Pingsi Magic Academy features suspension bridges and ancient trails — explore nature with the whole family in the FORD KUGA.

▲ The serene environment of Heilongtan Camping Site, where several arched bridges are one of its defining features. (Photo / Reporter Li Yukang, same below)

Travel Center / Reported from New Taipei

Many people used to think that "travel" meant enduring long and tiring journeys abroad to be considered a real trip. But as times have changed, for today’s busy modern families, simply seizing quality time together, going on a road trip, and creating lasting memories is an irreplaceable family adventure.

▲ The trail under Kuolai Suspension Bridge offers stunning views of both the mountains and the stream.

Located in the Greater Taipei area, Pingsi boasts a tranquil environment and picturesque scenery. Winding through forested roads, visitors are greeted by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of birds, insects, and babbling creeks — making it a green treasure trove perfect for family outings.

▲ The verdant hills of Pingsi highlight the performance capabilities of the FORD KUGA.

Hidden within Pingsi’s mountains lies the Enspeed Magic Academy, embraced by nature. Originally founded in 1911 as Kuolai Elementary School, it faced closure in 1985 due to depopulation. However, its prime location and beautiful surroundings led the government to repurpose the site as a public camping ground — a nostalgic spot for many veteran campers. By 2010, it was transformed into a branch of the Enspeed Magic Academy, featuring charming campus buildings that offer language learning opportunities for students and have become a whimsical, book-filled tourist attraction.

▲ The Enspeed Magic Academy, open only on weekends, has an elegant campus environment.

The campus, open to the public on weekends, is surrounded by dense woods that act as a natural barrier, along with a stretch of lush green lawn. Its school buildings, constructed with a mix of glass, metal, and wood, create a relaxed and carefree atmosphere — truly giving off magical vibes. Nearby, the Beishi River Valley features clear waters and green foliage, including the approximately 40-meter-long Kuolai Suspension Bridge. Standing on the bridge offers a bird’s-eye view of the winding valley. Parents can also take their children for walks along the valley trails, enjoying the fresh phytoncides in the cool, pristine surroundings — recharging energy for the whole family.

▲ Crossing through the magic academy leads you to the Kuolai Suspension Bridge over the Beishi River.

Due to the Enspeed Magic Academy’s mountainous setting, the importance of reliable transportation becomes even more apparent. The FORD KUGA comes equipped with an Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system that reassesses road conditions every 16 milliseconds and responds instantly — 20 times faster than the blink of an eye. For example, in rainy, snowy, or wet conditions that may cause tire slippage, the system can direct up to 100% of power to either the front or rear axle, intelligently distributing torque based on differences in wheel speed and driver input, significantly improving driving safety.

Hill Start Assist, once a high-end feature reserved for luxury SUVs, is extremely useful on rugged mountain roads, helping drivers effortlessly start on inclines or declines and enhancing overall safety. This makes the FORD KUGA adept at navigating Pingsi’s winding mountain paths, delivering stable and responsive hill-climbing performance. The RSC Roll Stability Control and EPAS Electric Power-Assisted Steering systems provide both cornering stability and a nimble, intuitive driving feel. With the FORD KUGA, every hill and curve becomes a thrilling driving experience, while its ultra-rigid cabin and safety standards surpassing those of luxury imports ensure the best protection for loved ones in the back seat.

▲ The new Kuga, equipped with intelligent all-wheel drive and hill start assist, handles Pingsi’s mountain roads with ease.

If the FORD KUGA has sparked your love for driving through the mountains and inspired your family to enjoy hiking and camping, then Heilongtan in Shuangshui — just 5 km from the campus — is another fantastic destination to explore in Pingsi.

▲ The Heilongtan Camping Site, set alongside the creek, is perfect for summer water fun.

Nestled along the upper reaches of the Beishi River and surrounded by emerald forests, the Heilongtan Campsite offers a seamless blend of land, water, and plant life. Kids can explore rocky riverbeds or play jungle prince in the woods, with nature providing the ultimate playground. In the summer heat, the cool waters of the Beishi River provide refreshing family fun. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Taiwan blue magpie soaring above — a magical moment in outdoor ecology.

▲ Driving the FORD KUGA makes it easy to access the mountains for swimming and camping.

In the rustic campsite, the arched bridges connecting the roads are among its few man-made structures. Watching the stream flow through the circular holes creates a sense of natural harmony — strong yet gentle. The FORD KUGA, with its muscular curves, turbocharged engine, efficient six-speed transmission, Auto-Start-Stop system, and regenerative braking that recharges the battery, mirrors the balance between form and function — much like the relationship between the arched bridge and the stream. Technology, environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and dynamic performance come together perfectly in the FORD KUGA.

▲ The real-time reverse assist camera makes backing up on streets or in the mountains safer and more convenient.

Winding through Pingsi’s mountain roads, you’ll often see terraced tea plantations covering the hillsides. Renowned nationwide for its tea, Pingsi boasts high-quality tea leaves and a rich tea culture. Strolling down Pingsi Old Street, you’ll find shops selling tea everywhere. Crossing the pedestrian suspension bridge beside the old street, the verdant mountains are veiled in a misty haze, exuding a soft charm. The clear streams along the water-friendly walkways splash over fish ladders, revealing schools of fish. This breathtaking landscape is key to Pingsi’s premium tea production and offers a peaceful escape from city life — the perfect way for families to unwind.

▲ The Pingsi water-friendly walkway features mist-covered mountains, crystal-clear streams, and ecologically significant fish ladders.

When visiting Pingsi, don’t miss local specialties like tea-infused chicken and tea oil noodles — their bitter-sweet flavors capture classic, rustic charm. You can also buy local tea as a souvenir. Though some traditional tea shops are tucked away in narrow lanes or rural areas, the FORD KUGA’s lane departure warning system and BLIS blind spot detection help you safely navigate both bustling old streets and winding mountain roads in search of great tea and food — ensuring safer driving and fewer risks during lane changes.

▲ The FORD KUGA’s foot-activated power tailgate and spacious interior are perfect for shopping trips.

Planning to bring home extra tea or souvenirs? The FORD KUGA’s generous cargo space accommodates all your family’s purchases. Whether you’re carrying multiple bags or traveling with passengers of smaller stature, the hands-free power tailgate makes loading and unloading effortless. Of course, whether you’re hauling camping gear or Pingsi tea, the most important thing is filling the FORD KUGA with sweet family memories and enjoying the joy of traveling together.