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New Taipei City Travel

Admiring Cherry Blossoms and Soaking in Hot Springs in Jinshan to Enjoy Therapeutic Trip in Winter and Spring

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Category :
Hiking Trails & Senior citizen & Outdoor excursion & Nostalgic tour of the old street & Gourmet shopping & Hot Spring
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & Family & The aged

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      Introduction

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      On wet and cold winter days when you even shiver while sleeping, do you just want to snuggle up in the comforter? The idea of “it would be so nice to soak in hot springs” will inevitably come to your mind on cold days. Actions speak louder than words. Now pluck up your courage to step outside and drive to Taiwan’s Northern Coast to soak in hot springs! When you soak in mist-covered hot springs, warmth spreads throughout your whole body, which helps blood vessels dilate, boost the circulation of blood, and get rid of wetness and coldness in the body.

      Jinshan at Taiwan’s Northern Coast possesses rich geothermal resources and gorgeous coastal capes. You walk along the Lion’s Head Mountain trail to the high point of Jinshan Cape to admire vast ocean views and Twin Candlestick Islets. Then you return to Zhongshan Hot Spring Park from the majestic, mysterious coast to pamper your feet with the golden hot spring. Next, you can visit Jinbaoli Old Street to enjoy seafood and local delicacies!
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      Before soaking in Jinshan hot spring, how can you miss the beautiful scenery of Jinshan? After you park your car in the brand-new Jinshan parking tower, bundle yourself up and walk along the Lion’s Head Mountain trail toward the point where the land meets the sea. The trail is easy to walk. It takes only 35 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the high point. The Lion’s Head Mountain trail used to be the military control zone, so it was not accessible to the public. However, it has preserved the native ecosystem of the coastline. As there is a forest along the trail, the ecosystem is not easily affected by the sea wind. You can even see deserted barracks, lookouts and other military ruins. Upon arriving at Zhongzheng Pavilion, you can enjoy the spacious view surrounded by waters on three sides: Yeliu Cape and Keelung Islet to your east, and Huanggang to your west.

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      Twin Candlestick Islets standing in the center of the sea in front of you are formed by two giant connecting sea stacks. They look like a pair of candlesticks standing still in the sea in despite of surging waves. The unique scenery has become the symbol of Jinshan District Office. Twin Candlestick Islets used to be at the tip of Jinshan Cape, but they have turned into islets in the sea due to plate movement and coastal erosion. A circular frame has been set up next to Zhongzheng Pavilion, and it is the best location to check in!
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      Going back to the trail from Zhongzhang Pavilion, we descend as sea level gradually drops. What welcome us are the sea stretching to the horizon and wave-cut platforms. This is the east coast of Jinshan Cape, which is also known as the Mysterious Coast. You can feel the surging sea within a short distance as waves crash against jagged rocks that extend hundreds of meters.
      👉The road condition of the Mysterious Coast is easily affected by tides. Therefore, if waves are strong, it is recommended that you return and stay on Lion’s Head Mountain trail for the sake of your safety.
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      Let’s soak in the hot spring at once after feasting our eyes on beautiful scenery. Walking along the Mysterious Coast, we arrive at Zhongshan Hot Spring Park after passing by Shuiwei Fishing Port. The park that is adjacent to Jinshan Old Street is now open to the public again after four years of renovation. The park has foot-soaking pools, a landscape waterway, landscape pool, banyan tree square and other facilities. It is a new hot spot of Route 2 Taiwan in New Taipei City.
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      Jinshan is Taiwan’s northernmost hot spring area, and it belongs to the geothermal area of Datun Mountain. It has been a well-known hot spring resort since Japanese Colonial Period. The hot spring in Zhongshan Hot Spring Park has won the name of “golden hot spring” because it is rich in iron, and it turns golden brown after it contacts air. There are two foot-soaking pools in Zhongshan Hot Spring Park. The temperature in one pool is between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius, and the other is between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius. You can choose the foot-soaking pool based on your needs to relieve the fatigue of your feet with the golden hot spring.
      👉The foot-soaking pools are open until 5PM every day. Please clean your feet at the foot washing station before getting into the pool.
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      Many Taiwan cherry blossoms have been planted on both sides of the landscape waterway at Zhongshan Hot Spring Park. They bloom in the park between January and March during the lunar new year to add color to monotonous winter. You can come to the hot spring park to admire gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom while soaking your feet in the hot spring leisurely.
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      Of course, you do not enjoy yourself to the full if you just soak your feet in the hot spring. Jinshan District has many public bathrooms, private hot spring rooms and hot spring hotels for you to choose from. Jinshan hot spring is unique because it is located right by the sea. Therefore, it has four different kinds of hot springs, sulphur springs, sea sand springs, carbonic acid springs and iron springs. You can choose a private hot spring room that meets your need to help hot springs get rid of coldness in winter, stretching your body and cleansing your mind.
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      After soaking in the hot spring, you might as well enjoy delicious food on Jinshan Old Street. Being called Jinbaoli Old Street in the past, Jinshan Old Street has over three hundred years of history, and it is the largest old street at Taiwan’s Northern Coast. Rich local atmosphere has been preserved. You can see vendors selling the agricultural products of Jinshan, such as red yam and tiaoshi taro. Restaurants on the street serve dishes, such as crab porridge, taro balls and honey yam, with local agricultural products. Have a bowl of seafood porridge and enjoy sweet potato balls to warm your stomach and heart.
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      day01
        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.
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        Tamsui and Shiding Ancient Trails Trio
        Shiding District is the geographical center of New Taipei City, the main catchment area of Feicui Dam, and an essential path along the southern route of Tamsui Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails. Many approachable trails around Shiding Old Street are suitable for families to wander together. From the Tamsui-Kavalan Suspension Bridge, you can walk along the Waian Historic Trail, Wutuxi Trail, and Sifenzi Historic Trail, bathing in the green mountain trails. Then, go to the bee farm and tea garden on the Beiyi Highway to learn about the ecology of bees, taste tea, and feel the infinite vitality of the real estate industry.The Dipteris Conjugatas standing at the end of the Tamsui Suspension Bridge marks this place as an important scenic spot of the Tamsui Historic Trail. The red bridge of the Tamsui-Kavalan Suspension Bridge spans the Shiding River, and the pavilion and stone slabs simulate the scene of the transport wharf in the past. After crossing the suspension bridge, enter the Waian Historic Trail, go under the tall National Freeway 5 viaduct, and head to Shiding Old Street.The southern route of Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails is known as the "Tea Road." In the mid-19th century, after Taiwan opened its ports, tea became an essential international export commodity for Taiwan. The vast mountainous area between Taipei and Yilan became a significant tea production center, and the settlements in the valleys became trading bases for tea merchants. People transported Baozhong tea from the Shiding and Pinglin areas to Muzha, Jingmei, and Bangka along the southern route of Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails and Jingmei River waterway transportation network. After being processed and packaged in Dadaocheng, the merchants shipped the tea out of Tamsui to the world.The endpoint of the Waian Historic Trail: Shiding Old Street is the earliest developed area in Shiding. It is divided into two streets, east and west, by the Wanshou Bridge, built with stone bridge piers. The century-old tofu shop, the unique hanging-leg building (diaojialou), and the skyless street on the old street are all classic attractions in Shiding. Passing by the Shiding Elementary School, which is more than 120 years old, reflects a flourishing population of Shiding during the coal mining period in the early years.After passing through Shiding Elementary School, connect to the Wutuxi Trail built along the left bank of the Wutuxi. The trail is roughly parallel to Dingge Road, with a total length of about two kilometers and gentle undulations. Bamboo forests lined the path along the way, accompanied by Formosa Acacia, tung flowers, ficus variegata blume, nest ferns, and lagerstroemia subcostata of Shansu and Han. Besides, fishing protection policies allow rivers to retain various fish species, with clear and transparent water quality and a rich and diverse ecosystem.The Sifenzi Historic Trail is a mountain trail connecting Sifenzi and Yueshan Lake. Along the trail, you can see many historical sites, such as a stone bridge, stone houses, a Tudi Gong temple, tea plantations, terraced fields, and bamboo gardens. The picturesque scenery of Shiding has attracted many people who love mountain life to build their homes here. After walking the three major mountain trails in Shiding, arrive at the Mamami Honey, about a 5-minute drive from Shiding Old Street. Under the guidance of the beekeeper, you put on professional bee-proof clothes and enter the home of honey. In the garden where hundreds of bees are flying, observe the ecology of bees up close and deeply understand the importance of bees to the world's ecosystem.The Bei Yi Highway is a 58-kilometer highway connecting Taipei and Yilan. The highway transportation function of the Bei Yi Highway replaced the traditional traffic route – Tamsui- Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails, and has formed many new settlements. The latest traffic route brought traffic and people and allowed many industries to move to the side of the highway. Wang Lai Tea, which focuses on tea cultivation, is among the best. In the tea house full of unique award plaques, enjoy the excellent tea brewed by the tea garden owner and quietly appreciate the beautiful tea garden scenery.
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