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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


       
      Next
      Exploring Tamsui Womenet s Road: Hearing the voice of women voice in the Red Castle
      Let's embark on a deep travel led by women in Tamsui. Begin by walking from the alleys near Tamsui Mazu up to Chongjian Street to uncover the romantic tale of the painter Lin Yu-chu and the writer Wang Chang-hsiung. Then, explore the century-old Red Castle to witness women's dedication to heritage and create your own thread-bound book. Finally, delight in the performance of Peking Opera at the Tamsui Customs Wharf against the backdrop of a sunset. Guided by an elegant female guide, let's embark on a cultural journey through Tamsui and listen to the stories of women in this area.Visiting Tamsui Mazu and the two old streetsCommencing the journey from the old alley adjacent to Fuyou Palace to visit Tamsui's four major temples – Fuyou Palace and Yinshan Temple dedicated to the worship of Mazu, Longshan Temple, and Qingshui Temple. Mazu, symbolizing the fortitude and compassion of women in the past time, is the goddess most familiar to the Taiwanese people and serves as the guardian of Tamsui's maritime activities. Fuyou Palace holds numerous legendary tales. According to accounts, during the Sino-French Battle of Tamsui and World War II, Tamsui Mazu manifested miracles and successfully safeguarded the safety of the Tamsui region. Furthermore, Fuyou Palace sits at the crossroads of two historic streets in Tamsui – Chongjian Street and Zhongzhen Road – bearing witness to the area's development over the past 200 years.Painter Lin Yu-chu’sromance of Chongjian StreetAscending the stairs that wind along the mountain slope, you will arrive at Tamsui's Chongjian Street, the original commercial street. Today, in contrast to the bustling Zhongzheng, Chongjian Street exudes a more serene ambiance. However, it remains the authentic Tamsui Old Street and is home to many political and economic figures of Tamsui. From the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, this area was the most prosperous district in Tamsui. Gazing back at Chongjian Street offers a panoramic view of the picturesque Tamsui River landscape. It also holds significance as the romantic backdrop for Painter Lin Yu-chu and Writer Wang Chang-hsiung.Lin Yu-chu was born on Qingshui Street near Chongjian Street. Qingshui Street, previously known as the "rice market street", was the primary location where rice vendors congregated in Tamsui a hundred years ago. Lin's family, for example, was involved in the rice-selling business. While studying at Tamsui Girls' School, Lin Yu-chu encountered her respected teacher, Chen Jing-hui. Chen Jing-hui, the grandson of Canadian missionary Mackay, had previously received a comprehensive arts education at the Kyoto City Specialized School of Art. Under Chen Jing-hui's careful guidance and through her dedication to learning, Lin Yu-chu began to shine in the field of painting.With the encouragement of her teacher, Lin Yu-chu participated in Taiwan's grand annual art event – the Taiwan Fine Art Exhibition. In 1936, Lin Yu-chu's Nihonga artwork titled "Lighthouse at the Estuary" and Chen Jing-hui's "Aftertaste" were both selected for the 10th Taiwan Fine Art Exhibition. The outstanding accomplishment of a 17-year-old girl within Taiwan's art community during that era significantly heightened the radiance of Tamsui.“If you open the door within your heart, you will witness the vibrant spring scenery.Though spring may not endure, it has the power to alleviate my distress for the moment.”With its lyrics penned by the physician and writer Wang Chang-hsiung, the song 'If I Open My Heart’s Door' has already become a classic Taiwanese song known to all Taiwanese people. Lin Yu-chu and Wang Chang-hsiung met through her teacher Chen Jing-hui. During their courtship, the two frequently rendezvoused on Chongjian Street, leaving behind their footprints, which have now transformed into a notable spot on Chongjian Street today – The Alley of Love, a place that exudes warmth and romance.After visiting the distinctive shops along Chongjian Street such as "Vanilla Street House" and "Nine Valley 28", you will veer into an inconspicuous alley. This alley serves as a time tunnel leading to the Tamsui Red Castle.Grandma of the Red Castle, Hung Hsu-feng, preserves the Red Castle for Tamsui.The brick arched corridor leads to the Tamsui Red Castle, standing proudly on the slope of the old street. This red-brick Western-style building is a century-old landmark in Tamsui and has been featured in numerous paintings depicting this region. Constructed in 1899 by the wealthy businessman Li Yi-he, it was later acquired by Tamsui Street's chief, Hung Yi-nan, in 1913 and became a gathering place for local literati and scholars, attracting many prominent figures. In the 1960s, it was further purchased by Hung Hsu-feng, the owner of Te Yu Taiwan Fish Crackers."When Taiwan's economy started to take off, a construction company once approached Hung about rebuilding the Tamsui Red Castle, but Hung Hsu-feng steadfastly refused to sell it. The reason is that the Red Castle is not only a shared memory among the people of Tamsui but also holds a significant meaning symbolizing family unity and blessings. By steadfastly preserving the Tamsui Red Castle, it now functions not solely as a restaurant but also partners with Tamsui Community College to promote vegetarian cooking and participates in cooperative endeavors with 'Vanilla Street House' on Chongjian Street. These collaborative efforts actively safeguard the heritage of old Tamsui through ongoing initiatives.Visitors can savor a cup of traditional tea within the Red Castle's century-old splendor; don traditional Hanfu attire; and, under the guidance of Li-hsin, a representative possessing national treasure-level female expertise, craft their own thread-bound book at a leisurely pace. This allows visitors to momentarily detach from the digital age's information bombardment and immerse themselves in ancient craftsmanship predating the industrial era, facilitating a serene and mindful experience for the body and soul.The days of sea lights – Wang Jing's Road towards Peking OperaSituated on the banks of the Tamsui River, the Tamsui Customs Wharf plays a significant role in Taiwan’s international trade history. After Taiwan opened the port in 1860, Tamsui welcomed its most splendid era. The wharf, constructed from stones such as Guanyin stone or Kiligan rock, stands as a testament to Tamsui's history as an international trading port. However, as a result of river channel siltation, the functions of the Tamsui port gradually declined, causing it to lose its former prominence.Afterward, the clamor of wharf workers was replaced by the voices of women. In 1975, the Navy Art Work Brigade relocated from Zuoying in Kaohsiung to Tamsui Customs Wharf. The Haiguang Peking Opera Team and Haiguang Peking Opera Training Class, embodying the strength and aspirations of women, also found their new home by the Tamsui River. The former port warehouse was then repurposed as a dedicated space for training Peking opera skills. Over time, talents like Wang Ching, known as the “sea light”, were drawn here and eventually illuminated the Peking Opera stage with their brilliance.In the old warehouse of Tamsui Customs Wharf, several renowned Peking Opera performers such as Wei Hai-min, Wang Hai-bo, and Shen Hai-jung were nurtured. These performers gracefully dance on stage, narrating stories through their art. They also challenge traditional gender roles, where women are not just supporters behind the scenes but also prominent figures on stage. Rooted in local culture, Tamsui Women’s Road will persist in uncovering stories of women in Tamsui and scripting a future of gender equality.
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      小客帶路