New Taipei City Travel

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.

In 1889, Taiwan's first railway was under construction at full speed between Keelung and Taipei. Railway construction workers discovered glittering gold dust in the river in today's Qidu area of Keelung. Those who are seeking wealth traced the river upstream, and eventually found the outcrop of gold vein in Xiaojingua and Dajingua, which kickstarted the gold mining era of Northern Taiwan. The previously quiet Jinguashi and Jiufen therefore entered their golden years. Until 1987, Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation closed the mining business and drew an end to Jinguashi's hundred-year mining history.Different from the strong commercial vibes of Jiufen, after the mining activities ended, Jinguashi became an isolated and quiet little mountain town. The buildings scattered among the emerald hills, the huge Guangong statue guarding the area, and the occasionally seen hikers in the alleys represent the present life of Jinguashi."Let us never forget." During World War II, Jinguashi was once used as a Japanese war prisoner camp. The locals called it "Dubiziliao," which meant the place where foreign prisoners were held. These prisoners of war in Southeast Asia were from Britain, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands. During their imprisonment, they mined copper here under poor living conditions. Most of them did not survive the war and died in Jinguashi. In 1997, Taiwan POW Memorial and Peace Park opened to commemorate the war. "Freedom is not free" reminds the world that peace and prosperity are not easy to come by.Qitang Old Street is an important street of Jinguashi. The old street built along the mountain is the main living circle of the miners in the early years. In its most prosperous period, 80,000 gold diggers gathered here! In addition to restaurants and grocery stores, there were entertainment venues such as jewelry shops, pool halls, and bars! During the Japanese Rule period, it was known as the "Jinguashi Ginza." After the gold mining era ended, the number of residents in Jinguashi plummeted to less than 2,000. Today, the once-bustling Qitang Old Street retains a strong nostalgic atmosphere. The renovated rainbow stairs have become a topic in social media, drawing the world's attention to this mining town in the mountains again.Follow the rainbow stairs up to Jinguashi Quanji Temple, also known as Qitang (Qi Hall). The temple has been built for more than 120 years. It is the belief center of Jinguashi, dedicated to worshiping the Holy Emperor Lord Guan. The most treasured object at Quanji Temple is the largest Guan Gong statue in Taiwan that is made of pure copper and 10.6 meters in height. This statue of Guan Gong reading Chunqiu (the Spring and Autumn Annals) and standing majestically at the high point of Jinguashi against the mountains and facing the sea is the most visible landmark of Jinguashi. It is also the patron saint, blessing generations of Jinguashi people.The 260-meter-high Baoshi Mountain is named after the timed horns here during the Japanese Rule period. From the parking lot of Quanji Temple, you can walk up along the hiking trail and reach the viewing platform in 10 minutes. Facing the sea, Yin-Yang Sea and the North Coast are all within your sight. Looking back at the mountains, you can see Teapot Mountain and Liukeng Slope Cableway right in front of your eyes, surrounded by greenery and between mountains and the sea.Teapot Mountain is the backbone of the Jinguashi area, with an elevation of 602 meters. When viewed from the Jinguashi side, the ore rock at the top of the mountain looks like a teapot without a handle, earning it the cute and memorable name of "earless teapot." Teapot Mountain Trail is the most popular hiking trail in Jinguashi. It takes about 30-50 minutes to reach the top of the mountain from the parking lot of Quanji Temple. It is the most beautiful view in Ruifang. With Keelung Mountain right in front of your eyes, the little town of Jinguashi, the winding roads under your feet, and the boundless blue sky and sea, this spectacular scenery can heal you from your stressful daily life."Asia's No. 1 precious metal mine" was the prestige Jinguashi enjoyed in the past. The settlements formed around gold and copper mines in the old days carried the dreams of countless gold diggers. After the demise of the mining industry, what remained unchanged is the beautiful scenery of mountains and seas. They remain the spiritual home of hikers and Jinguashi people.