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New Taipei City Travel

One-Day Railway Trip on the Pingxi Line

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One-Day Railway Trip on the Pingxi Line
Category :
Rail travel
Travel days :
1 day

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Day

      Introduction

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      As the train enters Yilan Line from Ruifang, we will arrive at Houtong and enter Pingxi Line from Sandiaoling. This railway line stretches amidst the verdant and lush mountainous area of Northern Taiwan, was built due to past prosperous coal mining industry, and is still operating. Besides transporting passengers, this is a popular route for railway trips in which it starts from Houtong. The magnificent achievements of the mining industry can be seen throughout the place in which they brought about railways and the prosperous development of towns along the way. Coming to Shifen, the origin of Sky Lantern and the largest station along the Pingxi Line, this is a major train intersection station. Looking back at the mining history of Pingxi, Shifen is the earliest and largest settlement developed. Its greatest feature is that the old street stands side-to-side with the railway track and presents the unique railway scenery of “the train passes through your front door”. Although the coal mining industry is a thing of the past, countless coal mining relics still remain along the Pingxi Line. It is rich with scenery and culture, in which visitors can seek tranquility at small unmanned stations, or enjoy traditional gourmet foods, visit grocery stores and hardware stores dating back to your grandparents’ days at bustling old streets. You can also get a Happiness Stamp at the station or fly a Sky Lantern written with your wishes for this year. You can enjoy a spectacular day and this is the branch line you cannot dare to miss.
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        Previous
        Taking a stroll to appreciate the scenery in Shimen
        Shimen is surrounded by mountains and is next to the sea with beautiful natural environment. Baisha Bay, a natural ocean spot located between Fuguijiao Lighthouse and Linshanbi Cape, with a shallow and clear shore, randomly distributed sand dunes on the beach and clear sea water like a mirror is called "Taiwan Kamakura," Having the capacity of thousands of people swimming in the area makes the place packed with "tourists" during hot summer days, making for a lively hustle and bustle beach! Down the way, the popular tourist's attraction, Shimen Wedding Plaza, where quite many newlyweds come to shoot wedding photos has a great natural landscape. Next, walk on the Fuguijiao Trail to take a stroll along the coast and when looking upward, it's easy to see Taiwan's northernmost Fuguijia Lighthouse, really famous, for it's being a sailing compass point. Besides, the ocean tide eroded stone gate, which is nicknamed as the "Shimen Cave” is seen in the distance, opposite the lighthouse. Going to the east along the coast, the unique Laomei Reef will come into view. The most famous landscape to visit is the reef during April and May. The reef that is full of green algae creates a stunning green reef landscape with an emerald tone. About 800 thousand years ago, when Mt. Zhuzi erupted, lava that was spewed out landed everywhere. The cooled magma formed a special valley terrain in the Shimen region. The lava that gushed out rushed to the seashore near Laomei and thus formed a special terrain and landscape along the Laomei coast. Lastly, be sure to have a seafood feast as a perfect ending of the trip. Fresh seafood is available at the Fuji Fishing Port where visitors can choose one restaurant on the seafood street to satisfy their palates.
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        One-Day Riding Historical Tour in Tamsui
        "Tamsui is an ancient city incorporated with history, humanities, beautiful scenery and cuisine. New discoveries that differ from time to time are always ready for the tourists with more fun to enjoy!" Take the MRT to Tamsui Station and rent a YouBike. Starting from the "Gold Coast Bikeway", enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river bank while sampling the foods sold by vendors along the seashore. Ride down the way and you should pass the art sculpture built to commemorate the arrival of Priest Mackay. There are 8 hundred-year-old Chinese banyan trees for people to enjoy a cool break and overlook the Tamsui River scenery and the "Gold Coast" with its beautiful sunset, Besides, there are newly built large art installations that use recycled objects like the "Iron Horse King Kong" and "Customs Wharf." Then, you can visit Taiwan's first western-style hospital in northern Taiwan to understand Dr. Mackay's profile and the medical environment at that time. One of the top five companies in Tamsui, the "Douglas lapraik & Co." has great significance in Tamsui’s sailing history. Next, drop by Taiwan's first private house that is equipped with tap water equipment, the "former residence of Takada Eikichi, which is a rare well-kept Japanese construction built with Taiwan red cypress. Then move forward to the artist's favorite, the world famous "Tamsui Wenhua A gei" where it is recommended to order a serving of a gei and a bowl of fish ball soup for a snack. Then, continue the trip to the "Little White House," a Spanish-style white construction which newlyweds enjoy as the shooting site of wedding photos; then go to the "Fortress San Domingo" and the "Former British Consulate", both of which feature western constructions with their display of relics. Afterwards, visit "Oxford College", which was built by Mackay in an integrated style of eastern and western culture and the "Presbyterian Church," a Gothic architecture. The last stop of the trip is to observe the beautiful sunset at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, then take a boat back to Tamsui MRT Station as the ending of a one-day ancient city small tour that is both productive and cultural.
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