The Fluorescent at Night on the Northern Coast - Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing

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At night, near the coast of Jinshan District, the only on the dark sea surface is the 4000-watt white fish-attracting lights of a neritic squid-catching boat in the distance, the sound of waves, and the sporadic traffic on Provincial Highway 2. Suddenly, a "boom!" sounded, and the flashing torches illuminated the silent sea surface, and the phototaxis small fishes jumped out of the sea one after another. This unique scenery limited to summer comes from the traditional fishing method unique to Jinshan Huanggang Fishing Harbor - "Jinshan sulfuric fire fishing," the most dazzling conventional fishing method in Taiwan.

金山蹦火仔


The sulfuric fire fishing boat is also commonly known locally as the "Hia-A-Tsun." Fishing boats set sail at night, and the captain stands at the ship's bow with a torch to attract phototactic fish species, such as pilchard, to jump out of the water, then catches them with a skimming net. It has been a traditional fishing method in Jinshan for a hundred years and was registered as a cultural asset of New Taipei City in 2015. During its heyday, more than 40 sulfur fire fishing boats were operating in the waters off the northern coast. However, in 2016, the T.S. Lines cargo ship ran aground in Shimen, causing an ecological disaster on the north coast due to the oil spill. The June 2017 flood caused seawater desalination in Jinshan, severely damaging the area's marine ecology for the second time and causing schools of pilchard to leave Jinshan. At one point, only one remaining ship, the Fuji 268, was still in operation.

金山蹦火仔


Fortunately, after several years of persistence, some mud carp have returned to the Jinshan coast in the past two years. Also, fishers have transformed the sulfuric fire fishing boat into a tourist experience activity. During the Sulfuric Fire Fishing season, which lasts from May to September every year, they combine fishing village tours with sea fishing to preserve the beauty of traditional fishing methods.

金山蹦火仔

The sulfuric fire fishing boat uses a flat-bottomed and flat-headed boat. It has a low speed but has the characteristics of fast turning and high maneuverability. 4-8 people operate the sulfuric fire fishing boat, including the captain and the fire crews. They use a fish finder on the bow to search for fish. The fire crews then use searchlights to identify the fish species. After ation, they use a torch to attract the light, attracting pilchard, Japanese anchovy, and other fish to jump out of the water. Also called Tainan sardine, pilchard is used as fish bait or grouper feed after processing. When the fishing conditions are good, a sulfuric fire fishing boat can catch more than 800 baskets of pilchard.
金山蹦火仔


The earliest sulfuric fire fishing boat used bamboo torches. After introducing calcium carbide during Japan's rule, fishers changed the ignition system to calcium carbide. Fishers poured water into the calcium carbide barrel to produce acetylene gas and through the filter cylinder to ignite the torch. The ignition produced a "boom" sound, which is the origin of the name of the sulfuric fire fishing boat today.

金山蹦火仔


Take a yacht out of Huanggang Fishing Port and enjoy one of Jinshan's eight scenic spots, "Bamboo Peak Mist," while tasting rice noodles with neritic squid. From the sea, enjoy the beautiful coastline of Jinshan and watch the dazzling Jinshan sulfuric fire fishing boat up close after nightfall.

金山蹦火仔
金山蹦火仔

The yacht sails out of Huanggang Fishing Port, and what comes into view is the Jinshan Cape deep into the sea and the most famous landmark of Jinshan - the Twin Candlestick Islets. Besides, overlook the Yehliu Scenic Area and enjoy the scenery of the Jinshan coastline. While waiting for the sulfuric fire fishing boat, pick up a fishing rod and experience sea fishing fun.
金山蹦火仔
金山蹦火仔
金山蹦火仔

In the waters between Tiaoshi Coast and Yehliu, the sulfuric fire fishing boat used fish finders and searchlights for schools of pilchard at night. The yacht began to turn off the lights. After turning off the lights so as not to affect the sulfuric fire fishing boat's search for schools of fish, the yachts followed the Fuji 268 sulfuric fire fishing boat, everyone in the yacht holding their breath and waiting for the moment when the school of fish jumped out of the water. "Bang!" the gorgeous torches ignited on the sea, illuminating the dark sea of Jinshan. This unique view of the world is undoubtedly a beautiful visual feast.
金山蹦火仔
金山蹦火仔

"Yes, here comes fish!" Stimulated by the flames, the school of pilchard jumped out of the water, flashing like fireflies on the sea. The crew members skillfully caught the pilchard with the skimming net, and the passengers on the yacht celebrated with thunderous applause.
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The fire crew waved his hand handsomely to greet the crowd. The flashing torch in his hand is not only a tool for fishing but also carries a sense of mission to continue the tradition and pass on the unique traditional fishing method of Jinshan.
金山蹦火仔

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Sanxia’s NTPU Special District
Sanxia sits at the confluence of three streams and has served as an important water transportation hub since ancient times. From the mid-Qing Dynasty onward, it developed into a prosperous market town featuring baroque-style old streets and the Qingshui Zushi Temple, renowned as the "Oriental Art Palace." These represent the tangible manifestation of Sanxia's cultural depth.In the 1990s, College of Law and Commerce, National Chung Hsing University, established an independent institution in Sanxia, leading to the formation of the "Taipei University Special District." The NTPU Special District employs grid-pattern streets and green corridor planning to create spacious artistic pedestrian walkways. Combined with National Taipei University's beautiful campus environment, this shapes a livable atmosphere distinctly different from the old urban areas of Taipei and New Taipei, establishing a brilliant new highlight for Sanxia tourism. With the Sanying MRT Line's opening approaching, visiting the NTPU Special District for sightseeing will become even more convenient! National Taipei UniversityTaipei University, formerly the College of Law and Commerce, National Chung Hsing University, officially opened its new campus in Sanxia in 2000. This beautiful 60-hectare campus intentionally preserved many original landscape green spaces. "To see the lake is to see the heart" - "Heart Lake," named by Master Sheng Yen, sits at the campus center. The 2-hectare lake surface collects water from Liucuopu Canal and attracts numerous waterfowl and aquatic plants as residents. Walking around Heart Lake washes away urban clamor and allows quiet appreciation of the swans' graceful dance.（Campus map image source:National Taipei University）The central lawn surrounded by various college buildings and the library serves as National Taipei University's welcoming boulevard. Lush and open in atmosphere, it provides an excellent destination for family visits and picnicking. The campus's southwest corner borders Sanxia landmark Yuan Mountain, where the university established "Kite-Soaring Square" as a symbol of school spirit. The Sanying MRT Line bridge crossing above the Soaring Kite incorporates imitation brick arch design and bears the name "Nostalgic Corridor," where Sanxia's past and future interweave to create beautiful scenery.For travelers who appreciate architecture, the Library and Information Building along National Taipei University's central axis represents an unmissable campus landmark. With its owl-like wise appearance, multiple sky corridors connect the north and south reinforced concrete buildings. The modern and transparent design faces the central lawn to the east while offering views of Heart Lake and Yuanshan to the west.Distinctive Stores within NTPU CampusThe Amo Cake NTPU Practice Store serves as both the only creative space with painted walls at National Taipei University and a venue fully operated by students to practice entrepreneurial spirit. "NTPU Gorge Afternoon Tea" represents the NTPU Store's mountain journey to visit Sanxia tea farmers, carefully selecting hand-picked Biluochun green tea and honey-fragrant black tea, paired with classic Amo cakes in gift boxes. The packaging integrates local cultural heritage through Qingshui Zushi Temple design, showcasing youth creativity and local connections to create NTPU's most representative souvenir.Located on the second floor of Heart Lake Hall, Papershoot Café offers a rich variety of beverages and light meals. Visitors can also rent lightweight paper cameras from the establishment to experience the joy of shooting with four vintage filters. In the afternoon, enjoy delicious meals with friends in the coffee shop while using paper cameras to capture each other's smiles—both relaxing and thoroughly entertaining. NTPU Special District's Guinness World RecordOn Xueqin Road in front of National Taipei University's main gate stands a gleaming Guinness World Record monument, commemorating a burst of creativity in 2010! The mosaic creation project jointly organized by the NTPU Special District and Yingge Ceramics Museum successfully established the world record for "Most People Creating Mosaics Simultaneously," which remains a celebrated achievement.The NTPU Special District forms a livable living circle spanning Sanxia and Shulin. Walking along tree-lined Xueqin Road, visitors encounter mosaic creations made by children throughout the route. This 1.2-kilometer pedestrian art avenue allows appreciation of public art installations in Ocean Park and Shulin Wanping Park while experiencing the aesthetic lifestyle within the special district!NTPU Special District’s Distinctive StoresThe NTPU Special District has attracted many young new residents, bringing changes to food culture. Located on International First Street, Savor Bistro offers exquisite dishes including risotto, pasta, pizza, and steak meals, along with various cocktails. This comfortable space features resident singers and projection screens for sports events, making it a beloved dining destination for National Taipei University students and special district residents.Shabu Shabu Hotpot stands as the NTPU Special District's renowned hotpot establishment. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and garden landscaping create a spacious and transparent dining environment. Specializing in Japanese-style and Taiwanese-style broths, their high-quality meat melts in your mouth within five seconds of entering the boiling pot.NTPU Special District Annual EventsSince 2018, National Taipei University has planted hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees around Heart Lake. Every March when cherry blossoms bloom, they draw numerous visitors for cherry blossom viewing, establishing the area as Sanxia District's famous cherry blossom destination. University administration began organizing cherry blossom festivals in 2024, even bringing hot air balloons onto campus. Visitors can enjoy both cherry blossoms and hot air balloons, successfully generating tourism excitement for Sanxia.(Image source: National Taipei University)(Image source: National Taipei University) Sanxia is most celebrated for its Biluochun tea. National Taipei University collaborates annually with the New Taipei City Department of Agriculture to organize the Sanxia Green Tea Festival in picnic party format, combining Sanxia's high-quality Biluochun with food and agriculture education experiences. People gather for campus picnics, browse markets, and taste distinctive local teas.(Image source: National Taipei University)(Image source: National Taipei University)Every December, the NTPU Special District holds a Christmas lighting ceremony. As holiday decorations illuminate, the entire Xueqin Road and NTPU campus become instantly enveloped in romantic atmosphere, creating a winter-exclusive dreamlike scene. Stroll through the area and experience the NTPU Special District's rich Christmas spirit.(Image source: National Taipei University)
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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.