Go to the main content section Anchor point

New Taipei City Travel

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

Anchor point
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


 
Previous
A Journey of Taking Beautiful Photos! A Thorough Visit to the Yinhe Cave and the Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple with a Great Night View
-->Sometimes, does having no transportation available ever stopped you from getting closer to nature on the weekends? After the operation of the Circular Line of Taipei Mass Rapid Transit Systems (Taipei MRT) begins, outing becomes easier. Would you feel like admiring the scenery or taking beautiful photos? Just follow the route, you'll find the right ways! Starting from the MRT Dapinglin Station, it's the way to a secret place called "Yinhe Cave;" people can take a stroll in the grass under tree shades for comfortable enjoyment; as soon as you hear the sound of a waterfall, people can see the extremely fascinating scene of water falling off from a cliff cave where the temple was built! Walking further to reach "Bitan" with its beautiful landscapes, people can walk across the suspension bridge to overlook the riverbank as well as try the swan-shaped paddle boats. At noon, people can take a short break at the "Pompie 2," a renowned shop that is located next to the No.4 park and recommended by the internet celebrities; quiche is the food you must try, it goes well with some desserts, such as smoothies or pieces of layer cake, people can enjoy a good lunch. If you need more food, taking a trip to "Myanmar Street" in Zhonghe can impress you so much by the strong exotic Southeast Asian atmosphere; each shop has its signature dish, the South Pacific Island cuisines are also available. The last spot to visit is the most well-known temple in northern Taiwan, "Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple," people can thank the Earth God for his protection as well as admire the wide night view of greater Taipei before ending the wonderful one-day tour.The Yinhe Cave Hiking Trail--> Mt. Dailaokeng is the summit of the west extension belonging to the Ergeshan mountain range, it's also called Degaoling. The trail is flat and easy to hike and the landscapes along the way are lush and enticing. Dapianwei Ridge ends at Xindian River and Qingtan River, it's an easy hiking trail; along the way, there are the Yinhe Cave, Dachun Villa, etc, the lush scenes in front of the eyes are beautiful in a quiet atmosphere, a popular tourist's spot.The Yinhe Cave is right beside Beiyi Road, it's a cave having an outline that curves inwards on the cliff; there's a small temple built to worship Guanyin. The words embossed on the cliff are "Bie-you-dong-tian (means a beautiful hidden spot)." When Meiziliao River reaches here, the waterfall drops at a 90-degree angle from the cliff and forms the Yinhe Cave Waterfall. Yinhe Cave was found in the Taisho 1 (in 1912), there's a Lu Dongbin Temple built behind it. Next to the temple, there are silk-like streams of water falling from the mountain; due to water tasting sweet and refreshing, a lot of tourists come here to scoop water and drink. Under the Yinhe Cave, there's a small garden with stone tables and chairs; tourists can admire the waterfall here while enjoying the chilly atmosphere that is filled with water splashes.info.Location and Address: Yinhe Rd., Xindian Dist., New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-29112281 (Xindian District Office)Opening Hours: All year round.Fax Number: 886-2-29670755The traffic information from the MRT Xindian Station to the Yinhe Cave Hiking Trail1. At the MRT Xindian Station, take the bus "Green Route 12" and get off at "Yinhe Cave".2. At the MRT Dapingling Station, take the Bus No. "647" or "650" and get off at "Zhongsheng Bridge".The Yinhe Cave Hiking Trail's informationBitan Scenic Area--> The “Bitan Scenic Area” is near the Taipei Metro Xindian Station. As part of the Xindian River, it is called “Bitan” (literally clear water lake) because water is clear, water flow is gentle, and the opening is spacious. In addition to the gentle slopes, beautiful mountains and the undulating bikeway suitable for lovers and family tours, the historical suspension bridge is the landmark of the scenic area.On the bridge, the entire river and shore view of the “Bitan Scenic Area” is in sight. Below, visitors can surf around the lake in a water bike (aka swan boat), rent a bike to explore the gorgeous scenery of the area along the lakeside bikeway, or stroll across the romantic and exotic “Riverside Marketplace” to take pictures with the Cupid installation art and fun 3D paintings.info.Location and Address: Xindian District, New Taipei, Taiwan 231Contact Phone Number: 886-2-29132579Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00The traffic information from the Yinhe Cave Hiking Trail to the Bitan Scenic AreaAt Yinhe Cave", take the bus "Green Route 12" and get off at the MRT Xindian Station.Bitan Scenic Area's informationPompie 2--> Located next to the No.4 Park, the owner of Pompie 2, who came back to Taiwan from Australia, hopes to introduce the authentic quiche to people, and he opened the Pompie, the previous name of Pompie 2. Afterwards, he reopened the shop with fresh flower smoothies and pieces of layer cake, and the shop's name was changed to Pompie 2. The signature flower smoothies are made of a mix of fresh fruit added with edible flowers and oats, not only healthy but also looking great in front of the camera. For sure, having the quiche for brunch is a must-eat food. The signature quiche layered by half-cooked sunny side up fried egg, pan-fried wild mushroom, salad, etc., really looking "Pompie (means abundant)"! In addition to the two kinds of food, there are pieces of layer cake, soft-serve milk ice cream, pudding, etc. available in Pompie 2. They are the best-selling desserts in summer.info.Location and Address: No.164, Anle Rd., Yonghe Dist., New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-89418148Opening Hours: Weekdays: 1200~20:00; Holidays: 10:00~20:00; it closes on Tuesdays and from the 1st day to the 5th day of the 1st lunar month.The traffic information from the Bitan Scenic Area to the Pompie 2Take the MRT Xindian Line and get off at the Dapinglin Station; then, transfer to the Circular Line and get off at the Jingan Station. Or, transfer to the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and get off at the Yongan Market Station. Walk through the 823 Memorial Park (No.4 Park). It takes about an 8-minute walk to reach the destination.Pompie 2's informationMyanmar Street--> Zhonghe is the home of huge immigrant population, including Burmese people who have settled down in Taiwan. A small market of Burmese food on Huaxin Street was formed after some Burmese immigrants decided to open Myanmar restaurants to satisfy their craving for the foods of their homeland. The market is now called Myanmar Street by local residents and has attracted not only Burmese Chinese, but also Taiwanese people, as food from Southeast Asian countries have become more and more popular in Taiwan. Some gourmands even visit this area only to find delicious and affordable delicacies from Southeast Asia, such as Guoqiao rice noodles, curry chicken, spicy rice noodles, lemon fish and milk tea. These dishes are sold at reasonable prices and you can relish them as they are prepared by nostalgic immigrants any time you want by yourself or with other people.info.Location and Address: Huaxin St., Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan 235Contact Phone Number: 886-2-22482688Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00(Opening times based on individual shops)The traffic information from the Pompie 2 to the Myanmar StreetTake the MRT the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and get off at the Nanshijiao Station. It takes about a 10-minute walk to reach the destination.Myanmar Street's informationZhonghe Hongludi--> Taiwan's biggest Earth God statue. Built over 260 years ago, Fude Temple in Nanshan is dedicated to the Earth God Fude Jhengshen. The temple's reputation and scale grew with a series of purported mystical signs. To thank the Earth God for his protection, the temple worshippers erected a 109-foot-tall statue in the deity's image.info.Location and Address: No.160-1, Ln. 399, Sec. 2, Xingnan Rd., Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan 235Contact Phone Number: 886-2-29425277Opening Hours: Open all year roundThe traffic information from the Myanmar Street to the Zhonghe HongludiAt the Huaxin Street Station, take the Bus No.249 and get off at Hongludi. It takes about a 500-meter walk to reach the destination.Zhonghe Hongludi's informaionReturn Trip Traffic InformationAt the Hongludi Station, take the Bus No. 249 or 670 and get off at Jingxin Street. It takes a 450-meter walk to reach the MRT Nanshijiao Station.Circular Line MAP ">
Next
Educational and Entertaining Journey for Parents and Children! Spend One Fun Day throughout the Color Blocks and the Military Dependents' Village Cultural Creative Space
Have you already thought of a place for a family outing? Ever since the Circular Line has started operation, it's more convenient for people to travel via MRT. Here is the information about parent-child attractions. Starting from the "Kao's Fried Fresh Squid" at the Banqiao Huangshi Market; the combination of aromatic and sweet cabbage and the chewy squid creates such a very delicious flavor; have some food to get energy for a fun day. Strolling to "The Lin Family Mansion and Garden," which keeps complete classic and delicate garden architecture, parents and children can go beyond the space and have the time to feel the flow of history; the next attraction is the very popular check-in point, the "Air Force San-Chong Village No.1;" kids can enjoy playing house (game), and moms can take beautiful photos at the colorful ball pool; with the use of the interactive APP, people can know more about the culture of the military dependents' villages. If the kids are still energetic, the "New Taipei Metropolitan Park" is the next destination; a large grass lawn for running and jumping as well as the inclusive playground equipment for fun experiences; the Clover Landscape Slide is a must-go place of internet beauties; the last destination will be the "Zhonggang Main Drainage," after the comprehensive renovation, there are vivid 3D color paintings as well as the popular IG check-in point, the color block water trail. Capture the wonderful moments of a family gathering to make the unforgettable memories deeply impressed in your mind.Gao's Fried Fresh SquidA full bowl of fried fresh squid contains only two simple food ingredients, cabbage and squid; the aromatic fried cabbage has a crunchy texture and tastes sweet as well as the well-processed squid is crusty and chewy. Mixed with 4 seasonings, sour, sweet, salty, and spicy, the simple bowl of squid becomes very special.info.Location and Address: No.28, Gongkou Street, Banqiao Dist., New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-29603503Opening Hours: Tuesday ~ Sunday 8:00-17:30. The shop is closed on Mondays and the Chinese New Year holidays from the prior day before the Chinese New Year's Eve to the 5th day of the 1st lunar month.The traffic information from the Fuzhong MRT Station to the Gao's Fried Fresh SquidGet off at the Fuzhong MRT Station and take about a 5-minute walk.The Lin Family Mansion and GardenAfter visiting the flourishing shopping malls and city center, it is hard to believe that a classical Chinese garden quietly sits in a place just a quarter hour's walk from the city center, waiting for people to explore. The Ben-Yuan Lin's Family Mansion and Garden is also called "Lin's Family Mansion and Garden”. It was the most magnificent private mansion in Taiwan built in the Qing dynasty. Inside his deluxe garden, there are pavilions, alcoves, and artificial landscapes, making the garden the most popular site of classical building photography and the most common spot for wedding photography.info.Location and Address: No.9, Ximen St., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan 220Contact Phone Number: 886-2-29653061Opening Hours: 9:00 ~17:00 (The first Monday of each month is an official holiday. The Garden is open on weekends)The traffic information from the Gao's Fried Fresh Squid to The Lin Family Mansion and GardenWalk along Beimen Street and Ximen Street. It takes about 4 minutes to reach the destination.The Lin Family Mansion and Garden's informationAir Force Sanchong First Military VillageEntering Lane 86 from the busy Zhengyi South Road, what first comes into sight is the two national flags with blue sky, white sun, and a wholly red earth. Low and plain brick houses line up the streets – Air Force Sanchong First Military Village filled with nostalgic memories is right here. “Air Force Sanchong First Military Village” was officially recorded as New Taipei City's historical architecture in August, 2006 and has now been recognized New Taipei City's cultural heritage of military family village. In 1954, National Women's League of the R.O.C. built the Air Force military family housing here, where the houses' layout and size varied in according to military rank. Japanese and Kuomintang troops had all stayed here before; the two large-scale underground dugouts at the village are still perfectly preserved today – they are approximately the size of two basketball courts. At the village there are also artillery battalions left from the period of Japanese rule.info.Location and Address: Lane 86, Zhengyi South Rd., Sanchong District, New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-89535332Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00The traffic information from The Lin Family Mansion and Garden to the Air Force Sanchong First Military VillageTake the Circular Line and get off at the Touqianzhuang MRT Station. Transfer to the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and get off at the Taipei Bridge MRT Station. It takes about a 10-minute walk to reach the destination.Air Force Sanchong First Military Village's informationNew Taipei Metropolitan ParkThe Riverside Park along Erchong Floodway used to be the flood spill way of Greater Taipei. Ater the realignment by the New Taipei City government, it has become a green land of about 800 hectares, the largest city park for sight-seeing in Greater Taipei area, famous leisure point of interest and a pride of Sanchong people. On the broad grass land, you can have a walk, fly a kite, play ball games or ride a bicycle at will. There is a bicycle path here with a length of about 20 km, the longest in Taiwan. There are also 68 muli-funcional sports grounds and 7 natural ecological parks here, a very good place for having a rest.info.Location and Address: Sanchong Dist., New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-29862345Opening Hours: Open all year roundThe traffic information from the Air Force Sanchong First Military Village to the New Taipei Metropolitan Park (Erchong Floodway Riverside Park)Take the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line and get off at the Sanchong MRT Station. It takes about a 3-minute walk to reach the destination.New Taipei Metropolitan Park's informationZhonggang Main DrainageWho could think that the popular check-in point- Zhonggang Main Drainage used to be a stinky sewage place? After the comprehensive renovation, the place is completely different. Fish is swimming, turtles are sunbathing on the stones and birds are searching for food, an ecosystem with abundant species everywhere. Enter from the dream-like Rainbow Bridge, there are children's colored paintings on the walls along both sides of the river; with the on-site landscapes, 3D paintings are lively and vivid and make people personally on the scenes. Please don't miss the "color blocks," you have to take photos with them; the colorful large and small blocks scattered in the river, it's IG's most popular check-in spot for internet celebrities; either sitting or standing, you'll get beautiful photos. There is also a small fruit cake bridge, very lovely. You should remember to check-in at the spot and upload your beautiful photos! The Zhonggang Main Drainage is designed with barrier-free slopes everywhere as well as chairs for visitors to take a break. It's a place worth coming over to.info.Location and Address: No.191, Zhongyuan Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei CityContact Phone Number: 886-2-29929891 (Xinzhuang District Office)Opening Hours: until 22:00.The traffic information from the New Taipei Metropolitan Park (Erchong Floodway Riverside Park) to the Zhonggang Main DrainageTake the Circular Line and get off at the Xinfu Station. Take one step out of the station, you can reach the destination.Zhonggang Main Drainage's informationReturn Trip Traffic InformationWalk to the Xinfu MRT Station and transfer to either MRT Line on the return trip back home.Circular Line MAP
Back to the top of page
小客帶路