Soak in hot springs at the fishing harbor, stroll through parks in the mountains — Lunar New Year can also be a wellness-filled holiday

▲ Lush greenery at Xinzhuang Youth Park. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau, the same applies below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive report

“Soaking in hot springs while enjoying the ocean view” is a unique dreamlike spectacle at Jinshan Huanggang Fishing Harbor on the northern coast. In addition to savoring the fishing harbor atmosphere and hot spring experience, the nearby Jinshan Old Street is also bustling during the holiday season. Therefore, the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau recommends that the public make the most of the Lunar New Year holidays to visit Huanggang Fishing Harbor and immerse themselves in its distinctive festive ambiance.

The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau stated that Huanggang Fishing Harbor is located on the western side of Shitoushan Mountain, backed by mountains and facing the sea, with beautiful scenery. It also boasts unique hot spring resources. The Jinshan Bay Hot Spring Hotel within the harbor is Taiwan’s first hot spring facility located inside a fishing harbor. The spring water is a neutral pH sodium bicarbonate spring, the same as the submarine hot springs of Green Island’s Asahi Hot Springs. The water source comes from the Datun Mountain geothermal area, carrying a faint salty taste, and can help improve blood circulation. It is particularly effective in relieving neuralgia.

After enjoying the unique hot spring culture of Huanggang Fishing Harbor, visitors can head to Jinshan Old Street to experience the lively festive atmosphere. Nearby attractions such as the Jinpingli Ancient Trail, Shitoushan Park, and Shuiwei Scenic Park are great destinations for a refreshing spring outing, offering a relaxing and fulfilling New Year trip.

For those who prefer not to travel far, the agriculture bureau also recommends a special park-hopping journey. These parks are not only great for family fun but also offer a chance to experience local food, entertainment, and cultural features.

Xinzhuang Youth Park is located between Yankoukeng Creek and Shibafenkeng Creek within the Mudan Mountain Range, and is known for its reputation as “Taiwan’s No.1 mountain, with twin phoenixes holding a peony.” Strolling along the tree-lined hiking trails resembling a green tunnel, visitors can enjoy the natural forest phytoncides and take in the panoramic views and beautiful nightscapes of the Taipei Basin. Zhonghe 823 Park, the largest and most frequented park in the Sanchong-Xindian area, covers an area of about 11 hectares. It offers comprehensive facilities and a variety of recreational functions. The surrounding area also features many local specialty snacks, cafes, and international cuisines, adding to its charm.

▲ Jinshan Bay Hot Spring Hotel.

Tamsui Peace Park offers views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River estuary. The park features wooden boardwalk stairways, scenic pavilions, forest walking areas, and grassy activity zones. Aside from the uniquely meaningful Peace Memorial Monument, visitors can also walk to the One Drop Pavilion. The whole family can enjoy an outdoor stroll while learning about the park’s unique cultural background.

The Ruifang Fifth Pit Park, transformed from an old mine and also known as “Daganlin Pit,” was primarily used for mining gold near the Daganlin Creek fault line. The mine entrance is built with red bricks and retains the original stone plaque bearing the pit name. Besides allowing visitors to easily connect with and reminisce about the former gold mining era, the park also offers the chance to enjoy delicious meals at Jiufen Old Street before heading here to admire the surrounding scenery and beautiful sunsets.

In addition, Zhongshan Hot Spring Park, located next to Jinshan Old Street, not only allows visitors to explore the old street and indulge in local delicacies, but also offers the chance to stroll and appreciate cherry blossoms. Coupled with the nearby Jinpingli Public Bathhouse — a renowned hot spring destination — visitors can end their trip with a rejuvenating soak in volcanic rock hot springs, washing away fatigue.

The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau stated that New Taipei City boasts abundant natural landscapes and distinctive parks. The public can plan a healthy New Year park trip to invigorate the Year of the Sheep.