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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Four Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Lines Across New Taipei City
Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to explore New Taipei City's popular attractions! Launched by the Tourism Administration, MOTC, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a bus service linking major attractions. It accepts EasyCard, iPASS and other electronic payment cards and departs from key transport hubs, including MRT and train stations. New Taipei City has four routes: the 965 Jiufen Jinguashi Line, the 795 Muzha Pingxi Line, the 716 Crown Northern Coast Line and the 856 Golden Fulong Line. With the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, visitors can easily reach New Taipei's classic mountain towns, historic mining railways and Route 2 Taiwan.856 Golden Fulong LineThe Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 856 Golden Fulong Line departs from the Civic Square at Ruifang Station, stopping at 23 attractions along the way, including Jiufen, Jinguashi, Shuinandong, Longdong, Aodi, Fulong, Mao'ao and Magang. This route pairs well with the 965 Jiufen Jinguashi Line: after visiting Jiufen and Jinguashi from Taipei and New Taipei, travelers can continue on the 856 Golden Fulong Line to the stunning Northeast Coast.🚌Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 856 Golden Fulong Line Timetable(Yinyang Sea)(Image source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Official Website)The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle features a specially designed waiting area at Fulong Station, where travelers can continue on to Yilan. The 856 Golden Fulong Line is the only one of New Taipei's four routes to offer combo tickets. The official website sells five value-packed packages covering food, experiences, souvenirs, accommodation and the Sand Sculpture Art Festival, adding more highlights to the trip.🌟Recommended itinerary: Easternmost Gonghaoliao Mini Trip(Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Fulong Station)(Fulong Beach)(Magang)716 Crown Northern Coast LineThe Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 716 Crown Northern Coast Line departs from MRT Tamsui Station, linking 18 popular attractions along the North Coast, including Sanzhi Visitor Center, Baishawan, Fugui Cape Lighthouse, Laomei, Shimen (Stone) Arch, Jhongjiao Bay, Juming Museum and Jinshan Old Street, before finally arriving at Yehliu Geopark.🚌Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 716 Crown Northern Coast Line Timetable(Fugui Cape Lighthouse)(Image source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Official Website) The waiting area at Yehliu Station features playful hand-drawn illustrations that bring the space to life. This route offers different scenery in every season: spring brings the striking Green Reef formations at Laomei and scenic coastal cycling; summer is the time to surf at Jhongjiao Bay and splash in the waves at Baishawan; and autumn is the best season to savor sweet, fresh Wanli Crab. Whatever the season, the Crown Northern Coast Line reveals a different side of the North Coast.🌟Recommended itineraries: "Spend some Time" to Travel to Wanli and Taste Autumn Crabs in Autumn, "Laomei turns green!" Touring Shimen during the vigorous spring.(Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Yehliu Station)(Yehliu Geopark)(Yehliu Ocean World)965 Jiufen Jinguashi LineThe Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 965 Jiufen Jinguashi Line is the only one of the four lines that travels on the freeway. Departing from Fuzhong, it passes major transit points including Banqiao Bus Station, Wanhua Station, MRT Ximen Station and MRT Beimen Station, then merges onto Civic Boulevard to the freeway and runs directly to Jiufen and Jinguashi, sparing riders the hassle of transfers. Because the bus travels on the freeway after MRT Beimen Station, standing is not permitted onboard, so travelers are advised to reserve a seat in advance through the Taipei Fun Pass for a comfortable start to their mountain-town journey in Jiufen and Jinguashi.🚌Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 965 Jiufen Jinguashi Line Timetable(Image source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Official Website) Departing from Fuzhong, the bus reaches Jinguashi directly in about 90 minutes with no transfers needed. Visit the Gold Museum and stroll along Qitang Old Street, then head to Jiufen to sample the classic Taro Balls. In the afternoon, settle into a teahouse to take in the mountain-and-sea sunset - a full day of exploring the scenic mountain town and its cultural charm.🌟Recommended itineraries: 965 Jiufen Jinguashi Line、2026 Jiufen Red Lantern Festival Two-Day Tour(Jiufen Old Street)(Jinguashi Gold Museum)795 Muzha Pingxi LineThe Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 Muzha Pingxi Line departs from MRT Taipei Zoo Station, passes MRT Muzha Station, and then follows Local Road 106 toward Pingxi District, stopping along the way at Shenkeng Old Street, Wenshan Coal Mine, Shiding Guniang Temple in Shiding District, and stations along the Pingxi rail line. The route has two termini, Pingxi Old Street and Shifen Visitor Center, and can be paired with the TRA Pingxi Line to explore the hidden gems of Pingxi District.🚌Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 Muzha Pingxi Line Timetable(Image source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Official Website) Take the Muzha Pingxi Line to Shenkeng Old Street for local tofu dishes, then visit Shiding Religious Park in Shiding District to pray for good fortune. Venture deeper along the rail line in Pingxi District to the quiet stations of Lingjiao and Wanggu to discover hidden scenery in the mountains. Timed connections also link to the TRA Pingxi Line, bringing travelers to Shifen, Pingxi District and Jingtong to release sky lanterns!🌟Recommended itineraries: 795 Muzha Pingxi Line, Smile Trails to Hometown Mountain-Sky Lantern Tour in Pingxi Xiaozi Mountain(Wanggu Waterfall)(Pingxi Sky Lantern)
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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.