Attractions
Dadaocheng Wharf
Dadaocheng Wharf was the main trading hub in the early years. The Wharf provided the major export/import access for Chinese silk cloth, herbs, Taiwanese tea, rice, sugar, and camphor. Nowadays, the Di Hua Stress is still acting as the main distributing center. It also has the most well-preserved Southern Fukien-type and European Baroque architecture. Recently, the Region Development Authority specially designated the Dadaocheng Wharf to be the main entry for visitors coming from the Blue Highway.
Guandu Temple
Built in A.D. 1661, the Guandu Temple, which is locating right beside one of the Blue Highway’s ferry stations- Guandu Wharf, is one of the three largest Matsu Temples in Taiwan. Since the temple is standing on the peak of the Ling Mountain, it is also known as the ‘Ling Shan Temple’. Every year’s Lantern Festival and Ghost Month Festival always attract thousands of pilgrims from all parts of Taiwan to Guandu Temple. As the result, the Temple has not stopped expanding their structure since then.
Guandu Nature Park
Guandu Nature Park is situated in north Taiwan, at the junction of Tamshui and Keelung rivers, with Datun Mountain to the northeast and Guanyin Mountain to the southwest. The park is a biodiversity environment of about 57 hectares and divides into 4 parts–Main Area, Core Reserve Area, Outdoor Observational Area and Sustainable Management Area; The landscape consists of woodland, streams, creeks, brackish ponds and rice paddies.
It is a major stopover site for migrating birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds, and is an important wintering and breeding ground for many species; 229 species of birds have been observed qualifying this wetland as an Important Bird Area (IBA), recognized by Bird Life International.
Reference: “Introduction of Guandu Nature Park.” Guandu Nature Park. The Wild Bird Society of Taipei, n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.
Tamshui Fisherman’s Wharf
Situating on the right bank of Tamshui River, the Tamshui Fisherman’s Wharf was a traditional small fishing harbor. Recently, while still holding the functionality as a harbor for fishing boats, it was reconstructed to become a multi-function leisure harbor. Besides a fabulous floating wharf, there are other facilities like 330meter-long wooden trestle, sea view plaza, water fountain, Holiday sightseeing seafood market, Lover’s Bridge, riverbank café, and a harbor park. The exotic scenery of the Tamshui Fisherman’s Wharf has made the wharf become one of the favorable recreation place in the Northern Taiwan.