“Laomei turns green!” Touring Shimen during the vigorous spring.

Anchor point
Category :
Outdoor excursion
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & Family & Cyclists

推薦路線

Day

      Introduction

      Anchor point
      “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!
      老梅綠石槽

      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.
      幸福雙心公園
      幸福雙心公園

      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!
      老梅綠石槽

      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.
      老梅綠石槽

      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.
      老梅迷宮

      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.
      富貴角
      富貴角

      “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.

      石門風箏公園
      day01
        Previous
        Encountering Jimmy – enjoying cherry blossom along the Danhai Light Rail
        In the city, people are rushing around for work every day. The pace of life is so fast that it is impossible to relax. After getting off work, the advertisements on the street and various notifications on the mobile phone are holding our eyeballs hostage. You must feel exhausted from this kind of life. "Sometimes, sometimes" suggests that you should get rid of the stimulus that is imposed on the "window to the soul." Take Danhai Light Rail from Tamsui, ride in the blue train, and feel the blue sky and the sea in the transparent carriage!Stroll through the 4-kilometer-long dreamy cherry blossom tunnel and collect the Jimmy-themed sculptures that are loved by adults and children along the Light Rail. Visit the century-old Sanheyuan, Gongsitian River Cheng's Ancient House. Cycle back to Tamsui Old Street along the Tamsui Golden Coast Cycling Route in the evening, accompanied by the golden sunset. This will be a trip where you can't help but keep pressing the shutter!Sometimes, sometimes: Jimmy's public art along Danhai Light RailDanhai Light Rail is the second light rail system in Taiwan and an important outbound transportation system for Danhai New Town. During the design phase, Danhai Light Rail collaborated with the well-known illustrator/author Jimmy, who, under the theme of "Sometimes, sometimes," created public artworks at eleven MRT stations of the Green Mountain Line. If you observe carefully, the chairs in the waiting area, card sensors, and sculptures in the station all got the hidden ingenuity of Jimmy. The sense of fantasy and healing in Jimmy's illustrations jumped from paper into the reality. Listen carefully - the music that goes on when the Light Rail train enters the station was also specifically chosen to match the atmosphere.The mambo of blossoms: Huwei Cherry Blossom Avenue and Beitouzi Creek Cherry Blossom Trail"The train is arriving at, Danjin Denggong Station." Looking towards the right, the cherry blossom tunnel will be right in front of your eyes! Huwei Cherry Blossom Avenue is named after the ancient name of Tamsui, Huwei. The 4-kilometer-long Huwei Cherry Blossom Avenue is full of Yoshino cherry blossoms and Taiwan cherry blossoms. You can overlook Datun Mountains from here too. It is the longest cherry blossom trail in the world.Beitouzi Creek Cherry Blossom Trail next to Danjin Beixin Station is 3.5 kilometers in length. More than 100 Yoshino cherry trees are planted along the trail. During the blooming season, both sides of the trail are covered by pink cherry blossoms. Many visitors are brought here by the beautiful scenery. It is a tranquil garden in Danhai New Town.The ding-ding-dong commuter train: Gongsitian River Cheng's Ancient House Danhai Light Rail changes from an elevated section to a road-level section after passing Tamsui District Office Station. The ding-ding-dong sounds became a part of the soundscape of this location, warning road users that the Light Rail train is about to pass. Around Binhai Shalun Station, where the line splits into the Green Mountain Line and the Blue Coast Line, there is a hidden century-old ancient house that has witnessed the past of Danhai area.Cheng's Ancient House was built during the Guangxu period of Qing Dynasty. It is the first traditional residential house in Tamsui District to be designated as a historic building. The structure is of a typical Sanheyuan, surrounded by bamboo reed and ditches, showcasing the beauty of Minnan architecture in early Tamsui. The roof ridge is of the "golden mabei" format, and the side wall is made of andesite. There is even an embrasure in the design for resisting thieves! This place was also an ancient battlefield of the Sino-French War in 1884. During the Battle of Huwei, Qing army deployed troops near the ancient house and successfully fended off the attack of the French army.Never-ending wishes: Tamsui Fisherman's WharfFisherman's Wharf Station, the terminus of the Blue Coast Line, is the top spot in northern Taiwan for enjoying the sunset. Lover's Bridge during the magic hour is particularly stunning. You can close your eyes and try using the other senses to feel the moment. The temperature would become more pleasant around this time. Ride a YouBike along the Golden Coast to Tamsui MRT Station. Gaze at Guanyin Mountain on the other side of Tamsui River and Danjiang Bridge that is currently under construction. From here, you can draw the perfect ending to the trip and be on the way home with great satisfaction.
        Read more