New Taipei City Travel

When stepping out of an air-conditioned room on scorching summer days, the oppressive atmosphere within the concrete jungle can induce fatigue due to global warming and the increasingly severe urban heat island effect. Let's go! Let's escape the urban areas and head towards the mountains to avoid the summer heat! Shuangxi (literally refers to “two rivers” in Chinese), named after the confluence of the Pinglin River and Mudan River, makes everyone feel refreshed just by looking at it. With its mountainous terrain, the Shuangxi District is situated in the upstream area of the Feicui Reservoir Watershed. When visiting Shuangxi, you can take a walk along the Pingxi Historic Trail and dip into the flowing river, leading all the way to the panoramic Guishan Island viewing platform. Moreover, you can visit the Shoushan Temple to pray, explore treasures at the holiday farmers’ market, and leisurely stroll along Shuangxi Old Street.Located on the mountainous terrain between Taipei Basin and Lanyang Plain, Shuangxi District has been a crucial passage for travelers commuting between them in the past. It is also the primary pathway along the middle route of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails. The Pingxi Historic Trail that lies within it features a uniquely flat valley landscape seldom found in northern Taiwan, making it an excellent destination for families. Extending 1.5 km at an altitude of 500 m, this trail provides an ideal setting, allowing travelers to instantly dissipate the summer heat when stepping into the refreshing ambiance of Pingxi. The Pingxi Historic Trail is enveloped by lush greenery, accentuated by a captivating sight of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) forests arranged in neat along the way. This trail, resembling a green corridor, is flat and spacious, featuring two intersections that lead travelers to the river. The pristine river flows leisurely, and its deepest point reaches only up to the calf, offering an excellent spot for water play and observing fish and shrimp during summer days. This historic trail concludes at the border between New Taipei City and Yilan County, where a viewing platform providing a magnificent vista is established. This platform enables travelers to gaze upon Turtle Island and the distant Pacific Ocean!To reach the entrance of the Pingxi Historic Trail, please navigate to the "Wushan No. 62 Camping Site". The access road is narrow, so please drive safely.Shoushan Temple serves as the religious hub in Taiping, Shuangxi. Situated upstream of Feicui Reservoir, it stands on the banks of the Beishi River. The primary deity enshrined at Shoushan Temple is Mazu, the revered "Heavenly and Sacred Mother", accompanied by Guan Yu, the "Holy Ruler Deity Guan", and Tudigong, the "Right God of Blessing and Virtue". The "Mazu Pilgrimage", held annually on February 18 of the lunar calendar, stands as the prominent yearly event in the Taiping region.Next to the entrance archway of Shoushan Temple, the Taiping Holiday Farmers Market (also referred to as the Shoushan Temple Holiday Farmers Market) operates during weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This market can accommodate more than 20 stalls selling premium seasonal vegetables, such as shiitake mushrooms planted in the region, assorted seasonal vegetables, and various melons. Additionally, there is a cooked food area offering diverse prepared foods like Taiwanese stir-fried rice noodles, Chinese mesona chicken soup, and refreshing ice treats.The center of Shuangxi is situated at the confluence of the Mudan River and Pinglin River. Due to the human traffic and logistics along the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, Shuangxi served as an important land and water transportation hub during the Qing Dynasty. However, following the consecutive development of railways and highways, Shuangxi's initial function in water transportation was gradually supplanted, leading to the decline of the town.The Shuangxi Ferry Pier stands at the end of Chang’an Street. In its earlier days, it functioned as a crucial inland cargo transfer station. Passengers and goods from the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails boarded vessels at this pier, journeyed to the estuary near Jiushe (nowadays, the area around Fulong Beach), and then switched to sailboats for further transit to various destinations. On the return trip, smaller boats were used to transport daily essentials upstream to the upper reaches of Dingshuangxi, contributing significantly to the former splendor of Shuangxi.Once the most bustling street in Shuangxi, Chang’an Street holds the spiritual center of the area. It is home to Taiwan's sole temple dedicated to "the Three Heroes of the Late Song Dynasty" - the Sanzhong Temple. In 1781, a Fujian migrant crossed over the Taiwan Strait and arrived in Shuangxi, bringing along a statue of Wen Tianxiang. He settled here to cultivate the land and built a thatched hut to house the statue of the deity. As the number of devotees grew, statues of Lu Xiufu and Zhang Shijie were crafted and enshrined alongside Wen Tianxiang's statue. Through numerous repairs and renovations, the temple has evolved into its present form.Until today, Shuangxi Old Street has preserved numerous old buildings, including the century-old Lin Yi-tang Chinese Medicinal Herbs Store, Chou's Old House, Shuangxi Presbyterian Church, and more, showcasing the former grandeur of Shuangxi. Although the old street has gradually faded, it exudes a sense of tranquility typical of a mountainous town. Travelers can leisurely stroll through its alleys and streets, capturing photographs and savoring the scenery.

"Hakka, indigo dyeing, and old streets" are probably the three main impressions that come to mind when thinking of Sanxia. Sanxia was formerly known as "Sanchiaoyung," and "yung" means water waves in Taiwanese. Hengxi, Sanxia River, and Dahan River converge here, forming a triangular plain. The place name shows the characteristics of the past century - abundant water resources and open plains.The Hakka immigrants in Sanxia engaged in the dyeing, tea, and camphor industries with rich natural conditions as the background. Moreover, the rivers crisscrossed the area, enabling the transportation of large quantities of cloth, making the dyeing industry a thriving industry. To get to know Sanxia, start with the indigo dyeing experience. Wandering around the former Sanchiaoyung Street (now called "Sanxia Old Street") and visiting the New Taipei City Hakka Museum to experience the collision of Hakka culture from the past to the present.▲ Sanxia was once a significant center of the indigo dyeing industry. (Photo source: authorized and provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)Here is the significant center of indigo dyeing, a part of Hakka culture.Sanxia is a place with many hills, suitable for growing the blue-dyed plant "Assam Indigo." The confluence of rivers also provides advantages for leaching and river transportation. Hakka immigrants took advantage of the perfect geographical conditions and developed the treasures of this land. The place once experienced a prosperous era with many dyeing factories until the introduction and popularization of chemical dyes.When visiting Sanxia Old Street, people still see the old dyeing workshop plaques hanging high. A group of young people who returned to their hometown, holding the concept of local creation, rented a century-old house on Qingshui Street next to Sanxia Old Street and jointly established "Can Culture Art and Nature" to maintain the gradually declining culture. It provides a traditional craftsmanship experience and a canteen with fermented and brewed local ingredients.▲The courtyard of Can Culture Art and Nature, nestled against the century-old house, is shaded by large trees and full of greenery.Participating in Can Culture Art and Nature's DIY blue dyeing, the instructor will start by tracing the history of blue dyeing in Sanxia and then delve into the principles and techniques of blue dyeing. Through various methods of tying, determine the pattern differences on the fabric. After designing each pattern, the next step is to immerse the fabric in a traditional dyeing vat, gently massage it, and finally disassemble the tying tools. Drying in a well-ventilated place helps the dye to oxidize, and the color will gradually turn blue.▲ Dip the tied fabric into the dye vat and press it gently. (Photo source: provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)Once welcomed by the Hakka people, the blue dress is wear-resistant, dirt-resistant, and can be repeatedly dyed. As part of the Hakka culture of Sanxia, through a complete experience, people can understand the unique connotation of blue dyeing in Sanxia from a new perspective. It is not only a superficial living craft but also carries the simplicity that the Hakka people adhere to. Nowadays, many local dyeing workshops have launched course experiences and held the Sanxia Blue Dyeing Festival to allow this beautiful craft to take root in Sanxia and continue well.▲ Dry in a well-ventilated place to help the dye solution oxidize. (Photo source: provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)👉 Registration Information for Indigo Dyeing Experience DIY of Can Culture Art and Nature．The class opening has over six or more people, and participants must register three days in advance.．Course time: Morning session 10:00 (holidays only) / Afternoon session 14:00 (weekdays and holidays).．The actual situation is subject to the organizer.Explore local cuisine in the unique old street that combines Minnan and Western styles.After experiencing indigo dyeing, visit the nearby Sanxia Old Street to visit the ancient sites and eat delicious food. It feels like traveling through time and space. Walking on Sanxia Old Street, it seems to see still the scene of people transporting coal and camphor wood on the road. This settlement street, which faces the river and the mountains, combines ancient Greek columns, Roman arches, and Baroque decorations. The long red brick arcade is a check-in spot for tourists.▲Sanxia Old Street is an S-shaped street built according to the terrain, and the red brick arcade is a tourist must-photograph attraction.The must-try food in Sanxia Old Street is not only the Golden Croissants. It would help to catch the original Golden Croissant ice cream. The modified croissant cup used to hold it has a crisper taste. There are also many ice cream flavors to choose from. Everyone should have an ice cream to cool down when the autumn heat comes. Handmade tofu pudding made according to the ancient method, rice blood with a unique garlic sauce, and braised dishes made with Chinese medicine and fruits and vegetables are also classic foods. Taste every deliciousness for just coins' price!▲ The most famous one is the Golden Croissant of Sanxia, which has also developed many extension products, such as Golden Croissant ice cream.👉 Read more: Sanxia Old Street Tour Guide (Sanxia Old Street Shopping District Official Website)It is a comprehensive collection of Hakka history, culture, and art, a place for education and entertainment.With a satisfying meal, why not walk to the " New Taipei City Hakka Museum," only a ten-minute drive from Sanxia Old Street? The round earthen buildings come into view with Hakka architectural elements such as the Vochang (Hakka dialect for "the place for drying grains in sunlight ") and corridors. The gun holes on the outer wall and the watchtowers at the commanding heights are all meant to prevent and resist foreign invasions and have rich landscape features.▲ The earthen building is not only eye-catching in appearance but also incorporates Hakka architectural elements.Entering the New Taipei City Hakka Museum, the central theme is the history and culture of Taiwan's Hakka people. The permanent exhibition of cultural relics is from multiple perspectives, including clothing, utensils, and art. A ceramic boutique area and traditional clothing display also incorporate Hakka imagery into artworks. They even combine blue dyeing and floral fabrics with Barbie dolls, using features such as slanted plackets, fasteners, and culottes to create a unique Hakka Barbie. Moreover, there are occasional special exhibitions of Hakka artists to showcase the artistic styles and features created by the New Taipei Hakka people under the changing environment.👉Read more: Current Exhibitions at New Taipei City Hakka Museum▲ For more information about current exhibitions, please visit the official website of the New Taipei City Hakka Museum.The gourmet restaurants in the park can satisfy your cravings for classic Hakka dishes that are "salty, fragrant, and fatty" or afternoon tea snacks such as steamed cakes and mochi. If you want to experience the Sanxia Hakka culture in New Taipei City, visiting the New Taipei City Hakka Museum is the first choice for physical, mental, and spiritual enrichment!