Trip information map

Sankeng Eco Park (三坑自然生態公園)

Expanding across almost 3.8 hectares of breathtaking landscapes, Sankeng Eco Park graces the banks of the Dahan River near Shihmen Dam. Central to its allure are a vast eco-lake and expansive recreational grounds, carefully curated using eco-friendly construction methods. The park seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings through the cultivation of diverse indigenous plants, creating a harmonious blend of human-made and natural beauty. Within the park, discover an array of amenities, including recreational zones, pavilions, wooden arch bridges, and water activity canals. The Sankeng Cycling Track interweaves with the park, transforming it into a dynamic sports and leisure space.

Surrounded by non-industrialized areas and adorned with the scenic backdrop of the dam, Sankeng Eco Park offers serene water views and a vast green slope, fostering an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. During autumn, the Taiwanese rain trees,adorned with soft red leaves, paint a picturesque scene, infusing vibrant colors into the lush surroundings and enhancing the overall visual splendor.

Daping Red Bridge/Thousand Layer Waterfall (15 minutes walk)

Daping Hongqiao:

Situated in Daping Village, Longtan District, Taoyuan City, Daping Hongqiao stands as a testament to history, bridging the Datie Creek and connecting Sankengzi and Daping. In the Qing Dynasty, Sankengzi thrived as a vital goods transfer station along the Dahan River, while Daping, on the opposite bank, remained accessible only through challenging and perilous river crossings. The Japanese colonial period marked a turning point with the proposal and construction of the Taoyuan Canal (1916-1924). Local gentry, supported by donations from the community and assistance from the Daikura Group responsible for the canal project, erected Daping Hongqiao using the same clear water bricks as the canal.

This historic bridge, symbolizing the collective efforts of villagers, is adorned with a monument detailing contributions from individuals who donated 1 and 2 yuan, showcasing a commendable community undertaking. Following the completion of the Shimen Reservoir in 1964, the newly established Dama Road superseded Daping Hongqiao, leading to a gradual decline in the area's prominence. A resurgence occurred around 2000 when the local water conservancy association embarked on a restoration initiative. By 2003, Daping Hongqiao was officially recognized as a historical building, standing proudly as a bridge between the rich history of the region and the enduring spirit of its community.

Thousand Layer Waterfall:

Nestled beside the Shouwang Aid Post Trail in Daping Village, Longtan District, the entrance to the Thousand Layer Waterfall beckons adventurers. Functioning as a tiered hydraulic engineering marvel, this cascading waterfall serves as an ingenious project to mitigate river erosion. The water gracefully descends, creating a mesmerizing display of layered cascades. A thoughtfully designed staircase along the riverbank ensures easy access to the water's edge. As you traverse the Thousand Layer Waterfall trail along Qingshuikeng Creek, you'll encounter additional attractions like Daping Hongqiao and the Cherry Blossom Trail.

Daxi Old Street (大溪老街)

Daxi stands as Taoyuan's earliest developed area, a testament to its historical significance. The thriving trade facilitated by small sailboats navigating between Dahan Creek and the Tamsui River contributed to Daxi's prosperity, fostering success for numerous businesses. During the Japanese occupation of the Taisho era, the prevalent architectural style was Baroque, influencing the construction of many stores along Heping Road and Zhongshan Road. Interestingly, these structures seamlessly blended Baroque ornamentation with characteristic totems from Min-nan in Southern China. This unique fusion is notably visible on some old houses, where auspicious Chinese fish and bat totems adorn Greek lintels or Roman columns, creating a distinctive architectural feature in Daxi.

As a relatively later development, Heping Old Street boasts well-preserved buildings that attract tourists with specialty shops and enticing food stands. Noteworthy attractions in the area include the Daxi Bridge, Lee Teng-Fang Ancient Residence, Wude Temple, and the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum. Daxi Old Street, in particular, offers not only traditional Taiwanese toys but also a delectable array of authentic Taiwanese delicacies. Indulge in must-try treats such as Daxi dried tofu, moonlight cakes, peanut caramel candies, tofu puddings, salty rice puddings, and rice dumplings.

When exploring Taoyuan, a visit to Daxi Old Street is a must. Here, you'll not only witness the historical and architectural charm but also savor the true essence of Taiwanese flavor through its rich culinary offerings.

Daxi Tea Factory (大溪老茶廠)

Embark on a captivating journey to the "Daxi Tea Factory" for an enriching "tea-tasting experience," where the pervasive fragrance of tea fills the air, creating an intoxicating ambiance. This iconic location is also the backdrop for the period TV drama "Gold Leaf," adding a touch of cinematic allure to your visit.

A visit to the Daxi Tea Factory unfolds like the commencement of a leisurely exploration into the world of "Tea Time." Originally known as the Jiaoban Mountain Factory, this historic tea facility was constructed by the Japanese in 1926, marking a significant chapter in Daxi's illustrious tea-making history. In its early years, it was synonymous with "upstart tea." Unfortunately, a fire in 1956 threatened its existence, nearly obliterating the entire factory.

In 2010, the Taiwan Tea Corporation undertook the ambitious reconstruction of the Daxi Tea Factory, reviving the elegance of tea culture by seamlessly blending the new with the old after a hiatus of half a century. This restoration project serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Daxi's tea heritage, inviting visitors to savor not just the tea but also the rich history embedded within the walls of this iconic establishment.

Shihmen Reservoir (石門水庫)

Shihmen Reservoir is renowned for its captivating lake and mountain vistas that remain stunning throughout the year. Seamlessly connected to over a dozen tourist attractions, the reservoir offers an array of green parks, scenic bikeways, lake yachts, the impressive dam and spillway, a picturesque wharf, Xizhou Park, Maple Park, Nanyuan Ecological Park, and more.

Beyond its scenic allure, Shihmen Reservoir serves as an ideal location to appreciate the splendid beauty of flowers and leaves. During the winter, vibrant maple leaves and pristine plum blossoms captivate observers. With the arrival of spring, the landscape transforms as peach, cherry, and azalea blossoms compete for visitors' attention with their enchanting beauty. In the rainy season, the majestic sight of water discharge from Shihmen Dam adds a spectacular touch, drawing in a multitude of tourists to witness this natural spectacle.