Leisurely explore Banqiao on a half-day bike ride along the old ferry pier

【Recommended Itinerary】Old Ferry Pier nszi Gully → Bicycle Path → St. John the Baptist Catholic Church → nsya Night Market
【Total Time】About 5 hours (including meals and travel time)
【Transportation】Bicycle. Each attraction can be adjusted or skipped based on your stamina.

Relive the charm of old ferry crossings
The Old Ferry Pier nszi Gully is a tributary of the Dahan River and the only remaining open river in Banqiao. During the Qing Dynasty, ferry crossings along nszi Gully were the primary mode of transportation for the Banqiao area. Boats would travel northward along the Dahan River (also known as the Dahan River), reaching Dadaocheng and Tamsui via the Tamsui River, or heading to Mengjia via the Xindian River, even extending as far as Muzha and Xindian—essentially serving as express routes of the time. The ferry pier was located near Fuxing Temple in today’s Xing Li. The river not only facilitated general public transport but also served as a goods transport hub for the early Banqiao Lin family’s trade with mainland China.

After the retrocession of Taiwan, railways and highways in the Banqiao area gradually developed, while the Dahan River saw reduced water flow due to water conservancy projects. Though the waterway transport of nszi Gully gradually faded into history, it remains an unforgettable memory for longtime Banqiao residents. Visiting here offers a glimpse into its former glory, as if reliving the splendor of this golden waterway.

A green corridor blending heritage with new life
The nszi Gully Bicycle Path is a recent project by the county government to revitalize nszi Gully, develop a water-friendly ecological park, and construct a bicycle path alongside it. Stretching 3.5 kilometers, the path begins near Huadong Park by Yadong Hospital Station and ends where nszi Gully merges into the Dahan River. The entire route follows the right bank greenbelt, shaded by old trees and lush greenery. It passes by the scenic area at the end of County Citizen Boulevard, the two-story pavilion, Xing Li’s Fuxing Temple “temple within a temple,” and offers distant views of Guanyin Mountain. The newly built bicycle path not only revitalizes this old waterway but also provides the public with another space for water-focused leisure. Completing the full ride is effortless, and the scenic views along the way make for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

A house of worship blending East and West
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is the only uniquely styled church in Banqiao. Though it resembles a traditional temple in appearance, it features a cross atop, making it a bona fide Catholic church. Father Mao Zhenxiang, who came to Taiwan to preach in the early years, designed the church’s exterior in a Chinese architectural style to align with local religious customs and better integrate into residents’ lives. The preserved exterior from that time has become the church’s unique hallmark.

The church is built in a cruciform shape, accommodating about 700 people. It has two bell towers in front, with their tops, along with the church’s roof tiles and painted beams, all adopting the color scheme of traditional Chinese palaces. Inside the sanctuary, there are three altars, each flanked by couplets. The harmonious blend of Eastern and Western elements gives the church a distinctive charm, making it a popular photography spot. It attracts not only parishioners for gatherings but also many couples for weddings.

Unforgettable local flavors
nsya Night Market, located near the Lin Family Garden, is the largest night market in Banqiao. After renovation and road paving, it was officially named “Banqiao Tourist Night Market.” Starting from the Nanya intersection, the market stretches with stalls offering local snacks, clothing, accessories, and amusement rides all the way to the end of Nanya West Road, spanning about 300 meters in total. As night falls, crowds pour in wave after wave, creating a bustling scene. It’s a top choice for nighttime leisure in Banqiao and a beloved food paradise for gourmets. From afar, you can smell the rich aromas of angelica lamb, medicinal stewed catfish, and sesame oil chicken with noodles—tempting enough to make you willingly wait in line for an authentic taste. The Xinxing Road area is packed with clothing and daily goods stalls, offering great value. After indulging in delicious food, shopping here ensures a satisfying experience.