Step into the gleaming golden-painted light rail train and enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows. Disembark at K07 Sunshine Sports Park Station, hop on a public bicycle to reach the riverside of the Xindian River, where you'll find the expansive 20-hectare Sunshine Sports Park.
The Park features a roller-skating track, a 400-meter running track, a beach volleyball court, a soccer field, and an inclusive, all-age, and land-water-air versatile children's playground, making it the top leisure choice on the left bank of the Xindian River.
The Xindian River Cycling Route is one of the top six riverside cycling routes in New Taipei City. Riding upstream towards Bitan, you will enjoy lush greenery along the way, making for a very pleasant journey.
On clear days, you can even see the layered mountain ranges of Xindian and Wulai. After traveling approximately 4 kilometers, you will arrive at the Xidian Ferry Terminal located on the south bank of Bitan.
The exclusive provider of man-powered ferries in Taiwan: Xidian Ferry Terminal. Man-powered ferries are a well-kept secret of unique transportation in Bitan. In the past, they were the primary mode of travel between Xindian Shopping Street and destinations like Wantan, Zhitan, and Tutan!
The ferry terminal began operating as early as 1881. During its heyday, there were nine ferry terminals along the middle stream of the Xindian River. Crossing Bitan on a ferry allows you to not only appreciate the serenity and history, but also savor the joy of traveling by water along the riverbank.
By taking a man-powered ferry to the west bank of Bitan, you can access the ecologically rich Hemeishan Trail. The Hemeishan Trail is divided into the waterside Green Trail and the mountainous Blue Trail, both of which feature stone steps or wooden boardwalks throughout.
After reaching the 153-meter-high summit of Hemeishan, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bitan's waterfront and suspension bridge, with Nanganbshan (Nangang Mountain) and Taipei 101 clearly visible in the distance. When you turn around, you'll spot Qingtan on Xidian Beiyi Road and Xinwu Road. If you wait until after sunset, you can also experience the enchanting sight of fireflies twinkling in the forest.
👉It is recommended to use mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are more active in the forest in the evening.
Leaving the company of fireflies on Hemeishan Trail, you will find yourself on the north bank, where the Bitan Suspension Bridge stands. Built during the Japanese colonial period, the Bitan Suspension Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Xindian. The projection mapping light show of the Bitan Suspension Bridge at night is a beautiful memory of several generations of Xidian residents. Its splendid lights reflected on the river is the classic nighttime scenery of Bitan.
