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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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        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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        "Spend some Time" to Travel to Wanli and Taste Autumn Crabs in Autumn
        The Taiwanese rain trees on the streets are blooming yellow flowers, the maple trees on the hillside are turning red, and the ground is no longer hot at night. The cooling temperature in northern Taiwan is the best time to taste autumn crabs. The Route 2 Taiwan of autumn has lost the passion and blood of summer and replaced gourmets' praise. Come to Wanli in autumn, go to Yehliu Geopark and Ocean World, and see the strange rocks and beautiful stones up close, get to know the marine life, and then go to the nearby Yehliu Fishing Port to "Spend some Time" to feast on the plump Wanli crabs!Yehliu Geopark, a world-class scenic spot, is a cape where the remnant of Datun Mountain extends into the sea. Because of weathering, sea erosion, and crustal movement create mushroom rocks, erosion caves, tofu stones, candle-shaped rocks, and potholes. The cool autumn is the most comfortable time to visit Yehliu Geopark. Along the 400-meter-long coastal trail, appreciate the masterpiece of nature. The must-visit superstar in the geological park is "Queen's Head," a unique mushroom rock located in the second area of the cape. Its elegant curves seem to resemble a queen gazing into the distance, and it is the symbol of Yehliu and even Wanli. The "Charming Princess" in the first area of the cape has a ponytail-like shape and has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a popular check-in spot in Yehliu.The circular building next to the ticket office of the Geological Park is Taiwan's oldest brand of marine zoo - Yehliu Ocean World. The 2F Sea Elves Education Hall has a 10-story diving platform. The performers will climb up the platform and dive into the pool. Their superb skills will cause the audience to applaud continuously. Then the performances of animal stars such as sea lions and dolphins will occur. Under the guidance of the keepers and host, the audience will further understand the habits, ecological and physical characteristics of marine life, and rescue knowledge of stranded animals in the wild.B1 is the Underwater World Exploration Hall. Traveling through the underground cave passages, you can see the marine life in the Yehliu sea area through large glass windows, including cute clownfish, fierce pink-tail triggerfish and sharks, and living fossils - horseshoe crabs, which let people feel in a blue crystal dragon palace.Wanli CrabYehliu Fishing Port on the west side of Yehliu Cape is a central hub for catching Wanli crabs. The Wanli fishermen have advanced catching techniques and a large fleet. Every autumn, they go to the "Northwest Fishery" off the coast of Cape Fugui to catch crabs, accounting for more than 80% of the total crab supply in Taiwan. There is a seafood street next to the fishing port. The large water tanks at the door of each restaurant, filled with live Wanli crabs and various seafood, allow people to choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood.There are three main species of Wanli crabs: three-spotted crabs, flower crabs, and ridged swimming crabs. The New Taipei City Government completed the registration of the Wanli crab trademark in 2014, making it the number one sea crab brand in Taiwan. Using various cooking methods, you can steam or boil the plump autumn crabs in soup to bring out the delicious crab meat.Located in Dong-Ao Fishing Harbor east of Yehliu Cape, the Elisa Coffee, with an unparalleled sea view, is a good choice for a lazy afternoon. The ample space on two floors and the large windows let people to enjoy the Yehliu Geopark and Camel Peak leisurely. The café has a wide selection of exquisite drinks and unique desserts, such as marshmallow chocolate pizza with a salty and sweet taste, which is a surprise in every bite.After having the sweet and delicious Wanli crab and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Yehliu, remember to visit the Guihou Crab Theme Park before leaving Wanli. This sea view park with the theme of Wanli crab has many cute giant crab doll statues, adding lively colors to your autumn trip to Wanli.
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