yingge Ceramics Museum and the upcoming New Taipei City Art Museum are here. The middle section passes through a number of ecologically rich wetland parks, such as Lujiao Creek Constructed Wetland, Fuzhou Constructed Wetland, and Xinhai Constructed Wetland. In the last section, you can find 435 Art Zone, which is suitable for families with children; and the most beautiful landmark on Dahan River, Crescent Bridge, which is the longest double-span steel arch bridge in Taiwan.

Dahan River has deep culture and history. The most prosperous Xinzhuang Temple Street of Greater Taipei in mid-Qing Dynasty is still busy today. Xianguang cake, which is a temple street specialty is shaped like a bagel or donut with a mixed savory and sweet taste. It carries good blessings so you will be safe and sound after eating it. Sanxia Old Street is famous for its Baroque facade buildings and red brick archways, developed in late Qing Dynasty and the Japanese Rule period. The famous Golden Croissant also originated from the market of Sanxia. A variety of flavors and methods to enjoy them have been developed over time. It is a popular souvenir from Sanxia.

大漢溪-板橋435
大漢溪-鶯歌陶瓷博物館
大漢溪-三峽老街
大漢溪-鹿角溪人工溼地

Xindian River Bikeway

From Huajiang Bridge to Bitan Scenic Area: 16 km
[Route] Huajiang Bridge -- Butterfly Park -- Yonghe Emerald Riverside Park -- Luguang Riverside Park -- Xiulang Bridge -- Xiulang Qingxi Park -- Sunshine Sports Park -- Qinqing Riverside Park -- Xindian Bitan
新店溪-陽光運動公園


Xindian River has high-quality water and is the hometown of Taiwan sweetfish. The upstream tributary, Beishi River, constitutes the most important reservoir supplying water to the Taipei Metropolitan Area, Feicui Reservoir. Xindian River Bikeway starts from Jiangzicui, Banqiao and ends at Bitan, Xindian. It passes through four major administrative districts, namely Banqiao, Zhonghe, Yonghe, and Xindian. There are many theme parks along the way, such as the popular social media photo spots Butterfly Park and Dinosaur Park. You can also visit Yang Sanlang Art Museum to learn about the development of modern art in Taiwan. In Xindian, you can find Sunshine Bridge of Xindian River that is exclusive to pedestrians and bicycles, as well as Bitan Scenic Area. The scenery here can be enjoyed day and night.


Yonghe Soymilk, which originated from the Zhongzheng Bridge area of Yonghe, is now well-known at home as well as abroad. After visiting Yang Sanlang Art Museum, it is the perfect timing to visit the founding store to taste the rich and silky soymilk.

新店溪-蝴蝶公園
新店溪-楊三郎美術館
新店溪-碧潭夜景

Xingfu Waterfront is the most open area in the most densely populated city of Taiwan. Riding along the riverbank at a speed of 15km per hour in the breeze, after leaving the noisy concrete jungle, you will find the waterfront without cars or motorcycles as a quiet and calming path. At the same time, you will be delighted to find out that besides humans, there are many creatures living among us in this city. Hop on a bike, with a different vision and mood, set off to the waterfront!
公司田溪自行車道


 

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Tamsui-Kavalan Trails: Hand-made trails, documentaries, and books
The Tamsui-Kavalan Trails were an important mountain trail network that spanned across the Taipei Basin and Lanyang Plain during the Qing Dynasty. They played a crucial role in transportation between these two points before the TRA launched the Yilan Line. The Tamsui-Kavalan Trails should not be regarded simply as a “route” connecting Tamsui Subprefecture and Kavalan Subprefecture. Instead, over the past 200 years or so, the northern section of Xueshan (Xue Mountain) has held invaluable historical memories, including indigenous hunting paths, the footprints of Han people, trading posts, and military patrols. Countless ancestors traversed these dozens of intricate and meandering mountain paths. The Tamsui-Kavalan Trails also bore witness to the development of Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung, and Yilan, and can be regarded as Taiwan's pilgrimage route. Today, it has been designated as a “National-Level Green Trail”.2015 and 2016 – “Reappearing the Centuries-Old Tamsui-Kavalan Trails”After the advent of railways and national freeways, the entire world underwent a significant transportation revolution. The Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, which had lost their original transportation function, gradually faded from public view. Nevertheless, for over a century, they have quietly existed within the mountainous region between Taipei and Yilan. Since 2015 and 2016, the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association has collaborated with Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung, and Yilan across multiple counties and cities in the joint effort of the “Reappearing the Centuries-Old Tamsui-Kavalan Trails” project. By reviewing literature, maps, interviews, and other sources of information, the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association has obtained the initial route background and, in conjunction with historical, cultural, landscape, recreational system, safety, and other considerations, designed the systematic Tamsui-Kavalan trail routes we have today. It has also adopted the twin-bristle fern as the identifying symbol, establishing the brand of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails.Combining public and private resources, the government and civilians collaborated to progressively restore these ancient trails using the handcrafted trail method. The concept of handcrafted trails relies not on heavy machinery and construction contractors, but employs simple tools and locally sourced materials instead. Through the participation of volunteers, a collective effort has been made to restore the trails, ensuring their harmonious integration into the existing landscape while preserving the essence of the original cultural pathways. After years of dedicated work, the centuries-old Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, with their rich and enduring history, have been rejuvenated.2018 – “Tamsui-Kavalan Trails Trilogy”To promote the ecology and culture of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, the Tourism and Travel Department of the New Taipei City Government collaborated with the internationally acclaimed Director Xiao Qing-yang. They traversed the northern, central, and southern sections of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, resulting in the creation of the "Tamsui-Kavalan Trails Trilogy". Director Xiao Qing-yang, through his work spanning from "The Tao of Kung Fu" and "The Tao of Ancestors" to "The Tao of Health" within these centuries-old trails, orchestrated live performances by traditional opera musicians and captured the sounds of nature, including insect chirping, bird calls, and the flowing river water. This endeavor beautifully illustrates the multifaceted vitality of these historical trails.The “Tamsui-Kavalan Trails Trilogy” was honored with the first prize in the Sports and Leisure category at the 14th ART & TUR – International Tourism Film Festival in 2021. In 2023, the original soundtrack album “Beginningless Beginning” produced for “Tamsui-Kavalan Trails Trilogy” achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Best Recording Package award at the 65th Grammy Awards, propelling Tamsui-Kavalan Trails onto the international stage2019 – “Tamsui-Kavalan Trails – The Northern Section”The first travel guidebook for the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, titled "Tamsui-Kavalan Trails – The Northern Section", was brought to life through the combined efforts of the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association, historians, and mountaineering experts who possess an intimate knowledge of these trails. After meticulous planning and 18 months of dedicated compilation, the guidebook was officially launched. The book provides insights into the cultural history, town stories, flora and fauna ecology, along with recommended routes along the northern section. Its high-quality layout garnered immediate acclaim upon release, and to date, it has undergone five printings. Many travelers set out on the northern section of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails with this book in hand to experience these historic trails step by step, and craft their own unique stories along the way.2020 – The website themed on the Tamsui-Kavalan TrailsA website themed on the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails was developed relying on the smart technology. This innovative UI/UX interactive trail map simplifies the intricate network of trails within the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails. From users' perspective, this website integrates and interfaces information related to pre-trip preparations, itinerary planning, GPX data, transportation, weather, and rest stops. Easily capture all types of hiking information, and comprehensively explore the abundant history, culture, humanities and ecology of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails.2022 – “Tamsui-Kavalan Trails – The Long and Slow Journey through Centuries-Old Satoyama”Following the publication of the acclaimed "Tamsui-Kavalan Trails – The Northern Section", the Tourism and Travel Department of the New Taipei City Government once again collaborated with several experts of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails to introduce the book "Tamsui-Kavalan Trails – The Long and Slow Journey through Centuries-Old Satoyama". This book portrays the travel experiences along the northern, central, and southern sections of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, along with visits to the stories of 22 local artisans and businesses within the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails. It includes a practical hiking guide for the entire route and exquisite photographs. The book also features an exquisite fold-out map, hand-painted by an artist who has received the Golden Tripod Award after personally walked through all sections of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails. It also includes the stories behind the planning and branding of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, with the hope of embarking on the next century together.The Tourism and Travel Department of the New Taipei City Government has successfully promoted the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails for many years. Today, these trails are internationally and domestically renowned long-distance trail. In addition to marketing and promotion through the internet, videos, and books, the Department has also collaborated with numerous non-governmental organizations to organize activities such as handcrafted trail workshops, mountaineering seminars, and National Greenway guide training. Let this centuries-old historical trail continue to thrive through people's interactions and visits.
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“Get in the Sedan Chair!” “Let’s Go!” Yehliu Cultural Festival of Jumping into the Sea with Gods
One day in 1820, fishermen of Yehliu found a Fujian-style sailboat drifting alone on the open waters, so they boarded the sailboat to check, and found no one on it. However, they found a statue of Kai Zhang Sheng Wang and Chinese fir and limestone, building materials, in the cabin. After having a discussion, people resolved to welcome the god to their fishing village. They used building materials found on the boat to build a temple called Baoan Temple to bless fishermen in Yehliu a safe journey when they went fishing on the sea.Several decades later, a boat from Fujian struck a reef and sank. After the tragedy, Kai Zhang Sheng Wang entered the body of a spirit medium to indicate fishermen to offer sacrifices to pray for peace, not allowing the remains of victims to be brought to the fishing port. Kai Zhang Sheng Wang further indicated that He would go on an inspection tour around the port at Lantern Festival in person. Following the instructions of the God, young and strong residents in Yehliu carried the God’s sedan chair on January 15 of the lunar calendar, jumping into the cold sea water to expel ghosts and monsters at the port. This was the origin of jumping into the sea with gods in Yehliu.Come in Water and Go in FireThe tradition of jumping into the sea with gods in Yehliu has over one hundred years of history, and it is a unique activity at Lantern Festival at Taiwan’s Northern Coast. The tradition enjoys the fame with Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi and beehive fireworks in Yanshui as they are all intangible cultural heritage. The four rituals of jumping into the sea with gods in Yehliu include “going on an inspection tour with gods on the sea,” “bringing back a whole cabin of catches,” “jumping into the sea with gods,” and “stepping on the bonfire with gods to expel evils and adversities.” Participating followers have to jump into the water with a god’s sedan chair first, and run toward the bonfire after they go ashore. Therefore, we say “come in the water, and go in the fire.” It is the most distinctive cultural festival in Wanli District.Jumping into the sea with gods is an annual occasion in Yehliu. Residents and fishermen in Yehliu support the event by donating money and contributing their labor to plan it. It is an important activity that enables local people to work together as a team. The event of jumping into the sea with gods starts early in the morning, and followers and sacrificial service chiefs carry out the blessing ceremony successively in Baoan Temple. In front of the temple, you can see the spectacular performances of the lion dance of Yehliu Elementary School, beiguan music club, and god’s generals. It is difficult to take your eyes off the performances, and you can hear the sounds of camera shutters one after another as well. The temple workers carry the eight gods’ sedan chairs to the front of Baoan Temple. After they carefully place gods’ statues in the sedan chairs, they hang firecrackers on the sedan chairs. Strong and brave men carrying the sedan chairs move forward while firecrackers are being set off. For a moment, the sounds of firecrackers resound across the sky, going through the cloudy and rainy sky to the Heavenly Palace.Going on an Inspection Tour with Gods on SeaThe lead boat sets sail with people’s blessings, kicking off the event of going on an inspection tour with gods on the sea. Over ten fishing boats follow the lead boat in order and dash out Yehliu Fishing Port amid the loud noise of firecrackers. During the one hour of the inspection tour, all fishing boats circle around Yehliu Fishing Port three times to pray for plentiful catches and safety.Bringing back a Full Cabin of CatchesAfter an inspection tour on the sea, fishermen will open their cabin and crane up a full load of catches to the truck before they return to Baoan Temple. This means that fishermen will get a full load of catches on their each voyage this year. Next, the city mayor will host a charity auction for catches, where competitive bidding can be seen at the scene.Jumping into the Sea with Gods The highly anticipated event of “Jumping into the Sea with Gods” starts in front of Baoan Temple as people shout “get into the sedan chair” and “let’s go” loudly. Strong and brave men in Yehliu carry the eight gods’ sedan chairs for Kai Zhang Sheng Wang, Mazu, General Zhou Cang, the Lord of Land and so on, and they brave the cold and dash into the fishing port amid the loud cheers of people. The scene is exactly the same as the one when Kai Zhang Sheng Wang went on an inspection tour at the fishing port over one hundred years ago. The ceremony is held to expel ghosts and spirits, praying for favorable weather and safety.In recent years, the event has changed with the times: people are welcome to join the activity of jumping into the sea with gods, and a design competition is held. After gods’ sedan chairs arrive at the fishing port, 100 people are welcome to participate in the event of jumping into the sea. The year 2024 is the year of the dragon, so quite a few participants wear clothing with the style of the dragon to celebrate the year of the dragon and pray for safety in the coming year.Stepping on Bonfire with Gods to Expel Evils and Adversities After strong and brave men carrying gods’ sedan chairs jump into the port, they have to swim across Yehliu Port with the sedan chairs. After they come ashore, they are ready to step on the bonfire. When it is time, the shouts of “get into the sedan chair” and “let’s go” echo throughout Yehliu, and strong and brave men carry gods’ sedan chairs and step on the bonfire that has been sprinkled with salt and rice barefooted to purify calamities on their bodies. After doing this for three rounds, they complete the ritual of “coming in the water, and going in the fire.”Being led by the beiguan music club, gods make a pilgrimage procession around the fishing port to protect Yehliu. The cultural festival of jumping into the sea with gods originated from a mysterious unmanned boat drifting on the sea over one hundred years ago. After Kai Zhang Sheng Wang was brought ashore by local fishermen, He entered the body of a spirit medium to go on an inspection tour at the port to protect the safety of Yehliu Fishing Port. Residents in Yehliu, in return, pass down the tradition. The event of jumping into the sea with gods is not only a special activity at Lantern Festival, but also a shared memory of residents of different generations in Yehliu.
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