New Taipei City Travel

“Interested in lighting sky lanterns for blessings, and feeling the refreshment and magnificence from the largest waterfall in Taiwan?” The well known “New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival”recommended by Discovery and CNN as a must go, along with the “Shifen Waterfall” reputed as the Niagara Fall of Taiwan are all in this travel route. Beginning from “MRT Mucha” station, visit “Shifen Old Street” first to launch traditional sky lanterns and experience a unique train passing in front of doorsteps railway feature; then walk towards “Shifen Waterfall Area”to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the largest waterfall in Taiwan. Then return to Shifen tourist center and take a ride to “Pingxi Old Street” in search of scenes from the movie You’re the Apple of My Eye and savor a local Taiwanese snack “sausage in sticky rice”; then turn towards “Jingtong Railway Station”to visit the mine museum and try old school “miner’s bento”; finally, arrive at the “Sky Lantern Police Station” to launch a unique, customized “Police Wishing Lantern”, and appreciate the 9 meter tall glass curtain in the shape of a sky lantern with special light shows comprised of nearly 200 thousand LED lights, bringing the small, heartfelt one day trip to an end.

Ancient Kyoto-style century-old temple is hidden in Xizhi?! Gongbei Temple in Xizhi is well-known for maple appreciation during fall. Besides the beautiful maples’ red, Gongbei Temple that was built in 1906 is now more than a century old, and the stone-paved double arch bridge outside the Temple is equally classic and elegant. Paradise does not end here, following Xiwan Road and continue into the woods, there hides a lake surrounded by the mountains – it is Xinshan Dream Lake! The name “Dream Lake” originates from the frequent foggy sight during winter, which gives it a misty and fantastical ambiance, making it a popular attraction for many newlyweds’ wedding photo shoot! Following the hiking trail up into Xinshan and having a bird’s-eye view of Dream Lake, tourists will feel the tranquility and be freshened up from the summer heat. On the return trip back to downtown Xizhi, visitors are recommended to visit Xizhi Old Street on their way home. It is where Xizhi began its development and where many historic sites have been preserved. In this neighborhood, there are the old Babao Glass Noodle shop of more than 30 years and the legendary 6-decade-old savory porridge shop; and the evening market by the train station offers a wide array of hearty tasty eats. As the sky grows dark, the twinkling star lights over the Keelung River, and the winding S-shaped Starlight Bridge also shines like the stars in a galaxy after it is lit up at night. There is no better ending for your day as you take a walk after enjoying the street eats while enjoying the starry light!