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New Taipei City Travel

Take the Ankeng LRT and Explore the Hidden Gems of the Mountain City

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Category :
MRT Travel & Senior citizen & Secret attractions
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & The aged

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Day

      Introduction

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      安坑輕軌公眾藝術


      Stations K1 to K9: Public art on the entire line of Ankeng Light Rail
      Ankeng Light Rail is the second light rail system in northern Taiwan. During its planning stage, several artists were invited to portray the natural environment and cultural significance of the Ankeng area using various materials and techniques. The installation “The Fireflies’ Way Home” at K9 Shisizhang Station is composed of thousands of micro power generators emitting blue and green lights to simulate the firefly's light, guiding people into the mountainous wilderness where various butterflies gracefully dance along the connecting pathway. It is also equipped with a QR code. By scanning it with your mobile phone, you can learn more about these beautiful creatures.

      安坑輕軌公眾藝術

      The public art situated in light rail stations has transformed platforms into a rail waiting space full of imagination. For example, the “Stellar Universe Ankeng” at Rose China Town Station; “Manbo Ankeng” and “Floating Ankeng” at Xinhe Elementary School Station; and “Stellar Universe Ankeng” and “Soaring Ankeng” at Shisizhang Station. All of these characters appeared in the picture book created for the Ankeng Light Rail have been transformed into the cutest waiting companions.
      Between Shuangcheng Station and Jinwen University of Science and Technology Station, several public artworks, including “Warmth During the Journey - Enchanted Forest”, “Friends During the Journey - Hand in Hand Dancing”, “Peace of Mind During the Journey - Guardian Spirit”, “Charm During the Journey - Sharing Fragrance”, and “A Pause During the Journey - Happy Moments”, have been installed to accompany travelers with fireflies, the family of frogs, Swinhoe’s pheasants and giant katydids (Phyllophorina kotoshoensis) on each of their journeys.
      安坑輕軌公共藝術
      安坑輕軌公眾藝術

      K3 Taipei Xiaocheng Station: Erbazi Botanical Garden
      To align with the launch of Ankeng Light Rail, the shuttle buses have also commenced service simultaneously. There are currently five shuttle bus lines that take travelers into the big and small communities and scenic spots in the mountain village of Ankeng. When you arrive at K3 Taipei Xiaocheng Station, you can transfer to Ankeng Line 1 to journey into the mountains. In just 15 minutes, you will reach the Erbazi Botanical Garden, renowned as the “Emerald of Ankeng” to escape the urban hustle and bustle.
      安坑輕軌接駁車

      The Erbazi Botanical Garden, located on Ankeng's landmark “Tutangshan” (Tutan Mountain), is situated near several large mountain communities, including “Daguan Commmunity”, “Rose China Town” and “Taipei Xiaocheng”.
      It is said that when the ancestors looked down from this high place, they saw the gentle contours of hills in the valley resembling the words of “eight” and “inverted eight”, which forms into “Two-Eight words” (“Erbazi”) together. This is the reason that this place is named Erbazi. The  botanical garden covers a vast area of 150 hectares, providing a wide, open view with lush greenery.

      二叭子植物園
      二叭子植物園

      Erbazi Botanical Garden features a forest formation comprised of natural and secondary forests. The trails within the garden are gentle and suitable for all ages. They are also divided into paths for families, the Cherry Blossoms Trail, the Miscanthus Trail, the Selaginella Trail, the Psychotria Rubra Trail, the Tung Trail, the Butterfly Trail, and more. The trails are also equipped with detailed ecological information boards, enabling visitors to closely observe interesting plants such as “Meliosma rhoifolia Maxim” and “Common Schefflera”.

      二叭子植物園
      二叭子植物園


      K6 Ankang Station: New Taipei City Weather Park (temporarily closed) and Hu Lien Former Residence Memorial
      K6 Ankang Station is a major station on the Ankeng Light Rail and the most densely populated area in Ankeng. This is why, in addition to offering “full route service” from K1 to K9, the Ankeng Light Rail also provides “sectional service” from K6 Ankang Station to K9 Shisizhang Station, with peak-hour departures averaging just 7.5 minutes apart. Within the alleys around Ankang Station, you'll discover the recently launched New Taipei City Weather Park and the historic Hu Lien Former Residence Memorial. You can easily reach these scenic spots within a mere 10-minute ride on a public bicycle.
       

      新北氣象園區

      The three green buildings surrounded by over 300 energy-saving boards are respectively the New Taipei City Weather Station, Meteorological Instruments Center, and Wind Tunnel Laboratory. This is the New Taipei City Weather Park, which was officially launched in January 2023. The design featuring dynamic curving lines reflects the isobars on the weather map, symbolizing the interaction between buildings, much like the airflow resulting from the convergence of low and high-pressure systems. To allow people to experience the power of nature through architecture, the Greenland Park located at the intersection is equipped with the incredibly beautiful mirror selfie spot “Weather@New Taipei City”, which is also a new highlight in the Ankeng area.
      新北氣象園區

      The graceful and beautiful curved architecture, along with the brown energy-saving boards, create an excellent photographic composition as you weave through the lines of the buildings. Following the upward spiral staircase leads you into an endless canvas of the blue sky, where every angle offers a unique scenery.

      新北氣象園區
      新北氣象園區

      The Hu Lien Former Residence Memorial is the former residence of General Hu Lien, a renowned figure. Spanning 720 Ping, the Hu Lien Former Residence Memorial is a modernist-style building. However, it features a protruding fortification room on the western side and defensive gunports in the walls, carrying considerable  historical and military significance. The garden of the Residence is adorned with four majestic hoop pines, symbolizing General Hu Lien's four-star military rank as a First-Class General in the Army. The Dragon Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis L. var. kaizuka) represents General Hu Lien's style name “Po Yu”, showcasing the grandeur of the general's residence amidst its simplicity.
      胡璉故居紀念館
      胡璉故居紀念館

      General Hu Lien served as the commander of the Twelfth Army Corps, the Commander of Kinmen Defense, and the Special Ambassador with Full Powers to the Republic of Vietnam; participated in the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Battle of Kuningtou, and the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis; and established the Kinmen Distillery. He was deeply beloved by the local residents of Kinmen.
      At present, the Residence has opened its outdoor courtyard and the first-floor space. Inside, it showcases an array of historical artifacts from General Hu Lien's time in mainland China, Kinmen, and Vietnam. These artifacts include the honorary medals awarded to the General, paper currency exclusive to Kinmen, and European fine china used to entertain distinguished guests during his tenure as the Ambassador to Vietnam.
      There are also treasured scrolls of calligraphy and painting, and several hanging paintings gifted by the renowned calligrapher Yu You-ren. It is an Ankeng historical and cultural treasure trove that should not be missed by friends who appreciate modern history.

      👉As General Hu's descendants still reside within parts of the Residence, please visit the official website or FB Fanpage of the Hu Lien Former Residence Memorial to make a reservation when planning your visit to Ankeng!
      胡璉故居紀念館
      胡璉故居紀念館


       
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      Get going! Experience one day of in-depth Hakka culture of Sanxia.
      "Hakka, indigo dyeing, and old streets" are probably the three main impressions that come to mind when thinking of Sanxia. Sanxia was formerly known as "Sanchiaoyung," and "yung" means water waves in Taiwanese. Hengxi, Sanxia River, and Dahan River converge here, forming a triangular plain. The place name shows the characteristics of the past century - abundant water resources and open plains.The Hakka immigrants in Sanxia engaged in the dyeing, tea, and camphor industries with rich natural conditions as the background. Moreover, the rivers crisscrossed the area, enabling the transportation of large quantities of cloth, making the dyeing industry a thriving industry. To get to know Sanxia, start with the indigo dyeing experience. Wandering around the former Sanchiaoyung Street (now called "Sanxia Old Street") and visiting the New Taipei City Hakka Museum to experience the collision of Hakka culture from the past to the present.▲ Sanxia was once a significant center of the indigo dyeing industry. (Photo source: authorized and provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)Here is the significant center of indigo dyeing, a part of Hakka culture.Sanxia is a place with many hills, suitable for growing the blue-dyed plant "Assam Indigo." The confluence of rivers also provides advantages for leaching and river transportation. Hakka immigrants took advantage of the perfect geographical conditions and developed the treasures of this land. The place once experienced a prosperous era with many dyeing factories until the introduction and popularization of chemical dyes.When visiting Sanxia Old Street, people still see the old dyeing workshop plaques hanging high. A group of young people who returned to their hometown, holding the concept of local creation, rented a century-old house on Qingshui Street next to Sanxia Old Street and jointly established "Can Culture Art and Nature" to maintain the gradually declining culture. It provides a traditional craftsmanship experience and a canteen with fermented and brewed local ingredients.▲The courtyard of Can Culture Art and Nature, nestled against the century-old house, is shaded by large trees and full of greenery.Participating in Can Culture Art and Nature's DIY blue dyeing, the instructor will start by tracing the history of blue dyeing in Sanxia and then delve into the principles and techniques of blue dyeing. Through various methods of tying, determine the pattern differences on the fabric. After designing each pattern, the next step is to immerse the fabric in a traditional dyeing vat, gently massage it, and finally disassemble the tying tools. Drying in a well-ventilated place helps the dye to oxidize, and the color will gradually turn blue.▲ Dip the tied fabric into the dye vat and press it gently. (Photo source: provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)Once welcomed by the Hakka people, the blue dress is wear-resistant, dirt-resistant, and can be repeatedly dyed. As part of the Hakka culture of Sanxia, through a complete experience, people can understand the unique connotation of blue dyeing in Sanxia from a new perspective. It is not only a superficial living craft but also carries the simplicity that the Hakka people adhere to. Nowadays, many local dyeing workshops have launched course experiences and held the Sanxia Blue Dyeing Festival to allow this beautiful craft to take root in Sanxia and continue well.▲ Dry in a well-ventilated place to help the dye solution oxidize. (Photo source: provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)👉 Registration Information for Indigo Dyeing Experience DIY of Can Culture Art and Nature.The class opening has over six or more people, and participants must register three days in advance..Course time: Morning session 10:00 (holidays only) / Afternoon session 14:00 (weekdays and holidays)..The actual situation is subject to the organizer.Explore local cuisine in the unique old street that combines Minnan and Western styles.After experiencing indigo dyeing, visit the nearby Sanxia Old Street to visit the ancient sites and eat delicious food. It feels like traveling through time and space. Walking on Sanxia Old Street, it seems to see still the scene of people transporting coal and camphor wood on the road. This settlement street, which faces the river and the mountains, combines ancient Greek columns, Roman arches, and Baroque decorations. The long red brick arcade is a check-in spot for tourists.▲Sanxia Old Street is an S-shaped street built according to the terrain, and the red brick arcade is a tourist must-photograph attraction.The must-try food in Sanxia Old Street is not only the Golden Croissants. It would help to catch the original Golden Croissant ice cream. The modified croissant cup used to hold it has a crisper taste. There are also many ice cream flavors to choose from. Everyone should have an ice cream to cool down when the autumn heat comes. Handmade tofu pudding made according to the ancient method, rice blood with a unique garlic sauce, and braised dishes made with Chinese medicine and fruits and vegetables are also classic foods. Taste every deliciousness for just coins' price!▲ The most famous one is the Golden Croissant of Sanxia, which has also developed many extension products, such as Golden Croissant ice cream.👉 Read more: Sanxia Old Street Tour Guide (Sanxia Old Street Shopping District Official Website)It is a comprehensive collection of Hakka history, culture, and art, a place for education and entertainment.With a satisfying meal, why not walk to the " New Taipei City Hakka Museum," only a ten-minute drive from Sanxia Old Street? The round earthen buildings come into view with Hakka architectural elements such as the Vochang (Hakka dialect for "the place for drying grains in sunlight ") and corridors. The gun holes on the outer wall and the watchtowers at the commanding heights are all meant to prevent and resist foreign invasions and have rich landscape features.▲ The earthen building is not only eye-catching in appearance but also incorporates Hakka architectural elements.Entering the New Taipei City Hakka Museum, the central theme is the history and culture of Taiwan's Hakka people. The permanent exhibition of cultural relics is from multiple perspectives, including clothing, utensils, and art. A ceramic boutique area and traditional clothing display also incorporate Hakka imagery into artworks. They even combine blue dyeing and floral fabrics with Barbie dolls, using features such as slanted plackets, fasteners, and culottes to create a unique Hakka Barbie. Moreover, there are occasional special exhibitions of Hakka artists to showcase the artistic styles and features created by the New Taipei Hakka people under the changing environment.👉Read more: Current Exhibitions at New Taipei City Hakka Museum▲ For more information about current exhibitions, please visit the official website of the New Taipei City Hakka Museum.The gourmet restaurants in the park can satisfy your cravings for classic Hakka dishes that are "salty, fragrant, and fatty" or afternoon tea snacks such as steamed cakes and mochi. If you want to experience the Sanxia Hakka culture in New Taipei City, visiting the New Taipei City Hakka Museum is the first choice for physical, mental, and spiritual enrichment!
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      One-Day Railway Trip on the Pingxi Line
      As the train enters Yilan Line from Ruifang, we will arrive at Houtong and enter Pingxi Line from Sandiaoling. This railway line stretches amidst the verdant and lush mountainous area of Northern Taiwan, was built due to past prosperous coal mining industry, and is still operating. Besides transporting passengers, this is a popular route for railway trips in which it starts from Houtong. The magnificent achievements of the mining industry can be seen throughout the place in which they brought about railways and the prosperous development of towns along the way. Coming to Shifen, the origin of Sky Lantern and the largest station along the Pingxi Line, this is a major train intersection station. Looking back at the mining history of Pingxi, Shifen is the earliest and largest settlement developed. Its greatest feature is that the old street stands side-to-side with the railway track and presents the unique railway scenery of “the train passes through your front door”. Although the coal mining industry is a thing of the past, countless coal mining relics still remain along the Pingxi Line. It is rich with scenery and culture, in which visitors can seek tranquility at small unmanned stations, or enjoy traditional gourmet foods, visit grocery stores and hardware stores dating back to your grandparents’ days at bustling old streets. You can also get a Happiness Stamp at the station or fly a Sky Lantern written with your wishes for this year. You can enjoy a spectacular day and this is the branch line you cannot dare to miss.
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      小客帶路