Not only can you visit Shimen Reservoir, but there are also ten must-see attractions.

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department compiled report     Image source / Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications

Taoyuan City has developed rapidly in recent years, boasting not only a diverse and rich cultural landscape but also abundant natural scenery and ecology. The opening of the Taoyuan Airport MRT has further established Taoyuan as part of the capital’s metropolitan area. In addition to Shimen Reservoir and Daxi Old Street, Taoyuan also has many hidden gems and fun attractions worth visiting. With the convenience brought by the Airport MRT, more off-the-beaten-path spots have begun to be discovered. Below, we have selected ten high-quality attractions that visitors can consider as a reference for a deeper exploration of Taoyuan.

Lala Mountain Sacred Tree Group
 
Lala Mountain is home to a vast area of red cypress sacred trees, whose scenery rivals that of Alishan’s sacred trees, making Lala Mountain widely renowned and attracting visitors from all over. The Lala Mountain Nature Reserve covers various mountainous areas near Shangbaling on the Northern Cross-Island Highway. In addition to towering red cypress and Hinoki sacred trees that reach the clouds, the area also features deciduous trees such as green maple and beech that change color in autumn, with the oldest trees being around 2,800 years old.

Hutou Mountain Park Trail
 
Known as the backyard garden of Taoyuan, Hutou Mountain Park is the largest ecological park in the urban area of Taoyuan. Many residents come here daily for exercise and morning workouts, and the park sees even larger crowds on holidays. The park features multiple trail systems. In addition to general pedestrian pathways, it also includes seven well-planned hiking trails: the Scenic Health Trail, Cherry Blossom Trail, Forest Experience Trail, Sun Pavilion Trail, Plum Garden Trail, Eco-Interpretation Trail, and Martyrs’ Shrine Trail, making it easier for visitors to explore the full beauty of Hutou Mountain.

Zhulian Fishing Port
 
Zhulian Fishing Port is a leisure-oriented tourist fishing port in northern Taoyuan. The port houses a direct seafood sales center and is ranked among the top three major fishing supply hubs in northern Taiwan, alongside Bitou Fishing Port in Keelung and Fugui Fishing Port in Shimen District, New Taipei City. At the northern entrance stands a rainbow bridge built using the Nelson steel arch bridge design, which has become a major landmark of Zhulian Fishing Port and looks especially romantic at night.

Laotiexi Trail
 
Laotiexi is an important river in Zhongli City. After two years of restoration, it has been transformed into a water-friendly space suitable for all ages. Following the implementation of the restoration project, two distinctive trails were added — the Laotiexi Riverside Trail and the Xinjiexi Riverside Trail. These not only enrich the range of tourism options but also bring significant changes to the city’s recreational life.