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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Ride a Double-Decker Bus Along Route 2 Taiwan!
Hop aboard an open-top double-decker bus and take in Route 2 Taiwan from a higher vantage point. Departing from Nangang Station, the bus glides along the brilliant blue North Coast like a slow-moving cruise ship on land. Along the way, you will marvel at the geological wonders of Yehliu in Wanli, browse and shop along Jinshan Old Street, pause for afternoon tea at Fugui Cape in Shimen, strike the perfect shot at the Zhilan Park Ocean Viewing Platform in Sanzhi, and arrive in Tamsui at sunset to admire the striking new landmark, Danjiang Bridge. From start to finish, the flavors of the North Coast unfold alongside the scenery, making this a feast for both the eyes and the palate.The upper deck of the double-decker sightseeing bus features an open-top design, giving passengers an excellent view that takes in the sea and sky of the North Coast. On board, water-mist cooling systems and air-conditioned zones respond flexibly to changing weather, ensuring a comfortable ride. Your onboard guide has deep roots in the North Coast and is well versed in its local history, ecology, and cultural stories, from the story of the little crane at Qingshui Wetland to the traditional Sulfuric Fire Fishing technique and the rise to fame of Yehliu Queen's Head. With photographs accompanying each tale, passengers can enjoy the scenery while gaining a deeper appreciation of this land. Leaving Nangang Station, the bus threads through the Keelung River Valley and passes through Xizhi, where the urban scenery outside the window gradually gives way to open mountains and sea. The coastline shimmers on the right side, drawing gasps from passengers. Following the winding coastal road, the bus arrives at Yehliu, celebrated for its geological landscapes, and enters Yehliu Geopark to view world-class geological wonders up close.After exploring Yehliu Geopark, the route continues to the lively, bustling Jinshan Old Street. Alighting at Jinshan District Office, where three highways converge, you will have time to wander and shop in the largest town on the North Coast, picking up Jinshan's celebrated trio of local produce: sweet potato, taro, and water bamboo, along with the pork bun included in the tour.Passing by Qingshui Wetland, Black Kite raptors wheel overhead while Lotus flowers dot the water, turning the double-decker bus into a kind of migratory-bird train through a thriving ecosystem. The famous Jinshan Wave Road, viewed from the elevated height of the double-decker bus, reveals the rolling lines of the road in even more magnificent form.Hugging Tiaoshi Coast, the bus reaches Fugui Cape, the northernmost point of Taiwan's main island, where afternoon tea awaits at the Jinbaoli Station rest stop. Every sip and bite surprises: Shimen's famous Alibang black tea and a half-baked cheese tart filled with honey sweet potato. The kabayaki eel bento brings together the rich bounty of the North Coast, packing in eel, pork roll, sweet potato, neritic squid, and lotus seed for a complete taste of the coast in one box.As evening approaches, the bus heads to Sanzhi to capture the beautiful scenery of the Zhilan Park Ocean Viewing Platform. Arriving at Danjiang Bridge at sunset, you will have the chance to take a photo with this striking new landmark spanning the mouth of the Tamsui River. With golden light cascading over the water, a stroll along the Tamsui riverbank offers a captivating view where a world-class bridge meets the Tamsui sunset, a fitting end to a day on the North Coast.