New Taipei City’s Bali Wharf to undergo dredging after Lunar New Year; Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf service to resume in June

▲ Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf boasts stunning scenery. Aside from the Lover’s Tower and Lover’s Bridge offering views of the Tamsui area, it is also home to Taiwan’s most beautiful Starbucks, making it a must-visit destination for a one-day trip to Tamsui. (Photo / Coffee Uncle)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

In recent years, the emerging “Blue Highway” has offered the public a new travel option, but due to severe silt accumulation in the Tamsui River in recent years, theoriginally operating route between “Bali Left Bank and Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf” has been forced to suspend services. The New Taipei City Department of Transportation has now decided to begin dredging work in March, aiming to complete the task and resume the route by June.

For those planning a one-day trip to Tamsui, many may not head straight to Tamsui Old Street, but instead first visit Bali Left Bank to explore the “Sanxia History Museum,” which houses precious historical relics, or cycle along the scenic path to enjoy a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere compared to the bustling Tamsui Old Street. Afterward, they can take a ferry from Bali Left Bank Wharf to join the crowds on Old Street or go directly to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, climb the Lover’s Tower, and soak in the moving and romantic sunset over Tamsui.

However, as silt accumulation in the Tamsui River has worsened in recent years, it has also caused sediment buildup at Bali Left Bank Wharf, making it difficult for ferries to dock and navigate. As a result, the “Bali Left Bank – Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf” route, which had been in operation for nearly 10 years, was forced to suspend services at the end of 2012.

%嫉??右蚰嗌秤倩?现兀?灿跋彀死镒蟀堵胪纺岩酝？慷陕钟胄惺唬??匕斗绻庥琶溃?允切矶嗳思偃丈⒉教で嗟暮萌ゴΑ（图／取自Bali Ferry Pier “Old Couple” Fan Page)

Local shipping operators noted that although the “Bali Left Bank – Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf” route was not as busy as the “Bali – Tamsui” route, its direct access to Fisherman’s Wharf made it a popular tourist route. After its suspension, many tourists wanting to go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf had to first travel to Tamsui Ferry Pier and then transfer to a shuttle bus, which was indeed disappointing for many.

The New Taipei City Department of Transportation stated that to facilitate the early resumption of the “Bali Left Bank – Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf” route, it has commissioned the Water Resources Bureau and related units to assist with dredging efforts. The work is expected to begin in March, and if completed smoothly before the flood season in June, the route will be able to resume normal ferry services.