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New Taipei City Travel

Rebirth of Elephant Trunk Rock in Shenao

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Category :
Hiking Trails & Rail travel & Outdoor excursion & Secret attractions
Travel days :
1 day
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Public & Family & Backpackers & Couples

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      Introduction

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      On one afternoon of December, 2023, Elephant Trunk Rock, a tourist attraction in Shenao, loudly crashed. Numerous tourists who had visited the site expressed their regret for the destruction of the rock, and they even posted photos of them taking with Elephant Trunk Rock on social media platforms. What’s more, some people launched the event of “sticking the trunk back to Elephant Trunk Rock,” which shows how reluctant people were to see the damage of the rock.

      Elephant Trunk Rock was a sea arch, and it was born after a rock had been eroded by the sea wind and waves for tens of thousands of years. As time goes by, the wonder created by erosion will eventually be taken back by the sea. However, some people with great imagination discover that the original site of Elephant Trunk Rock looks somewhat similar to a capybara, while others think it looks like “Lord Voldemort,” “steamed bun,” and so on. Let’s go to Shenao to see what the broken Elephant Trunk Rock looks like. Let’s hike on the Nanzilin Trail which is located to the east of Keelung Mountain to overlook the coastal cape and bay of the Northeast Coast. Then we will visit the capybara in Shenao, which is located to the west of the mountain, enjoy seafood, and feast our eyes on the grand views of the mountain and sea by riding a rail bike on the Shenao rail bike trail.
      水豚岩

      Nanzilin Trail located to the east of Keelung Mountain is only 990 meters long. It is an easy trail with great views. The head of the trail is paved with wood, and the middle part and tail of the trail are made with stone steps. It is an easy and smooth trail. If you start the hike from the entrance to the trail at the back of Nanya Fishing Port, it takes around 50 minutes to reach the observatory which is approximately 200 meters above sea level. At the observatory, you can admire the curved bay of the Northeast Coast and lush mountains behind it.
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      The landmark of Baxingmang has been set in the center of the observation deck on the top of the mountain, and it radially points at tourist attractions around Nanzilin Mountain. You can see Bitou Cape and Nanya Fishing Village to the east, and Keelung Mountain, the landmark of the Northeast Coast, and Yinyang Sea to the west. The beauty of the mountain and sea is pleasing to see.
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      Moving westward along the Coastal Highway, you will arrive at Shenao Fishing Port which is renowned for its neritic squid within 10 minutes after you pass Keelung Mountain. Located to the east of Shenao Cape, the fishing port is the largest port in Ruifang District, and has the greatest number of fishing boats in Taiwan. Its prosperous fishing industry has nourished quite a few popular seafood restaurants. Savoring fresh seafood in Shenao is definitely the most wonderful pleasure after a hiking trip.
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      深澳漁港

      After enjoying seafood, you can enter the Elephant Trunk Rock scenic area from the trail next to the third parking lot of Shenao Fishing Port. In the scenic area, you can walk along the beautiful coast of green stone grooves and mushroom rocks toward Elephant Trunk Rock. Looking back, you will see Keelung Mountain with a beautiful curve on the other side of the bay.
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      水豚岩遠眺基隆山

      Look at its small ears and honest-looking appearance! The sea arch which has lost its elephant trunk looks very similar to the cute capybara! Look closely, and you will see that this capybara seems to have its eyes partly closed. Elephant Trunk Rock was located on the tip of Shenao Cape, being surrounded by sea on three sides. Visitors could clearly see Keelung Islet in the distance from Elephant Trunk Rock. The website of New Taipei City Travel indicates that special natural landscapes are not named officially; instead, they are mostly named by the public. As everyone admires a tourist attraction from different perspectives, their imaginations for the broken elephant trunk are respected.
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      水豚岩遠眺基隆嶼

      After you admire the healing capybara, please do not rush to leave Shenao Fishing Port. The Sea-to-Sky Trail by the southern embankment of the port is a sightseeing trail that you must not miss in Shenao. Strolling on the Sea-to-Sky Trail, you can overlook Jiufen, a mountain town, and pose for photos with the cute sculptures of the neritic squid and squid. In addition, you will be able to see fishing boats coming in and out the port from time to time and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the port.
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      Taiwan used to have an extensive light railway network which went to various towns. The network was mostly used for coal mining, sugar manufacturing, forestry and other industries. Additionally, it was used to transport some workers. However, as time changed, most light railways have been replaced by highway systems. Shenao Railway is one of the few light railways that have been preserved. Since its burden of transporting coal was removed, it has turned into a rail bike trail. You can ride a cute pufferfish-shaped bike on the old railway to enjoy the views of the sea.

      深澳鐵道自行車Rail bike
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      The Shenao rail bike trail that is adjacent to the coastline has been delicately designed with a bright and colorful light show in the tunnel. Houses nearby have been painted with the theme of the ocean as well. Moreover, you can see the ruins of Jianji Coal Mine, the only seabed coal mine in Taiwan, along the bike trail. The coal mine which was built in the mid-1950s was used to mine coal 500 meters below sea level. It was the motive force to boost the economic take-off of Taiwan as coal mining used to be the most prosperous industry in Shenao.
      深澳鐵道自行車Rail bike
      建基煤礦

      The total length of Shenao rail bike trail is 1.3 kilometers, and it ends at Badouzi Station. The station is the terminal of Shenao Branch Line of Taiwan Railway, and it is also one of the most beautiful coastal stations in Taiwan as it enjoys the fame with Duoliang Station in Taitung. Moreover, Badouzi Station is the only station that strides across two cities in Taiwan. Standing in the center of the platform, you can face the azure ocean while embracing New Taipei City and Keelung at the same time.
      深澳鐵道自行車Rail bike
      八斗子火車站
      Previous
      Exploring New Taipei by Taipei MRT – Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Xinzhuang branch)
      Zhonghe-Xinlu Line of Taipei MRT Xinzhuang branch began service in 2013. The whole route is underground, spanning across Xinzhuang and Sanchong Districts. There are a total of nine stations, including Taipei Bridge (O13), Cailiao (O14), Sanchong (O15), Xianse Temple (O16), Touqianzhuang (O17), Xinzhuang (O18), Fu Jen University (O19), Danfeng (O20), and Huilong (O21). Xinzhuang was once passed through by Taiwan's first railway, built by Liu Mingchuan. In 1893, the section between Taipei and Hsinchu began service. Haishankou Station was set up in front of today's Xinzhuang Elementary School. During the Japanese Rule period, Taiwan Railways modified the route so that after 1901, the train began passing through Banqiao area. Xinzhuang's status was therefore gradually surpassed by Banqiao. A century later, with the launch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line, Xinzhuang entered the era of new railways.Xinzhuang District is the second largest district of New Taipei City after Banqiao District, with a population of more than 400,000. It is the earliest developed area in Greater Taipei with many ancient temples and local culture preserved. It is also where the Pontifical university, Fu Jen University, is located. Join us to tour around Xinzhuang by MRT!Taipei Bridge (O13): Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1The first stop is near Taipei Bridge. With low and simple brick houses on the riverside hanging the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" flags, the nostalgic Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1 is a favorite location of film crews. It is also the childhood memories of many Taiwanese. In addition to military kindred related exhibitions, many military-themed exhibitions and activities are held here, bringing many military fans here.Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1 was where the Japanese anti-aircraft artillery was based during World War II, responsible for defending the sky over Tamsui River. Today, the underground tunnels between the artillery positions have been preserved. Put on a helmet and follow the guide to explore the underground Village No. 1!Cailiao (O14): Yunye Meat Curd MuseumYunye Meat Curd Museum inherits the delicious dried meat from an old shop of more than 30 years of history at Huannan Market. It is the first culture museum in Taiwan having the dried meat industry as the theme. Integrating Taiwan's traditional cuisine and food culture, with fun experiences in the fully transparent production process of dried meat, the museum allows visitors to learn in guided tours about modern dried meat and the cutting-edge concepts of food hygiene. It is a great indoor location for a family tour.Sanchong (O15): New Taipei Metropolitan ParkSanchong (O15) and Taoyuan MRT Sanchong Station (A2) are connected, and you can transfer between the lines within the station. It is the first impression of Taipei for international travelers after crossing the Linkou Plateau. Outside of Sanchong Station, you will find New Taipei Metropolitan Park that is located within Erchong Floodway. The park covers an area of 424 hectares, which is 16 times the size of Daan Forest Park in Taipei City. New Taipei Metropolitan Park has vast space and greenery with bicycle paths, various sports facilities, and children's favorite, Bear Monkey Forest Playground. Bear Monkey Forest Playground and Sea World Water Park are the world's largest inclusive embankment slide park. The design incorporates endemic species of Taiwan such as Formosan black bear, Formosan landlocked salmon, Mikado pheasant, green sea turtle, and mudskipper. Adults and Children of all ages can enjoy the park together!Xinzhuang (O18): Xinzhuang Temple Street Commercial District, Xinzhuang Guangfu Temple, Crescent Bridge"Fu first, Lu second, Xinzhuang third" is a proverb that entails the prosperity of Xinzhuang. Xinzhuang was the earliest developed area in Taipei, rising to the advantages in shipping of Dahan River. In the 18th century, it was the busiest commercial center of Taipei. Walking through Temple Street, you can vaguely feel how the web of streets was formed more than 200 years ago, seeing streets such as Mishi (rice market) Lane, Xiancai (pickled vegetable) Street, and Tiaoshui (water-carrying) Lane.Temple Street Commercial District is a blend of old and new with shops set up among temples. It is an area where Xinzhuang people gather for meals and go shopping. There are many well-known ancient temples in Temple Street, such as the only national monument in Xinzhuang, Guangfu Temple (built by Chaozhou Hakka people in 1780); Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple (built in 1729), Xinzhuang Dizang Temple (built in 1757), Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple (built in 1760), and Xinzhuang Wenchang Temple (built in 1813). The unique "Guanjiangshou" culture is therefore developed along with the temple fair pastry, Xianguang cake. This temple fair pastry is shaped like a bagel with a mixed savory and sweet flavor. It is a special product sold in the pastry shops on Temple Street that brings people blessings.Although Xinzhuang Port disappeared a hundred years ago due to siltation of the river, gazing at the vast Dahan River on Crescent Bridge outside the embankment would still remind you of the scene of "Xinzhuang Port crowded by thousands of sails, and the market lit by thousands of household lights." Crescent Bridge is the longest double-span steel arch bridge in Taiwan. It has a beautiful shape and is designed for pedestrians and bicycles only. Taking advantage of its height, you can enjoy the view of both banks of Dahan River in the breeze.Fu Jen University (O19): Fu Jen Catholic UniversityUniversity campuses often occupy a vast area and are surrounded by many inexpensive food options, making them great places for a weekend trip. Fu Jen University was founded in Beijing in 1925 and was once ranked as one of the four top universities in Beijing. In 1961, Fu Jen University was reestablished in Taiwan. It is the only university in Taiwan that is under the direct authority of the Holy See. The campus was designed by German engineers. There is coverage of dense vegetation. The buildings are of the color scheme of red, blue, and gray. Most signs of the buildings were created by calligraphers and politicians, including Chiang Kai-shek, Tai Jingnong, Wang Jingzhi, and Chia Ching-teh. You can enjoy them while strolling on campus.Fu Jen University's popular delicacy, FJU Department of Food Science ice-cream, is something alumni would visit the campus for. There are three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and mixed. Every year, a time-limited flavor is launched during FJU's anniversary celebration. It is the sweetest memory for many. There are also many high-value, low-cost delicacies around the main gate of Fu Jen University, such as Teppanyaki, spicy hotpot, and Cantonese roast meat. There are many affordable and delicious options!Huilong (O21):New Taipei City Military Cemetery(Arms Park)The last station of Xinzhuang Line is Huilong Station. This station is located at the westernmost end of the Taipei Basin. At the Military Shrine at the foot of Datong Mountain, Ministry of National Defense placed retired arms on display at the plaza, including fighter jets from the 1970s-90s, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and Northrop F-5;5"/54 caliber Mark 16 gun and warship anchor of the Navy; and M41 Walker Bulldog tank and various anti-aircraft guns of the Army. This is the favorite spot of many military enthusiasts! In the future, Huilong Station will be connected with the Brown Line of Taoyuan MRT and Wanda-Shulin Line of Taipei MRT, making it the largest transit station in Xinzhuang. It is hoped that the well-connected web of public transportation will take visitors to all corners of the metropolitan.
      Next
      Surf in Zhongjiao Bay in summer and dance together with Northern Coast Tide and Fire.
      The summer festival of the Northern Coast: Northern Coast Tide and Fire is held in Zhongjiao Bay and Zhongshan Hot Spring Park in Jinshan District from August to September every year. Combining fire dance, projection mapping art, Starlight Cinema, and BBQ ingredients offered by young farmers, Northern Coast Tide and Fire is the annual event of the Northern Coast, and it has entered its fifth year. Bring your surfing equipment, drive to Jinshan, stare at the beautiful coastline, surf and play in the sea breeze, and enjoy the fire dance performance and light sculpture at night! Besides driving, take the double-decked bus, the Jinbaoli Line. Follow the professional guide and travel around the Northern Coast from a higher perspective to participate in the Tide and Fire event.The first stop was the Huangqing Bridge in the northern suburbs of Jinshan City. The straight and undulating road of the bridge is called "Wave Boulevard" by local people. It is a well-known landmark in Jinshan and one of the critical sections of the New Taipei City WJS Marathon. The Qingshui wetland next to the bridge and the entire lotus pond are the most beautiful scenery here and the homeland of many birds.Drive along Route 2 Taiwan towards Shimen, and the 10-kilometer-long Tiaoshi Coast will open on the right. Covered with volcanic rocks, this section of the coastline fell after the eruption of Datun Mountain. The round gravel coast was created after tens of thousands of years of accumulation and erosion by sea wind. Stop at any parking area on the Tiaoshi Coast to enjoy leisurely watching the sea.In the afternoon, arrive at Jinshan Zhongjiao Bay, the main venue of Tide and Fire. Zhongjiao Bay, with its concave sandy shore, is a great surfing spot in northern Taiwan, with waves after waves under the monsoon. Zhongjiao Bay has complete hardware facilities such as the International Surfing Center and the New Taipei City Surfing Sports Educational Park, and there are also several sea-view restaurants around it.Come to the famous scenic restaurant "Quiet B. Days" in Zhongjiao Bay. While enjoying the food, look around, and you will see ocean posters from around the world hanging on the walls. The refreshing blue color is full of a summer atmosphere, and the camping-style decoration inside the restaurant makes people feel more relaxed.Ride the wind and waves to embrace the ocean! Under the guidance of the surfing coach, put on surfing clothes, pick up the surfboard, walk out of the restaurant, step into the waves of Zhongjiao Bay, and experience the delightful and freedom of surfing.2024 Glistening at Northern Coast Night -- Northern Coast Tide and FireLight up Route 2 Taiwan with the fire of art as night falls. 2024 Northern Coast Tide and Fire is held at Zhongjiao Bay and Zhongshan Hot Spring Park. With "born in the same root" as the core concept of the exhibition, the organizer sets up art installations in both places and creates a light environment. The lights are on from 17:00 to 21:00 every day.The highlight of Tide and Fire - Fire Dance Performance will be on August 9 (Friday), August 10 (Saturday), August 17 (Saturday), August 24 (Saturday), and September 1 (Sunday) to perform. The internationally renowned Coming True Fire Group will bring the "Flame Tide Dance: Shine Golden Shore" program, according to the image of the red spider lily. On the beach of Zhongjiao Bay, with dazzling colorful flames, the story of the red spider lily blooming for a thousand years and falling for a thousand years is transformed into a visual feast to illuminate the Northern Coast and shine in Taiwan.Jinshan's unique sulfuric fire fishing boat also echoed the fire dance performance on the sea. Fishers led mud carp using their phototaxis with torches, which shows Jinshan's traditional fishing method. It allowed tourists to appreciate the charm of "Huanggang Fishing Fire," one of Jinshan's eight scenic spots. After the fire dance performance, there was also a Qingnong Fire BBQ party, where people enjoyed the delicious taste of BBQ made with organic ingredients from New Taipei's young farmers.Zhongshan Hot Spring Park, one of the two venues, exhibited artworks such as "Recreating Jinbaoli Cihu Temple" and "Sweet Potatoes," presenting the local cultural landscape of Jinshan with light and shadow and creating a light environment that echoes the works. It also launched the "Midsummer · Starlight Cinema" every Saturday and Sunday, where people can watch movies under the starry sky on summer nights.The Double-Decked Bus, Jinbaoli LineThe Double-Decked Bus, Jinbaoli Line, provides another option for traveling to participate in the Northern Coast Tide and Fire event. Departing from Taipei Main Station, sit in the open-top seating area on the 2nd floor, enjoy the Northern Coast from a superior perspective, and tour the rural and coastal scenery of Route 2 Taiwan. Under the guidance of a professional tour guide, appreciate the stories of the Venus Coast, the Huangqing Bridge, the Shimen Coral Shell Museum, and the Fugui Cape Post House, and enjoy the fire dance show at Zhongjiao Bay at night!
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