By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Tired of traditional Lunar New Year travel routes? Where can you find hidden gems in New Taipei to avoid the crowds? Here are six amazing photo spots and traffic-free retreats in New Taipei. Start the new year away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the embrace of nature—head to these six scenic routes in New Taipei.
Tired of traditional Lunar New Year travel routes? Where can you find hidden gems in New Taipei to avoid the crowds? Here are six amazing photo spots and traffic-free retreats in New Taipei. Start the new year away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the embrace of nature—head to these six scenic routes in New Taipei.
Wanggu Waterfall. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
“Pingxi & Shiding”: Explore Secluded Waterfall Hideaways and Visit Taiwan’s Popular God of Wealth Temple for Fortune
Route 1: Wanggu Waterfall, Lingjiaoliao Trail, Five Directions God of Wealth Temple
Wanggu Trail. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
Is flying a sky lantern the only thing to do in Pingxi? Actually, there’s another option. Right next to the bustling and lively Shiding Station, Wanggu Station is arguably the quietest stop on the Pingxi branch line. From the suspension bridge near the station, you can almost glimpse the once-booming coal mining industry. Walk along the industrial road beside the railway, climb up the wooden boardwalk stairs, and in less than 15 minutes, you’ll reach Wanggu Waterfall in the valley below. This curtain-like waterfall cascades down from the rock face, forming a Tiffany Blue-colored pool at its base. The view is like stepping into a fairyland. No need to travel all the way to Nantou for Forget-Worry Forest—come to Wanggu Waterfall in Pingxi instead.
Five Directions God of Wealth Temple. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The Five Directions God of Wealth Temple is a purely Taoist temple. The Five Directions Gods of Wealth include the central Martial God of Wealth, General Zhao Gongming; the eastern God of Wealth, Treasure Bringer Deity; the southern God of Wealth, Wealth Summoner; the western God of Wealth, Treasure Receiver Deity; and the northern God of Wealth, Prosperity Immortal Official. They are enshrined on the first floor of the temple, which is the only temple in Taiwan with its main hall designed according to the five elements, five virtues, and five colors—featuring five gates and five colored pathways leading to the five deities. The second floor is dedicated to Guanyin, the Prince, and the Deity Xu Zhenjun.
“Ruifang”: Slide Down the Railway to Yin-Yang Sea and Marvel at the Millennia-Old Bamboo Shoot Rock Formation
Route 2: Bao Shi Mountain, Quanji Temple, Nanya Unique Rocks, and Bitou Cape Trail
Bao Shi Mountain. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4