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New Taipei City Travel

Exploring New Taipei by Taipei MRT – Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Luzhou branch)

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Exploring New Taipei by Taipei MRT – Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Luzhou branch)
Category :
MRT Travel
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public

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      Introduction

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      The Luzhou branch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line spans across Luzhou and Sanchong Districts. Both districts belonged to Luzhou Township before 1947. Now they are collectively called Sanlu District, surrounded by Erchong Floodway and Tamsui River like an island. There are 12 bridges connecting Taipei City and Wugu-Xinzhuang area. With a vast waterfront area, this location is highly suitable for cycling.

      Luzhou branch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line is entirely underground. Launched in 2010, this branch has a total of five stations, including Sanchong Elementary School (O50), Sanhe Junier High School (O51), St. lgnatius High School (O52), Sanmin Senior High School (O53), and Luzhou (O54). As a satellite town of Taipei City, the Sanlu area is only separated from Taipei City by a bridge. It is also the district with the highest density of temples in Taiwan. Take the MRT now and visit Sanlu!
      中和新蘆線_蘆洲端

      Luzhou (O54): Breeze Canal
      "Luzhou Fanyue" (paddling under the moonlight at Luzhou) was one of the eight scenes of Tamsui River in Qing Dynasty, capturing the scenery of river and sandy bays around Luzhou in the early days. Although Luzhou has been highly urbanized today, it is still possible to enjoy the mountain and river scenery in the waterfront area. Breeze Canal is located within Erchong Floodway. It is a designated waterway in New Taipei City for hosting international competitions of rowing and canoeing. The annual Dragon Boat competition is also held here! On usual days, the waterway is also open to the public for activities such as windsurfing and kayaking. This location is blessed with the widest view in the Sanlu area, with Guanyin Mountain and Yangmingshan standing on two sides of Tamsui River. The natural scenery here is rare in the city.
      微風運河

      Sanmin Senior High School (O53): Luzhou Li's Residence, Yonglian Temple, Luzhou Temple Street Commercial District
      The historic site of Li's Residence in Luzhou is a cultural landmark in the Luzhou area. In Luzhou, where the population density is as high as 27,000 people per square kilometer, it has not been easy to preserve Li's Residence in its complete, original appearance. Luzhou Li's Residence was built in 1895 with nine halls and sixty rooms. There is a lotus pond in front of the courtyard. It is a grand mansion of a prominent local family. The architecture is of a combined layout of a farmhouse and an official's residence.
      蘆洲李宅古蹟-李友邦將軍紀念館遠景

      The Li family of Luzhou immigrated from Quanzhou, Fujian to Luzhou during the Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. The third generation of the family after immigrating, Li Shuhua, served as a Confucian School official in Anping and Fengshan counties, which greatly enhanced Luzhou’s scholarly culture. The fifth generation of the family after immigrating, Li Youbang, was a lieutenant general who performed well in the Second Sino-Japanese War who eventually died in the White Terror political oppression. Consequently, General Li Youbang Memorial Hall was set up at Li's Residence in Luzhou, in memory of the modern history of Taiwan.
      蘆洲李宅

      When it comes to the most representative delicacy of Luzhou, it has to be Qiezi noodles (tshı̍k-á-mī in the Taiwanese dialect)! The name, Qiezi, comes from the movement of shaking noodles in a skimmer when the noodles are cooked. It is served with a rich broth made from pork bones and added with leeks and bean sprouts so it is fresh and filling at the same time. Qiezi noodles is a representative noodle dish of northern Taiwan, equally well-known as Danzi noodles from Tainan in southern Taiwan. Qiezi noodles originated from the stalls in front of Yonglian Temple. Today, Luzhou Temple Night Market that developed around Yonglian Temple has become the liveliest commercial district in the area! Qiezi noodles as well as Yonglian Temple are important identities for Luzhou locals!
      湧蓮寺
      蘆洲廟口商圈

      Sanhe Junier High School (O51): Bihua Temple, Bihua Fabric Street
      With great location advantages, Sanchong is only a bridge away from Taipei City. In the era of rapid economic and population growth in Taiwan, a large number of people poured into Sanchong. In the 1970s, the government pushed the "your living room as the workshop" campaign and turned the whole population into a workforce and created economic miracles. The prosperous Sanchong Bihua Fabric Street, in its heyday, was where more than 300 fabric stores gathered in the 1980s. Having witnessed the rise and fall of Taiwan's garment industry, it has now been transformed into a fabric museum. Offering a wide variety of fabrics at affordable prices, it is a favorite of DIY enthusiasts and students! At the end of Fabric Street, you will find the century-old Bihua Temple which used to be dedicated to Sakyamuni, and now has become a temple integrating Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It is a popular place of worship.
      碧華布街
      碧華寺

      Sanchong Elementary School (O50): Sanhe Night Market
      As it gets dark, you will find yourself at the last stop of Luzhou Branch, Sanchong Elementary School. From here it is an 8-minute walk to Sanhe Night Market, which is the night market frequented by Sanchong locals. There are many stalls that have been around for more than three decades, and the price here is more affortable compared to tourist night markets such as Shilin Night Market. Sesame oil chicken soup, wontons, rice balls, xiaolongbao, milk sticks, ba-wan (Taiwanese meatballs), papaya milk, sweet potato balls, crispy sticks, and green onion cakes are all popular delicacies at Sanhe Night Market.
      三和夜市
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      Travel to Jinshan Old Street
      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.
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      Admiring Cherry Blossoms and Soaking in Hot Springs in Jinshan to Enjoy Therapeutic Trip in Winter and Spring
      On wet and cold winter days when you even shiver while sleeping, do you just want to snuggle up in the comforter? The idea of “it would be so nice to soak in hot springs” will inevitably come to your mind on cold days. Actions speak louder than words. Now pluck up your courage to step outside and drive to Taiwan’s Northern Coast to soak in hot springs! When you soak in mist-covered hot springs, warmth spreads throughout your whole body, which helps blood vessels dilate, boost the circulation of blood, and get rid of wetness and coldness in the body.Jinshan at Taiwan’s Northern Coast possesses rich geothermal resources and gorgeous coastal capes. You walk along the Lion’s Head Mountain trail to the high point of Jinshan Cape to admire vast ocean views and Twin Candlestick Islets. Then you return to Zhongshan Hot Spring Park from the majestic, mysterious coast to pamper your feet with the golden hot spring. Next, you can visit Jinbaoli Old Street to enjoy seafood and local delicacies!Before soaking in Jinshan hot spring, how can you miss the beautiful scenery of Jinshan? After you park your car in the brand-new Jinshan parking tower, bundle yourself up and walk along the Lion’s Head Mountain trail toward the point where the land meets the sea. The trail is easy to walk. It takes only 35 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the high point. The Lion’s Head Mountain trail used to be the military control zone, so it was not accessible to the public. However, it has preserved the native ecosystem of the coastline. As there is a forest along the trail, the ecosystem is not easily affected by the sea wind. You can even see deserted barracks, lookouts and other military ruins. Upon arriving at Zhongzheng Pavilion, you can enjoy the spacious view surrounded by waters on three sides: Yeliu Cape and Keelung Islet to your east, and Huanggang to your west.Twin Candlestick Islets standing in the center of the sea in front of you are formed by two giant connecting sea stacks. They look like a pair of candlesticks standing still in the sea in despite of surging waves. The unique scenery has become the symbol of Jinshan District Office. Twin Candlestick Islets used to be at the tip of Jinshan Cape, but they have turned into islets in the sea due to plate movement and coastal erosion. A circular frame has been set up next to Zhongzheng Pavilion, and it is the best location to check in!Going back to the trail from Zhongzhang Pavilion, we descend as sea level gradually drops. What welcome us are the sea stretching to the horizon and wave-cut platforms. This is the east coast of Jinshan Cape, which is also known as the Mysterious Coast. You can feel the surging sea within a short distance as waves crash against jagged rocks that extend hundreds of meters.👉The road condition of the Mysterious Coast is easily affected by tides. Therefore, if waves are strong, it is recommended that you return and stay on Lion’s Head Mountain trail for the sake of your safety. Let’s soak in the hot spring at once after feasting our eyes on beautiful scenery. Walking along the Mysterious Coast, we arrive at Zhongshan Hot Spring Park after passing by Shuiwei Fishing Port. The park that is adjacent to Jinshan Old Street is now open to the public again after four years of renovation. The park has foot-soaking pools, a landscape waterway, landscape pool, banyan tree square and other facilities. It is a new hot spot of Route 2 Taiwan in New Taipei City.Jinshan is Taiwan’s northernmost hot spring area, and it belongs to the geothermal area of Datun Mountain. It has been a well-known hot spring resort since Japanese Colonial Period. The hot spring in Zhongshan Hot Spring Park has won the name of “golden hot spring” because it is rich in iron, and it turns golden brown after it contacts air. There are two foot-soaking pools in Zhongshan Hot Spring Park. The temperature in one pool is between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius, and the other is between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius. You can choose the foot-soaking pool based on your needs to relieve the fatigue of your feet with the golden hot spring.👉The foot-soaking pools are open until 5PM every day. Please clean your feet at the foot washing station before getting into the pool.Many Taiwan cherry blossoms have been planted on both sides of the landscape waterway at Zhongshan Hot Spring Park. They bloom in the park between January and March during the lunar new year to add color to monotonous winter. You can come to the hot spring park to admire gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom while soaking your feet in the hot spring leisurely.Of course, you do not enjoy yourself to the full if you just soak your feet in the hot spring. Jinshan District has many public bathrooms, private hot spring rooms and hot spring hotels for you to choose from. Jinshan hot spring is unique because it is located right by the sea. Therefore, it has four different kinds of hot springs, sulphur springs, sea sand springs, carbonic acid springs and iron springs. You can choose a private hot spring room that meets your need to help hot springs get rid of coldness in winter, stretching your body and cleansing your mind.After soaking in the hot spring, you might as well enjoy delicious food on Jinshan Old Street. Being called Jinbaoli Old Street in the past, Jinshan Old Street has over three hundred years of history, and it is the largest old street at Taiwan’s Northern Coast. Rich local atmosphere has been preserved. You can see vendors selling the agricultural products of Jinshan, such as red yam and tiaoshi taro. Restaurants on the street serve dishes, such as crab porridge, taro balls and honey yam, with local agricultural products. Have a bowl of seafood porridge and enjoy sweet potato balls to warm your stomach and heart.
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