New Taipei City Travel

In the past, Shenkeng was known as Zanying, in reference to the crest worn by officials. Shenkeng was once the political and economic center of Wenshan District (today’s New Taipei Districts of Shenkeng, Shiding, Pinglin, Xindian and Wulai, and the Wenshan District in Taipei City), and has been an important location in between Taipei and Yilan since ancient times. Not only was it a key route along the South Damlan Road, but it has also become the most important waterway shipping center in Southern Taipei due to the convenient waterway transportation of Jingmei Creek. Wenshan Tea, which is brought from Shenkeng via Jingmei Creek and Xindian Creek to Dadaocheng along the Tamsui river, is sold all over the world. Most notably the end of the Qing Dynasty to the beginning of the Japanese rule in Taiwan was the golden period for Shenkeng tea.Shenkeng has many different bus routes to and from Taipei’s downtown area, making for convenient traffic. Because of this, during the holidays, it attracts many tourists. The large kabocha tree at the entrance of the old street is the welcoming tree of Shenkeng, and on the street behind it is the century-old Tingzai Foot house. Because of Shenkeng’s clear water and its special salt braising method, the charcoal taste of Shenkeng-made tofu has attracted many gourmands and has become known as the “hometown of tofu”, which in turn re-invigorated the Old Street. The Old Street is home to various tofu-based dishes, such as fried stinky tofu, stinky tofu skewers, charcoal-grilled tofu ice cream, sesame tofu ice cream, milky tofu pudding and much more. The local tofu menu is full of dishes that will satisfy all who visit.In addition to its famous tofu, Shenkeng’s specialties include Wenshan Baozhong tea, green bamboo shoots, and black pork, which together with the tofu are known as the “Four Jewels of Shenkeng” and should not be missed. Additionally, the architecture in Shenkeng is also very interesting, and includes the magnificent baroque red-brick De Xing Building, and the Anxi-style three-in-one residence, the Eternal Peace Building, both of which are masterpieces of Taiwanese architecture.After trying the four jewels of Shenkeng, you can walk onto the Paozilun Trail and enjoy the purity of the mountains and see the water from which residents make their delicious tofu. The Paozilun Trail is one of the trails of New Taipei’s Smiling Mountain Line, and is a popular hiking trail in Shenkeng which connects the Shenkeng Paozilun area with the Caonan area in Taipei’s Muzha District. On the trail, you can find several ancient clay and stone alleyways, and the rustic scenery of paddy fields and tea plantations makes people forget the city noise. Then, when they get to the top, they can enjoy the view, looking out on Muzha District, the Maokong gondola, and Taipei 101.In addition to the hiking trails, Shenkeng’s lust mountains and forests, with streams of all sizes are a place of natural beauty. Among them, one of the most famous is the Paozilun Waterfall; when the water flows heavily, it streams down in four columns, which earned it the name “Four Dragons Waterfall.” The pavilion next to the waterfall is decorated with tables and chairs, where people can make tea and enjoy the waterfall, similar to what the merchants of Shenkeng did a hundred years ago.

Shiding District is the geographical center of New Taipei City, the main catchment area of Feicui Dam, and an essential path along the southern route of Tamsui Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails. Many approachable trails around Shiding Old Street are suitable for families to wander together. From the Tamsui-Kavalan Suspension Bridge, you can walk along the Waian Historic Trail, Wutuxi Trail, and Sifenzi Historic Trail, bathing in the green mountain trails. Then, go to the bee farm and tea garden on the Beiyi Highway to learn about the ecology of bees, taste tea, and feel the infinite vitality of the real estate industry.The Dipteris Conjugatas standing at the end of the Tamsui Suspension Bridge marks this place as an important scenic spot of the Tamsui Historic Trail. The red bridge of the Tamsui-Kavalan Suspension Bridge spans the Shiding River, and the pavilion and stone slabs simulate the scene of the transport wharf in the past. After crossing the suspension bridge, enter the Waian Historic Trail, go under the tall National Freeway 5 viaduct, and head to Shiding Old Street.The southern route of Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails is known as the "Tea Road." In the mid-19th century, after Taiwan opened its ports, tea became an essential international export commodity for Taiwan. The vast mountainous area between Taipei and Yilan became a significant tea production center, and the settlements in the valleys became trading bases for tea merchants. People transported Baozhong tea from the Shiding and Pinglin areas to Muzha, Jingmei, and Bangka along the southern route of Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails and Jingmei River waterway transportation network. After being processed and packaged in Dadaocheng, the merchants shipped the tea out of Tamsui to the world.The endpoint of the Waian Historic Trail: Shiding Old Street is the earliest developed area in Shiding. It is divided into two streets, east and west, by the Wanshou Bridge, built with stone bridge piers. The century-old tofu shop, the unique hanging-leg building (diaojialou), and the skyless street on the old street are all classic attractions in Shiding. Passing by the Shiding Elementary School, which is more than 120 years old, reflects a flourishing population of Shiding during the coal mining period in the early years.After passing through Shiding Elementary School, connect to the Wutuxi Trail built along the left bank of the Wutuxi. The trail is roughly parallel to Dingge Road, with a total length of about two kilometers and gentle undulations. Bamboo forests lined the path along the way, accompanied by Formosa Acacia, tung flowers, ficus variegata blume, nest ferns, and lagerstroemia subcostata of Shansu and Han. Besides, fishing protection policies allow rivers to retain various fish species, with clear and transparent water quality and a rich and diverse ecosystem.The Sifenzi Historic Trail is a mountain trail connecting Sifenzi and Yueshan Lake. Along the trail, you can see many historical sites, such as a stone bridge, stone houses, a Tudi Gong temple, tea plantations, terraced fields, and bamboo gardens. The picturesque scenery of Shiding has attracted many people who love mountain life to build their homes here. After walking the three major mountain trails in Shiding, arrive at the Mamami Honey, about a 5-minute drive from Shiding Old Street. Under the guidance of the beekeeper, you put on professional bee-proof clothes and enter the home of honey. In the garden where hundreds of bees are flying, observe the ecology of bees up close and deeply understand the importance of bees to the world's ecosystem.The Bei Yi Highway is a 58-kilometer highway connecting Taipei and Yilan. The highway transportation function of the Bei Yi Highway replaced the traditional traffic route – Tamsui- Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails, and has formed many new settlements. The latest traffic route brought traffic and people and allowed many industries to move to the side of the highway. Wang Lai Tea, which focuses on tea cultivation, is among the best. In the tea house full of unique award plaques, enjoy the excellent tea brewed by the tea garden owner and quietly appreciate the beautiful tea garden scenery.