Not just cherry blossoms—enjoy the sea too: A one-day tour of five top spots in Tamsui’s Left Bank

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

Tamsui and Bali are stunning northern spots for watching sunsets and river views. With cherry blossom viewing sites, a giant capsule toy machine, old streets, and scenic restaurants, they’re perfect for a one-day trip during holidays. You can enjoy delicious food here while taking in views of the Tamsui River estuary and Guandu Bridge.

1. Tamsui Tianyuan Temple
Tamsui Tianyuan Temple, a famous cherry blossom destination in New Taipei City, attracts large crowds of tourists every cherry blossom season who come to see the dreamy Yoshino cherry blossoms in full bloom.
 
Address: No. 36, Section 3, Beixin Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City

2. Tamsui Egg Festival

A giant capsule toy machine about four stories (12 meters) tall—claimed to be the largest in Taiwan—debuted at the “2017 Tamsui Egg Festival” in Tamsui’s Fairy Tale New Town. In addition, a colorful container park was set up, featuring an egg-themed exhibition with dozens of fun activities including a super-large Easter egg, a global capsule toy exhibition, the Egg Evolution Museum, and cartoon egg celebrities, ensuring fun for all ages.
 
Event location: Fairy Tale New Town (Intersection of Dering Road and Xinshi 5th Road Section 3, Tamsui District, New Taipei City)
Event period: December 23, 2017 to April 8, 2018
Event hours: 09:30 - 18:00 (Last admission at 17:30)
※ Closed on New Year’s Eve

3. Site of the Shakadang Culture Park

The Shakadang Museum has unearthed prehistoric human activity from 1,800 to 500 years ago, along with significant iron smelting remains. It's an important archaeological museum and educational center that promotes knowledge of archaeology, ethnology, and Taiwan’s prehistory. Blessed with natural landscapes of mountains, sea, and river, plus its uniquely designed building exterior, it has long been a popular dating spot for couples and a favorite location for newlyweds to shoot wedding photos, as well as a prime filming site for TV dramas.
 
Address: No. 200, Museum Road, Bali District, New Taipei City

4. Tamsui Old Street and Customs Wharf

Tamsui Old Street is already a well-known and popular attraction across Taiwan, drawing many foreign visitors as well. The bustling streets are lined with shops, including traditional bakeries and grocery stores full of old-time charm, as well as stores selling trendy fashion and toys.