New Taipei City Travel

Taiwan’s Xindian Bitan Scenic Area was already popular during the Japanese colonial period. In 1927, Taiwan Daily News launched a poll of “Eight Scenic Views of Taiwan” for all readers, which was the craziest readers’ poll in Taiwan’s history. Eventually, readers selected eight scenic views, twelve attractions, and two special spots, which included Xindian Bitan. Therefore, it can be seen as one of the leading scenic areas in Northern Taiwan. In recent years, the popularity of hiking in Taiwan has grown, and Bitan, with Hemei Mountain on its left and Shitou Mountain on its right, has become a good choice for urban residents to get closer to the mountains.If you arrive at Xindian Station by taking the MRT Songshan-Xindian line, the Shitou Mountain hiking trail is located beside Neng Ren Home Economic and Commercial Vocational High School, the school which is on the east side of the MRT station. The shape of the mountain resembles a small lion crouching beside Bitan, so it is also called the “Little Lion Mountain.” The hiking trail leads to various directions, and it is part of the “Smile Mountain Line” of New Taipei City, with 3 peaks and 11 pavilions in the whole region. When tourists arrive at the Neng Ren observation deck, they can see the traffic artery of Southern Taipei — National Freeway 3. In addition, it is also the place where many photographers take pictures of traffic light trails.The Bitan Suspension Bridge connects not only the left and right banks of Xindian River but also Shitou Mountain and Hemei Mountain. The Bitan Suspension Bridge, completed and opened in 1937, is a landmark bridge for tourism in Xindian, and even the concept of the emblem of the Xindian District Office is based on its design. This 30-meter-high and 200-meter-long bridge is a popular choice for dating couples, and carries different ups and downs from many people. Nowadays in Bitan, there are three bridges, including the Bitan Suspension Bridge, the Bitan Bridge, and the Formosa Freeway Bitan Bridge, forming a characteristic landscape similar to the three generations of a family.After crossing the Bitan Suspension Bridge, people can enter Hemei Mountain on the left side. The curious rocks on the mountain wall facing Bitan are magnificent, so it is also called the “Little Red Cliff.” The Hemei Mountain, which is only 153 meters high, has hiking trails suitable for all ages, and the route is divided into the blue waterfront line and the green mountain line. When people reach the top of the mountain, the Shitou Mountain, Nangang Mountain, and Taipei 101 will all come into view on the east side.In April and May every year, there will be a unique dance of shimmering lights that only exists in mountains and forests at night in Hemei Mountain. The mountain has become a well-known firefly habitat in recent years due to its favorable ecological environment. The Taiwan Nature Science Association holds a firefly ecology tour every year by leading the public into Hemei Mountain to visit the beautiful scenery of flying fireflies. When visiting fireflies, one must remember to follow the following four principles: Do not capture, do not interfere, do not turn on flashlights, and do not leave the trail. Please enjoy the river of fireflies in the mountain quietly.The Xindian Ferry on the south side of the Hemei Mountain hiking trail is the last ferry in Bitan. Before the Bitan Suspension Bridge opened, the residents of Xindian River relied on the ferry to travel between the two sides of the river. In its heyday, there were nine ferries. However, the function of the ferry has been gradually replaced as the construction of land transportation methods improved. Today, the ferry from Wantan to Xindian Street, where boatmen carry passengers and shuttle leisurely on the Bitan River, is the only one that remains. After the trip to Hemei Mountain, you can take a human-powered boat, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bitan from the lake, listen to stories of ancient times, and return to Xindian Street through by water.After climbing two mountains and crossing Bitan by land or water, it is time to treat yourself. The Xindian Old Street with many traditional snacks and the Bitan shopping district with various exotic cuisines are both popular areas for dining. After a good meal, you can stroll along the river bank, enjoy the gorgeous lights reflected on the river, and enjoy a romantic night.

The summer festival of the Northern Coast: Northern Coast Tide and Fire is held in Zhongjiao Bay and Zhongshan Hot Spring Park in Jinshan District from August to September every year. Combining fire dance, projection mapping art, Starlight Cinema, and BBQ ingredients offered by young farmers, Northern Coast Tide and Fire is the annual event of the Northern Coast, and it has entered its fifth year. Bring your surfing equipment, drive to Jinshan, stare at the beautiful coastline, surf and play in the sea breeze, and enjoy the fire dance performance and light sculpture at night! Besides driving, take the double-decked bus, the Jinbaoli Line. Follow the professional guide and travel around the Northern Coast from a higher perspective to participate in the Tide and Fire event.The first stop was the Huangqing Bridge in the northern suburbs of Jinshan City. The straight and undulating road of the bridge is called "Wave Boulevard" by local people. It is a well-known landmark in Jinshan and one of the critical sections of the New Taipei City WJS Marathon. The Qingshui wetland next to the bridge and the entire lotus pond are the most beautiful scenery here and the homeland of many birds.Drive along Route 2 Taiwan towards Shimen, and the 10-kilometer-long Tiaoshi Coast will open on the right. Covered with volcanic rocks, this section of the coastline fell after the eruption of Datun Mountain. The round gravel coast was created after tens of thousands of years of accumulation and erosion by sea wind. Stop at any parking area on the Tiaoshi Coast to enjoy leisurely watching the sea.In the afternoon, arrive at Jinshan Zhongjiao Bay, the main venue of Tide and Fire. Zhongjiao Bay, with its concave sandy shore, is a great surfing spot in northern Taiwan, with waves after waves under the monsoon. Zhongjiao Bay has complete hardware facilities such as the International Surfing Center and the New Taipei City Surfing Sports Educational Park, and there are also several sea-view restaurants around it.Come to the famous scenic restaurant "Quiet B. Days" in Zhongjiao Bay. While enjoying the food, look around, and you will see ocean posters from around the world hanging on the walls. The refreshing blue color is full of a summer atmosphere, and the camping-style decoration inside the restaurant makes people feel more relaxed.Ride the wind and waves to embrace the ocean! Under the guidance of the surfing coach, put on surfing clothes, pick up the surfboard, walk out of the restaurant, step into the waves of Zhongjiao Bay, and experience the delightful and freedom of surfing.2024 Glistening at Northern Coast Night -- Northern Coast Tide and FireLight up Route 2 Taiwan with the fire of art as night falls. 2024 Northern Coast Tide and Fire is held at Zhongjiao Bay and Zhongshan Hot Spring Park. With "born in the same root" as the core concept of the exhibition, the organizer sets up art installations in both places and creates a light environment. The lights are on from 17:00 to 21:00 every day.The highlight of Tide and Fire - Fire Dance Performance will be on August 9 (Friday), August 10 (Saturday), August 17 (Saturday), August 24 (Saturday), and September 1 (Sunday) to perform. The internationally renowned Coming True Fire Group will bring the "Flame Tide Dance: Shine Golden Shore" program, according to the image of the red spider lily. On the beach of Zhongjiao Bay, with dazzling colorful flames, the story of the red spider lily blooming for a thousand years and falling for a thousand years is transformed into a visual feast to illuminate the Northern Coast and shine in Taiwan.Jinshan's unique sulfuric fire fishing boat also echoed the fire dance performance on the sea. Fishers led mud carp using their phototaxis with torches, which shows Jinshan's traditional fishing method. It allowed tourists to appreciate the charm of "Huanggang Fishing Fire," one of Jinshan's eight scenic spots. After the fire dance performance, there was also a Qingnong Fire BBQ party, where people enjoyed the delicious taste of BBQ made with organic ingredients from New Taipei's young farmers.Zhongshan Hot Spring Park, one of the two venues, exhibited artworks such as "Recreating Jinbaoli Cihu Temple" and "Sweet Potatoes," presenting the local cultural landscape of Jinshan with light and shadow and creating a light environment that echoes the works. It also launched the "Midsummer · Starlight Cinema" every Saturday and Sunday, where people can watch movies under the starry sky on summer nights.The Double-Decked Bus, Jinbaoli LineThe Double-Decked Bus, Jinbaoli Line, provides another option for traveling to participate in the Northern Coast Tide and Fire event. Departing from Taipei Main Station, sit in the open-top seating area on the 2nd floor, enjoy the Northern Coast from a superior perspective, and tour the rural and coastal scenery of Route 2 Taiwan. Under the guidance of a professional tour guide, appreciate the stories of the Venus Coast, the Huangqing Bridge, the Shimen Coral Shell Museum, and the Fugui Cape Post House, and enjoy the fire dance show at Zhongjiao Bay at night!