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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
        Take the Ankeng LRT and Explore the Hidden Gems of the Mountain City
        Stations K1 to K9: Public art on the entire line of Ankeng Light RailAnkeng 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.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.K3 Taipei Xiaocheng Station: Erbazi Botanical GardenTo 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.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.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”.K6 Ankang Station: New Taipei City Weather Park (temporarily closed) and Hu Lien Former Residence MemorialK6 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. 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.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.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.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!
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        Take the MRT to Savor New Taipei’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Delicacies
        The Michelin Guide is the world's premier dining and travel guide. Since its debut in Taiwan in 2018 with the Michelin Guide Taipei, it has significantly boosted the international visibility of Taiwanese cuisine and driven the upgrade of the catering industry. In 2025, New Taipei City was included in the evaluation for the first time, with a total of 15 restaurants receiving the Bib Gourmand recommendation, showcasing the profound strength of New Taipei's local street food. Many award-winning shops are located near popular attractions; use the MRT to connect sights with flavors for a New Taipei food day trip! Image source: Michelin GuideTake the MRT to Xindian Station in the morning; the famous Bitan Scenic Area in Xindian District is located right next to the station. Bitan is situated in the middle reaches of the Xindian River, where the wide waters resemble a sea at the edge of a basin, making one feel relaxed and happy. Walk across the Bitan Suspension Bridge or ride a swan boat to admire the lake and mountain scenery of Bitan from different angles.Superman Sea Bass🚇MRT Xindian District Office StationAfter enjoying Bitan, take the MRT for one stop to Xindian District Office. Superman Sea Bass is located along the bustling Beixin Road. The made-to-order sea bass soup features tender meat and springy skin. The broth is brewed with clams and milkfish, with goji berries and basil added to enhance the aroma and sweetness—fresh, sweet, and stomach-warming! A wide array of side dishes, maltose braised pork knuckles, and braised pork rice are also must-order popular items in the shop. After enjoying the sea bass soup, take the MRT to Dingxi Station. From Exit 1, a half-minute walk brings you to the street with the most authentic "Korean flavor" in all of Taiwan. Yonghe Zhongxing Street is known as "Korean Street" or "Little Korea." In the 1950s, Korean expatriates settled in Yonghe, forming the earliest cluster of Korean goods in Taiwan. The neighborhood features lifestyle Korean language signboards and Korean traditional toy experiences. Shops line both sides, offering everything from instant noodles, seaweed, and ginseng to clothing, cookware, and electric blankets. Song Jhao🚇MRT Dingxi StationSong Jhao's warm and low-key sign is hidden inside the market next to Korean Street. The two-story hipster-style dining space is comfortable and cozy. Since its opening in 2022, it has focused on exquisite Sichuan-style cuisine: the must-order dish is Mouth-Watering Chicken, with tender and fresh meat paired with a secret sauce that is numbing, fragrant, and appetizing; Spicy Braised Pork Rice is another signature dish, with distinct grains of rice drizzled with braised sauce and fatty pork cubes, full of collagen and melting in your mouth. As the lights illuminate and the evening begins, Lehua Night Market gradually becomes lively. Located in the heart of Yonghe, this night market has developed since the 1970s into a large-scale night market covering Yongping Road, Section 1 of Baofu Road, and Lane 18 of Baoping Road, merging with the Dingxi shopping district and Beyond Plaza department store into a vibrant area. A-Pa's Taro Balls🚇MRT Dingxi StationThe popularity king of Lehua Night Market—A-Pa's Taro Balls—is deeply loved by taro enthusiasts. The signature "Taro Meets Mud Sugarcane Flake Ice" uses refreshing and delicate sugarcane flake ice as a base, topped with homemade chewy taro balls, dense and rich taro mash, as well as Job's tears, white jade tangyuan, and pearls. The multi-layered textures and rich flavors bring surprises with every bite. The walls covered with sticky notes add to the youthful and vibrant atmosphere. After exploring Lehua Night Market, take the MRT to Banqiao Station. Centered around the multi-rail Banqiao Station, the Xinban Special District is the largest urban-type shopping district in New Taipei City. Every year on the eve of Christmas, the dazzling "Christmasland in New Taipei City" debuts in the Xinban Special District and Fuzhong Shopping Area. Take beautiful photos in the brilliant light zones, enjoy spectacular light shows, and browse the Christmas market to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere. Daonegone Lamb🚇MRT Xinpu Station / Xinpu Minsheng StationLocated on the outskirts of the Xinban Special District, Daonegone Lamb is the top choice for a late-night snack after visiting Christmasland. After ordering and taking a number, wait for the piping hot mutton soup and "black gold" braised pork rice to be served. The angelica broth, simmered all day, exudes a sweet herbal fragrance, paired with Australian mutton to warm and nourish the body. The black gold braised pork rice features springy rice grains and fatty pork mince overflowing with collagen, savory and well-seasoned. Paired with a braised egg, it is aromatic and deliciously perfect.
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