Breathtaking Mountain and Sea Views & Cycling Through Tea Plantations – 5 Must-Do Routes for Lunar New Year

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled and Reported
 
As Lunar New Year approaches, don’t just feast—step out for a spring outing to soak in the festive cheer, get some fresh air, and burn off those extra calories too. New Taipei City has thoughtfully curated five energizing travel routes that not only allow you to connect with mountains and forests and enjoy sea views but also include local cultural experiences such as visiting tea plantations for tea tasting and gourmet meals, making your Lunar New Year holiday fulfilling and fun-packed.

Route 1: “Shen’ao” Low-Carbon Energy Trip
In Shen’ao, you can experience railway biking, passing by attractions such as Badouzi Station, Shen’ao Fishing Port, Shen’ao Fishery Harbor Seaside Trail, Elephant Trunk Rock, Chief Rock, Shuikeng Cave, Jiufen, Jinguashi, Chaojing Park, and the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology. Whether you’re admiring nature’s stunning masterpieces, taking IG-worthy photos, hiking beautiful mountain trails, exploring old streets, or visiting museums—all your desires are met in one go.

Besides railway biking, Shen’ao Station also offers electric scooter rentals. You can also make use of the Taiwan Happy Travel routes planned by —to explore Shen’ao joyfully using public transportation.

Route 2: “Gongliao” Spiritual Energy Trip
Visiting temples to pray for blessings is a popular Lunar New Year activity. Among them, the northeastern Taiwan spiritual site “Lingjiushan,” listed among Taiwan’s Top 100 Religious Attractions, hosts a rich variety of New Year blessing events including the Thousand Buddha Hands ceremony and tying lucky red threads on “Five Buddha Beads.” Outside the Golden Buddha Hall, you can also admire beautiful camellia flower seas. After your temple visits, cycle along the “Fulong Old Sheliu Tunnel” to enjoy rejuvenating green scenery. The route also takes you through the “Maoliao Fishing Village,” known as one of Taiwan’s most beautiful fishing harbors, and the 360-degree ocean-view Bitou Cape Trail, where you can take in incredibly healing seascape views.

Route 3: “Jinshan” Hot Spring Energy Trip
Feeling overwhelmed by pre-holiday work stress? Then this 100% stress-relieving hot spring trip is perfect for you. Head west from Shen’ao to Jinshan, home to the famous Jinshan Old Street, the Ju Ming Museum, as well as scenic spots like Ting Shao Herb Garden and Shitou Mountain Trail. Don’t miss the popular IG-worthy spots “Mysterious Coast” and “Three Wonders of Jinshan Coast”—the breathtaking sea views are an absolute must-see. Then unwind with the most relaxing hot spring soak. In Jinshan, be sure to experience authentic sulfur mineral springs, and after your soak, indulge in the “Tianlai Food Feast,” a meal made with natural ingredients sourced in collaboration with local farmers of the North Coast.