New Taipei City Travel

Jinshan is located in the northeast hill of the Datun Mountain System, and is surrounded by volcanic terrain on three sides. The volcanic plain is composed of the alluvium by Sulfur Creek, Jinbaoli River, and other streams, which makes Jinshan get the edge on agriculture on account of fertile soils. Jinshan has been the major transportation route in the north coast since ancient times. There was the Jinbaoli Trail (Yulu Historical Trail) in the past, and there is the current Yangjin Highway. Jinshan is the most prominent route to go to Taipei City from the north coast, which is also what lead to its development and prosperity.Jinshan Old Street, also known as Jinbao Li Old Street, is a 200-meter-long street that has been the busiest commercial center on the north coast of Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty. Nearby local residents from Shimen and Wanli District come shopping and do business. You can find many special cuisines made from Jinshan’s specialties at Jinshan Old Street, such as giant sweet potato and taro balls, taro rice cakes (a traditional snack), candied sweet potatoes, fruit ice cream, and the renowned Guang’an restaurant whose buffet culture has become a unique sight on Jinshan Old Street. If that is not enough, the handmade Ma Lao, Taiwanese egg rolls, and sweet potato crisps are all recommended Jinshan’s souvenirs, whether you would like to send them to your friends or bring them home for a taste.The First Public Retail Market Jinshan was founded at Zhongshan Road during the Japanese colonial period. The local specialties in Jinshan like Tiaohshi taros, water bamboo shoots, red-centered yams, arrowhead bamboo shoots, and other vegetables are sold according to the season. Due to its unique sea-facing volcanic soil, Jinshan is famous for its Tiaohshi taros with their firmed texture and a chewy touch as well as Tainong No. 66 red sweet potatoes with their silky texture.In the early years, the development of the markets and the old streets occurred near the temples, as was the case for Jinshan Old Street. The Cihu Temple is the religious center in the Jinshan area, and is known as “The Great Temple” by the locals who mainly visit to worship the gold-face deity Mazu. During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, local fishermen found a statue of Mazu in a sea cave in Yehliu when the tide was low. Therefore, they built the Cihu Temple to worship Mazu and she was considered the founding Mazu. Later, the temple rebuilt a statue of Mazu and hollowed out the back to put the founding Mazu inside. This new Mazu was regarded as the second Mazu. As a result, this became the one and only legend of “Mazu in Mazu” in Taiwan. Every year, the Mazu pilgrimage will go back to that sea cave in Yehliu, which was first discovered by the fishermen. This is without a doubt one of the most popular events in Jinshan.Shitoushan Park is located on the 70-meter-altitude Jinshan cape, which is 800 meters away from Cihu Temple, making it a suitable place to walk to after visiting the old street and finishing a meal. Shitoushan Park has been designated as a military control zone for years, and the general public is not allowed to enter at will, which unintentionally preserves an abundant ecological environment. In different seasons, you can see the Formosa lilies and the golden lycoris blooming beside the trail. Standing at the high point of the park, looking to the east you can see the famous Yehliu geopark; looking to the west you can see the Huanggang fishing harbor, which is famous for their “sulfuric fire fishing” technique; looking to the front, you can see the Twin Candle Islets. In sunny weather, the endless stretch of blue blends the boundary between the sea and the sky.“That year, the woman who couldn't wait for her husband to return from the sea turned into a rock. Later, the husband saw his wife turned into stone after returning from his travels. Eventually, he turned into a stone pillar out of desperation and grief, so that they could stay with each other forever.” This is the poignant background story of the 60-meter-high stacks on the Twin Candlestick Islets, which were created by tectonic plate movement and erosion by the sea wind. The extraordinary shape of mutual dependence has attracted countless couples and photographers, and is a popular photography spot in Jinshan.After enjoying the boundless and stunning seascape, you can go to the redeveloped Zhongshan Hot Spring Park to enjoy the best natural resources of Jinshan: hot springs. The Jinshan hot spring is the northernmost hot spring on Taiwan’s main island; its springs are divided into four categories: sulfur salt springs, sulfur springs, carbonated springs, and iron springs. The Zhongshan Hot Spring Park, which is open to the public free of charge, is a golden-brown iron spring known as the "Golden Soup". Soak your feet in the hot springs of the park, which has won the Taiwan Landscape Award, to eliminate fatigue, soothe your mind and body, and bring a perfect ending to your day trip.

Zhonghe-Xinlu Line of Taipei MRT Xinzhuang branch began service in 2013. The whole route is underground, spanning across Xinzhuang and Sanchong Districts. There are a total of nine stations, including Taipei Bridge (O13), Cailiao (O14), Sanchong (O15), Xianse Temple (O16), Touqianzhuang (O17), Xinzhuang (O18), Fu Jen University (O19), Danfeng (O20), and Huilong (O21). Xinzhuang was once passed through by Taiwan's first railway, built by Liu Mingchuan. In 1893, the section between Taipei and Hsinchu began service. Haishankou Station was set up in front of today's Xinzhuang Elementary School. During the Japanese Rule period, Taiwan Railways modified the route so that after 1901, the train began passing through Banqiao area. Xinzhuang's status was therefore gradually surpassed by Banqiao. A century later, with the launch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line, Xinzhuang entered the era of new railways.Xinzhuang District is the second largest district of New Taipei City after Banqiao District, with a population of more than 400,000. It is the earliest developed area in Greater Taipei with many ancient temples and local culture preserved. It is also where the Pontifical university, Fu Jen University, is located. Join us to tour around Xinzhuang by MRT!Taipei Bridge (O13): Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1The first stop is near Taipei Bridge. With low and simple brick houses on the riverside hanging the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" flags, the nostalgic Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1 is a favorite location of film crews. It is also the childhood memories of many Taiwanese. In addition to military kindred related exhibitions, many military-themed exhibitions and activities are held here, bringing many military fans here.Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1 was where the Japanese anti-aircraft artillery was based during World War II, responsible for defending the sky over Tamsui River. Today, the underground tunnels between the artillery positions have been preserved. Put on a helmet and follow the guide to explore the underground Village No. 1!Cailiao (O14): Yunye Meat Curd MuseumYunye Meat Curd Museum inherits the delicious dried meat from an old shop of more than 30 years of history at Huannan Market. It is the first culture museum in Taiwan having the dried meat industry as the theme. Integrating Taiwan's traditional cuisine and food culture, with fun experiences in the fully transparent production process of dried meat, the museum allows visitors to learn in guided tours about modern dried meat and the cutting-edge concepts of food hygiene. It is a great indoor location for a family tour.Sanchong (O15): New Taipei Metropolitan ParkSanchong (O15) and Taoyuan MRT Sanchong Station (A2) are connected, and you can transfer between the lines within the station. It is the first impression of Taipei for international travelers after crossing the Linkou Plateau. Outside of Sanchong Station, you will find New Taipei Metropolitan Park that is located within Erchong Floodway. The park covers an area of 424 hectares, which is 16 times the size of Daan Forest Park in Taipei City. New Taipei Metropolitan Park has vast space and greenery with bicycle paths, various sports facilities, and children's favorite, Bear Monkey Forest Playground. Bear Monkey Forest Playground and Sea World Water Park are the world's largest inclusive embankment slide park. The design incorporates endemic species of Taiwan such as Formosan black bear, Formosan landlocked salmon, Mikado pheasant, green sea turtle, and mudskipper. Adults and Children of all ages can enjoy the park together!Xinzhuang (O18): Xinzhuang Temple Street Commercial District, Xinzhuang Guangfu Temple, Crescent Bridge"Fu first, Lu second, Xinzhuang third" is a proverb that entails the prosperity of Xinzhuang. Xinzhuang was the earliest developed area in Taipei, rising to the advantages in shipping of Dahan River. In the 18th century, it was the busiest commercial center of Taipei. Walking through Temple Street, you can vaguely feel how the web of streets was formed more than 200 years ago, seeing streets such as Mishi (rice market) Lane, Xiancai (pickled vegetable) Street, and Tiaoshui (water-carrying) Lane.Temple Street Commercial District is a blend of old and new with shops set up among temples. It is an area where Xinzhuang people gather for meals and go shopping. There are many well-known ancient temples in Temple Street, such as the only national monument in Xinzhuang, Guangfu Temple (built by Chaozhou Hakka people in 1780); Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple (built in 1729), Xinzhuang Dizang Temple (built in 1757), Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple (built in 1760), and Xinzhuang Wenchang Temple (built in 1813). The unique "Guanjiangshou" culture is therefore developed along with the temple fair pastry, Xianguang cake. This temple fair pastry is shaped like a bagel with a mixed savory and sweet flavor. It is a special product sold in the pastry shops on Temple Street that brings people blessings.Although Xinzhuang Port disappeared a hundred years ago due to siltation of the river, gazing at the vast Dahan River on Crescent Bridge outside the embankment would still remind you of the scene of "Xinzhuang Port crowded by thousands of sails, and the market lit by thousands of household lights." Crescent Bridge is the longest double-span steel arch bridge in Taiwan. It has a beautiful shape and is designed for pedestrians and bicycles only. Taking advantage of its height, you can enjoy the view of both banks of Dahan River in the breeze.Fu Jen University (O19): Fu Jen Catholic UniversityUniversity campuses often occupy a vast area and are surrounded by many inexpensive food options, making them great places for a weekend trip. Fu Jen University was founded in Beijing in 1925 and was once ranked as one of the four top universities in Beijing. In 1961, Fu Jen University was reestablished in Taiwan. It is the only university in Taiwan that is under the direct authority of the Holy See. The campus was designed by German engineers. There is coverage of dense vegetation. The buildings are of the color scheme of red, blue, and gray. Most signs of the buildings were created by calligraphers and politicians, including Chiang Kai-shek, Tai Jingnong, Wang Jingzhi, and Chia Ching-teh. You can enjoy them while strolling on campus.Fu Jen University's popular delicacy, FJU Department of Food Science ice-cream, is something alumni would visit the campus for. There are three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and mixed. Every year, a time-limited flavor is launched during FJU's anniversary celebration. It is the sweetest memory for many. There are also many high-value, low-cost delicacies around the main gate of Fu Jen University, such as Teppanyaki, spicy hotpot, and Cantonese roast meat. There are many affordable and delicious options!Huilong (O21):New Taipei City Military Cemetery(Arms Park)The last station of Xinzhuang Line is Huilong Station. This station is located at the westernmost end of the Taipei Basin. At the Military Shrine at the foot of Datong Mountain, Ministry of National Defense placed retired arms on display at the plaza, including fighter jets from the 1970s-90s, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and Northrop F-5;5"/54 caliber Mark 16 gun and warship anchor of the Navy; and M41 Walker Bulldog tank and various anti-aircraft guns of the Army. This is the favorite spot of many military enthusiasts! In the future, Huilong Station will be connected with the Brown Line of Taoyuan MRT and Wanda-Shulin Line of Taipei MRT, making it the largest transit station in Xinzhuang. It is hoped that the well-connected web of public transportation will take visitors to all corners of the metropolitan.