New Taipei City Travel

Compared to the Xinzhuang and Wanhua districts, the Zhonghe district is considered an area which was developed much later; however, each area has its own past and its own story. If you slow down, you will realize that Zhonghe’s historical sites are very close to our lives. Visit traces of history hidden in the parks, discover the past and present of Zhonghe district, and then visit the temples toward the mountains to pray for future peace.Located in Zijiang Park, the Mizuho Pond is a municipal monument with a rectangular-shaped main building which is supported by Tuscan columns. Completed in 1929, it is part of the Banqiao waterway system, connecting the development of the Banqiao and Shuanghe areas, and greatly improving the water quality in the Banqiao area, making it an important historical landmark in the modernization of Taiwan’s sewage systems. The Yuanshan Park, which was expanded in 2018, has a long slide, a grass skating field, a zip line, and various other facilities, making it a great place for families to visit. On top of that, there is also a municipal monument: The remnants of the Haishan Shrine. This shrine was built in 1938, when the Japanification policy was implemented in Taiwan. At present, there are remains of stone walls, stone stairs, torii gates, and air-raid shelters at the Haishan Shrine, which are worth exploring when visiting the park.The Yuantong Temple was built in 1927, and is an architectural mix of traditional Taiwanese, Japanese and Western styles. It is one of the famous temples of the Caodong school in the north of Taiwan, which was featured in the classic movies “Brother Liu and Brother Wang on the Roads in Taiwan” and “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.” Behind the temple are several hiking trails connecting various different hiking routes in the Zhonghe area.。Huaxin Street is the most diverse street in Taiwan when it comes to Southern cuisine; it is home to many descendants of soldiers and residents who moved from Yunnan to Myanmar and Thailand for retirement, so almost all restaurants on Huaxin Street offer Burmese, Yunnan and Thai food, such as shredded baba, coconut chicken, noodles in fish soup, curry chicken, spicy pho, shredded chicken noodles, and pea fritters. Many signboards are even written in Burmese, and the staff of these restaurants speak it as well!Xingnan Road crosses National Highway No.3 with two side roads, one leading to the White Horse Temple, which is dedicated to Shakyamuni. The name of the White Horse Temple is derived from the first temple built after Buddhism was introduced in China, the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, which is a temple practicing Pure Land Buddhism.The other road, which goes uphill, leads to the Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple. This local temple, which is more crowded at night than during the day, is without a doubt the most popular temple of the God of Wealth in northern Taiwan. From the temple, you can look down at the million-dollar night view, and plan out your future self!

“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.