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New Taipei City Travel

Tarcking back the refreshing Daluolan River in the Ataya tribe of Wulai

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Category :
Hiking Trails & Family tour & Outdoor excursion & Secret attractions
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & Family & Couples

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      Introduction

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      Wulai stands as the most expansive and highest-altitude region within New Taipei City. It represents the sole mountain indigenous district in New Taipei City, primarily inhabited by the Atayal ethnic group. The name "Wulai" originates from the Atayal word "Ulay", signifying the presence of hot springs. Upon entering the North 107 Rural Highway from Wulai Scenic Bridge, you will encounter the idyllic Tranan Tribe, akin to a hidden paradise. Visitors can leisurely walk along the lifeline of the tribe, the Daluolan (Tranan) River, roll up their pants, and immerse themselves in the refreshing river waters to escape the summer heat.

      烏來福山

      Located about a half-hour drive from Wulai Old Street, Tranan Tribe is the first settlement of the Atayal people migrating from Balong in Taoyuan to Wulai in New Taipei City. Situated within the Nanshi River Watershed Protection Area, this small yet beautiful tribe has deliberately avoided excessive development, allowing inhabitants of this region to preserve the most traditional Atayal lifestyle in Wulai. Within the tribe, one can observe characteristic wall paintings and sculptures portraying themes centered around Atayal culture and beliefs.
      德拉楠部落
      獵人生活體驗

      The Daluolan River, known as the mother river of the Tranan Tribe, derives its name from the Atayal word “Tranan” and serves as one of the tributaries of the Nanshi River. A century ago, Atayal people from Balong crossed over the mountain range in search of hunting grounds. They discovered this area, abundant in water sources and fertile soil, and gradually relocated here. During the Japanese domination period, the authorities at the time constructed irrigation canals to channel the waters of the Daluolan River to the tribe for farming purposes. The valley of the Daluolan River is lush and verdant, with the river channel varying between narrow passages and wide expanses. With groups of Taiwan shovel-jaw carps (Onychostoma barbatulum) swimming in crystal-clear waters, it has an astonishingly picturesque scenery.
      大羅蘭溪

      Both banks of the Daluolan River are equipped with scenic trails. The northern bank features an ancient canal trail, while the southern bank hosts the recently established Xilong Trail. The ancient canal trail, also known as the "Fushan Maan Ancient Canal Trail", no longer serves its original irrigation function but continues to flow endlessly. Surrounded by the shade of lush trees, the trail is adorned with towering old trees on both sides and various ferns thriving along the way. The trail is also furnished with rest areas and the Butterfly Garden, offering visitors a beautiful view of butterflies fluttering during the summer.
      福巴吊橋

      The Tranan Scenic Bridge stands out as the newest attraction in the tribe, connecting the Ancient Canal Trail and Xilong Trail to form a circular route. This steel-structured arched bridge gracefully spans over the Daluolan River. As visitors traverse its path, they're greeted by breathtaking views of the valley and distant mountain peaks. The harmonious fusion of the river and lush forests crafts an invigorating visual spectacle. Returning to the tribe via the Xilong Trail, travelers encounter two intersecting paths that lead to the Daluolan River. Here, guests have the chance to kick off their shoes, roll up their pants, and immerse themselves in the refreshing waters, offering sweet respite from the summer's warmth.
      溪瀧橋

      While returning to Wulai Old Street via the North 107 Rural Highway, take a moment to gaze toward the right bank where the cable car station of Yun Hsien Resort lies. Here, you can relish the captivating view of the majestic Flying Fountain gracefully descending from the mountaintop. Also known as Yunxian Waterfall, the impressive 80-meter-high cascade stands as the largest waterfall in Northern Taiwan. Since the Japanese colonial period, it has been revered as 'the waterfall from the clouds,' remaining one of the most renowned landscapes in Wulai.
      烏來瀑布
      烏來瀑布

      After crossing the Wulai Tourist Bridge, turn right to enter the most bustling area of Wulai – Wulai Old Street. Indulging in aromatic indigenous cuisine is a delightful reward after hiking. All the shops along Wulai Old Street have similar signboards. Here, you can discover various indigenous cuisines and local specialties. For instance, rice dumplings, bamboo tube rice, makauy (Litsea cubeba) dishes, bird's-nest fern, shallot, BBQ wild boar meat, hot spring eggs, millet mochi, and more. Let’s relish these local delicacies and satisfy your taste buds!
      烏來老街
      烏來老街
      Previous
      Travel to Jinshan Old Street
      Jinshan is located in the northeast hill of the Datun Mountain System, and is surrounded by volcanic terrain on three sides. The volcanic plain is composed of the alluvium by Sulfur Creek, Jinbaoli River, and other streams, which makes Jinshan get the edge on agriculture on account of fertile soils. Jinshan has been the major transportation route in the north coast since ancient times. There was the Jinbaoli Trail (Yulu Historical Trail) in the past, and there is the current Yangjin Highway. Jinshan is the most prominent route to go to Taipei City from the north coast, which is also what lead to its development and prosperity.Jinshan Old Street, also known as Jinbao Li Old Street, is a 200-meter-long street that has been the busiest commercial center on the north coast of Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty. Nearby local residents from Shimen and Wanli District come shopping and do business. You can find many special cuisines made from Jinshan’s specialties at Jinshan Old Street, such as giant sweet potato and taro balls, taro rice cakes (a traditional snack), candied sweet potatoes, fruit ice cream, and the renowned Guang’an restaurant whose buffet culture has become a unique sight on Jinshan Old Street. If that is not enough, the handmade Ma Lao, Taiwanese egg rolls, and sweet potato crisps are all recommended Jinshan’s souvenirs, whether you would like to send them to your friends or bring them home for a taste.The First Public Retail Market Jinshan was founded at Zhongshan Road during the Japanese colonial period. The local specialties in Jinshan like Tiaohshi taros, water bamboo shoots, red-centered yams, arrowhead bamboo shoots, and other vegetables are sold according to the season. Due to its unique sea-facing volcanic soil, Jinshan is famous for its Tiaohshi taros with their firmed texture and a chewy touch as well as Tainong No. 66 red sweet potatoes with their silky texture.In the early years, the development of the markets and the old streets occurred near the temples, as was the case for Jinshan Old Street. The Cihu Temple is the religious center in the Jinshan area, and is known as “The Great Temple” by the locals who mainly visit to worship the gold-face deity Mazu. During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, local fishermen found a statue of Mazu in a sea cave in Yehliu when the tide was low. Therefore, they built the Cihu Temple to worship Mazu and she was considered the founding Mazu. Later, the temple rebuilt a statue of Mazu and hollowed out the back to put the founding Mazu inside. This new Mazu was regarded as the second Mazu. As a result, this became the one and only legend of “Mazu in Mazu” in Taiwan. Every year, the Mazu pilgrimage will go back to that sea cave in Yehliu, which was first discovered by the fishermen. This is without a doubt one of the most popular events in Jinshan.Shitoushan Park is located on the 70-meter-altitude Jinshan cape, which is 800 meters away from Cihu Temple, making it a suitable place to walk to after visiting the old street and finishing a meal. Shitoushan Park has been designated as a military control zone for years, and the general public is not allowed to enter at will, which unintentionally preserves an abundant ecological environment. In different seasons, you can see the Formosa lilies and the golden lycoris blooming beside the trail. Standing at the high point of the park, looking to the east you can see the famous Yehliu geopark; looking to the west you can see the Huanggang fishing harbor, which is famous for their “sulfuric fire fishing” technique; looking to the front, you can see the Twin Candle Islets. In sunny weather, the endless stretch of blue blends the boundary between the sea and the sky.“That year, the woman who couldn't wait for her husband to return from the sea turned into a rock. Later, the husband saw his wife turned into stone after returning from his travels. Eventually, he turned into a stone pillar out of desperation and grief, so that they could stay with each other forever.” This is the poignant background story of the 60-meter-high stacks on the Twin Candlestick Islets, which were created by tectonic plate movement and erosion by the sea wind. The extraordinary shape of mutual dependence has attracted countless couples and photographers, and is a popular photography spot in Jinshan.After enjoying the boundless and stunning seascape, you can go to the redeveloped Zhongshan Hot Spring Park to enjoy the best natural resources of Jinshan: hot springs. The Jinshan hot spring is the northernmost hot spring on Taiwan’s main island; its springs are divided into four categories: sulfur salt springs, sulfur springs, carbonated springs, and iron springs. The Zhongshan Hot Spring Park, which is open to the public free of charge, is a golden-brown iron spring known as the "Golden Soup". Soak your feet in the hot springs of the park, which has won the Taiwan Landscape Award, to eliminate fatigue, soothe your mind and body, and bring a perfect ending to your day trip.
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      Exploring New Taipei by Taipei MRT – Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Luzhou branch)
      The Luzhou branch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line spans across Luzhou and Sanchong Districts. Both districts belonged to Luzhou Township before 1947. Now they are collectively called Sanlu District, surrounded by Erchong Floodway and Tamsui River like an island. There are 12 bridges connecting Taipei City and Wugu-Xinzhuang area. With a vast waterfront area, this location is highly suitable for cycling.Luzhou branch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line is entirely underground. Launched in 2010, this branch has a total of five stations, including Sanchong Elementary School (O50), Sanhe Junier High School (O51), St. lgnatius High School (O52), Sanmin Senior High School (O53), and Luzhou (O54). As a satellite town of Taipei City, the Sanlu area is only separated from Taipei City by a bridge. It is also the district with the highest density of temples in Taiwan. Take the MRT now and visit Sanlu!Luzhou (O54): Breeze Canal"Luzhou Fanyue" (paddling under the moonlight at Luzhou) was one of the eight scenes of Tamsui River in Qing Dynasty, capturing the scenery of river and sandy bays around Luzhou in the early days. Although Luzhou has been highly urbanized today, it is still possible to enjoy the mountain and river scenery in the waterfront area. Breeze Canal is located within Erchong Floodway. It is a designated waterway in New Taipei City for hosting international competitions of rowing and canoeing. The annual Dragon Boat competition is also held here! On usual days, the waterway is also open to the public for activities such as windsurfing and kayaking. This location is blessed with the widest view in the Sanlu area, with Guanyin Mountain and Yangmingshan standing on two sides of Tamsui River. The natural scenery here is rare in the city.Sanmin Senior High School (O53): Luzhou Li's Residence, Yonglian Temple, Luzhou Temple Street Commercial DistrictThe historic site of Li's Residence in Luzhou is a cultural landmark in the Luzhou area. In Luzhou, where the population density is as high as 27,000 people per square kilometer, it has not been easy to preserve Li's Residence in its complete, original appearance. Luzhou Li's Residence was built in 1895 with nine halls and sixty rooms. There is a lotus pond in front of the courtyard. It is a grand mansion of a prominent local family. The architecture is of a combined layout of a farmhouse and an official's residence.The Li family of Luzhou immigrated from Quanzhou, Fujian to Luzhou during the Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. The third generation of the family after immigrating, Li Shuhua, served as a Confucian School official in Anping and Fengshan counties, which greatly enhanced Luzhou’s scholarly culture. The fifth generation of the family after immigrating, Li Youbang, was a lieutenant general who performed well in the Second Sino-Japanese War who eventually died in the White Terror political oppression. Consequently, General Li Youbang Memorial Hall was set up at Li's Residence in Luzhou, in memory of the modern history of Taiwan.When it comes to the most representative delicacy of Luzhou, it has to be Qiezi noodles (tshı̍k-á-mī in the Taiwanese dialect)! The name, Qiezi, comes from the movement of shaking noodles in a skimmer when the noodles are cooked. It is served with a rich broth made from pork bones and added with leeks and bean sprouts so it is fresh and filling at the same time. Qiezi noodles is a representative noodle dish of northern Taiwan, equally well-known as Danzi noodles from Tainan in southern Taiwan. Qiezi noodles originated from the stalls in front of Yonglian Temple. Today, Luzhou Temple Night Market that developed around Yonglian Temple has become the liveliest commercial district in the area! Qiezi noodles as well as Yonglian Temple are important identities for Luzhou locals!Sanhe Junier High School (O51): Bihua Temple, Bihua Fabric StreetWith great location advantages, Sanchong is only a bridge away from Taipei City. In the era of rapid economic and population growth in Taiwan, a large number of people poured into Sanchong. In the 1970s, the government pushed the "your living room as the workshop" campaign and turned the whole population into a workforce and created economic miracles. The prosperous Sanchong Bihua Fabric Street, in its heyday, was where more than 300 fabric stores gathered in the 1980s. Having witnessed the rise and fall of Taiwan's garment industry, it has now been transformed into a fabric museum. Offering a wide variety of fabrics at affordable prices, it is a favorite of DIY enthusiasts and students! At the end of Fabric Street, you will find the century-old Bihua Temple which used to be dedicated to Sakyamuni, and now has become a temple integrating Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It is a popular place of worship.Sanchong Elementary School (O50): Sanhe Night MarketAs it gets dark, you will find yourself at the last stop of Luzhou Branch, Sanchong Elementary School. From here it is an 8-minute walk to Sanhe Night Market, which is the night market frequented by Sanchong locals. There are many stalls that have been around for more than three decades, and the price here is more affortable compared to tourist night markets such as Shilin Night Market. Sesame oil chicken soup, wontons, rice balls, xiaolongbao, milk sticks, ba-wan (Taiwanese meatballs), papaya milk, sweet potato balls, crispy sticks, and green onion cakes are all popular delicacies at Sanhe Night Market.
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