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New Taipei City Travel

“Get in the Sedan Chair!” “Let’s Go!” Yehliu Cultural Festival of Jumping into the Sea with Gods

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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.
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Come in Water and Go in Fire
The 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.
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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.
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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.
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Going on an Inspection Tour with Gods on Sea
The 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.
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Bringing back a Full Cabin of Catches
After 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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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New Taipei’s Biking Paths: ONE to TEN
New Taipei City features rich and diverse landscapes, from the azure Route 2 Taiwan along the North Coast and the Leisurely Mountain and Sea Route that preserves mining heritage, to the riverside greenery in metropolitan areas. Each location offers unique scenery and stories. Hop on a bicycle and embark on low-carbon travel through New Taipei City at the most relaxing pace! New Taipei City has established Youbike public bicycle stations across all 29 administrative districts and extensively developed biking paths in tourist areas, making cycling adventures more convenient and safer. The Department of Tourism has carefully selected 10 biking paths. Let's ride from 1 to 10, One to Ten, and explore the diverse beauty of New Taipei City on two wheels!1. Wanjin Biking PathStart from Wanli's Green Bay and head toward Jinshan's Jhongjiao Bay! The Wanjin Biking Path stretches approximately 15 kilometers, featuring a route paved with asphalt and wooden boardwalks, accompanied by cooling shade and gentle sea breezes along the way. Visit attractions such as Shuiwei Fishing Harbor and Huangqing Bridge while admiring scenery that weaves together pastoral landscapes and azure coastlines. After working up a sweat on the Wanjin Biking Path, explore Jinshan Old Street to sample local delicacies. In the evening, stay at a hot spring hotel where a warm pool will completely melt away every trace of fatigue. 2. Shuangxi District Biking Path The Shuangxi District Biking Path spans approximately 6.2 kilometers, offering the joy of cycling through the lush green and fresh air of the Pinglin River basin. Starting from Shuangxi Train Station, visit attractions along the route including Shuangxi Lotus Garden, Ruanqiao Section Waterfront Park, the Lotus Garden in Lin Family’s Old House, and the Lian Scholar's Historic Residence. The Shuangxi District Biking Path provides smooth and easy riding, perfect for families cycling together. Beside crystal-clear streams, visitors can admire flowers, watch fish, and play in the water—the ideal choice for relaxation and enjoying nature. 3. Sandiao Cape (Old Caoling Belt Bikeway) Rent an e-bike from Fulong Station and enter the Old Caoling Belt Bikeway for a 20-kilometer journey through mountains and sea. First, enter the Old Caoling Tunnel where the music of "Diu Diu Dang Ah" plays as you travel from New Taipei through to Yilan. When that light at the tunnel's end transforms into the magnificent Pacific Ocean, ride along the mountain-and-sea biking path accompanied by Guishan Island to reach Taiwan's easternmost point: Sandiao Cape Lighthouse. Check in for stunning photos and admire the endless azure ocean. Continue your journey through the stone houses of Magang and Maoao fishing villages before finally returning to Fulong Station to feast on famous traditional Fulong lunch boxes. 4. Shimen (Wanta Biking Path, Shuangwan Biking Path) Shimen District serves as the central point of the Route 2 Taiwan and represents Taiwan's northernmost administrative district. Visit Shimen to see the landmark Shimen Cave and the main island's northernmost point at Fugui Cape, then follow the Wanta Biking Path connecting to the Shuangwan Biking Path. With sea breezes pushing you forward, cycle toward Baishawan and Qianshuiwan. By connecting the Wanta and Shuangwan Biking Paths for a 12-kilometer journey along wooden coastal boardwalks, you'll feast your eyes on the algae reef intertidal zone at Laomei Green Reef, the wind-carved rocks of Linshan Cape, and the pristine sandy beach of Baishawan! 5. Wugu (Erchong Circular Biking Path) The Erchong Floodway represents an important project under the Greater Taipei flood control plan. Its first phase was completed in 1984, significantly improving flood issues throughout the Tamsui River basin. The New Taipei City Government has successively developed multiple sports venues and recreational facilities within the Erchong Floodway, including New Taipei Metropolitan Park, and designed the Erchong Circular Biking Path. This circular route spans approximately 20 kilometers, crossing the administrative districts of Wugu, Luzhou, and Sanchong. Attractions along the way include Wugu Wetland Ecological Park, Breeze Canal, Air Force Sanchong Village 1, Chongxin Bridge Tourist Market, and New Taipei Metropolitan Park. 6. Lujiaoxi Wetland (Dahan River’s Left Bank Biking Path) Transformed from an abandoned landfill into a 16-hectare ecological paradise, Lujiaoxi Wetland serves as the water quality guardian of the Dahan River while providing habitat for migratory birds and aquatic plants. This area forms part of the Dahan River’s Left Bank Biking Path, which extends 24.7 kilometers total. Riding upstream leads to Yingge's New Taipei City Art Museum and Yuanshan Weir, while heading downstream through various major riverside wetlands takes you to Xinzhuang Temple Street and Crescent Bridge. This creates a waterfront cycling route that seamlessly blends art, culture, and ecology.7. Qixi Biking PathFormerly known as "Shuifanjiao," Xizhi sits between Taipei and Keelung. In earlier times, the prosperity of water transportation along the Keelung River led to the development of a thriving market town focused primarily on tea leaves and mountain goods distribution. The Keelung River is renowned for its winding and meandering terrain, and the Qixi Biking Path runs alongside this river. Stretching from Keelung's Qidu to New Taipei's Xizhi, the most striking landmark along the route is the microphone-shaped "Starlight Bridge." The Wudu Tunnel connecting Xizhi and Qidu is an old Taiwan Railway tunnel built during the Japanese colonial period. This brick-constructed arched tunnel has been restored to reveal its former glory, and cycling through it allows direct travel from New Taipei's Xizhi to Keelung! 8. Bali Left Bank Biking Path Located on the left bank of the Tamsui River estuary, Bali offers expansive views where river meets sea, making it ideal for leisurely cycling exploration. Follow the Bali Left Bank Biking Path for a relaxing ride, starting from Guanyinkeng, passing beneath the rainbow-like Guandu Bridge and through the food-rich Ferry Pier Old Street, all the way to Taiwan's first archaeological museum: The Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology. Parks and green spaces dot the route, with the red "BALI" landmark set against the Tamsui River serving as a favorite check-in spot for social media enthusiasts. In the afternoon, choose a café to rest with a cup of left bank coffee, or visit the old street for crispy twin dough and fried seafood while savoring Bali's leisurely pace of life.9. JiufenCycling to Jiufen presents a challenging mountain-crossing adventure. Follow Municipal Route 102 starting from Ruifang, pushing upward along winding mountain roads toward the golden mountain city on the hillside. Upon reaching Jiufen, explore the old street, sip tea, and enjoy scenic views. If energy permits, continue along Route 102 toward Shuangxi. The highway features rolling mountains with expansive views, offering distant glimpses of Keelung Mountain, Jinguashi, and the North Coast. At Buyan Pavilion, named after Li Bai's poem verse "gazing at each other without growing tired," admire the straight road leading toward a sea of clouds.Jiufen live webcam showcases the beauty of this mountain town and provides current weather conditions. 10. Shifen Follow Municipal Route 106 into Pingxi, this coal-producing town located in the upper reaches of the Keelung River that has become world-famous for its sky lanterns. Cycle to visit railway towns along the route: Qingtong, Pingxi, Lingjiao, Wanggu, and Shifen, where you'll frequently witness sky lanterns carrying wishes rising gently into the sky. Cross the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge and Guanpu Suspension Bridge to admire the unique pothole geological formations in the Keelung River valley and the graceful water lines of Yanjingdong Waterfall, before finally reaching Taiwan's largest waterfall - Shifen Waterfall, where you can fully absorb negative ions. The Shifen Waterfall live webcam captures the waterfall's magnificent power and provides current weather conditions
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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 ">
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