Summer is made for water fun—top 9 cool routes in New Taipei

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The hot summer is perfect for unlimited fun. The New Taipei City Government has specially launched an exclusive summer cooling party, featuring three themed travel routes: waterfront music light shows, refreshing mountain forests and waterfalls, and family-friendly riverside parks—totaling nine routes. Whether you want to enjoy the romantic vibe of a waterfront bay, such as this year’s addition, the Bali Left Bank Light Spot; escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy mountain waterfalls and cool off while breathing in phytoncides; or spend the long summer vacation with your kids, taking a water bus to fully embrace the summer sea breeze—these are all must-try recommended routes.

Theme 1: Summer-exclusive fun in New Taipei—cool off by the water
Refreshing coastal water fun & romantic music light spots
 
Coastal New Taipei boasts naturally blessed waterfront scenery, with spots like Tamsui-Bali and Fulong Beach renowned internationally. This summer, the left bank of the Tamsui River will add even more charm. For the first time, from July 1 to August 31, the existing landscape will be transformed into the “Bali Romantic Light Spot” riverside, decorated with LED lights. Experience the touching blend of summer evening breezes and romantic lighting along the waterfront. From July 28 to 30, you can immerse yourself in the “Gongliao Ocean Music Festival”; and from July 8 to August 20, every weekend night, head to the Tamsui Fisherman’s Stage for rock performances.
 
★ Route 1: Tamsui Golden Waterfront / Tamsui Old Street → Tamsui Art Workshop → Tamsui Customs Wharf → Tamsui Fort San Domingo → Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf → Fisherman’s Stage
★ Route 2: Tamsui → Bali Wazihwei Nature Reserve → Sanxia Street Museum → Bali Old Street
★ Route 3: Fulong Station → Yuwangkeng Water Park → Lingjiushan WuSheng Monastery → Old Caoling Tunnel / Old Caoling Circular Bike Trail → Maokao Fishing Village → Sijiaokou Viewpoint → Fulong Beach (New Taipei Gongliao Ocean Music Festival)

Theme 2: Summer-exclusive hidden waterfall trail adventures
Breathe in negative ions & enjoy healthy summer cooling fun
 
In the peak of summer, head to New Taipei’s waterfall trails to feel the coolness and enjoy a natural cleanse. New Taipei isn’t just home to Shifen Waterfall—there are many stunning waterfall trails that feel like you’re abroad. Take Lingjiaoliao Trail, where you can view the Wanggu Waterfall, cross streams, and listen to the babbling brook while soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere. The famed Shifen Waterfall, often called the “Niagara of Taiwan,” lets you soak up plenty of negative ions, and after rain, you might even spot a rainbow hovering above the falls—a fairy-tale sight. The Sandiao Ridge Waterfall Trail, surrounded by lush forests, features a series of waterfalls, cliffs, potholes, and caves, full of primal charm. The Pinglin Fern Trail, known as a family-friendly path, highlights stream views and fern ecology, with its rich plant life being a major attraction. Shuangxi’s Hupao Pond boasts crystal-clear waters and a tranquil, secluded setting.
 
★ Route 1 (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Muzha Pingxi Line): Jing Tong Old Street → Pingxi Old Street → Lingjiaoliao Trail → Wanggu Waterfall → Shifen Waterfall
★ Route 2: Shuangxi Old Street → Hupao Pond → Hou Dong Cat Village → Sandiao Ridge Waterfall Trail
★ Route 3: Pinglin Fish Fern Trail → Tea Museum → Wulai Old Street → Wulai Waterfall → Bi Tan Scenic Area

Theme 3: Must-visit for summer break—fun-filled family riverside trips
Nature & culture exploration & scenic riverside bike rides
 
Riverside parks on the outskirts of the city have always been popular spots for family outings. The vast green spaces by the river, a wide range of recreational facilities, and bike trails connecting the entire park make them ideal for summer family fun. They let urban kids enjoy a unique cityscape. Each of New Taipei’s riverside parks has its own charm, including Xindian Sunshine Sports Park, Yonghe Green Light Riverside Park, and the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park. There’s also the newly developed Butterfly Landscape Park. Before the end of July, you can also stroll along the butterfly-shaped path at Jiangcui Gravel Waterfront Park and admire the stunning sea of flowers.
 
★ Route 1: Bi Tan Scenic Area → Sunshine Sports Park → Sunshine Bridge
★ Route 2: Yonghe Soy Milk → Yang Sanlang Art Museum → Green Light Riverside Park → Yonghe Korean Street
★ Route 3: Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park → Zhongxiao Wharf → Duckling/Butterfly Landscape Park → Sanhe Night Market