Go to the main content section Anchor point

New Taipei City Travel

Secret Paradise in the Mountain City

Anchor point
Secret Paradise in the Mountain City
Category :
Classic
Travel days :
1 day

推薦路線

Day

      Introduction

      Anchor point
      “The biggest joy of traveling is discovering some unexpected surprises.” If you love exploring nature and visiting the hidden paradises within the mountains of New Taipei City, then you can’t miss this route: “Secret Paradise in the Mountain City~ Explore the Slow Lifestyle of Pingxi.” Key attractions include Lingjiao Station and its 108-degree arc railway platform, the Wanggu Waterfall hidden in the river valley, the majestic Shifen Waterfall and the unique façade of the Sky Lantern Police Station. Open your eyes and enjoy all the little joys along the way!

      Note

      【Return traffic information】
      Take trains for the NMMST from “Jingtong Station” to “Ruifang Station.” Then take trains for Taipei.
      【Return-Take a bus】
      Take the bus route 795 Taiwan Trip-Muzha Pingxi Line from “Jingtongkeng” for Muzha to “MRT Muzha Station” stop. Then take the Taipei MRT back to your hotel.
      day01
        Previous
        During the summer lotus season in Shuangxi, you can enjoy flowers, play with water, and walk along the old streets.
        On a summer morning, before the sun shines, go to the Shuangxi Lotus Garden to enjoy the flowers. The peach-pink lotus flowers peek out from the dense lotus leaves. Brush shoulders with children playing on the ridges beside the pond. One is looking for the best spot to enjoy the flowers, while another is looking for the crystal water drops sliding down the edges of the leaves, so the kid scoops up handfuls of water repeatedly from the pond and splashes it on the lotus fields, washing away the summer heat at the same time. After capturing all the ideal angles in the camera, there is also the farmer's market at the entrance of the garden and the handmade DIY series of lotus seasons, which are bustling with people and very lively.Then, go to the Ruanqiaoduan Water Park to play in the water and take a walk. When hungry, have a good meal at the nearby Shuangxi Old Street and stroll through the old town to feel the tranquility of the years. After a full stomach, look at the Chinese architectural aesthetics of the Lian Juren Historic House and the Zhuang Gong-Sheng Ancient House. The simple and charming inscriptions and carvings give a glimpse of the time's cultural status and social expectations.▲ About 30% of the flowers bloom in mid-June, and many lotus flowers are still in the bud. The flower season will last until August.The largest lotus field in New Taipei City is where to seize the limited beauty in summer.While driving on the Shuanggan Highway, flower fields are on both sides. The largest lotus garden field in New Taipei City is in Shuangxi. Shuangxi Lotus Garden has promoted friendly farming for more than ten years, with a scale of 7.5 hectares. Besides the two significant representatives of water lily fields, lotus, and water lily, the garden also planted various varieties such as Oga lotus, peony lotus, perfume lotus, Victoria regia, and louver lotus. The limited seasonal beauty kicked off in June and continued to bloom until August. ▲ DIY coin purse of silk printing involves smearing the pigment on the silk board and scraping the pigment evenly from top to bottom with a scraper.The "Shuangxi Lotus Season" officially opens in mid-June. The pond is full of flower buds, making people look forward to the scene of full bloom in midsummer. The organizer has prepared a series of handmade DIY activities to match the flower season, from making palace-style lotus pastry and experiencing silk printing of coin purses to creating lotus-shaped light soil pots. Many parents accompanied their children to participate. Walking along the farmer's market corridor with their finished works, they can't help but hold tofu pudding in one hand and honey water in the other, trying their best to resist the arrival of the hot summer. Organic fruits and vegetables, eggs, and pickled vegetables from local small farmers filled the stalls. In the hustle and bustle of chatting and selling goods, experience the gentleness and kindness of the Shuangxi people in such a leisurely life.▲ The entrance to the Ruanqiaoduan Water Park is on the side of the road. We recommend parking cars and then walking here.The clear and transparent secret water play spot relieves summer heat.Using ecological methods to build the Ruanqiaoduan Water Park, its entrance is next to the Pinglin section of the Jifu Highway. Walk down the stone steps, the view suddenly opens, and the green lawn appears. At the end of the lawn are stairs for easy entry into the water. The closure of Pinglin River banned fishing successfully, so now the water is clear, and you can see the bottom. There are also schools where fish can swim leisurely, including Taiwan shoveljaw carp and Taiwan torrent carp. This place has become a good place for the whole family to play in the water and have picnics.When playing in the water, be aware of the impact of chemical sunscreen on the aquatic environment, as it may cause ecological accumulation and even affect the endocrine system of marine organisms. When contacting natural waters in the hot summer, choose ocean-friendly sunscreen, or enjoy the sun!▲ At the end of the lawn are stone steps leading to the stream. The stream is shallow, and many fish swim leisurely in it.Stroll through the tranquil Shuangxi Old Street to explore the ruins and enjoy delicious food.After playing in the water and feeling hungry, why not go to the nearby Shuangxi Old Street to search for food? Unlike the noise of Shenkeng Old Street and Pingxi Old Street, the atmosphere of Shuangxi Old Street adds a sense of peaceful life to the old city area. Strolling through it, run against a century-old blacksmith shop made of red bricks at the corner and a two-story Western-style building Chinese medicine shop with the sign "Lin-Yi-He Pharmacy" hanging on it. Looking at the exterior of the building, it seemed like time had passed, but only by delving into it did you realize that everything was still steadily rotating.▲ The century-old blacksmith shop has witnessed Taiwan's development history from an agricultural society.Shuangxi Public Market gathers many people, and hidden delicacies are all around, whether it is the Caozaiguo with a chewy skin and a grassy aroma, filled with shredded radish, or the traditional shaved ice with dozens of ingredients to choose from. Although it lacks exquisite decoration, the market's delicious food still has a down-to-earth charm that makes residents and tourists visit repeatedly.▲ At the end of Changan Old Street is Shuangxi Old Ferry Dock, where the Pinglin and Mudan rivers also meet.At the end of Changan Old Street is the remains of Shuangxi Ferry Deck, which was the traffic hub of the Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails during the Qing Dynasty, creating a prosperous period for Shuangxi Town. Changan Street was full of rice shops, cloth shops, inns, and Chinese medicine shops during its heyday.▲The words "Chuzhong (transferring filial piety towards parents)" and "Riuxiao (to show loyalty to the country)" are engraved on the left and right doors of the "Lian Juren Historic House."The ancient house tour is to explore the Shuangxi from a century-old mansion.There is also a century-old house called "Lian Juren Historic House" near the ferry dock. A large plaque with the words "Wenkui" is hung on the main hall door. In the past, people would thank their ancestors after achieving fame. At this time, local officials would present plaques to show their appreciation. Hanging plaques can also show the family's status in the imperial examination. In the fifth year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1866 AD), Yuan-Qiao Lian's descendant, Ri-Chun Lian, went to Fuzhou to take the provincial examination and passed the Bingzi imperial examination. He was the first imperial examination in Shuangxi District, so his house was honored as "Juren House." This "Wenkui" plaque was erected by Ri-Chang Ding, Fujian's governor, in 1876 AD.▲ The walls of the “Zhuang Gong-Sheng Ancient House” contain many meaningful stone carvings, which show the blessings and expectations of the ancestors.In the 34th of the Meiji era (1901), Ting-Can Zhuang went to Zhangzhou Prefecture in Fujian Province to participate in the Qing Dynasty's imperial examination and passed the imperial examination. After returning home, he co-founded the "Mei Zhu Yuan" private school with local Juren, Ri-Chun Lian, to cultivate talents. The locals called Ting-Can Zhuang's ancestral home the "Zhuang Gong-Sheng Ancient House." Mountains back the Zhuang's ancient house and face water in three courtyards in Fujian style architecture. It has circular stone windows with bamboo window frames on both sides and bats surrounding them, full of blessings, noble character, and unquestionable integrity.▲ The stone windows of the "Zhuang Gong-Sheng Ancient House," with bamboo window frames and bats surrounding them, are full of blessings, noble character, and unquestionable integrity.These century-old houses are still in their original stone appearance and are generally well preserved. Visitors can still see the intricate carvings under the traces of time. Through explanations from later generations, people can get a glimpse of Shuangxi's prosperous past. Time has preserved the stories of the old streets and houses waiting for visitors to explore one by one on foot.
        Next
        Set sail in summer and set sail from Bali!
        In the hot summer, the cloudless weather always arouses people's desire to run to the coastline. Bali, located on the left bank of the Tamsui River bayou and protected by the Wazihwei Embankment, has a peaceful and wide water area. It is one of the most suitable places for water sports in New Taipei City. Come to the Bali Aquatics Center to set sail on the waterway between Guanyin Mountain and Datun Mountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Tamsui Sea. Then, go to the Environmental Education Center and Wazihwei Nature Reserve, look for fiddler crabs and mudskippers in the mangroves, and finally, go to the secret place on the mountainside of Guanyin Mountain to spend a beautiful afternoon.Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Taiwan's coastal areas have always been the first choice for summer leisure. Have you ever imagined leaving the land and sailing far away while playing by the seaside? Turn your ideas into action and come to Bali District on the left of Route 2 Taiwan in New Taipei City to experience the fun of sailing!The predecessor of Bali Aquatics Center was Bali Sailing Pier, the first riverbank pier specially designed for sailing sports in the country. Located at the river and sea junction, but fortunate enough to have a Wazihwei as a natural barrier, the waters here are pretty calm, making it very suitable for beginners to experience the fun of sailing.Under the guidance of professional coaches, people set out from Bali Pier and began their first sailing trip on the Tamsui River. Besides sailing, the aquatics center offers water sports such as SUP (Stand Up Paddle), canoeing, windsurfing, etc. Visitors interested in sailing on the seven seas can also sign up for the advanced ASA International Sailing Certification Course at the aquatics center. Set out from Bali and sail to the world. Sail on a white keel sailboat at the bayou of the Tamsui River, adjusting the angle of the sail according to the wind direction. While sailing through the waves, you can enjoy the scenery of Bali Guanyin Mountain and Tamsui Datun Mountain as well as famous landmarks such as the FAB Green Village and Fort San Domingo.Exercising under the burning sun consumes energy very quickly, so spicy and sour Thai food is the most delicious dish in this season. Many restaurants near the aquatics center are suitable for gatherings. Come to the Island of Thai cuisine next to Bali ZuoAn (Left Bank) Park to taste popular Thai dishes such as Thai basil chill pork, full-moon shrimp patties, green curry, shrimp paste cabbage, etc., and pair it with a cup of cold Thai milk tea to eliminate the summer heat.With the increasingly severe global warming, pursuing net zero carbon emissions has become a common global concern. The "New Taipei City Sustainable Environmental Education Center," established in 2008, is the central hub for promoting sustainable environmental education, conservation, and research in New Taipei City. Starting from the Environmental Education Center, under the guidance of the tour guide, ride a bike to the Wazaiwei Nature Reserve and enter the ecological world of the mangrove forest.The name of Waziwei comes from its topography. It is the last bend of the Tamsui River before it flows into the sea. It formed a lagoon-like terrain at the river and sea junction. It is a shelter for local ships and a mangrove paradise, such as Kandelia. The Waziwei Natural Ecological Reserve covers an area of 30 hectares, and the main conservation targets are the kandelia and the animals and plants that live with them.Underneath the lush green Kandelia at Waziwei is a vibrant intertidal zone. This precious wetland is home to many bird species, and observe various creatures on the wetland during low tide. Besides the cute fiddler crab with one giant and one small claw, look closer! The mudskippers are jumping among them. Summer afternoons are the best time of the season. When arriving at "Happy Time" halfway up Guanyin Mountain, open the door, and a nostalgic space unfolds before eyes. Wooden Chinese medicine cabinets, typewriters, old cameras, rotary phones, shaved ice machines, and signs of various old shops arose people's good memories of the past.Use exquisite glass bottles and ceramics to serve drinks full of summer flavor, pair them with desserts such as Dorayaki and pineapple cakes, and enjoy them together in this space full of antiques. When the setting sun outside shines on the pond, watching the light reflecting through the water and the sparkling summer is the most memorable and beautiful time.
        Read more
        Back to the top of page
        小客帶路