New Taipei City Travel

“Laomei turns green!” is a warm greeting full of vitality on the north coast. From the middle of March to early May each year, the coastline of Shimen District, which is situated in the northernmost end of Taiwan main island, is decorated with reefs covered in green algae, turning it into a stunningly beautiful matcha green carpet. It also represents the arrival of the God of Spring in this rainy land and the season for travelling on the Norther Coast. Let’s visit the coastline of Shimen to explore the vigorous green troughs, play hide and seek in the maze of Laomei, and fly kites on the coast to enjoy the warm and pleasant scenery of Shimen!The “Xingfushuangxin Park” (literally referred to the “Happiness Double Heart Park”) newly established in 2022 has adopted the traditional “khan-koo” fishing technique (literally referred to “seine-fishing technique”) to create the installation art “The Khan-Koo Dream Weave”. Through the giant stainless-steel framework fitted with colorful glass pieces, this design presents changes in light and shadow under the spring sun’s shine as our perspectives and time shift. There are also specially designed interactive experience facilities, such as the conch sound-controlled lift system, a square featuring the imagery of a lighthouse man, and sampan-shaped seating. Reputed as the most beautiful park on the north coast, all visitors, including children, can find fun here.The stone troughs formed by volcanic reefs that remained on the coast after the eruption of the Tatun Volcano Group are covered with a large amount of algae during the spring of each year, turning the earth-gray reefs into a lush and natural wonder of greenery. Alongside the crystal blue ocean, this matcha mochi-like unique landscape has attracted numerous photography enthusiasts coming here. At low tide, small ponds also form between the rocks, allowing visitors to observe fascinating marine life. Before your departure, you can browse the tide forecast for Shimen released by the Central Weather Bureau to capture the beauty of lush green troughs at the right low tide timing!Laomei stone troughs, commonly known as “Laomei Green Reef”, feature fine sandy beaches and creatively shaped rocky shores, resembling rows of slender green dolphins basking on the beach. Stone troughs are formed by volcanic reefs, which are ideal for algae to attach to and grow. After the algae die, their remains will form thin layers of limestone, and new algae will attach to this layer. As algae continue to die and attach to the new layer, they eventually create this beautiful algae reef. When coming there to relish the beauty of green reefs, please remember not to stand on the stone troughs. Let’s contribute to the sustainability of the local ecology.In the windbreak behind Laomei Beach, red-brick walls have created winding and intricate pathways. This transforms Laomei Green Reef into something resembling an extraterrestrial relic and a must-visit popular photo spot on the North Coast. Apart from challenging your sense of direction and memory on your own in the maze, you can also play or enjoy a game of hide-and-seek with your friends and family inside.Characterized by black and white stripes, the Fuguei Cape Lighthouse that stands erect between the mountains and ocean is the northernmost lighthouse on the Taiwan main island. Since its establishment in 1897, it has been faithfully guarding vessels passing through the north coast. When the sun sets, looking eastward from the west side of the lighthouse, you'll see the fiery red afterglow reflected on the lighthouse, creating a magical spectacle that photography enthusiasts eagerly seek.“With soaring spirits into the clouds, we joyfully fly kites, hoping to reach the highest heavens. To ascend the kites on high, it all depends on the thread held in our hands.” This Chinese poem written by the Kaitai Imperial Scholar, Zheng Yong-xi, describes the scenery of the millennia-old flying kite activity. Situated on the windward side of the northeast monsoon, Shimen is reputed as “The Homeland of Kites” as the strong sea breeze has created an excellent environment for flying kites. Shimen, serving as the host location for the annual Taiwan International Kite Festival, draws in numerous foreign and domestic skilled kite enthusiasts each year. Pick up your own kite and run against the wind. Let's join the colorful kites to soar amidst the breathtaking scenery of Shimen's sea and sky.

The Luzhou branch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line spans across Luzhou and Sanchong Districts. Both districts belonged to Luzhou Township before 1947. Now they are collectively called Sanlu District, surrounded by Erchong Floodway and Tamsui River like an island. There are 12 bridges connecting Taipei City and Wugu-Xinzhuang area. With a vast waterfront area, this location is highly suitable for cycling.Luzhou branch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line is entirely underground. Launched in 2010, this branch has a total of five stations, including Sanchong Elementary School (O50), Sanhe Junier High School (O51), St. lgnatius High School (O52), Sanmin Senior High School (O53), and Luzhou (O54). As a satellite town of Taipei City, the Sanlu area is only separated from Taipei City by a bridge. It is also the district with the highest density of temples in Taiwan. Take the MRT now and visit Sanlu!Luzhou (O54): Breeze Canal"Luzhou Fanyue" (paddling under the moonlight at Luzhou) was one of the eight scenes of Tamsui River in Qing Dynasty, capturing the scenery of river and sandy bays around Luzhou in the early days. Although Luzhou has been highly urbanized today, it is still possible to enjoy the mountain and river scenery in the waterfront area. Breeze Canal is located within Erchong Floodway. It is a designated waterway in New Taipei City for hosting international competitions of rowing and canoeing. The annual Dragon Boat competition is also held here! On usual days, the waterway is also open to the public for activities such as windsurfing and kayaking. This location is blessed with the widest view in the Sanlu area, with Guanyin Mountain and Yangmingshan standing on two sides of Tamsui River. The natural scenery here is rare in the city.Sanmin Senior High School (O53): Luzhou Li's Residence, Yonglian Temple, Luzhou Temple Street Commercial DistrictThe historic site of Li's Residence in Luzhou is a cultural landmark in the Luzhou area. In Luzhou, where the population density is as high as 27,000 people per square kilometer, it has not been easy to preserve Li's Residence in its complete, original appearance. Luzhou Li's Residence was built in 1895 with nine halls and sixty rooms. There is a lotus pond in front of the courtyard. It is a grand mansion of a prominent local family. The architecture is of a combined layout of a farmhouse and an official's residence.The Li family of Luzhou immigrated from Quanzhou, Fujian to Luzhou during the Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. The third generation of the family after immigrating, Li Shuhua, served as a Confucian School official in Anping and Fengshan counties, which greatly enhanced Luzhou’s scholarly culture. The fifth generation of the family after immigrating, Li Youbang, was a lieutenant general who performed well in the Second Sino-Japanese War who eventually died in the White Terror political oppression. Consequently, General Li Youbang Memorial Hall was set up at Li's Residence in Luzhou, in memory of the modern history of Taiwan.When it comes to the most representative delicacy of Luzhou, it has to be Qiezi noodles (tshı̍k-á-mī in the Taiwanese dialect)! The name, Qiezi, comes from the movement of shaking noodles in a skimmer when the noodles are cooked. It is served with a rich broth made from pork bones and added with leeks and bean sprouts so it is fresh and filling at the same time. Qiezi noodles is a representative noodle dish of northern Taiwan, equally well-known as Danzi noodles from Tainan in southern Taiwan. Qiezi noodles originated from the stalls in front of Yonglian Temple. Today, Luzhou Temple Night Market that developed around Yonglian Temple has become the liveliest commercial district in the area! Qiezi noodles as well as Yonglian Temple are important identities for Luzhou locals!Sanhe Junier High School (O51): Bihua Temple, Bihua Fabric StreetWith great location advantages, Sanchong is only a bridge away from Taipei City. In the era of rapid economic and population growth in Taiwan, a large number of people poured into Sanchong. In the 1970s, the government pushed the "your living room as the workshop" campaign and turned the whole population into a workforce and created economic miracles. The prosperous Sanchong Bihua Fabric Street, in its heyday, was where more than 300 fabric stores gathered in the 1980s. Having witnessed the rise and fall of Taiwan's garment industry, it has now been transformed into a fabric museum. Offering a wide variety of fabrics at affordable prices, it is a favorite of DIY enthusiasts and students! At the end of Fabric Street, you will find the century-old Bihua Temple which used to be dedicated to Sakyamuni, and now has become a temple integrating Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It is a popular place of worship.Sanchong Elementary School (O50): Sanhe Night MarketAs it gets dark, you will find yourself at the last stop of Luzhou Branch, Sanchong Elementary School. From here it is an 8-minute walk to Sanhe Night Market, which is the night market frequented by Sanchong locals. There are many stalls that have been around for more than three decades, and the price here is more affortable compared to tourist night markets such as Shilin Night Market. Sesame oil chicken soup, wontons, rice balls, xiaolongbao, milk sticks, ba-wan (Taiwanese meatballs), papaya milk, sweet potato balls, crispy sticks, and green onion cakes are all popular delicacies at Sanhe Night Market.