Beitou (北投) is a district of Taipei City at the foot of Yangmingshan (陽明山 or Yangming Mountain), a collection of mountain peaks that make up Yangminshan National Park. These include Seven Star Mountain (七星山 or Qixingshan), a dormant volcano that last erupted around 700,000 years ago.
Xinbeitou (新北投), the hot spring village around Xinbeitou MRT station, occupies a lush valley that is home to 1200 species of plants, 110 species of bird, and 160 varieties of butterflies.
Beitou Thermal Valley (also called Beitou Geothermal Valley or Hell Valley) is a second, highly acidic “green sulfur” hot spring that is a major tourist attraction in Beitou and the source of the hot creek running through Beitou Hot Spring Park.
The spring water is high in radium, which in the past underwent a corrosive reaction with the andesite rocks on the river bed about 150 meters downstream, creating layers of cream and white diamond-shaped crystals named Hokutolite or “Beitou stone”, ...
Songshan Ciyou Temple
This temple, built in the mid-18th century, is the cradle of development of the Songshan district. The story goes that a monk once roamed this area, carrying a gilded image of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, as he begged for alms. One day at Xikou—the old name for this district—the monk came upon a number of people, all Mazu believers, from his old home. Together they planned construction of a temple to honor the goddess, and after raising funds for more than 10 years they were able to realize their dream. Construction started in 1753 and was completed in 1757.
The top of the temple roof is richly ornamented; in addition to human figures, there is also a flying dragon placed there because dragons were believed to have the power to prevent fires.
Inside the temple are layer after layer of oil lamps lighted by devotees in the hope that Mazu will grant their wishes. The side altar to the right of the Mazu image enshrines the Earth God, who is protected on either side by ...
The Tamsui Old Street 淡水老街 is a street in Tamsui District, New Taipei, Taiwan.
Tamsui Old Street, also known as Danshui Old Street, is a pedestrian zone located in the Tamsui District, near the red line MRT station of the same name.
It is a boardwalk-like area by the riverfront filled with shops, carnival games, restaurants, cafés, and local snacks. The street is accessible within walking distance from Tamsui Station of Taipei Metro.
While the exact street designated as “Old Street” is not clearly marked, the area collectively referred to as “Tamsui Old Street” includes multiple streets and alleys around the MRT station and river, with lots of shops and food stalls.
The shops generally open in the afternoon and stay open until midnight, offering a variety of local delicacies such as A-gei, iron eggs, and fried squid.
The whole area is fun to see. You can walk along the river, shop for local foods or explore some of the historic sites in the area. A place you should visit if ...
Taipei Confucius Temple 台北孔廟
While Guanyu is the god of war, Confucius (孔夫子) is considered the god of literature and wisdom. As confusing as his name sounds, Confucius is not exactly a “god.” It’s better to describe him as a great philosopher. However, since Confucianism deeply influences the Chinese-speaking world, it does feel like a religion in some ways. Sometimes people come here to wish for a good grades.
The standard structure of a Confucius temple includes a wall and a stage. The tall wall is a symbol of Confucius’s invincible wisdom. The stage is where students dance to celebrate Confucius’s birthday.
To get here take the MRT Red Line to Yuanshan Station then take exit no.2
The temple is plain compared to normal Chinese temples but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. The styling and history of this temple makes it well worth a visit.
Taipei Confucius Temple 台北孔廟 - Hidden Gem - Taipei Taiwan 2026
