Jingmei River Old Ferry Dock 景美溪舊碼頭

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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:

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.