New Taipei City Travel

Jinzibei Historic Trail’s starting point at the Mudan end is the same as that of Canguangliao Historic Trail; Canguangliao exits from Jinguashi, while Jinzibei hiking trail exits from Houtong. After getting off from Shisanceng Old Tree Stop, walk for 15 minutes and you will arrive at “Jinzibei Historic Trail Entrance/Exit”. Along the Trail, visitors will come upon century-old historic sites of Jinzibei and Fengxianshijin Tablet; the total distance of the Trail is approximately 3.4km, and it takes about 2.5 hours to finish walking the Trail. The Trail is mainly made of stone path and stone stairs, which will take some energy to finish the route; but the lush green woods give refreshing coolness along the way. After exiting the Trail, visitors will connect to Jiuqiongqiao Rd. and then Houtong Rd. if they continue going straight. And going further down, visitors will see Ruisan Coal Transporting Bridge and Ruisan Coal Preparation Plant. Walking into the “Vision Hall” transformed from previously the coal preparation warehouse, visitors will have an in-depth experience of the old-time glory of Houtong’s coal mining industry as well as an overview of the local coal mining development through the introduction provided inside the Vision Hall. The other key feature of Houtong would have to be “Cat Village”! Walking over Houtong Cat Bridge, and visitors will arrive at cat lovers’ “promised land” – Cat Village. Let us kindly remind all visitors to follow the rules here, and please do not hit, feed, disturb, or pet the cats, and please do not free your cats here and do not litter. Let’s safeguard this precious “cats’ heaven” together as we enjoy a healing holiday and wander amidst the historic paths.

"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.