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During the Qing Dynasty, the Jingmei River was an important transportation route between Tamsui and Yilan. In the past, boats would travel from the Tamsui River up to Shiding to transport tea, coal, and other goods. Now there are no more ferries along the river, but you can still visit the old ferry dock and enjoy the natural scenery of the area.

Historical Background:

The Jingmei River (景美溪), formerly known by several names, including Wulixue Creek and Jingwei Creek, is a river in northern Taiwan and a tributary of the Xindian River. It is approximately 28 kilometers long, with a watershed covering 113.72 square kilometers. Originating from Huoshaoliao Mountain, its upper stream flows through Yongding Creek and joins the Shiding Creek before becoming the Jingmei River, eventually merging with the Xindian River near Jingmei. The river has shaped the surrounding landscape, creating rocky riverbeds, steep valleys, meanders, potholes, and river terraces, which contributed to the development of settlements such as Shiding, Shenkeng, Muzha, and Jingmei. Historically, it served as an important transportation and trading route, allowing people to travel from Tamsui along the Xindian River to exchange goods such as tea, coal, and dyes with communities in the region. However, rapid urban development, riverbank construction, and the expansion of buildings along its banks have significantly altered its natural landscape, leading to sediment accumulation and the loss of much of its original appearance.

Hours:

24/7

Price:

Free.

Where to stay:

We recommend Fullon Hotel, which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
We have stayed at and recommend ​Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. ​You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here.  You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. 
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home, which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 

Activities in Taipei:

There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei, such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities, which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. 

How to get there:

By Bus: There are multiple bus stops in Shenkeng and Shiding along the Jingmei River. There are many places to rent a Ubike along the way. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: There is parking on the side of the road in Shenkeng and Shiding along the Jingmei River. Usually there are plenty of spots available.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Please see below:

See above. There are many places to stop along the Jingmei River, but my favorite is near this location.

Drone Footage:

Play

You can also check out our 360 panorama of the area above.

Our Journey

I have been along the Jingmei River many times. The most impressive part of the river is between Shiding and Shenkeng, where the river makes a big gorge in the landscape. The river may seem hard to get to here, but you can climb down to the riverbank.

Lots of local uncles come here to fish. Here there is a peaceful break from the busy hustle and bustle of Taipei.

In the old days, ferry boats used to come this far up the river to deliver goods. However, there is little to no sign of the old ferry dock, except one sign.

Aerial view from this part of the river. National Freeway 5 passes across it.

View looking downriver at Shenkeng. The old ferry dock could have been this bank.

Another view of the old ferry dock with bridge in view.

As with many houses in Shiding, the houses here are built precariously on the riverbank.

The western edge of Shiding begins along the Jingmei River. This river was an important means of transport along the Danlan Old Trail, to bring tea and other goods from Yilan, Pinglin, and Shiding to Tamsui. In the olden times, there was a ferry dock here which is long gone, but there are some steps that lead down to the river, which has become a popular fishing spot.

You can also check out the Danlan Old Trail and suspension bridge along the Jingmei River here.

Upriver toward Shiding, the river gets more rocky.

Shiding Old Street

Shiding Old Street (aka Shiding East Street) is a small street in the busiest part of the mountainous Shiding District in New Taipei. There are some great restaurants here, an old mining town feel, great views of old multi story houses towering over the rivers, and beautiful surrounding mountains. Also, there are some great hiking trails and scenery nearby.

You can book a tour to Shiding Old Street on TripAdvisor here, Klook here or KKday here.  

Shenkeng Old Street

Shenkeng Old Street is one of the largest and busiest old streets in New Taipei, known for its famous tofu delicacies, and old Taiwan feel. Here one can enjoy delicious food, beautiful scenery, and buy nostalgic Taiwan related souvenirs. The Tofu here is truly incredible; Shenkeng is known as the Tofu capital of Taiwan, so you should definitely stop by here on your next trip to Taipei…(read more)

Check out our guide to Taipei’s Old Streets here. 
​
Check out our full guide to Shiding here.

Also be sure to check out our full guide to Taipei here. 

You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here. 

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Taiwan gets a lot of rain, oftentimes torrential rain during the spring and summer months. This means that erosion and landslides happen quite often. In this blog, I would like to share some photos of recent landslides near my home in Nangang District of Taipei.

Drone Footage:

Play

Play

360 Degree Panorama

Check out the 360 degree panorama above.

My Experience with Landslides in Taiwan

I had an opportunity to speak with one of the older residents of Nangang who owns a Beetle Nut field near Shanshui Eco Park. His father owned the land before him, and when he was young he remembers helping dig in the coal mines. Nangang is full of old coal mines from that era, and there used to be many single and double line railway tracks through the area connecting the mines. Also because of the mines, there were many piles of fill dirt which can now collapse at any time. This, combined with the sandstone terrain makes this area of northern Taiwan prone to landslides.

Also, most of the trees in Nangang were once cut down. New fruit trees and other fast growing trees were used for fuel and to make beams to hold up the coal mine tunnels.

Years of environmental neglect has left the landscape more prone to collapse. However, since about the 1980s, Taiwan has banned logging, and most of the mountains in Taipei are now protected forests. Let’s hope that Taiwan will continue to protect its environment to help prevent future landslides. That being said, with year after year of torrential rain, some landslides are still inevitable.

There are literally hundreds of landslides around Taiwan every year. There are usually a few major landslides every time there is torrential rain or a Typhoon. Taiwanese people are usually good about cleaning up the mess, clearing roads, or rebuilding if needed. However, there are large tracts of land in the central mountain range that are now inaccessible because landslides of claimed many of the old logging roads and trails in the mountains. It is like building a sandcastle before the tide comes. At the end of the day, when it comes to Taiwan’s mountains, nature is king.

Sorry this is not a comprehensive or scientific view of landslides in Taiwan, comparing different geography and which areas are more prone to landslides. Although I would like to do a blog like that, I do not have the time. Also, there are just too many landslides to keep track of. However, you can check out my blog on Taiwan’s deadliest landslide event ever, Typhoon Morakot, here.

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For many years, the Keelung Left Bank Bike Route had a dead end that was hard to cross. However, now that the Dakeng River Pedestrian Bridge is complete, cyclists can ride all the way from Shilin to Xizhi along the left bank of the Keelung River uninterrupted. It is definitely worth a ride if you get the chance.

Historical Background:

The “Dakeng Creek Bicycle Bridge Construction Project” is located near the point where Dakeng Creek meets the Keelung River, connecting Nangang District in Taipei City with Xizhi District in New Taipei City. The project involved constructing an independent bicycle and pedestrian bridge approximately 55.6 meters long and 4 meters wide, linking the riverside cycling networks of the two cities and providing a more convenient and direct connection between Nangang and Xizhi. It also improved the spaces beneath the Huandong Boulevard bridges on both sides of the creek by creating safer cycling routes, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and recreational seating areas. The project aimed to promote green transportation, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and provide residents with a comfortable outdoor recreational space to enjoy the natural scenery along the Keelung River. The project was completed on March 21, 2025, with a final construction cost of NT$105,298,194.

Hours:

24/7

Price:

Free.

Where to stay:

We recommend Fullon Hotel, which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
We have stayed at and recommend ​Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. ​You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here.  You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. 
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home, which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 

Activities in Taipei:

There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei, such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities, which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. 

How to get there:

By Bus: From Nangang Exhibition Center Station, the bridge is only a short walk away. There are many places to rent a Ubike along the way. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: There is parking along the side of the roade near Dakeng Bridge. Usually there are plenty of spots available.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Please see below:

See above.

Drone Footage:

Play

Play

Play

Play

Play

Check out our 360 panoramas above.

Our Journey:

As a long-term resident of Taipei, I have biked along the left bank of the Keelung River many times, only to be disappointed by the end of the trail that leaves you at a dead end. Therefore, I was extremely happy to hear that they were finally building a bridge to connect the left bank of the Keelung River with Xizhi.

I was there 3000 years ago when they first broke ground on the new bridge.

View of the new bridge from the air.

Some fish in the Dakeng River below.

The river fish here like to make these little potholes in the mud.

View of more fish down below the bridge.

View looking up river.

River turtle.

More fish.

More fish sucking the air.

View across the bank looking at Xizhi.

And here is Xizhi’s secret beach.

Bikers along the trail.

More cyclists coming our way.

Underneath the overpass, you can also see a scooter graveyard. It is said that these old scooters will be sold to countries in Africa at discounted prices.

Another view of the sea of scooters.

Another view of the scrapyard.

More scrap.

They also created a new trail that connects the old Keelung River trail to the bridge.

Nearby you can spot the Grand Hilai Hotel.

You can also see the Charity post-partum center.

After the Dakeng Bridge, the path then follows the Keelung River.

Sun shines on Xizhi.

View further up river.

The trail continues along the Keelung River here.

View of Xizhi.

View from under the big red bridge in Xizhi.

There used to not be any bike trail here either, this is new.

Further into Xizhi, you can pass some industrial areas such as this concrete factory.

View looking up a power line.

Another view downriver.

Crossing the bridge to the right bank of the Keelung River.

Rainbow over Xizhi.

The right bank of the Keelung River has more tree cover.

Another view of the rainbow over Xizhi.

The trail then goes under the bridge here. In the past, you had to cross a road with heavy traffic and no light.

Sunset over Nangang.

In the past, there used to be water buffalo that grazed on the Xizhi side of the river.

A herd of water buffalo seen in ancient times.

View of Nangang in more recent times.

This park in Xizhi is great for watching the sunset.

The new financial center in Nangang.

We kept following along the right bank.

Map of the area.

Another view of the rainbow.

Rainbow over Neihu and Xizhi.

View looking toward Neihu.

Currently two remaining suspension bridge towers next to the Keelung River from the industrial era of Nangang. The best preserved is “五分吊橋” Wufen Suspension Bridge. According to the signs next to the bridge, it was built in 1918. ​

Brown Line MRT passes above us.

From here, you can ride up this bridge and cross the river.

Nangang has its own secret beach too.

Twilight over Neihu.

Closeup on Nangang’s Beach.

Come for the sand, stay for the stinking garbage.

From there, we circled back to Dakeng Bridge.

View looking back at Xizhi.

And there are tons of birds that live under this bridge.

Check out our parents and children guide to Taipei here.
Check out our full guide to Taipei here.
You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.

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Shezi is a narrow peninsula at the convergence of the Tamsui River and Keelung River in Taipei. Around the island is a bike path, where you can enjoy the surrounding scenery, spot birds and wildlife, and take a break from the city. There are also other water sports available here, such as sail surfing. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.

Historical Background:

Shezi (社子) is a subdistrict of Shilin District in Taipei, Taiwan, located on an alluvial plain between the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Ketagalan people, the area developed into a settlement known as Shezi and gradually evolved through centuries of geological changes, agricultural development, and urban expansion. Due to severe flooding caused by Typhoon Kit in 1953 and subsequent flooding concerns, the government imposed long-term construction restrictions on much of the area, particularly Shezidao, which significantly slowed its urban development and preserved much of its traditional landscape. Over the years, river engineering projects and infrastructure development transformed the area from an island into a peninsula connected to central Taipei. Today, Shezi has a population of approximately 10,000 people and is divided into ten villages, with ongoing debates over urban redevelopment, flood prevention, environmental conservation, and residents’ interests. Recent development plans include the construction of the Taipei Metro Circular Line’s northern section, with a station in Shezi expected to open in 2032.

Hours:

24/7

Tours:

You can check out tours to Taipei such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou.

Where to Stay:

High end: We recommend Wellsping Silks Beitou, which is perhaps the fanciest hotel in Beitou is the Wellspring Silks Beitou, which towers like a behemoth over the cityscape. Here you can probably find the best quality and services in all of Beitou.
Budget Hotels: We also recommend Water House which seems like perhaps the best deal for the money in Beitou. Breakfast and private baths are included. There are also public bathing areas. The hotel is across from Beitou Park.

Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality accommodation selection in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Beitou Hot Spring Hotel Guide here, our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:

By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 2 north toward Shilin. The peninsula is just behind the intersection where Provincial Highway 2 crosses over the river to Shilin. There is limited paid parking near the side of the road in places.  
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus/MRT: From Taipei Main Station, take bus 2 to Shezi. The ride takes about half an hour. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Please see the map below:

Drone Footage

Check out our 360 degree panorama of the area above.

Play

Play

Play

Our Journey:

I have been cycling to Shezi once, and I had a great time. The biking trails there are great, and there are a lot of places to watch birds and wildlife. The trail also goes in one big loop.

We drove a car there, parked on the side of the road, rented some

Some ducks in a nearby pond.

China Cultural University.

Bird spotted.

More ducks.

White Egret.

More bikers along the trail. There are also quite a few spots to stop and rest and watch birds.

Away those bikers go.

Across the river, you can see Guandu and Beitou.

And here we see the legendary excavator boat in its native habitat. They come here to dredge the river so it is deep enough for boats to pass in.

Also they have come in and cut down the mangroves which act to muddy the landscape and extend the land.

Speedboat on the water.

One man chooses to walk the path less travelled by.

A fisherman on the Keelung River.

Kite surfers on the Keelung River.

Close up on one of the kite surfers.

Kite Surfer with Guandu Temple in the background.

Another closeup on a kite surfer.

Looking at the tip of Shezidao Park with Wugu across the river.

View of the Taipei 101 in the distance.

Riding back.

Another view of the trail.

Ferry boat nearby.

You can check out more photos in the album above.

Shezi Night Market

If you keep riding far enough, you will reach Shezi Night Market (社子夜市), which is a long eating and shopping area on the Shezi Peninsula in Shilin District of Taipei. The night market is small and also doubles as a wet market during the day. You will not find many tourists here, making it an authentic local night market experience. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei…(read more)

Check out our parents and children guide to Taipei here.
Check out our full guide to Taipei here.
You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.