New Taipei City Travel

“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!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.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!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.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.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.“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.

The Taiwanese rain trees on the streets are blooming yellow flowers, the maple trees on the hillside are turning red, and the ground is no longer hot at night. The cooling temperature in northern Taiwan is the best time to taste autumn crabs. The Route 2 Taiwan of autumn has lost the passion and blood of summer and replaced gourmets' praise. Come to Wanli in autumn, go to Yehliu Geopark and Ocean World, and see the strange rocks and beautiful stones up close, get to know the marine life, and then go to the nearby Yehliu Fishing Port to "Spend some Time" to feast on the plump Wanli crabs!Yehliu Geopark, a world-class scenic spot, is a cape where the remnant of Datun Mountain extends into the sea. Because of weathering, sea erosion, and crustal movement create mushroom rocks, erosion caves, tofu stones, candle-shaped rocks, and potholes. The cool autumn is the most comfortable time to visit Yehliu Geopark. Along the 400-meter-long coastal trail, appreciate the masterpiece of nature. The must-visit superstar in the geological park is "Queen's Head," a unique mushroom rock located in the second area of the cape. Its elegant curves seem to resemble a queen gazing into the distance, and it is the symbol of Yehliu and even Wanli. The "Charming Princess" in the first area of the cape has a ponytail-like shape and has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a popular check-in spot in Yehliu.The circular building next to the ticket office of the Geological Park is Taiwan's oldest brand of marine zoo - Yehliu Ocean World. The 2F Sea Elves Education Hall has a 10-story diving platform. The performers will climb up the platform and dive into the pool. Their superb skills will cause the audience to applaud continuously. Then the performances of animal stars such as sea lions and dolphins will occur. Under the guidance of the keepers and host, the audience will further understand the habits, ecological and physical characteristics of marine life, and rescue knowledge of stranded animals in the wild.B1 is the Underwater World Exploration Hall. Traveling through the underground cave passages, you can see the marine life in the Yehliu sea area through large glass windows, including cute clownfish, fierce pink-tail triggerfish and sharks, and living fossils - horseshoe crabs, which let people feel in a blue crystal dragon palace.Wanli CrabYehliu Fishing Port on the west side of Yehliu Cape is a central hub for catching Wanli crabs. The Wanli fishermen have advanced catching techniques and a large fleet. Every autumn, they go to the "Northwest Fishery" off the coast of Cape Fugui to catch crabs, accounting for more than 80% of the total crab supply in Taiwan. There is a seafood street next to the fishing port. The large water tanks at the door of each restaurant, filled with live Wanli crabs and various seafood, allow people to choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood.There are three main species of Wanli crabs: three-spotted crabs, flower crabs, and ridged swimming crabs. The New Taipei City Government completed the registration of the Wanli crab trademark in 2014, making it the number one sea crab brand in Taiwan. Using various cooking methods, you can steam or boil the plump autumn crabs in soup to bring out the delicious crab meat.Located in Dong-Ao Fishing Harbor east of Yehliu Cape, the Elisa Coffee, with an unparalleled sea view, is a good choice for a lazy afternoon. The ample space on two floors and the large windows let people to enjoy the Yehliu Geopark and Camel Peak leisurely. The café has a wide selection of exquisite drinks and unique desserts, such as marshmallow chocolate pizza with a salty and sweet taste, which is a surprise in every bite.After having the sweet and delicious Wanli crab and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Yehliu, remember to visit the Guihou Crab Theme Park before leaving Wanli. This sea view park with the theme of Wanli crab has many cute giant crab doll statues, adding lively colors to your autumn trip to Wanli.