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Sightseeing and Attractions

Taipei Country

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The life of any region arises out of its historical past, its remembrance of culture, and its hold on the future. The Taipei County government has established museums of tea culture, pottery and ceramics, and other sites to help preserve the memory of the common history and culture. Taipei County is rich in cultural resources. It's a major cultural county that hosts a rich variety of cultural activities. Come! Join us as we trace our cultural roots.The confluence of the Tamshui, Hsintien and Keelung Rivers gave rise to Taipei County, which expanded gradually inland from the smallish river mouth to achieve its present scope. The meeting ground of the rivers stretches away in a scene of grandeur as the seashore, its terrain carved out by the hand of time, faces off with the low mountains standing peacefully in the distance of Taipei County.


NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

• Baisha Bay
  Baisha Bay which translates as "White Sand Bay" is one of the better known beaches along the coast. The bay is located between Linshanbi to the south and Cape Fuguei to the north. These rocky promontories are the result of volcanic activity from the Datuen Range that sent lava flowing directly into the sea some 800,000 years ago. The different minerals present in the rock have created a mottled rock surface. An interesting feature of the rocky waterfronts are the primitive fish traps made from heaped landsite and broken coral, where fish are stranded by the retreating tide. These fish traps can be seen along the coast between Baisha Bay and Cape Fuguei.
   

• Bitou Cape Park
  Bitou Cape is one of the "Three Capes of North Taiwan,"the other two being Fuguei Cape, the island's northernmost cape,and Sandiau Cape (Cape Santiago), its easternmost. Most of the sea-eroded landform types of the entire Northeast Coast are found here, including the sea cliffs, undercut bluffs, and platforms which are more fully developed here than anywhere else in Taiwan. The sea-eroded platforms are thick with mush-room-shaped rocks, honeycomb rock, tofu (bean curd) rock, and marine fossils, all of which make this an outstanding natural geological classroom. A paved footpath leads off beside the Bitou Elementary School here and onto the cape, giving access to splendid vistas of sea and sky. The path terminates at the tip of the cape and Bitou Cape Lighthouse, which was first constructed in 1896 and was rebuilt in its present form after being destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II.
   

• Fuguei Cape
  This is Taiwan's northern-most point, about 26 kilometer along the No. 2 Provincial Highway, a rocky outcrop surrounded by lush greenery. One of the most notable features of this section of the coast are the angular blocks of landsite half-buried in the surrounding sand and soft rock. Another feature of this area is the Fuguei Cape Lighthouse ,which marks the northern-most tip of Taiwan. Originally built in 1896, the lighthouse was destroyed during the Second World War and was replaced by the present structure in 1949. Unfortunately it is located within an air force radar station and public access is permitted only on weekends, and registration at the sentry post is required.
   

• Green Bay
  One of the most exclusive stretches of beach along the north coast is Feitsueiwan or Green Bay which has been developed as a tourist resort. Located between Yeliou and Wanli , it encompasses 1,500 meters of beach and is also equipped with many other resort facilities. It is one of the locations closest to Taipei, where surfing is possible.
   

• Jinshan
  Historical Background : Jin Shan Village is located at the north-eastern corner of Taiwan. It faces the sea, backs by the mountains and is closely adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait. Its former name Jin Bao Lane derives from the translation of the society name of the Ping Pu aboriginal tribe. The place was firstly inhabited by the Ping Pu Aborigine tribesmen. By the end of the Emperor Chin Lung regime, as a result of the migration of people from Chang Chow and Chuen Chow of Fujian Province, Jingshans population increased rapidly, making the place very lively and prosperous. Because geographically three sides of the place is surrounded by mountains, during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the name Jin Bao Lane was therefore changed to Jingshan. After the liberation, it was furthered changed to the present name of Jingshan Township. Inhabitants are mainly farmers. However, nowadays, traditional farming has been given ways to modern economic developments. Nonetheless, the place is still well known for its agricultural produce such as, sweet potatoes, asparagus, flowers, bamboo shoots and vegetables. Today, Jingshan possesses a well developed traffic network with roads leading to Shih Mun and Danshuei in the west. To the east, it is connected to Man Li and Keelung. Southwards, it reaches the Yangmingshan Public Park and since it situates right in the middle the whole northern tourist area, it becomes the favorite holiday spot of the public.
  Cultural Highlights : Jin Bao Lane Street is the oldest street in Jin Shan. At the western end of this street locates a Chang Saint Wang Temple, a proof that the ancestors of the locals came from Chang Chow of Fujian Province. Although majority of the buildings by the sides of the street had been renovated and renewed, there are still some left intact and remained with their originality. Chi Hu Temple is the place where the locals worship Matzu. In fact, this is the local religious center. Jingshan Youth Center is the largest as well as the first center set up by the Save The Nation Organization. The Center has accommodation facilities, catering service, conference room, barbeque area, camping site, sea swimming location and a hot spring gymnasium which occupies a total area of 4,000 pings. Fa Ku Shan is founded by Master Yen Sen to promote Buddhism. The main purpose is to build a Buddhism center for the ideology of mixing education, and culture to upgrade the quality of ordinary human life .
   

• Lailai / Yinggeshr
  The coastline between Lailai and Yinggeshr contains the most fully developed sea-eroded platforms on the Northeast Coast, and the warm Pacific currents that flow past support rich growths of plankton and algae that, in turn, nourish a wide variety of fish in great abundance. For these reasons, the Lailai-Yinggeshr coastline is known as the best rock-fishing area on the Northeast Coast, and the broad expanses of stone platform and pebble beach here attract large crowds of zealous anglers morning and night.
   

• Longdong Park
  Longdong is the largest bay on the Northeast Coast. It is favored with clear water and abundant marine life, including large numbers of colorful tropical fish, making it an out-standing spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, the schools of fish that gather here make the bay a highly popular rock-fishing area. At the southern edge of the park, the sheer sandstone cliffs of Longdong Cape have become the premier rock-climbing destination of northern Taiwan. Since the cliffs are only 30-odd meters high and have a wide variety of surface forms, they are perfect for training in rock-climbing skills. At the same time, this area offers stunning vistas of Bitou Cape, Sandiau Cape, and Audi Bay.
   

• Longdong South Ocean Park
  The ocean park at Longdong Park's south entrance is an outdoor education center that combines seashore fun with learning about the marine ecology. It is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and observing the marvels of the undersea world. Within the park are three former abalone ponds that have been converted to natural seawater swimming pools. The depth of the water varies with the tide, from knee-deep at low tide to three meters at high tide. Since the pools are connected with the sea,they are inhabited by tropical fish, sea anemones ,starfish, shrimp, crabs, and other sea life. The pools are open for swimming from June to October. The Visitor Center here contains an exhibition hall with displays that explain the geology and coastal life to be seen along the Northeast Coast. On the platform below the center, you can observe sea-eroded formations and intertidal organisms in their natural environment.
   

• Lung Tung Nan Kou Ocean Park
  Historical Background : Lung Tung Nan Kou Ocean Park is 16 hectares in area, with Lung Tung Chia in the north and Yacht Port in the south. It is the first outdoor natural educational center which combines a yacht harbor, seawater swimming pool and marine exhibition rooms. Tourists can enjoy sailing and swimming and absorb oceanic knowledge here. Lung Tung (Dragon Cave) got its name due to the dragon-shaped rock caves stretching in this area. The management bureau has set up a tourist service center and an exhibition room here. The coasts are open year-round.
  Cultural Highlights : There are 4 ocean water pools in Lung Tung Nan Kou. Tourists of different age groups can swim or enjoy diving here. The best time to enjoy the water is June to September. Every year, divers visit here to appreciate the beautiful fishes and coral reefs. The northeastern coasts are the divers paradise and Lung Tung Nan Kou Ocean Park is the best diving site. For those who are interested in oceanic knowledge, the natural geography and intertidal zone here are the best classroom.
   

• Lungmen Riverside Camping Resort
  The Lungmen Riverside Camping Resort is situated near the bank of the Shuangshi River, the largest stream on the Northeast Coast. With 37 hectares of area, it offers water sports in addition to camping activities. Campers can choose from a variety of campsites: grass,wooden platforms, roofed wooden platforms, and automobile campsites. Log cabins provide guestrooms as well. The 231 campsites can accommodate a total of more than 1,000 campers; and, since food, lodging, and other necessities are available right in the campground, you can come empty-handed and still have an enjoyable stay here; in 1991, participants came from all over the world to join the FICC International Camping Rally at Lungmen. In addition to camping, the riverside park offers rafting, fishing, and romantic evening and nighttime scenery.
   

• Nanya
  The northernmost tourist site in the scenic area, Nanya is noted for its fantastic rock formations and sea-eroded coral shore. The entire coastline here is a veritable sculpture garden that illustrates, in stone, the incomparable artistry of weathering and wave action. The patterned stone topography of Nanya, unique in Taiwan, was formed through the weathering of the sandstone that lines the shore. The oxidation of iron ore within the striations of the stone has given it a beautiful striped pattern. *(At the 89-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway 2, or theCoastal Highway)
   

• Northeastern Coasts
  Historical Background : The northeastern coasts have beautiful nature, primitive scenery and tourist resources. In order to meet the needs of domestic tourism, the Tourism Bureau requested National Cheng Chi University conducted a research on the coasts in 1969 and in February 1982, the government claimed the eastern coasts to be an official tourist spot. In order to develop and conserve the natural resources, a management bureau was set up on June 1, 1984. The bureau was reformed on July 1, 1995, with an intention to provide a better and more diverse recreation field for the citizens.
  Cultural Highlights : The Northeastern Coasts stretch from Nan Ya Li, Jui Fang Town, Taipei County to Pei Kang Kou, Toucheng Town, Ilan County. There are many rivers in this area, including Keng Fang River, Ta Hsi River, Fu Lung River, Shang River, Shi Ting River and more than 10 smaller rivers. The rivers have formed an interactive ecological system. Among all the rivers, only the river basin of Shuang River is over 100 square kilometers in area. The rivers are well conserved with little pollution. The eastern coasts face the mountains in the west and the ocean in the east, presenting magnificent views. Furthermore, resources along the coasts are even more abundant. You can find the beautiful coral reefs, fishes, algae, and shellfishes here. If you love the green mountains and the blue oceans, you can never miss the northeastern coasts.
   

• Sandiau Cape
  Sandiau Cape, the easternmost point of Taiwan, is formed of the northern tip of the Shiueshan Mountain Range. The most prominent landmark here is the Sandiau Lighthouse, which was built in 1935 as an important navigational aid for ships sailing past northern Taiwan. A popular spot for tourists, the lighthouse is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except for Mondays and days following national holidays.
   

• Shihmen Cave
  Located about 29 kilometers along the No. 2 Provincial Highway is Shihmen Cave. This is not a cave at all, but a stone arch formed by erosion. Standing at the side of the highway, it offers an excellent spot to look out at the sea. On top of the stone arch there are seats and what remains of a gun emplacement. It is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset or watch the clouds that hang over the vast northern ocean. The arch was formed by tidal erosion before the land was pushed upward. It now stands high and dry overlooking the coast. As the whole structure is now above ground, it is an ideal showcase for the different geological strata in this part of Taiwan.
   

• The Tomb of Teresa Teng
  Historical Background : Beautiful Flowers do not blossom all the year round; things are not always as rosy as they sound.These are the verses of the famous Mandarin pop song then Will You Come Back Again that had made its singer a singing legend in every Chinese speaking country. Once you entered Jin Bao Mountain, besides being besotted by the surrounding scenery, the memory of Teresa Teng, sometimes intimately called little Teng may overwhelm your emotion because it is here that lies the tomb of this patriotic singer who was the forever darling of the army. Just like the famous verse hings are not always rosy on May 8, 1995 the Chinese speaking community was shocked by the tragic news of the death of their singing idol. Teresa was found dead of asthma while holidaying in Ching Mai, Thailand. At that time she was only 43 years old. Because of her popularity, a lot of people wished to pay tribute to Teresa. To satisfy the wishes of these fans, the Teng family members had chosen the picturesque Jin Bao Mountain and built a tomb for Teresa, naming it after her maiden name as Yun Garden so that her fans could come to pay tribute in reminiscence of their idol at will.
  Cultural Highlights : Exhibition of Teresas belongings, including her stage costume and casual wears as well as all the records she had made. A giant keyboard installed in the ground by high-tec design, releasing tunes of melody once being stepped on.CIn a small flower-bed, scrubs are being cut and arranged in the form of musical notes. A white statue representing Teresa Teng stood in the middle showing her love of music.Automatic Music Box is containing 10 of Teresas famous pop songs such as hen Will You Come Back Againtory of a Small Town etc. for fans to renew their memory of the sweet voice of Teresa when they pay tribute to their idol.
   

• Tsaoling Ancient Route
  Historical Background : Transportation was very difficult in Ilan during the Ching Dynasty. Therefore, in 1807, the government established Tsao Ling Ku Tao to facilitate the transportation. Tsao Ling Ku Tao is a section of Tan Lan Ku Tao and it is the only ancient road left in Taiwan. The road stretches from Yuan Wang Keng, Gongliao Township, Taipei County to Ta Li Shan, Ilan County, 10 kilometers in length. It was worn down by the years without repair; therefore, the government rebuilt it and it has become a beautiful and educational track. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to finish the whole track. Alongside the track are dense green trees and crisp brooks. In addition to 3 pavilions, there is a bridge, a temple, inscribed stones, and many other beautiful scenes.
  Cultural Highlights : Hsiung Chen Man Yen Pei was inscribed by General Liu Ming-Teng in 1867. It was said that the inscription was meant to subdue the mountain demons. Hu Tze Pei is near Ya Kou, also inscribed by General Liu. Fu Te Temple is near Ya Kou, worshipping god and goddess of the land, hoping that they would protect travelers. The bridge has a funny name, the alling hor bridge, because the bridge was so narrow that if travelers rode too fast, the horse might fall under the bridge.
   

• Yehliu
  Yehliu is a cape of about 1,700 meters long formed by Datun Mountain reaching into the sea. When overlooked from above, the place is like a giant turtle submerging into the sea. Thus, it is also called "Yehliu Turtle". Because the rock layer of seashore contains sandstone of limestone texture and it is subject to sea erosion, weathering and earth movements, there is particular scenery consisting of sea trenches/holes, candle shaped rocks, and pot shaped rocks. The place is divided into three sections. The first section has rocks like Queen's Head, Fairy's Shoe and Candle. The second section has rocks like Bean Curd, Dragon Head. The third section has sea-eroded caves, seal shaped rock, etc. The place is suitable for geological study and field research. In addition, there is a statue of Lin Tien Jane in commemoration of the person's bravery of scarifying own live for saving others. The monument describes in details the touching story. There is a marine world in Yehliu. The marine world is the first marine center in the country for exhibition of ocean evolution. It has the best sightseeing tunnel under sea, showing about 200 rare fish species and marine lives. The area of marine live specimen demonstrates many specimens of precious marine mammals and fish. It is very educational. There are excellent shows of whales, dolphins and seals, such as diving, ballet on water and other talent shows. There is a stadium with 3,500 seats. On holidays, the place attracts many visitors for the show. When you visit Yeliu, don't forget to visit sea world and feel the marine wanders.
   

• Yenliao Beach Park
  Yenliao Beach Park, at 80 hectares, is the largest recreational area on the Northeast Coast and has the most extensive facilities as well. Its golden-sand beach stretches 3 kilometers all the way to Fulung, making it the longest in Taiwan. This is the ideal spot for a diverse range of seaside activities includings swimming, fishing, sand sculpture, and beach volleyball. When the Japanese began their 50-year occupation of Taiwan in 1895, Yenliao was where they landed. A monument near the beach commemorates those brave souls who sacrificed their lives resisting the occupation. In the future, Yenliao will be linked with Fulung into a complete recreational system including lookout platforms, walkways, and bicycle paths so that visitor can have a wide range of leisure options in addition to swimming.

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Information provided by Tourism Bureau, Rep. of China.

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