Text & Photography / Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
With the chilly northeastern monsoon blowing and temperatures in the teens, visitors are drawn to Jinshan, a renowned hot spring destination in northern Taiwan. The hiking trails in the famous Shitoushan Park still see people coming and going, enjoying the crisp, cool air of the winter mountains; the mysterious coastline, known among anglers, requires passing through a narrow gorge to get up close to the 24-million-year-old sedimentary rock layers. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s only submarine hot spring, as well as the increasingly forgotten Jingsheng Bridge on Jinshan Old Street, also whisper tales of Jinshan’s uniqueness and historical memories.
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The hiking trails in Shitoushan Park have gentle slopes, making them suitable for family outings. (Photo provided by David Chen)
Route: Shitoushan Park → Mysterious Beach → Jinshan Bay Hot Spring Resort → Jinshan Old Street
Recommended Attraction: Shitoushan Park
Lush and rich in forest diversity, whether it’s low-altitude broadleaf plants or high-altitude conifers, you can enjoy them all in one visit to Shitoushan Park in Jinshan. Once a military restricted area, Shitoushan Park is famed for offering views of the Candlestick Islets, especially familiar to photography enthusiasts who love capturing golden hour tones. However, this trail was only gradually opened to locals and the general public after martial law was lifted, and remnants of old guard posts and artillery fortifications can still be seen along the path today.
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Shitoushan is a magnet for photography enthusiasts due to its close-up views of the Candlestick Islets. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network Chen Guanxin)
In Shitoushan Park, besides the well-known smoke-free “Good Luck Path” paved with driftwood chips and the plump-bellied, smiling little monk stone statue, the mysterious atmosphere of the Military Camp Trail makes it even more enticing to explore. Walking along the Military Camp Trail, surrounded by forests, the repainted old military barracks on both sides may have lost the sternness of the martial law era but exude a friendly and lively vibe. On a sunny day, it’s even more delightful to stroll amidst the forest’s phytoncides while imagining life in the barracks during the martial law period.
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Once a military restricted area during martial law, Shitoushan Park is now open to the public. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network Chen Guanxin)
Recommended Attraction: Mysterious Beach
Passing through the Military Camp Trail to Shuiwei Fishing Harbor, signs guide visitors to a wave-watching platform. From there, looking along the shore, there’s a secret path leading to what anglers call the “Mysterious Beach,” which requires first passing through a narrow gorge.
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To visit the Mysterious Beach, you must first pass through the narrow gorge known as a “line of heaven.” (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network Chen Guanxin)
At the Mysterious Beach, not only can you admire the towering, spectacular cliffs, but the ground beneath your feet is also made up of 24- to 26-million-year-old sedimentary rocks. According to tour guide Huang Xuejiao, these rock layers existed when Taiwan was still connected to the mainland. In addition to their ancient history, you can also find trace fossils, which is quite rare. However, due to strong winds and high tides in winter, visitors wishing to go between November and May must apply to the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration ten days in advance and join a guided tour.
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Due to strong winter winds, high water levels, and potential dangers, visitors to the Mysterious Beach must apply to the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network Chen Guanxin)