New Taipei City Travel

The picturesque Tamsui was once Northern Taiwan’s window connecting to the world in the latter half of the 19th century. The thriving international trade contributed to Tamsui’s golden years; and, through merchants and missionaries, western goods and ideas also arrived in Tamsui and entered Taiwan. The first girls’ school, first Western-style hospital, and first golf course in Taiwan were all established in Tamsui, each of which subsequently transformed the entire landscape of Taiwanese society.Come to Tamsui with your children on the weekend to Visit the Tamsui Historical Museum of Douglas Lapraik & Co., and learn about Tamsui’s cultural heritage through interactive games. Visit places like “The House of Maidens”, “The House of Reverends”, and “Mackay Memorial Museum”. Then discuss with your children the impact of the opening of Tamsui Port on Taiwan. Take a leisurely stroll through the FAB Green Village, explore the whimsical public art of the Danhai Light Rail , and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of modern Tamsui.In 1860, after Taiwan’s ports were opened for international trade, Tamsui quickly emerged as Northern Taiwan’s most international commercial port, and attracted numerous foreign firms to establish an office in Tamsui. The Douglas Lapraik & Co. located at the end of Tamsui Old Street, together with Tait, Ckiangsu, Elles, and Dent, were the top five foreign firms in Tamsui. Apart from its engagement in international trade, Douglas Lapraik & Co. was a giant in Taiwan’s shipping industry at the end of the 19th century. With its control of this island’s external trade, it has facilitated the prosperous development of Tamsui after the opening of Tamsui port.Featuring historical significance, this foreign firm’s architecture is an ideal place for showcasing Tamsui’s prosperous past. After a year of preparation, the permanent exhibition of the “Tamsui Historical Museum” is launched within Douglas Lapraik & Co. The exhibition features a collection of 12 cultural heritage sites in Tamsui, including Fort San Domingo, the Former Site of the Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence, Tamsui Customs Wharf, the Former Residence of Tamsui Township Head Tada Eikichi, Hobe Fort, the Tamsui Police Chief’s Residence, Douglas Lapraik & Co., Shih’s Old Residence (in Qizaiding of Tamsui), Cheng’s Old Residence (by Gonsitian River), Japanese Trader Nakano’s Residence, the Former Residence of Kinoshita Seigai, and the Former Tamsui Elementary School Hall. These sites represent significant architectural and historical landmarks.The Tamsui Historical Museum has categorized the exhibited cultural heritage into four main types: political, military, commercial, and educational. Each category is transformed into interactive games that incorporate their respective historical narratives. Through playful and engaging interactions, children can effortlessly gain insight into interesting facts about Tamsui’s historic sites and embark on a journey of imagination to visualize the bygone charm of Tamsui.After ascending the sloping path of Zhenli Street, entering the campus of Aletheia University, and passing through the Finance and Economics Building, you will come across two century-old red-brick buildings that appear even more elegant framed by the surrounding green trees. In front of these buildings is a lush garden, while just beyond, you can glimpse the Tamsui River and Guanyinshan. These two similar-style colonnaded Western-style buildings are “The House of Maidens” and “The House of Reverends”, which were built in 1906 and 1909 respectively.These two buildings, constructed from bricks and Chinese firs imported from Xiamen, were personally designed and supervised by Reverend William Gauld. The House of Maidens was originally gifted to Miss Jane Kinney, the principal of Taiwan’s first girls’ school, Tamsui Girls’ School, and Miss Hannah Connell, the principal of Women’s School, as their residence. It holds significant historical value as a witness to the development of contemporary girls’ education in Taiwan. Today, it serves as the Office of the President at Aletheia University. The House of Reverends, on the other hand, served as the residence of Reverend William Gauld. Its music hall is widely known for its appearance in the movie “Secret”.The white building next to “The House of Maidens” and “The House of Reverends” is the Mackay Memorial Museum, also known as the Dr. Mackay’s former residence. Constructed in 1875, this building was personally designed by Dr. Mackay, and its Spanish-style architecture is well-suited for the humid and rainy climate of northern Taiwan. Dr. Mackay lived here with his Taiwanese wife, Chang Tsung-ming, and his children until he passed away in 1901 due to an illness.In 1872, Dr. Mackay took Douglas Lapraik & Co’s flagship “Sea Dragon” from Kaohsiung to Tamsui, where he embarked on his decades-long missions of preaching, teaching, and providing medical services in Taiwan. Dr. Mackay also nurtured many talents in Taiwan’s religious, educational, and medical circles. Moreover, recognizing the social bias against women in Taiwan, he pioneered women’s education in Taiwan by founding Tamsui Girls’ School. Dr. Mackay’s wife, Chang Tsung-ming, was also a teacher at Tamsui Girls’ School and was fluent in English. Both of them are important figures in the history of women’s education in Taiwan.👉Visiting the interior exhibitions of the Mackay Memorial Museum requires prior arrangement. Please contact the Tamsui Oxford Archives of Aletheia University at (02-2621-2121).Chang Tsung-ming once accompanied Dr. Mackay on a trip back to his homeland, Canada, at the end of 1879. During the journey, they passed through Xiamen, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and the Middle East. They visited the pyramids in Egypt, went to Jerusalem to see the Western Wall, and, through Alexandria, proceeded to Italy to visit the ruins of Pompeii, Rome, and the Vatican. They then traveled through France and the UK to reach Canada, where they completed missionary work and fundraising activities. Afterward, they returned to Taiwan via the United States and Japan. This journey made Chang Tsung-ming the first Taiwanese woman to complete a trip around the world.Stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the Tamsui River and, shortly after passing Fort San Domingo, you’ll find the snow-white FAB Green Village on your right. This geometrically symmetrical architecture that echoes Tamsui’s arched western style building designs has attracted numerous visitors for sightseeing and photography. The FAB Green Village combines a renowned European hotel, shopping plaza, movie theater, and garden plaza. After enjoying a meal in the shopping plaza, you can visit the rooftop garden on the third floor to sit on the vast lawn with your children, gaze into the distance at Bali’s left bank and Guanyinshan, and relish the captivating Tamsui sunset.Take a bus to the Danhai Light Rail Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf Station and step into the Danhai Light Rail system filled with elements from Jimmy Liao’s picture books. Let the heartwarming characters from Jimmy’s picture books accompany you on the light rail. Just like the characters do in “Sometimes, Sometimes”, close your eyes and the light blue light rail train is about to start your journey to dreamland and cozy home.

Let's embark on a deep travel led by women in Tamsui. Begin by walking from the alleys near Tamsui Mazu up to Chongjian Street to uncover the romantic tale of the painter Lin Yu-chu and the writer Wang Chang-hsiung. Then, explore the century-old Red Castle to witness women's dedication to heritage and create your own thread-bound book. Finally, delight in the performance of Peking Opera at the Tamsui Customs Wharf against the backdrop of a sunset. Guided by an elegant female guide, let's embark on a cultural journey through Tamsui and listen to the stories of women in this area.Visiting Tamsui Mazu and the two old streetsCommencing the journey from the old alley adjacent to Fuyou Palace to visit Tamsui's four major temples – Fuyou Palace and Yinshan Temple dedicated to the worship of Mazu, Longshan Temple, and Qingshui Temple. Mazu, symbolizing the fortitude and compassion of women in the past time, is the goddess most familiar to the Taiwanese people and serves as the guardian of Tamsui's maritime activities. Fuyou Palace holds numerous legendary tales. According to accounts, during the Sino-French Battle of Tamsui and World War II, Tamsui Mazu manifested miracles and successfully safeguarded the safety of the Tamsui region. Furthermore, Fuyou Palace sits at the crossroads of two historic streets in Tamsui – Chongjian Street and Zhongzhen Road – bearing witness to the area's development over the past 200 years.Painter Lin Yu-chu’sromance of Chongjian StreetAscending the stairs that wind along the mountain slope, you will arrive at Tamsui's Chongjian Street, the original commercial street. Today, in contrast to the bustling Zhongzheng, Chongjian Street exudes a more serene ambiance. However, it remains the authentic Tamsui Old Street and is home to many political and economic figures of Tamsui. From the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, this area was the most prosperous district in Tamsui. Gazing back at Chongjian Street offers a panoramic view of the picturesque Tamsui River landscape. It also holds significance as the romantic backdrop for Painter Lin Yu-chu and Writer Wang Chang-hsiung.Lin Yu-chu was born on Qingshui Street near Chongjian Street. Qingshui Street, previously known as the "rice market street", was the primary location where rice vendors congregated in Tamsui a hundred years ago. Lin's family, for example, was involved in the rice-selling business. While studying at Tamsui Girls' School, Lin Yu-chu encountered her respected teacher, Chen Jing-hui. Chen Jing-hui, the grandson of Canadian missionary Mackay, had previously received a comprehensive arts education at the Kyoto City Specialized School of Art. Under Chen Jing-hui's careful guidance and through her dedication to learning, Lin Yu-chu began to shine in the field of painting.With the encouragement of her teacher, Lin Yu-chu participated in Taiwan's grand annual art event – the Taiwan Fine Art Exhibition. In 1936, Lin Yu-chu's Nihonga artwork titled "Lighthouse at the Estuary" and Chen Jing-hui's "Aftertaste" were both selected for the 10th Taiwan Fine Art Exhibition. The outstanding accomplishment of a 17-year-old girl within Taiwan's art community during that era significantly heightened the radiance of Tamsui.“If you open the door within your heart, you will witness the vibrant spring scenery.Though spring may not endure, it has the power to alleviate my distress for the moment.”With its lyrics penned by the physician and writer Wang Chang-hsiung, the song 'If I Open My Heart’s Door' has already become a classic Taiwanese song known to all Taiwanese people. Lin Yu-chu and Wang Chang-hsiung met through her teacher Chen Jing-hui. During their courtship, the two frequently rendezvoused on Chongjian Street, leaving behind their footprints, which have now transformed into a notable spot on Chongjian Street today – The Alley of Love, a place that exudes warmth and romance.After visiting the distinctive shops along Chongjian Street such as "Vanilla Street House" and "Nine Valley 28", you will veer into an inconspicuous alley. This alley serves as a time tunnel leading to the Tamsui Red Castle.Grandma of the Red Castle, Hung Hsu-feng, preserves the Red Castle for Tamsui.The brick arched corridor leads to the Tamsui Red Castle, standing proudly on the slope of the old street. This red-brick Western-style building is a century-old landmark in Tamsui and has been featured in numerous paintings depicting this region. Constructed in 1899 by the wealthy businessman Li Yi-he, it was later acquired by Tamsui Street's chief, Hung Yi-nan, in 1913 and became a gathering place for local literati and scholars, attracting many prominent figures. In the 1960s, it was further purchased by Hung Hsu-feng, the owner of Te Yu Taiwan Fish Crackers."When Taiwan's economy started to take off, a construction company once approached Hung about rebuilding the Tamsui Red Castle, but Hung Hsu-feng steadfastly refused to sell it. The reason is that the Red Castle is not only a shared memory among the people of Tamsui but also holds a significant meaning symbolizing family unity and blessings. By steadfastly preserving the Tamsui Red Castle, it now functions not solely as a restaurant but also partners with Tamsui Community College to promote vegetarian cooking and participates in cooperative endeavors with 'Vanilla Street House' on Chongjian Street. These collaborative efforts actively safeguard the heritage of old Tamsui through ongoing initiatives.Visitors can savor a cup of traditional tea within the Red Castle's century-old splendor; don traditional Hanfu attire; and, under the guidance of Li-hsin, a representative possessing national treasure-level female expertise, craft their own thread-bound book at a leisurely pace. This allows visitors to momentarily detach from the digital age's information bombardment and immerse themselves in ancient craftsmanship predating the industrial era, facilitating a serene and mindful experience for the body and soul.The days of sea lights – Wang Jing's Road towards Peking OperaSituated on the banks of the Tamsui River, the Tamsui Customs Wharf plays a significant role in Taiwan’s international trade history. After Taiwan opened the port in 1860, Tamsui welcomed its most splendid era. The wharf, constructed from stones such as Guanyin stone or Kiligan rock, stands as a testament to Tamsui's history as an international trading port. However, as a result of river channel siltation, the functions of the Tamsui port gradually declined, causing it to lose its former prominence.Afterward, the clamor of wharf workers was replaced by the voices of women. In 1975, the Navy Art Work Brigade relocated from Zuoying in Kaohsiung to Tamsui Customs Wharf. The Haiguang Peking Opera Team and Haiguang Peking Opera Training Class, embodying the strength and aspirations of women, also found their new home by the Tamsui River. The former port warehouse was then repurposed as a dedicated space for training Peking opera skills. Over time, talents like Wang Ching, known as the “sea light”, were drawn here and eventually illuminated the Peking Opera stage with their brilliance.In the old warehouse of Tamsui Customs Wharf, several renowned Peking Opera performers such as Wei Hai-min, Wang Hai-bo, and Shen Hai-jung were nurtured. These performers gracefully dance on stage, narrating stories through their art. They also challenge traditional gender roles, where women are not just supporters behind the scenes but also prominent figures on stage. Rooted in local culture, Tamsui Women’s Road will persist in uncovering stories of women in Tamsui and scripting a future of gender equality.