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New Taipei City Travel

Pilgrimage to Northern Coast cinematic scenes, experiencing nature and cultural heritage.

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Category :
MRT Travel & Cycling Trip & Adore a star & Senior citizen & Family tour & Nostalgic tour of the old street & Secret attractions & Route 2 Taiwan-Seaside walk
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & Family & Cyclists & Couples & The aged

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      Introduction

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      The whirlwind caused by classic Taiwanese dramas often brings about pilgrimages. Sometimes, through the perspective of film and television works, familiar attractions will give us a new layer of emotion, while unfamiliar attractions will be a layer of mysterious colors. The Northern Coast has a rich ecology and charming sea views along the coast and is a favorite location for many film and television works.

      Arrive at Linshan Cape Wooden Plank in the morning for a bicycle tour, just like passing by the bicycles shared by Xiang Lun Ye and Xiao Yu Lu in the movie "Secret." Go to Tamsui Old Street for food at noon, and visit Fu-Yo Temple on Zhongzheng Road, which seems to be able to see the lively scene of the temple performance in "David Loman 2." Join a special guided tour of Fort San Domingo. The vermilion exterior walls are full of exotic styles in the afternoon. In recent years, many popular TV series such as "Seqalu: Formosa 1867" and "Gold Leaf" were filmed in the former Qing Dynasty British Consul's residence on the east side. At dusk, come to the nearby Customs Wharf to greet the sunset. Here is also the location where the music movie "52Hz, I Love You" creates a European-style flower market.
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      ▲ The Linshan Cape Wooden Plank is only 600 meters long and is suitable for walking, cycling, and enjoying the seaside scenery.

      Take a bicycle tour on the wooden plank to appreciate the natural terrain.
      In 2007, Jay Chou directed and starred in the musical fantasy romance film "Secret" which swept Taiwan. The romantic scene in the movie, in which Xiang Lun Ye rides a bicycle to take Xiao Yu Lu home and the two chat about everything under the sun, is filmed at the Linshan Cape Wooden Plank.

      The 600-meter-long Linshan Cape Wooden Plank Road is part of the "Linshan Cape Recreation Area" and is at the junction of Sanzhi District and Shimen District. Besides the coastal scenery, remember to look at the wind-faceted stone landform and the rich intertidal ecology. The andesite of Linshan Cape has gradually formed multi-faceted edges eroded by the northeast monsoon with fine sand for many years, so it is called "wind-faceted stone." The widespread andesite is also an excellent location for algae to attach. The replacement of the old and the new left the rock's surface with lime due to algae calcification, which accumulates layer by layer to form an algae reef. When riding a bicycle on the Linshan Cape Wooden Plank to the filming location, enjoy the sea breeze and get close to these rare natural geological landscapes.
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      ▲ At the entrance of Tamsui Old Street, the fragrance of delicious food fills the air, and crowds surge along the way.

      Tasty delicacies only cost coins, and visit the ancient temple, Fu-Yo Temple.
      After the exercise, fill the hunger with food from Tamsui Old Street. Regarding the must-eats in Tamsui, we must mention the three food treasures: "fish balls, a-gei, and iron eggs." A bowl of steaming fish ball soup is full of the simple taste of the fishing village, paired with a-gei topped with sweet and spicy sauce. When taking a bite, it is full of green bean noodles soaked in a salty and fragrant sauce. Finally, buy a pack of iron eggs as a snack to replenish the journey.

      Pass by the "Fu-Yo Temple" on Zhongzheng Road Old Street when searching for delicious food. Temples and businesses are adjacent to the busy streets, a unique street scene in Taiwan. It even found the integration of religion and life into the daily lives of ordinary people. On the day when "David Loman 2." was filmed at Fu-Yo Temple, it presented clips of Nana and Xiaola sisters learning religious rituals, such as carrying a sedan chair, which attracted many viewers.
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      ▲Fu-Yo Temple is the earliest temple built on Tamsui Old Street and has more than 200 years of history.

      Built with the mountain behind and the river in front, the Fu-Yo Temple is the earliest in Tamsui. Its construction history dates back to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty when it was a Class III historic site. It is mainly dedicated to Mazu, who protects the place and ensures safe navigation. Therefore, it is also called Mazu Temple and carries many folk legends.

      According to legend, during the Sino-French War, when French warships bombarded Huwei (today's Tamsui), they saw a spirit guarding the Fu-Yo Temple, and the nearby houses were unaffected. After the war, Ming Chuan Liu petitioned Emperor Guangxu to grant a plaque because Mazu had made her presence. The plaque "Yitian Zhaoyou" (Praise Mazu for her meritorious service in protecting Taiwan during the battle) is still hanging in the temple's main hall. The temple retains many original Qing Dynasty items, and the unique architectural layout and rich carving art are also worth a visit.
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      ▲The building on the east side of Fort San Domingo Park was the official residence of the British Consul in the Qing Dynasty.

      The Fort San Domingo Park is a building that witnesses the evolution of history.
      It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Fu-Yo Temple to Fort San Domingo Park to see red brick buildings full of exotic styles. The TV series "Seqalu: Formosa 1867" and "Gold Leaf," which have recently caused a craze, were filmed in the former British Consul's residence on the east side of Fort San Domingo. They present the office of Xian-De Lee, the American Consul in Xiamen, and the scene of Yi-Xin Chang, the daughter of a tea merchant, negotiating the tea business, respectively.
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      ▲ The elegant and solemn interior of the former British Consul's residence is perfect for shooting solemn conversation scenes.

      The site of Fort Santo Domingo includes the main fortress, the former British consul's residence, and the south gate built during the Qing dynasty. Spanish initially built and called it "Santo Domingo City." After destroying it, the Dutch rebuilt it on the original site and named it "Fort Antonio" (Fort San Domingo). During the Qing Dynasty, the Tamsui Tongzhi (government sub-prefect) of the Taiwan Prefecture added four outer city gates. It was not until after the Sino-French War that the trade volume of Tamsui Port increased sharply, and the British decided to build the Consul's Residence next to it. The construction of Fort San Domingo came to a temporary end. This national monument has witnessed the passage of time, and over 300 years of history have been piled brick by brick.
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      ▲ Presented as "vases," the corridor railings combine the beauty of Chinese ceramics with Western vase railings.

      Fort San Domingo became the British Consulate from 1867 to 1972 because of the "Fort San Domingo Perpetual Lease" signing. It was not until later that they established the former Qing British Consulate on the east side of the main castle. The two-story red brick building was designed by British architects and constructed by Chinese craftsmen. It has typical British colonial architectural features such as sloping roofs and arch-ring corridors. Its excellent construction technology and exquisite materials have great architectural art value.

      ★Tamsui Fort San Domingo Park Guided Tour Service: On-site registration is limited to 30 people per session.
      Daily at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00
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      ▲ You can see the Tamsui River Bayou and the Guandu Bridge from the Customs Wharf.

      Enjoy the magical sunset moment at the wharf.
      When coming to the Tamsui Riverside, remember to catch the moment when the sunset dyes the river golden. The Customs Wharf is on a platform downhill from Fort San Domingo. It is a great place to enjoy the sunset and the opening of the Taiwanese music film "52 Hz, I Love You." The flower shop's female owner carefully dragged the cart, strolling and singing in the European-style flower market.

      In the Qing Dynasty, Hu Wei became a trading port due to the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin and the Convention of Peking, and the Customs Wharf instantly became one of the most essential ports in Taiwan. The 150-meter riverside trail, built with Guanyin and Qilian stone, prevents erosion by the river water and is very sturdy. People can still see the stone mooring bollards where ships moored in the past. Today, the Tamsui Customs Wharf area has Western-style buildings and a port warehouse built during the Japanese rule. There are permanent exhibitions planned in the warehouse, and special exhibitions are changed regularly.
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      ▲ Let the sunset twilight draw a beautiful end to the journey.

      The Customs Wharf connects to the bottom of Tamsui Old Street and overlooks the Tamsui River Bayou and Guandu Bridge. The view is broad, just right for the sunset twilight to draw a beautiful end to the journey.


      See more New Taipei Cinematic Pilgrimage Road:Film Assist NTPC.
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      An intellectual journey to Tamsui with your children: Cultural heritage and girls’ education
      The picturesque Tamsui was once Northern Taiwan’s window connecting to the world in the latter half of the 19th century. The thriving international trade contributed to Tamsui’s golden years; and, through merchants and missionaries, western goods and ideas also arrived in Tamsui and entered Taiwan. The first girls’ school, first Western-style hospital, and first golf course in Taiwan were all established in Tamsui, each of which subsequently transformed the entire landscape of Taiwanese society.Come to Tamsui with your children on the weekend to Visit the Tamsui Historical Museum of Douglas Lapraik & Co., and learn about Tamsui’s cultural heritage through interactive games. Visit places like “The House of Maidens”, “The House of Reverends”, and “Mackay Memorial Museum”. Then discuss with your children the impact of the opening of Tamsui Port on Taiwan. Take a leisurely stroll through the FAB Green Village, explore the whimsical public art of the Danhai Light Rail , and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of modern Tamsui.In 1860, after Taiwan’s ports were opened for international trade, Tamsui quickly emerged as Northern Taiwan’s most international commercial port, and attracted numerous foreign firms to establish an office in Tamsui. The Douglas Lapraik & Co. located at the end of Tamsui Old Street, together with Tait, Ckiangsu, Elles, and Dent, were the top five foreign firms in Tamsui. Apart from its engagement in international trade, Douglas Lapraik & Co. was a giant in Taiwan’s shipping industry at the end of the 19th century. With its control of this island’s external trade, it has facilitated the prosperous development of Tamsui after the opening of Tamsui port.Featuring historical significance, this foreign firm’s architecture is an ideal place for showcasing Tamsui’s prosperous past. After a year of preparation, the permanent exhibition of the “Tamsui Historical Museum” is launched within Douglas Lapraik & Co. The exhibition features a collection of 12 cultural heritage sites in Tamsui, including Fort San Domingo, the Former Site of the Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence, Tamsui Customs Wharf, the Former Residence of Tamsui Township Head Tada Eikichi, Hobe Fort, the Tamsui Police Chief’s Residence, Douglas Lapraik & Co., Shih’s Old Residence (in Qizaiding of Tamsui), Cheng’s Old Residence (by Gonsitian River), Japanese Trader Nakano’s Residence, the Former Residence of Kinoshita Seigai, and the Former Tamsui Elementary School Hall. These sites represent significant architectural and historical landmarks.The Tamsui Historical Museum has categorized the exhibited cultural heritage into four main types: political, military, commercial, and educational. Each category is transformed into interactive games that incorporate their respective historical narratives. Through playful and engaging interactions, children can effortlessly gain insight into interesting facts about Tamsui’s historic sites and embark on a journey of imagination to visualize the bygone charm of Tamsui.After ascending the sloping path of Zhenli Street, entering the campus of Aletheia University, and passing through the Finance and Economics Building, you will come across two century-old red-brick buildings that appear even more elegant framed by the surrounding green trees. In front of these buildings is a lush garden, while just beyond, you can glimpse the Tamsui River and Guanyinshan. These two similar-style colonnaded Western-style buildings are “The House of Maidens” and “The House of Reverends”, which were built in 1906 and 1909 respectively.These two buildings, constructed from bricks and Chinese firs imported from Xiamen, were personally designed and supervised by Reverend William Gauld. The House of Maidens was originally gifted to Miss Jane Kinney, the principal of Taiwan’s first girls’ school, Tamsui Girls’ School, and Miss Hannah Connell, the principal of Women’s School, as their residence. It holds significant historical value as a witness to the development of contemporary girls’ education in Taiwan. Today, it serves as the Office of the President at Aletheia University. The House of Reverends, on the other hand, served as the residence of Reverend William Gauld. Its music hall is widely known for its appearance in the movie “Secret”.The white building next to “The House of Maidens” and “The House of Reverends” is the Mackay Memorial Museum, also known as the Dr. Mackay’s former residence. Constructed in 1875, this building was personally designed by Dr. Mackay, and its Spanish-style architecture is well-suited for the humid and rainy climate of northern Taiwan. Dr. Mackay lived here with his Taiwanese wife, Chang Tsung-ming, and his children until he passed away in 1901 due to an illness.In 1872, Dr. Mackay took Douglas Lapraik & Co’s flagship “Sea Dragon” from Kaohsiung to Tamsui, where he embarked on his decades-long missions of preaching, teaching, and providing medical services in Taiwan. Dr. Mackay also nurtured many talents in Taiwan’s religious, educational, and medical circles. Moreover, recognizing the social bias against women in Taiwan, he pioneered women’s education in Taiwan by founding Tamsui Girls’ School. Dr. Mackay’s wife, Chang Tsung-ming, was also a teacher at Tamsui Girls’ School and was fluent in English. Both of them are important figures in the history of women’s education in Taiwan.👉Visiting the interior exhibitions of the Mackay Memorial Museum requires prior arrangement. Please contact the Tamsui Oxford Archives of Aletheia University at (02-2621-2121).Chang Tsung-ming once accompanied Dr. Mackay on a trip back to his homeland, Canada, at the end of 1879. During the journey, they passed through Xiamen, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and the Middle East. They visited the pyramids in Egypt, went to Jerusalem to see the Western Wall, and, through Alexandria, proceeded to Italy to visit the ruins of Pompeii, Rome, and the Vatican. They then traveled through France and the UK to reach Canada, where they completed missionary work and fundraising activities. Afterward, they returned to Taiwan via the United States and Japan. This journey made Chang Tsung-ming the first Taiwanese woman to complete a trip around the world.Stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the Tamsui River and, shortly after passing Fort San Domingo, you’ll find the snow-white FAB Green Village on your right. This geometrically symmetrical architecture that echoes Tamsui’s arched western style building designs has attracted numerous visitors for sightseeing and photography. The FAB Green Village combines a renowned European hotel, shopping plaza, movie theater, and garden plaza. After enjoying a meal in the shopping plaza, you can visit the rooftop garden on the third floor to sit on the vast lawn with your children, gaze into the distance at Bali’s left bank and Guanyinshan, and relish the captivating Tamsui sunset.Take a bus to the Danhai Light Rail Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf Station and step into the Danhai Light Rail system filled with elements from Jimmy Liao’s picture books. Let the heartwarming characters from Jimmy’s picture books accompany you on the light rail. Just like the characters do in “Sometimes, Sometimes”, close your eyes and the light blue light rail train is about to start your journey to dreamland and cozy home.
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      Get going! Experience one day of in-depth Hakka culture of Sanxia.
      "Hakka, indigo dyeing, and old streets" are probably the three main impressions that come to mind when thinking of Sanxia. Sanxia was formerly known as "Sanchiaoyung," and "yung" means water waves in Taiwanese. Hengxi, Sanxia River, and Dahan River converge here, forming a triangular plain. The place name shows the characteristics of the past century - abundant water resources and open plains.The Hakka immigrants in Sanxia engaged in the dyeing, tea, and camphor industries with rich natural conditions as the background. Moreover, the rivers crisscrossed the area, enabling the transportation of large quantities of cloth, making the dyeing industry a thriving industry. To get to know Sanxia, start with the indigo dyeing experience. Wandering around the former Sanchiaoyung Street (now called "Sanxia Old Street") and visiting the New Taipei City Hakka Museum to experience the collision of Hakka culture from the past to the present.▲ Sanxia was once a significant center of the indigo dyeing industry. (Photo source: authorized and provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)Here is the significant center of indigo dyeing, a part of Hakka culture.Sanxia is a place with many hills, suitable for growing the blue-dyed plant "Assam Indigo." The confluence of rivers also provides advantages for leaching and river transportation. Hakka immigrants took advantage of the perfect geographical conditions and developed the treasures of this land. The place once experienced a prosperous era with many dyeing factories until the introduction and popularization of chemical dyes.When visiting Sanxia Old Street, people still see the old dyeing workshop plaques hanging high. A group of young people who returned to their hometown, holding the concept of local creation, rented a century-old house on Qingshui Street next to Sanxia Old Street and jointly established "Can Culture Art and Nature" to maintain the gradually declining culture. It provides a traditional craftsmanship experience and a canteen with fermented and brewed local ingredients.▲The courtyard of Can Culture Art and Nature, nestled against the century-old house, is shaded by large trees and full of greenery.Participating in Can Culture Art and Nature's DIY blue dyeing, the instructor will start by tracing the history of blue dyeing in Sanxia and then delve into the principles and techniques of blue dyeing. Through various methods of tying, determine the pattern differences on the fabric. After designing each pattern, the next step is to immerse the fabric in a traditional dyeing vat, gently massage it, and finally disassemble the tying tools. Drying in a well-ventilated place helps the dye to oxidize, and the color will gradually turn blue.▲ Dip the tied fabric into the dye vat and press it gently. (Photo source: provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)Once welcomed by the Hakka people, the blue dress is wear-resistant, dirt-resistant, and can be repeatedly dyed. As part of the Hakka culture of Sanxia, through a complete experience, people can understand the unique connotation of blue dyeing in Sanxia from a new perspective. It is not only a superficial living craft but also carries the simplicity that the Hakka people adhere to. Nowadays, many local dyeing workshops have launched course experiences and held the Sanxia Blue Dyeing Festival to allow this beautiful craft to take root in Sanxia and continue well.▲ Dry in a well-ventilated place to help the dye solution oxidize. (Photo source: provided by Can Culture Art and Nature)👉 Registration Information for Indigo Dyeing Experience DIY of Can Culture Art and Nature.The class opening has over six or more people, and participants must register three days in advance..Course time: Morning session 10:00 (holidays only) / Afternoon session 14:00 (weekdays and holidays)..The actual situation is subject to the organizer.Explore local cuisine in the unique old street that combines Minnan and Western styles.After experiencing indigo dyeing, visit the nearby Sanxia Old Street to visit the ancient sites and eat delicious food. It feels like traveling through time and space. Walking on Sanxia Old Street, it seems to see still the scene of people transporting coal and camphor wood on the road. This settlement street, which faces the river and the mountains, combines ancient Greek columns, Roman arches, and Baroque decorations. The long red brick arcade is a check-in spot for tourists.▲Sanxia Old Street is an S-shaped street built according to the terrain, and the red brick arcade is a tourist must-photograph attraction.The must-try food in Sanxia Old Street is not only the Golden Croissants. It would help to catch the original Golden Croissant ice cream. The modified croissant cup used to hold it has a crisper taste. There are also many ice cream flavors to choose from. Everyone should have an ice cream to cool down when the autumn heat comes. Handmade tofu pudding made according to the ancient method, rice blood with a unique garlic sauce, and braised dishes made with Chinese medicine and fruits and vegetables are also classic foods. Taste every deliciousness for just coins' price!▲ The most famous one is the Golden Croissant of Sanxia, which has also developed many extension products, such as Golden Croissant ice cream.👉 Read more: Sanxia Old Street Tour Guide (Sanxia Old Street Shopping District Official Website)It is a comprehensive collection of Hakka history, culture, and art, a place for education and entertainment.With a satisfying meal, why not walk to the " New Taipei City Hakka Museum," only a ten-minute drive from Sanxia Old Street? The round earthen buildings come into view with Hakka architectural elements such as the Vochang (Hakka dialect for "the place for drying grains in sunlight ") and corridors. The gun holes on the outer wall and the watchtowers at the commanding heights are all meant to prevent and resist foreign invasions and have rich landscape features.▲ The earthen building is not only eye-catching in appearance but also incorporates Hakka architectural elements.Entering the New Taipei City Hakka Museum, the central theme is the history and culture of Taiwan's Hakka people. The permanent exhibition of cultural relics is from multiple perspectives, including clothing, utensils, and art. A ceramic boutique area and traditional clothing display also incorporate Hakka imagery into artworks. They even combine blue dyeing and floral fabrics with Barbie dolls, using features such as slanted plackets, fasteners, and culottes to create a unique Hakka Barbie. Moreover, there are occasional special exhibitions of Hakka artists to showcase the artistic styles and features created by the New Taipei Hakka people under the changing environment.👉Read more: Current Exhibitions at New Taipei City Hakka Museum▲ For more information about current exhibitions, please visit the official website of the New Taipei City Hakka Museum.The gourmet restaurants in the park can satisfy your cravings for classic Hakka dishes that are "salty, fragrant, and fatty" or afternoon tea snacks such as steamed cakes and mochi. If you want to experience the Sanxia Hakka culture in New Taipei City, visiting the New Taipei City Hakka Museum is the first choice for physical, mental, and spiritual enrichment!
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