New Taipei City Travel

Taiwan’s Xindian Bitan Scenic Area was already popular during the Japanese colonial period. In 1927, Taiwan Daily News launched a poll of “Eight Scenic Views of Taiwan” for all readers, which was the craziest readers’ poll in Taiwan’s history. Eventually, readers selected eight scenic views, twelve attractions, and two special spots, which included Xindian Bitan. Therefore, it can be seen as one of the leading scenic areas in Northern Taiwan. In recent years, the popularity of hiking in Taiwan has grown, and Bitan, with Hemei Mountain on its left and Shitou Mountain on its right, has become a good choice for urban residents to get closer to the mountains.If you arrive at Xindian Station by taking the MRT Songshan-Xindian line, the Shitou Mountain hiking trail is located beside Neng Ren Home Economic and Commercial Vocational High School, the school which is on the east side of the MRT station. The shape of the mountain resembles a small lion crouching beside Bitan, so it is also called the “Little Lion Mountain.” The hiking trail leads to various directions, and it is part of the “Smile Mountain Line” of New Taipei City, with 3 peaks and 11 pavilions in the whole region. When tourists arrive at the Neng Ren observation deck, they can see the traffic artery of Southern Taipei — National Freeway 3. In addition, it is also the place where many photographers take pictures of traffic light trails.The Bitan Suspension Bridge connects not only the left and right banks of Xindian River but also Shitou Mountain and Hemei Mountain. The Bitan Suspension Bridge, completed and opened in 1937, is a landmark bridge for tourism in Xindian, and even the concept of the emblem of the Xindian District Office is based on its design. This 30-meter-high and 200-meter-long bridge is a popular choice for dating couples, and carries different ups and downs from many people. Nowadays in Bitan, there are three bridges, including the Bitan Suspension Bridge, the Bitan Bridge, and the Formosa Freeway Bitan Bridge, forming a characteristic landscape similar to the three generations of a family.After crossing the Bitan Suspension Bridge, people can enter Hemei Mountain on the left side. The curious rocks on the mountain wall facing Bitan are magnificent, so it is also called the “Little Red Cliff.” The Hemei Mountain, which is only 153 meters high, has hiking trails suitable for all ages, and the route is divided into the blue waterfront line and the green mountain line. When people reach the top of the mountain, the Shitou Mountain, Nangang Mountain, and Taipei 101 will all come into view on the east side.In April and May every year, there will be a unique dance of shimmering lights that only exists in mountains and forests at night in Hemei Mountain. The mountain has become a well-known firefly habitat in recent years due to its favorable ecological environment. The Taiwan Nature Science Association holds a firefly ecology tour every year by leading the public into Hemei Mountain to visit the beautiful scenery of flying fireflies. When visiting fireflies, one must remember to follow the following four principles: Do not capture, do not interfere, do not turn on flashlights, and do not leave the trail. Please enjoy the river of fireflies in the mountain quietly.The Xindian Ferry on the south side of the Hemei Mountain hiking trail is the last ferry in Bitan. Before the Bitan Suspension Bridge opened, the residents of Xindian River relied on the ferry to travel between the two sides of the river. In its heyday, there were nine ferries. However, the function of the ferry has been gradually replaced as the construction of land transportation methods improved. Today, the ferry from Wantan to Xindian Street, where boatmen carry passengers and shuttle leisurely on the Bitan River, is the only one that remains. After the trip to Hemei Mountain, you can take a human-powered boat, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bitan from the lake, listen to stories of ancient times, and return to Xindian Street through by water.After climbing two mountains and crossing Bitan by land or water, it is time to treat yourself. The Xindian Old Street with many traditional snacks and the Bitan shopping district with various exotic cuisines are both popular areas for dining. After a good meal, you can stroll along the river bank, enjoy the gorgeous lights reflected on the river, and enjoy a romantic night.

The Taiwanese rain trees on the streets are blooming yellow flowers, the maple trees on the hillside are turning red, and the ground is no longer hot at night. The cooling temperature in northern Taiwan is the best time to taste autumn crabs. The Route 2 Taiwan of autumn has lost the passion and blood of summer and replaced gourmets' praise. Come to Wanli in autumn, go to Yehliu Geopark and Ocean World, and see the strange rocks and beautiful stones up close, get to know the marine life, and then go to the nearby Yehliu Fishing Port to "Spend some Time" to feast on the plump Wanli crabs!Yehliu Geopark, a world-class scenic spot, is a cape where the remnant of Datun Mountain extends into the sea. Because of weathering, sea erosion, and crustal movement create mushroom rocks, erosion caves, tofu stones, candle-shaped rocks, and potholes. The cool autumn is the most comfortable time to visit Yehliu Geopark. Along the 400-meter-long coastal trail, appreciate the masterpiece of nature. The must-visit superstar in the geological park is "Queen's Head," a unique mushroom rock located in the second area of the cape. Its elegant curves seem to resemble a queen gazing into the distance, and it is the symbol of Yehliu and even Wanli. The "Charming Princess" in the first area of the cape has a ponytail-like shape and has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a popular check-in spot in Yehliu.The circular building next to the ticket office of the Geological Park is Taiwan's oldest brand of marine zoo - Yehliu Ocean World. The 2F Sea Elves Education Hall has a 10-story diving platform. The performers will climb up the platform and dive into the pool. Their superb skills will cause the audience to applaud continuously. Then the performances of animal stars such as sea lions and dolphins will occur. Under the guidance of the keepers and host, the audience will further understand the habits, ecological and physical characteristics of marine life, and rescue knowledge of stranded animals in the wild.B1 is the Underwater World Exploration Hall. Traveling through the underground cave passages, you can see the marine life in the Yehliu sea area through large glass windows, including cute clownfish, fierce pink-tail triggerfish and sharks, and living fossils - horseshoe crabs, which let people feel in a blue crystal dragon palace.Wanli CrabYehliu Fishing Port on the west side of Yehliu Cape is a central hub for catching Wanli crabs. The Wanli fishermen have advanced catching techniques and a large fleet. Every autumn, they go to the "Northwest Fishery" off the coast of Cape Fugui to catch crabs, accounting for more than 80% of the total crab supply in Taiwan. There is a seafood street next to the fishing port. The large water tanks at the door of each restaurant, filled with live Wanli crabs and various seafood, allow people to choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood.There are three main species of Wanli crabs: three-spotted crabs, flower crabs, and ridged swimming crabs. The New Taipei City Government completed the registration of the Wanli crab trademark in 2014, making it the number one sea crab brand in Taiwan. Using various cooking methods, you can steam or boil the plump autumn crabs in soup to bring out the delicious crab meat.Located in Dong-Ao Fishing Harbor east of Yehliu Cape, the Elisa Coffee, with an unparalleled sea view, is a good choice for a lazy afternoon. The ample space on two floors and the large windows let people to enjoy the Yehliu Geopark and Camel Peak leisurely. The café has a wide selection of exquisite drinks and unique desserts, such as marshmallow chocolate pizza with a salty and sweet taste, which is a surprise in every bite.After having the sweet and delicious Wanli crab and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Yehliu, remember to visit the Guihou Crab Theme Park before leaving Wanli. This sea view park with the theme of Wanli crab has many cute giant crab doll statues, adding lively colors to your autumn trip to Wanli.