Soak in Hot Springs on the North Coast: A Gastronomy Guide to Jinshan, Wanli, and Jiufen

Shitoushan is located on the Jinshan Cape. Perched at a high elevation with a broad view, it was originally a heavily guarded military coastal defense site. Later transformed into a tourist attraction, it now welcomes visitors to enjoy the scenery. The perfect vantage point for ocean views leaves all who visit in awe. Shitoushan Park features well-designed walking paths shaded by lush greenery and stunning scenery. Following the path to the northernmost tip of Jinshan Cape reveals a delightful golden seascape that lifts the spirits.

 

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Transportation:

1. Take the Danshui or Keelung Bus from Danshui MRT Station or Keelung Railway Station, and get off at “Jinshan Post Office.” Walk about 15 minutes along Minsheng Road and turn onto Park Road.

2. Take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station and get off at “Jinshan Post Office.” Walk about 15 minutes along Park Road.

The hot springs in the Jinshan area are mostly sulfuric, with a few carbonated ones. Last year, Jinshan Bay Hot Spring Resort was confirmed to have the rare “chloride spring,” making it the only submarine hot spring in the region — the same type as those found at Green Island’s Asahi Hot Springs. Located within the Huanggang Fishing Port, Jinshan Bay Hot Spring Resort offers luxurious hot spring villas, outdoor spa pools, a large swimming pool, a party barbecue area, an egg-boiling zone, and a retail shop, among other facilities for guests to choose from. While enjoying the seawater hot spring bath, you can also take in the breathtaking ocean view. At night, gaze at the starry sky and listen to the sound of the waves. In the morning, witness the sunrise over the North Coast.

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Address: No. 326, Huanggang Road, Jinshan District, New Taipei City

Transportation:

Take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station and get off at “Jinshan Youth Activity Center.” Walk about 10 minutes along Hot Spring Road and turn onto Huanggang Road.

Due to its coastal location, Jinbaoli Old Street has been a bustling market since the Yongzheng era, with a variety of shops clustered along its narrow streets. Having endured the Qing Dynasty, Japanese colonial period, and post-retrocession Taiwan, the old buildings on the street may no longer be what they once were, but the interplay of old and new structures still tells part of the story. It remains a distribution hub for Jinshan’s agricultural produce and a gathering place for various shops, making it well worth a visit. Among its treats, “Duck Meat Soup” is a must-try local favorite. The restaurant uses free-range native ducks raised for 30 days, resulting in meat that is tender, juicy, and completely free of fishy taste. In addition to sliced boiled duck, the menu includes fried noodles, cold bamboo shoots, pickled vegetable pork tripe soup, and stir-fried squid. The traditional self-service, family-style servings often draw crowds at noon, usually selling out by evening — so arrive early or risk missing out.

 

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Address: Jinbaoli Street, Jinshan District, New Taipei City

Transportation:

1. Take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station and get off at “Jinshan Post Office.” Walk about 5 minutes along Zhongshan Road, turn onto Zhongzheng Road, and then to Jinbaoli Street.

2. From Shitoushan Park, walk about 15 minutes along Park Road, turn onto Minsheng Road, and then to Jinbaoli Street.