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New Taipei City Travel

Tamsui-Kavalan Trails: Hand-made trails, documentaries, and books

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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”.
淡蘭古道中路:北勢溪古道


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.

金字碑古道

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.
淡蘭古道北路:金字碑古道
中坑古道


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 stage
葡萄牙國際觀光電影節運動與休閒類宣傳片首獎


2019 – “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.

淡蘭古道-百年里山的長路慢行 (1)

2020 – The website themed on the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails
A 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.
淡蘭古道-百年里山的長路慢行
淡蘭古道-百年里山的長路慢行 (2)

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.
淡蘭登山講座


 
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A Culinary Journey to the Night Markets! From Morning until Night, eating Chinese and Western Food Makes You Happy
-->Sometimes, delicacies link good travel memories! The traffic becomes more convenient after the operation of the Circular Line has started. Following the steps of gourmands, it's suggested to take a night market journey that satisfies your body and mind. The journey starts from the "World Soy Milk King;" the burnt-flavored soymilk cooked by using a traditional method goes well with hot egg pancake rolls, Shaobing (a layered flatbread), radish cake, etc., abundant Chinese-style breakfast starts a wonderful day. The so-called No.4 Park, which is known as the "823 Memorial Park" is the urban oasis; people can stroll or walk a dog leisurely; when feeling tired, people can read a book at the National Taiwan Library; at noon, the shop is filled with a warm aroma from the so-called "Dlcservice Cafe", which is located in the small lane near the Jingan MRT Station, offers mellow and aromatic coffee and Japanese-style meal boxes. In the evening, people can take a walk in the "Banqiao Station." On the year-end, the station is transformed into a dazzling New Taipei City Christmas Wonderland as there are not only extremely fantastic lighting decorations available for taking good photos but also a marketplace and series of activities. It's a must-go destination! At last, the journey comes to a perfect ending at the Nanya Night Market, which is the food paradise in Banqiao; the snacks, such as sesame oil chicken, stinky tofu, stewed pork ribs with medicinal herbs, etc. are available from the start until the end of the night market, super satisfying and enjoyable!World Soy Milk King--> Yonghe-made soy milk is known throughout the isles of Taiwan, with World Soy Milk King has the leading business plan and the mostfame.World Soy Milk King is open 24 hours a day, offering Chinese-style breakfast throughout Taiwan with a twist. It can be said that World Soy Milk King is responsible for mobilizing Taiwanese to get three square meals a day, and convincing Taiwanese that soy milk and oil sticks is not just for breakfast. In fact, breakfast has been expanded to mean north-China noodles, and includes Taiwanese-style and Cantonese favorites, making World Soy Milk a sanctuary of good eats.info.Location and Address: No. 284 Yonghe Road Section 2, Yonghe City, Taipei CountyContact Phone Number: 886-2-89270000Opening Hours: 24HThe traffic information from the Dingxi MRT Station to the World Soy Milk KingGet off at the Dingxi MRT Station. Go along Yonghe Road, and it takes about a 3-minute walk.823 Memorial Park--> Formerly called No. 4 Park, the name of this expanse of green changed to 823 Memorial Park after a monument was erected in it to commemorate victory in the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, which had begun with the 823 Artillery Bombardment. The park is located at the Zhonghe-Yonghe border and at 10 hectares is the largest park in either district. The National Taiwan Library is here, as is a spacious green area and forest path, plus basketball courts and playgrounds. Local residents come to exercise, whether it is walking or taking their dog for a stroll, and to enjoy a rare expanse of green in this dense urban zone.info.Location and Address: No. 20, Lane 347, Anle Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 235 (Between Zhongan Street and Anping Road)Contact Phone Number: 886-2-22482688Opening Hours: Open all year roundThe traffic information from the World Soy Milk King to the 823 Memorial ParkTake the MRT Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and get off at the Yong'an Market MRT Station. It takes about a 3-minute walk to reach the destination.823 Memorial Park's informationThe Dlcservice Cafe--> Located close to the Jing'an MRT Station, the "Dlcservice cafe," which has a country-style decoration at the gate. Once you open the wooden door, the interior decoration gives people a very relaxing feel. There're small objects hanging on the walls, such as postcards and leather accessories. Exactly, it sells Japanese groceries. The decoration setting and the menu are usually changed every half a year. Every place in the shop has its signature, people can feel the owner's considerate design in the different corners. The shop provides coffee and food, including pancakes, homemade yogurt, light meals and lunch boxes. You don't see anything wrong, the Japanese-style meal boxes are the same as the ones in the Japanese dramas. The food arrangement makes people want to take more photos, and the abundant contents taste very delicious! Having lunch or an afternoon tea here is a warm and comfortable enjoyment as if you're at home.Photos are provided by the Dlcservice Cafeinfo.Location and Address: No.6, Ln. 167, Jing'an Road, Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-89433173Opening Hours: 12:00~21:00 (It closes on Mondays)The traffic information from the 823 Memorial Park to the Dlcservice CafeTake the MRT Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and get off at the Jing'an MRT Station. It takes about a 3-minute walk.The Dlcservice Cafe's informationBanqiao Railway Station--> The peripheral area of Banqiao Station is a new shopping area in the city and its most prosperous business quarter. In addition to Taiwan Railway Station, Taipei Metro Station and bus stops, Banqiao Station has other public facilities, including a big shopping mall, food court and library, which have turned the area into a new commercial center. New Taipei City Hall is five minutes away on foot. Visitors can participate in events held on the big square of the station and enjoy the view in the 32-floor observatory free of charge. These features make Banqiao comparable with first-class cities in the world.info.Location and Address: No.7, Sec. 2, Xianmin Blvd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan 220Contact Phone Number: 886-2-89691036Opening Hours: 06:00~24:00The traffic information from the Dlcservice Cafe to the Banqiao Railway StationAt the Jing'an MRT Station, transfer to the Circular Line and get off at Banqiao Station, which is the destination.Banqiao Railway Station's informationNanya Night Market--> As the street food paradise of Banqiao people, “Nanya Night Market” is located on “Nanya East Road”. Besides street foods, there are many fashion vendors and game stands. From the beginning to the end of the night market, there are many famous food stores you should never miss. From steamed pork buns (xiaolongbao), sesame oil chicken soup, stinky tofu, and small sausage in large sausage, after eating across the market, you will be full to the throat.info.Location and Address: Nanya E. Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan 220Contact Phone Number: 886-2-29686911Opening Hours: 17:00-02:00The traffic information from the Banqiao Station to the Nanya Night MarketStart from the Banqiao Station, walk along the Xianmin Boulevard. It takes about a 20-minute walk to reach the destination; or, take the MRT and get off at the Fuzhong Station, then, it takes about an 8-minute walk.Nanya Night Market's informationReturn Trip Traffic InformationWalk to the Fuzhong MRT Station, and transfer to either MRT Line that reaches your home.Circular Line MAP
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8 recommended tourism factories in New Taipei City: Creating a good memory together
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.
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