Explore Two Historic Cities in One Trip – A Short Journey to Tamsui and Luzhou

By MOOK Travel Chen Wenlin | Compiled & Reported
 
With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to go out and enjoy spring. The Tamsui and Luzhou areas along the Tamsui River are ancient districts rich in historical landmarks. From the famous Fort San Domingo to the widely known Luzhou Li Family Residence, these are popular historic sites that visitors can revisit and appreciate time and time again. Now, the Tamsui Historic Sites Museum has launched a new one-day tour itinerary called “Tamsui & Luzhou Riverside Journey” to coincide with the spring season, taking you on a journey through history.

Tamsui, formerly known as “Hobe,” boasts the highest density of well-preserved historic buildings and diverse cultural charm in northern Taiwan. Among them, the most widely recognized is Fort San Domingo, which has witnessed over 300 years of Taiwanese history. The historic Customs Wharf offers views of Guanyin Mountain and reflects the shimmering waters of the Tamsui River, with boats dotting the surface—creating a picturesque scene that keeps visitors snapping photos.

Luzhou was originally a sandbank along the Tamsui River. When the riverbank reeds bloom, their fluffy seeds fill the air, creating a vast white landscape paired with the pale yellow moonlight at night, earning it the poetic name “Reed Flowers under the Moon.” The one-day “Tamsui & Luzhou Riverside Journey” includes an afternoon visit to Yonglian Temple, the spiritual center of Luzhou, where you can learn about the history of the local community and the development of faith. You’ll also get to taste the “Little Deng Cake,” created by a 60-year-old local bakery to commemorate Teresa Teng, and visit the Luzhou Li Family Residence to explore the stories of traditional dwellings and General Li Youbang.