New Taipei City Travel

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”.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.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.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 stage2019 – “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.2020 – The website themed on the Tamsui-Kavalan TrailsA 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.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.

As night falls, light and shadow events across New Taipei take turns lighting up the city. The Christmasland lights, Pingxi sky lanterns, Jiufen red lanterns, North Coast fire dance, and Bitan water show transform the metropolitan area, mountain towns, and waterfront into stages of light and shadow, making New Taipei's nights incredibly dazzling and boosting nighttime vitality and economy. Christmasland In New Taipei CityChristmasland In The New Taipei, held since 2011, is a winter celebration in Banqiao District. Every year in mid-November, the main light is lit in the New Taipei City Plaza, illuminating the damp winter nights and announcing the lively start of the month-and-a-half-long Christmasland. The Christmasland light zones cover the seven overpasses and four major pedestrian walkways in the Xinban Special District, the square in front of Banqiao Station, Wanping Park, and extend to Fuzhong Square. 2025 Christmasland In New Taipei City grandly opened on November 14th with the theme "Circus Carnival," collaborating with LINE FRIENDS to create a fantastic spectacle of light. In addition to the light projection show on the City Hall building every evening, there are also exciting activities taking place every weekend during the Christmasland period, such as the German Christmas Market, Christmas Relay, The Greatest Show, and Band Carnival. Put on your Christmas outfit, take public transportation to Banqiao, and spend Christmas time under the romantic sea of lights with family and friends.Pingxi Sky Lantern FestivalOn the Lantern Festival night, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month every year, hundreds of sky lanterns carrying wishes illuminate the night sky of Pingxi. The Pingxi Sky Lantern, transforming from a signal to report safety in the past, has become the most iconic Lantern Festival event in Northern Taiwan, ranking alongside the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks in Tainan as "Northern Lanterns, Southern Fireworks." Pingxi is surrounded by mountains and has a humid climate, making it the only area in Taiwan where sky lanterns can be legally released, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Since its inception in 1999, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival has repeatedly won international design awards, becoming New Taipei's most famous festival brand, and illuminating the wishes and dreams of countless people.Jiufen Red Lantern FestivalJiufen, which once prospered due to gold mining, is now renowned internationally for its unique mountain town landscape and nostalgic atmosphere. The Jiufen Red Lantern Festival began in 2023, combining the history and humanities of the mountain town, and lighting up the mountain town together with its sister town – Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The Red Lantern Festival sets up multiple lighting installations at Jiufen landmarks such as Shengping Theater, A-Mei Tea House, and Wufankeng. Change into a Qipao, pick up a lantern, ascend the stone steps, wander through the Jiufen mountain town under the red lanterns, and immerse yourself in the nostalgic and romantic atmosphere. ​​​​​​North Coast Light Festival / Jinshan Sulfuric Fire FishingTaking the Route 2 Taiwan in the height of summer means a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Spend the day enjoying activities, and come to Zhongjiao Bay in Jinshan at night to feel the charm of the North Coast Fashion and Fire! The event takes the surfing sanctuary - Zhongjiao Bay coast - as its stage, combining fire dance and artistic installations to create a perfect visual feast. Stroll through the marine market, savor food truck cuisine, support young farmer products, and spend a wonderful summer night accompanied by the sound of the waves."Boom!" The dark sea surface is instantly lit up. The 'Fire Chief' standing at the bow of the boat lights the torch, and the phototactic fish leap out of the water, fluttering like sea fireflies. Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing, also known as 'scoop boat' fishing, is a century-old traditional fishing method in Jinshan, now transformed into a tourist experience. From May to September every year, visitors can take a yacht from Huanggang to watch the marvelous spectacle of Sulfuric Fire Fishing up close, tour Jinshan Cape and Twin Candlestick Islets along the way, and feel the unique mysterious charm of the night sea.Bitan Water Show and Landscape Installation Exhibition / Hemeishan FirefliesBitan's expansive water area is the best stage for water shows and waterfront landscape installations. The annual Water Show and Landscape Installation Exhibition attract large crowds. The water shows and the light and shadow of the Bitan Suspension Bridge reflect each other beautifully, and the fireworks show illuminates the night sky of Xindian.The 2025 Bitan Landscape Installation Exhibitionwill be displayed from November 1st to December 28th. Japan's popular IP "KAPIBARASAN" and its friends gather at Bitan. Their plump and adorable figures are transformed into large landscape installations, bringing a chill vibe to the Bitan waterfront.Every April and May, Bitan welcomes the firefly breeding season. Walk across the Bitan Suspension Bridge, follow the mountain path on the left side into Hemeishan, where dots of fireflies twinkle on the ground like stars, a natural wonder exclusive to spring.