Where to go during the Qingming holiday? 7 fun things to do in New Taipei City – from hot springs to cat-themed train rides

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei




▲ Houlong Cat Bridge. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)

1. Houlong Cat Bridge opens – Take the cat bus on a treasure hunt
The new look of an old town is best embodied by Houlong. The “Cat Bridge” above Houlong Railway Station officially opened on March 30, reconnecting Guangfu Village (Cat Village) with the Vision Museum side. During the holiday, hop on the adorable “Cat Bus” (No. 808 bus) to Houlong for a treasure hunt and stamp collecting adventure, travel back in time to experience miners’ lives, or follow the cats’ footsteps to discover the charming sights of Houlong. The usually lazy winter cats become lively and spirited in the mild spring – sitting, lying down, or walking nimbly – all bound to make visitors grab their cameras to capture these playful, carefree moments.

● Recommended Route:
Houlong Station → Vision Museum → Houlong Cat Village → Ruisan Original Pit → Miners’ Dormitory → Houlong Shrine and Trail → Coal Transport Bridge

2. Shuisun Cave – Follow the spring wildflower path
Come to Shuisun Cave to experience the tranquility and lush greenery of spring. Start your visit at “Exhibition Art Gallery” (Mountain Town Art Museum), where the warm smiles of art creators naturally bring a sense of ease and calm from mountain life. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, performances, and unique DIY experiences, and you may even get to enjoy special meals made with seasonal ingredients or share tea with the hosts of Mountain Town. From April 6 to May 19, the Mountain Town Art Museum will present an iron sculpture art exhibition.

● Recommended Route:
Mountain Town Art Museum → Golden Waterfall → Romantic Highway → Three-Layer Bridge


▲ Baxian Settlement in Jinshan District. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)

3. Jinshan hidden paradise – Experience settlement ecology
Baxian Settlement in Jinshan District is a small rural village tucked away within Yangmingshan National Park. With the arrival of spring, everything begins to awaken. Take advantage of the long weekend to breathe in the scent of early spring rice terraces, embrace the lush green fields, listen to the murmuring sound of water channels, and don’t miss the beautiful and poetic “Water Center” view, where the mirror-like surface reflects green mountains, blue skies, and white clouds, capturing the brilliance of spring. Visitors can also join ecological guided tours in Baxian Settlement to learn about its rich ecosystems, humanities, stonework landscapes, and production methods. While in Jinshan District, stop by the Juming Museum of Art to feel the spark between artistic creation and nature, or head to Dharma Drum Mountain for a spiritual journey that cleanses the soul. And don’t miss the famous duck meat and other delicacies on Jinshan Old Street – they’re sure to refresh you after your travels.

● Recommended Route:
Baxian Settlement → Jinshan Old Street → Dharma Drum Mountain or Juming Museum of Art
Transportation to Baxian Settlement:
1. By car: Turn onto Yangjin Highway from Jijin Highway. Baxian is located around 7.6 km along Yangjin Highway.
2. By bus: Take Royal Bus’ “Green Highway” and get off at Baxian (Green Peak Villa).

4. Wulai – Soak in hot springs and admire butterflies, enjoying the warmth of spring
April marks the best season to admire butterflies. Wulai, with its high, continuous mountain ranges, is home to natural attractions such as waterfalls and hot springs, and boasts rich flora and fauna. During the holiday, visit Wulai to watch butterflies dance gracefully, unwind in the hot springs, or take a nostalgic ride on the Wulai Train. The serene environment of Wulai encourages you to slow down and explore the rich natural beauty of forests and valleys.

● Recommended Route:
Butterfly watching at Tonghou Stream Trail → Wulai Old Street → Wulai Hot Springs

5. Pinglin – Taste spring tea and enjoy tea-picking fun
The period around Qingming Festival is peak tea-picking season in Pinglin. Use the holiday to pick tea together with family, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy a baptism of nature. Don’t miss the renowned Pinglin Pouchong Tea, and try local specialties like tea-infused noodles, tea-flavored egg rolls, and unique tea-based dishes. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and simplicity of tea tasting, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy the fun of a mini vacation.

● Recommended Route:
Tea garden picking experience → Tea Industry Museum → Pinglin Old Street → Fish Viewing Trail


▲ Zhou Family Ancestral House. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)

VI. Rustic Streams & Spring Romance
The simplicity and tranquility of Shuangxi, free from excessive adornment, only accentuate its beauty. It allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the rhythm of spring—listening to the chirping of insects, birdsong, the murmuring of streams, and gazing at the distant, layered mountains. This season in Shuangxi offers more than just cycling opportunities; you can also explore local farms for an ecological adventure. April to May is when fireflies emerge in the area, lighting up the night sky with their tiny glows. Visitors can learn about and observe these fascinating creatures while enjoying a serene yet visually captivating "firefly" evening.

● Recommended Route:
Bike Tour of the Old Street → Three Loyal Temples → Zhou Family Ancestral House → Pinglin Leisure Farm (Firefly Watching)
● Flower Appreciation Route
Taiping - Shuangtai Industrial Road: Azaleas, Purple Peony, Waxberry Blossoms, etc.
Houmao North Route 37 towards Shuangxi: Camellia Japonica, Purple Peony, Maple Reds, etc.

VII. Spring’s Sweet & Tangy Flavors at Yingge Ceramics Museum
From March 20 to May 5, 2013, the Yingge Ceramics Museum hosts the “2013 Preserved Plum Spring in a Jar” DIY event every Wednesday to Sunday (including holidays), using plum jars designed by ceramic artist Teacher Cao Qiyai. Participants can try their hand at making crispy pickled plums, experiencing a uniquely flavorful activity and sensing an alternative essence of spring. After the hands-on DIY session, visitors can hike the Sanxia Yuanshan Trail to stretch their bodies and connect with nature. Along the way, there are attractions such as Yuanshan Park and the Guangfu Bronze Bell, perfect for rest stops. Not far from the trailhead lies the Sanxia Old Street, which retains Baroque-style architecture. Visitors can explore this lively street before or after the hike and enjoy local snacks.

● Recommended Route:
Yingge Ceramics Museum DIY → Yuanshan Eco-Trail (Hiking Path) → Sanxia Old Street

The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau notes that during the four-day spring break, in addition to visiting various local attractions, people can also make good use of the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park. Spanning the Sanchong, Wugu, and Luzhou districts, the park features rich wetlands, diverse natural ecology, water sports environments, and expansive green spaces. Visitors can enjoy a blend of leisure and relaxation here while discovering the footprints of spring.