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“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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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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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
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