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New Taipei City Travel

LOHAS Paradise ~ “Houtong-Shuangxi” A Fun One-day Trip with Cats and Forests

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LOHAS Paradise ~ “Houtong-Shuangxi” A Fun One-day Trip with Cats and Forests
Category :
Outdoor excursion
Travel days :
1 day

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      Introduction

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      Starting from the “Houtong Station,” cute cartoon cat billboards and popular cat station-master statues can be seen once exiting the station. Enter the “Houtong Cat Village” through the first pedestrian-cat bridge in Taiwan to have a close encounter with the sweet cats, then take a ride on the Taiwan Railways to Shuangxi Station. One may rent bicycles from the “Low-Carbon Station” on the side when exiting the station, then follow the “Shuangxi Bikeway” to admire the clear rivers and beautiful mountain forests along the way and then savor the aromatic ancient-flavored traditional egg cakes at the “Haishan Bakery.” After taking a break, visit the century-old historical “Lin Yi He Tang” Chinese herb store with oriental sentiments in order to admire the colored tiles, decorations as well as the antique medicine apparatus. Experience the nostalgic glory of the old street at the “Shuangxi Ferry Port,” which used to be an important checkpoint for transporting daily supplies. At last, visit the “Slow Café” enriched by a strong art and cultural ambience to enjoy the hand brewed coffees and the store’s signature kiln bread. Experience a Taiwanese field trip in the company of gourmet food and magnificent sceneries.

      Note

      【Return traffic information】
      Take a ride on Taiwan Railways Tze-Chiang Limited Express / Fusing Semi Express / Local Train, get off at “Taipei Station.”
      Previous
      Set sail in summer and set sail from Bali!
      In the hot summer, the cloudless weather always arouses people's desire to run to the coastline. Bali, located on the left bank of the Tamsui River bayou and protected by the Wazihwei Embankment, has a peaceful and wide water area. It is one of the most suitable places for water sports in New Taipei City. Come to the Bali Aquatics Center to set sail on the waterway between Guanyin Mountain and Datun Mountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Tamsui Sea. Then, go to the Environmental Education Center and Wazihwei Nature Reserve, look for fiddler crabs and mudskippers in the mangroves, and finally, go to the secret place on the mountainside of Guanyin Mountain to spend a beautiful afternoon.Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Taiwan's coastal areas have always been the first choice for summer leisure. Have you ever imagined leaving the land and sailing far away while playing by the seaside? Turn your ideas into action and come to Bali District on the left of Route 2 Taiwan in New Taipei City to experience the fun of sailing!The predecessor of Bali Aquatics Center was Bali Sailing Pier, the first riverbank pier specially designed for sailing sports in the country. Located at the river and sea junction, but fortunate enough to have a Wazihwei as a natural barrier, the waters here are pretty calm, making it very suitable for beginners to experience the fun of sailing.Under the guidance of professional coaches, people set out from Bali Pier and began their first sailing trip on the Tamsui River. Besides sailing, the aquatics center offers water sports such as SUP (Stand Up Paddle), canoeing, windsurfing, etc. Visitors interested in sailing on the seven seas can also sign up for the advanced ASA International Sailing Certification Course at the aquatics center. Set out from Bali and sail to the world. Sail on a white keel sailboat at the bayou of the Tamsui River, adjusting the angle of the sail according to the wind direction. While sailing through the waves, you can enjoy the scenery of Bali Guanyin Mountain and Tamsui Datun Mountain as well as famous landmarks such as the FAB Green Village and Fort San Domingo.Exercising under the burning sun consumes energy very quickly, so spicy and sour Thai food is the most delicious dish in this season. Many restaurants near the aquatics center are suitable for gatherings. Come to the Island of Thai cuisine next to Bali ZuoAn (Left Bank) Park to taste popular Thai dishes such as Thai basil chill pork, full-moon shrimp patties, green curry, shrimp paste cabbage, etc., and pair it with a cup of cold Thai milk tea to eliminate the summer heat.With the increasingly severe global warming, pursuing net zero carbon emissions has become a common global concern. The "New Taipei City Sustainable Environmental Education Center," established in 2008, is the central hub for promoting sustainable environmental education, conservation, and research in New Taipei City. Starting from the Environmental Education Center, under the guidance of the tour guide, ride a bike to the Wazaiwei Nature Reserve and enter the ecological world of the mangrove forest.The name of Waziwei comes from its topography. It is the last bend of the Tamsui River before it flows into the sea. It formed a lagoon-like terrain at the river and sea junction. It is a shelter for local ships and a mangrove paradise, such as Kandelia. The Waziwei Natural Ecological Reserve covers an area of 30 hectares, and the main conservation targets are the kandelia and the animals and plants that live with them.Underneath the lush green Kandelia at Waziwei is a vibrant intertidal zone. This precious wetland is home to many bird species, and observe various creatures on the wetland during low tide. Besides the cute fiddler crab with one giant and one small claw, look closer! The mudskippers are jumping among them. Summer afternoons are the best time of the season. When arriving at "Happy Time" halfway up Guanyin Mountain, open the door, and a nostalgic space unfolds before eyes. Wooden Chinese medicine cabinets, typewriters, old cameras, rotary phones, shaved ice machines, and signs of various old shops arose people's good memories of the past.Use exquisite glass bottles and ceramics to serve drinks full of summer flavor, pair them with desserts such as Dorayaki and pineapple cakes, and enjoy them together in this space full of antiques. When the setting sun outside shines on the pond, watching the light reflecting through the water and the sparkling summer is the most memorable and beautiful time.
      Next
      Following the launch of Ankeng Light Rail: A new travel tip that connects Ankeng and Xindian
      The Ankeng Light Rail traveling between the riverside and the mountain town can be connected to the Xindian River Cycling Route and Bitan Scenic Area. Explore both banks of the Xindian River, visit the springtime-exclusive fireflies of Hemeishan (Hemei Mountain), and enjoy the Bitan Water Show during an in-depth journey. Make the most of various transportation options such as the Ankeng Light Rail, the public bicycle system (PBS), and man-powered ferries to explore both sides of the Xindian River!Starting from Shisizhang Station, this is the intersection of the Ankeng Light Rail and the MRT Circular Line. The Ankeng Light Rail has 9 light rail stations, and the entire system is located in Xindian District. The Ankeng Light Rail has collaborated with several artists to create various public artworks at light rail stations to showcase the abundant mountain and forest ecology of the Ankeng area.Walking on the connecting pathway of Shisizhang Station, you can see numerous butterflies dancing along the corridor. By scanning the QR code with your mobile phone, you can delve into a deeper understanding of common butterflies in Taiwan.The platform space of the light rail Shisizhang Station is adorned with the public art “The Fireflies’ Way Home”, which is composed of thousands of micro power generators emitting dot-like blue and green lights to simulate flying fireflies, guiding people into the mountainous wilderness of Ankeng area.Step into the gleaming golden-painted light rail train and enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows. Disembark at K07 Sunshine Sports Park Station, hop on a public bicycle to reach the riverside of the Xindian River, where you'll find the expansive 20-hectare Sunshine Sports Park.The Park features a roller-skating track, a 400-meter running track, a beach volleyball court, a soccer field, and an inclusive, all-age, and land-water-air versatile children's playground, making it the top leisure choice on the left bank of the Xindian River.The Yangguang Bridge (literally refers to the Sunshine Bridge) of Xidian River, which is located behind the Sports Park, features a bridge deck supported by steel cables resembling musical strings and five graceful arches. Its elegant, curved structure makes the Yangguang Bridge one of the most beautiful bridges in the Xidian River Watershed.As a connecting bridge exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles, Yangguang Bridge connects both banks of the Xindian River. Cyclists can lead their bikes across Yangguang Bridge and access the cycling route on the right bank of the Xindian River.The Xindian River Cycling Route is one of the top six riverside cycling routes in New Taipei City. Riding upstream towards Bitan, you will enjoy lush greenery along the way, making for a very pleasant journey.On clear days, you can even see the layered mountain ranges of Xindian and Wulai. After traveling approximately 4 kilometers, you will arrive at the Xidian Ferry Terminal located on the south bank of Bitan.The exclusive provider of man-powered ferries in Taiwan: Xidian Ferry Terminal. Man-powered ferries are a well-kept secret of unique transportation in Bitan. In the past, they were the primary mode of travel between Xindian Shopping Street and destinations like Wantan, Zhitan, and Tutan!The ferry terminal began operating as early as 1881. During its heyday, there were nine ferry terminals along the middle stream of the Xindian River. Crossing Bitan on a ferry allows you to not only appreciate the serenity and history, but also savor the joy of traveling by water along the riverbank.By taking a man-powered ferry to the west bank of Bitan, you can access the ecologically rich Hemeishan Trail. The Hemeishan Trail is divided into the waterside Green Trail and the mountainous Blue Trail, both of which feature stone steps or wooden boardwalks throughout.After reaching the 153-meter-high summit of Hemeishan, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bitan's waterfront and suspension bridge, with Nanganbshan (Nangang Mountain) and Taipei 101 clearly visible in the distance. When you turn around, you'll spot Qingtan on Xidian Beiyi Road and Xinwu Road. If you wait until after sunset, you can also experience the enchanting sight of fireflies twinkling in the forest.👉It is recommended to use mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are more active in the forest in the evening.The Hemeishan Trail features rich biodiversity, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna living in its forest, creating a natural ecological paradise. The most famous among them are the fireflies. During the firefly breeding season from April to May, countless glowing dots dance in the forest after dark, creating a galaxy-like scenery. This spectacle attracts many urban residents away from city lights to enjoy the beauty of twinkling fireflies.👉The best time to observe fireflies is from sunset to 8 PM. Remember to turn off flashlights to avoid disturbing their reproduction.Leaving the company of fireflies on Hemeishan Trail, you will find yourself on the north bank, where the Bitan Suspension Bridge stands. Built during the Japanese colonial period, the Bitan Suspension Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Xindian. The projection mapping light show of the Bitan Suspension Bridge at night is a beautiful memory of several generations of Xidian residents. Its splendid lights reflected on the river is the classic nighttime scenery of Bitan.碧潭上則有精彩萬分的水舞秀,「2023碧潭水舞」於3月31日盛大登場,一路展演至5月28日止,以雷射作為畫筆、以和美山壁作為畫布,在和美山上勾勒出各種圖案,讓和美山山舞與新店溪水舞互動起舞,使碧潭風景區越夜越美麗。👉碧潭水舞於每晚6點30至8點30分,每半小時演出1次,並在晚上8點45分進行最後一場表演,每晚共6場,將有2首各4分半鐘的精彩曲目交錯演出
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