New Taipei City Travel

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.

Rumor has it that the name “Canguangliao” (“canguang” means shining light in Chinese) comes from the scenery when mountains, full of yellowish and white silver grass in fall, give spectacular light rays formed under the sun beams, making Canguangliao Historic Trail a “golden shining” scenic route! From Mudan Train station, take a bus to Shisanceng Old Tree Stop and walk for 10 minutes, and you will arrive at “Canguangliao Historic Trail Entrance”. Along the Trail, visitors will pass by the historic site of Jinguashi Water Pumping Station, small waterfalls, historic site of old grocery store, Jinshan Fude Temple, and more, and they will ultimately arrive at Shumeiping Observation Deck. The total distance is nearly 5km with a walking time of approximately 3 hours; the level portions of the Trail are constructed with stairs of relatively lower difficulty level for walking. Moreover, Canguangliao Mountain is the highest amongst Keelung Volcano Group, so visitors can even look over to Taipei City and Northeast Coast when there is nice weather with an expansive view. After exiting the Trail, follow County Route 102 to Jinguashi Geological Park, where was previously Benshan Mine. Visitors here will have the opportunity to observe traces of the most original mining sights. Then continue traveling to the nearby Jinguashi Shinto Shrine, which was built during the period of Japanese rule in response to the mining development. Even though it is all abandoned now, visitors can still have a glimpse of the sacred and solemn ambiance from the remains of the historic site. If you are interested in having more in-depth experiences of Jinguashi’s golden age, you can continue walking down to the Gold Museum, which is a museum campus transformed from the gold mining areas in the old days. Activities here will include learning about the mining history, the gold culture, and experiencing gold panning; spending a whole afternoon here will be no problem at all. At the end of the journey, visitors will connect to Jiufen Old Street, where they are recommended to order a bowl of cold or hot taro balls or to find a tea place and enjoy a cup of good tea, taking some time to savor this “golden” journey as they take a rest.