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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
      Next
      Shenkeng Old Street
      In the past, Shenkeng was known as Zanying, in reference to the crest worn by officials. Shenkeng was once the political and economic center of Wenshan District (today’s New Taipei Districts of Shenkeng, Shiding, Pinglin, Xindian and Wulai, and the Wenshan District in Taipei City), and has been an important location in between Taipei and Yilan since ancient times. Not only was it a key route along the South Damlan Road, but it has also become the most important waterway shipping center in Southern Taipei due to the convenient waterway transportation of Jingmei Creek. Wenshan Tea, which is brought from Shenkeng via Jingmei Creek and Xindian Creek to Dadaocheng along the Tamsui river, is sold all over the world. Most notably the end of the Qing Dynasty to the beginning of the Japanese rule in Taiwan was the golden period for Shenkeng tea.Shenkeng has many different bus routes to and from Taipei’s downtown area, making for convenient traffic. Because of this, during the holidays, it attracts many tourists. The large kabocha tree at the entrance of the old street is the welcoming tree of Shenkeng, and on the street behind it is the century-old Tingzai Foot house. Because of Shenkeng’s clear water and its special salt braising method, the charcoal taste of Shenkeng-made tofu has attracted many gourmands and has become known as the “hometown of tofu”, which in turn re-invigorated the Old Street. The Old Street is home to various tofu-based dishes, such as fried stinky tofu, stinky tofu skewers, charcoal-grilled tofu ice cream, sesame tofu ice cream, milky tofu pudding and much more. The local tofu menu is full of dishes that will satisfy all who visit.In addition to its famous tofu, Shenkeng’s specialties include Wenshan Baozhong tea, green bamboo shoots, and black pork, which together with the tofu are known as the “Four Jewels of Shenkeng” and should not be missed. Additionally, the architecture in Shenkeng is also very interesting, and includes the magnificent baroque red-brick De Xing Building, and the Anxi-style three-in-one residence, the Eternal Peace Building, both of which are masterpieces of Taiwanese architecture.After trying the four jewels of Shenkeng, you can walk onto the Paozilun Trail and enjoy the purity of the mountains and see the water from which residents make their delicious tofu. The Paozilun Trail is one of the trails of New Taipei’s Smiling Mountain Line, and is a popular hiking trail in Shenkeng which connects the Shenkeng Paozilun area with the Caonan area in Taipei’s Muzha District. On the trail, you can find several ancient clay and stone alleyways, and the rustic scenery of paddy fields and tea plantations makes people forget the city noise. Then, when they get to the top, they can enjoy the view, looking out on Muzha District, the Maokong gondola, and Taipei 101.In addition to the hiking trails, Shenkeng’s lust mountains and forests, with streams of all sizes are a place of natural beauty. Among them, one of the most famous is the Paozilun Waterfall; when the water flows heavily, it streams down in four columns, which earned it the name “Four Dragons Waterfall.” The pavilion next to the waterfall is decorated with tables and chairs, where people can make tea and enjoy the waterfall, similar to what the merchants of Shenkeng did a hundred years ago.
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