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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Tamsui-Kavalan Trails: Hand-made trails, documentaries, and books
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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". 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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.
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Take Your Pets for a Walk- the Qinqingchongwu Park in Xindian
Living in the city jungle, people can easily feel pressured by the dense buildings and thus feel more anxious. Your pets spend most of the time at home and they have to step on the hard paved road even when taking a walk outside. Dogs are always waiting for their owners to get off from work and come home, and we can only spend so much time with them. As a result, we strongly recommend you take your pets out on weekends! There are actually quite a few parks for pets in New Taipei City, and the park we are now introducing is the "Qinqingchongwu Park" in Xindian. At this Park, you will find a spacious area of grass land and dogs no longer have to be on the leash here. They can run at the Park freely to finally have a relaxing time!The "Qinqingchongwu Park" in Xindian is the first park for pets built on the floodplain. The Park has a great area of 300 hectares. The "Qinqingchongwu Park" in Xindian is located between the east side of Bitan and the Sunshine Sports Park. The original purpose of building a riverside park is to provide people with a multi-functional place where they can do exercise. You and your family and friends can have fun, walk around, do exercise, fly a kite or just chill to appreciate the beauty of the river on the grass land at the river bank. Now, you can bring your pets to the Qinqingchongwu Park to play and exert energy. How great is that!The best part of a riverside park is that it has a great area of green grass land. You will feel comfortable in this spacious space simply by staring at it! At the entrance you can see a clear sign telling you the Park is separated into 2 sections, a section for small dogs and the other for larger dogs. Pet owners can choose to enter either section based on the size of their pets. This way, dogs can move freely in a safer environment. Besides, we put dog poop bag in the Park. Therefore, you don't have to worry about leaving dog poop in the Park if your dog gets to excited and poop. Use the plastic bag to pick up the poop and throw it in the near garbage can. Be a public-spirited person and pick up after your dog to leave other users a clean environment.Do Not Forget to Read the Notices. Everyone Should Work Together to Maintain the Park for Pets!Let's get ready to have fun at the Park! Notices are written on the door at the entrance. Remember to read the notices before coming into the Park and be a responsible owner to follow the rules. Let's maintain this Park for pets together!There are 2 layers of devices on the fence at the entrance/exit at the back. The devices are established to prevent dogs from losing controls and rushing into the Park when they get too excited. Therefore, remember to put a leash on your pets when going in and coming out from the Park. And pay attention to see if there is any dog coming out! There are dog poop cleaning bag and garbage can at the entrance. Please clean up after your dog to maintain a clean environment and prevent your dogs from stepping on the poop while running.The section for small dogs is a little bit smaller than the other section. Benches are put in the section for you to rest. Devices, such as tire obstacle training devices, wooden plank slopes, jumping platforms, are set up in the section for larger dogs for them to exert their energy. When first seeing the device, dogs might get a bit nervous and afraid, owners should be patient to guide and encourage your dogs. After some practices, your dogs will start to enjoy it!Your dogs spend most of the time at home and it is rare for them to see one of their kinds. Bring your dogs to the Park would be a great choice. The Park offers enough space for dogs to run on the grass land to train their physical strength, and dogs can meet different people and dogs at the Park. Dogs will smell each other and play together. It presents a great chance for dogs to have some social activities. Remember to observe the body language of your dog nearby and provide intervention as appropriate.When the weather is good, bring your dogs to the "Qinqingchongwu Park" in Xindian and have fun! At the Park, you pets can finally be free from the leash and step on the comfortable grass land. They can run and be relaxed freely. Their smile will be the most beautiful scene. Near Places to Go Bitan Scenic Area The Yinhe Cave Hiking Trail