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.

Ancient Kyoto-style century-old temple is hidden in Xizhi?! Gongbei Temple in Xizhi is well-known for maple appreciation during fall. Besides the beautiful maples’ red, Gongbei Temple that was built in 1906 is now more than a century old, and the stone-paved double arch bridge outside the Temple is equally classic and elegant. Paradise does not end here, following Xiwan Road and continue into the woods, there hides a lake surrounded by the mountains – it is Xinshan Dream Lake! The name “Dream Lake” originates from the frequent foggy sight during winter, which gives it a misty and fantastical ambiance, making it a popular attraction for many newlyweds’ wedding photo shoot! Following the hiking trail up into Xinshan and having a bird’s-eye view of Dream Lake, tourists will feel the tranquility and be freshened up from the summer heat. On the return trip back to downtown Xizhi, visitors are recommended to visit Xizhi Old Street on their way home. It is where Xizhi began its development and where many historic sites have been preserved. In this neighborhood, there are the old Babao Glass Noodle shop of more than 30 years and the legendary 6-decade-old savory porridge shop; and the evening market by the train station offers a wide array of hearty tasty eats. As the sky grows dark, the twinkling star lights over the Keelung River, and the winding S-shaped Starlight Bridge also shines like the stars in a galaxy after it is lit up at night. There is no better ending for your day as you take a walk after enjoying the street eats while enjoying the starry light!