New Taipei City Travel

The Ankeng Light Rail traveling between the riverside and the mountain town can be connected to the Xindian River Cycling Route and Bitan Scenic Area. Explore both banks of the Xindian River, visit the springtime-exclusive fireflies of Hemeishan (Hemei Mountain), and enjoy the Bitan Water Show during an in-depth journey. Make the most of various transportation options such as the Ankeng Light Rail, the public bicycle system (PBS), and man-powered ferries to explore both sides of the Xindian River!Starting from Shisizhang Station, this is the intersection of the Ankeng Light Rail and the MRT Circular Line. The Ankeng Light Rail has 9 light rail stations, and the entire system is located in Xindian District. The Ankeng Light Rail has collaborated with several artists to create various public artworks at light rail stations to showcase the abundant mountain and forest ecology of the Ankeng area.Walking on the connecting pathway of Shisizhang Station, you can see numerous butterflies dancing along the corridor. By scanning the QR code with your mobile phone, you can delve into a deeper understanding of common butterflies in Taiwan.The platform space of the light rail Shisizhang Station is adorned with the public art “The Fireflies’ Way Home”, which is composed of thousands of micro power generators emitting dot-like blue and green lights to simulate flying fireflies, guiding people into the mountainous wilderness of Ankeng area.Step into the gleaming golden-painted light rail train and enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows. Disembark at K07 Sunshine Sports Park Station, hop on a public bicycle to reach the riverside of the Xindian River, where you'll find the expansive 20-hectare Sunshine Sports Park.The Park features a roller-skating track, a 400-meter running track, a beach volleyball court, a soccer field, and an inclusive, all-age, and land-water-air versatile children's playground, making it the top leisure choice on the left bank of the Xindian River.The Yangguang Bridge (literally refers to the Sunshine Bridge) of Xidian River, which is located behind the Sports Park, features a bridge deck supported by steel cables resembling musical strings and five graceful arches. Its elegant, curved structure makes the Yangguang Bridge one of the most beautiful bridges in the Xidian River Watershed.As a connecting bridge exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles, Yangguang Bridge connects both banks of the Xindian River. Cyclists can lead their bikes across Yangguang Bridge and access the cycling route on the right bank of the Xindian River.The Xindian River Cycling Route is one of the top six riverside cycling routes in New Taipei City. Riding upstream towards Bitan, you will enjoy lush greenery along the way, making for a very pleasant journey.On clear days, you can even see the layered mountain ranges of Xindian and Wulai. After traveling approximately 4 kilometers, you will arrive at the Xidian Ferry Terminal located on the south bank of Bitan.The exclusive provider of man-powered ferries in Taiwan: Xidian Ferry Terminal. Man-powered ferries are a well-kept secret of unique transportation in Bitan. In the past, they were the primary mode of travel between Xindian Shopping Street and destinations like Wantan, Zhitan, and Tutan!The ferry terminal began operating as early as 1881. During its heyday, there were nine ferry terminals along the middle stream of the Xindian River. Crossing Bitan on a ferry allows you to not only appreciate the serenity and history, but also savor the joy of traveling by water along the riverbank.By taking a man-powered ferry to the west bank of Bitan, you can access the ecologically rich Hemeishan Trail. The Hemeishan Trail is divided into the waterside Green Trail and the mountainous Blue Trail, both of which feature stone steps or wooden boardwalks throughout.After reaching the 153-meter-high summit of Hemeishan, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bitan's waterfront and suspension bridge, with Nanganbshan (Nangang Mountain) and Taipei 101 clearly visible in the distance. When you turn around, you'll spot Qingtan on Xidian Beiyi Road and Xinwu Road. If you wait until after sunset, you can also experience the enchanting sight of fireflies twinkling in the forest.👉It is recommended to use mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are more active in the forest in the evening.The Hemeishan Trail features rich biodiversity, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna living in its forest, creating a natural ecological paradise. The most famous among them are the fireflies. During the firefly breeding season from April to May, countless glowing dots dance in the forest after dark, creating a galaxy-like scenery. This spectacle attracts many urban residents away from city lights to enjoy the beauty of twinkling fireflies.👉The best time to observe fireflies is from sunset to 8 PM. Remember to turn off flashlights to avoid disturbing their reproduction.Leaving the company of fireflies on Hemeishan Trail, you will find yourself on the north bank, where the Bitan Suspension Bridge stands. Built during the Japanese colonial period, the Bitan Suspension Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Xindian. The projection mapping light show of the Bitan Suspension Bridge at night is a beautiful memory of several generations of Xidian residents. Its splendid lights reflected on the river is the classic nighttime scenery of Bitan.碧潭上則有精彩萬分的水舞秀，「2023碧潭水舞」於3月31日盛大登場，一路展演至5月28日止，以雷射作為畫筆、以和美山壁作為畫布，在和美山上勾勒出各種圖案，讓和美山山舞與新店溪水舞互動起舞，使碧潭風景區越夜越美麗。👉碧潭水舞於每晚6點30至8點30分，每半小時演出1次，並在晚上8點45分進行最後一場表演，每晚共6場，將有2首各4分半鐘的精彩曲目交錯演出

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.