When it comes to Taishan, many people might have a vague impression, but this small town actually holds a wealth of history and culture. Follow the footsteps of the locals as we start at Xiataishanyan to experience the legend of Xianying Patriarch, stroll through Gouzaikan Old Street to soak in the charm of the ancient street, explore the bunker ruins to feel the weight of history, and finally, climb to the top of Jiandong Mountain for a breathtaking city view. Embark on this journey full of surprises!
Half-Day Guide to Down Taishan Attractions
Trip Highlights: Nostalgic Cultural Exploration and Nature Trail Experience
This journey feels like a trip back in time, allowing you to explore the old days of Taishan in detail. Start at Xiataishanyan, located in the lower northeastern part of Taishan, named after its geographical position. Then, take a stroll around Gouzaikan Old Street. Although it’s now mostly a residential area, with careful observation, you can still uncover the hidden old buildings and the charm of the ancient street.
The Cultural & History Park showcases the unique features and historical significance of Taishan’s major attractions. At Tsyr-shiou Park, the Taishan Forest Library houses a collection of indigenous children’s books waiting to be discovered. Finally, take on the Jiandong Mountain Walk trail to climb high and enjoy the stunning views of Taipei City!
Itinerary Route: Half-Day Tour of Down Taishan Attractions
| Half-Day Tour of Down Taishan Attractions | |
|---|---|
| TIME | about 3 hours |
| ROUTE | Xiataishanyan ⮕ Gouzaikan Old Street ⮕ Cultural & History Park ⮕ Tsyr-shiou Park ⮕ Taishan Forest Library ⮕ Jiandong Mountain Walk |
Nearby Eats: Taishan Wheel Pie & Quanxing Oyster and Intestine Noodles
On Section 1 of Mingzhi Road next to Gouzaikan Old Street, there are two popular eateries: Taishan Wheel Pie and Quanxing Oyster and Intestine Noodles. Taishan Wheel Pie is known for its rich and smooth red bean filling, while Quanxing Oyster and Intestine Noodles is famous for its flavorful broth and chewy oysters, often drawing long lines. Both are definitely worth trying!
| STORE NAME | PICTURE | OPENING HOURS | ADDRESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taishan Wheel Pie (泰山紅豆餅) |  | 🕒 10:30–17:00 🕒 10:10–16:30 (SUN) 📅 Closed on MON | No. 314, Sec. 1, Mingzhi Rd., Taishan Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.) |
| Quanxing Oyster and Intestine Noodles (全興蚵仔大腸麵線) |  | 🕒 10:00–19:00 📅 Closed on MON & SUN | No. 300, Sec. 1, Mingzhi Rd., Taishan Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.) |
Getting Ready for Your Down Taishan Attractions Tour
Transportation Info
By car:
Navigate to Taishan Down Temple. There is a parking lot near Taishan Elementary School where you can park.
Public transport:
Take bus 918 or 616 from Taishan MRT Station. Get off at Tailin&New Taipei Blvd, then walk about 3 minutes to Taishan Down Temple. (View Route)
Recommended Travel Time
It’s best to visit in the morning or afternoon because the itinerary includes hiking. Although the peak of Jiandong Mountain isn’t very high, some sections are steep and may require rope assistance. It’s a good idea to avoid eating too much before hiking!
Essential Items for the Trip
Hiking gear: Comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a towel.
GO! Half-Day Nostalgic Tour of Down Taishan
Down Taishan Attractions 1:：Taishan Down Temple
Taishan Down Temple (下泰山巖) is dedicated to Xianying Patriarch, also known as Huang Huisheng. He is highly revered for his effectiveness in praying for rain and relieving droughts, earning him the nickname ‘Huang Waterwheel.’ Temples dedicated to Xianying Patriarch are usually located in scenic spots, which is why this place is called ‘Yan.’ Every year on the 18th day of the 9th lunar month, a grand festival is held here, attracting many devotees.
The name ‘Taishan’ comes from the fact that Xianying Patriarch practiced in Dajianshan in Anxi, Fujian during his later years, which is also known as Taishan. The ‘Xia’ in ‘Xia Taishan Yan’ refers to the temple’s location on the mid-slope of the Linkou Plateau, in contrast to another temple situated at a lower elevation, hence it is called ‘Xia Taishan Yan.’
Down Taishan Attractions 2: Gouzaikan Old Street
Next, we arrive at Gouzaikan Old Street (溝仔墘老街). In Minnan dialect, ‘墘’ (qian) means ‘side,’ and ‘溝仔’ (gouzaikan) refers to irrigation ditches, indicating that this area was originally a rural village with early immigrants primarily from Fujian.
As you enter the street, you’ll see an introduction to the old street. For a deeper understanding of its history, you can refer to the materials compiled by the Taishan District Office. They provide detailed information on past buildings, such as the Medical Hall, Three Shops, Wu Shun Ji Tea House, and Deqing Residence, including their anecdotes and stories.
Unfortunately, many of the old buildings, like the Medical Hall and Three Shops (which used to be a row of stores for dyeing cloth, tea, and groceries), have been demolished. However, some vintage residences are still preserved, allowing you to experience the charm of the past.
Down Taishan Attractions 3: Cultural & History Park
The Cultural & History Park (文史影像公園) was established to preserve the Japanese military installations in northern Taiwan. The park not only expands on the functions of fortifications and education but also integrates images of local attractions, becoming an important site for local history education.
This place is also known as the ‘Gan Brigade Fortifications Ruins.’ During the late stages of World War II, Japan deployed five divisions and seven brigades to Taiwan to defend against potential U.S. attacks. The unit stationed here was code-named ‘Gan,’ hence the name ‘Gan Brigade.’
Continue walking up, and you’ll see the fortification ruins. Although it’s not open to the public, you can glimpse some of the rooms through the fence. The fortification is located on a hillside, providing a secluded location with a good view. It served as the Japanese military’s combat headquarters, functioning as the staff office and command center.
Down Taishan Attractions 4: Tsyr-shiou Park
After a 4-minute walk, you’ll reach Tsyr-shiou Park (辭修公園). This area, formerly the cemetery of Vice President Chen Cheng, has been transformed into a 3.9-hectare park. At the entrance, you’ll see a decommissioned MIM-14 Nike Hercules surface-to-air missile on display. Next to it is the park entrance. If you climb the stairs, you’ll find a large sandpit with a climbing net—perfect for letting kids burn off some energy!
Down Taishan Attractions 5: Taishan Forest Library
Inside Tsyr-shiou Park, there’s a building called the Taishan Forest Library (泰山森林書屋), which serves as a cultural center for the indigenous peoples of Taishan. The building’s red exterior, symbolizing the vitality and passion of the indigenous community, stands out. The library houses a collection of indigenous children’s books as well as indigenous storybooks from around the world—definitely worth a visit!
Down Taishan Attractions 6: Jiandong Mountain Walk
Finally, we’ve arrived at today’s activity! This is a small mountain, with an elevation of just 153 meters, and it takes about 40 minutes to complete the loop. You might think 153 meters sounds easy, but the trails are quite steep! I recommend walking clockwise: climb the steep section on the left, and descend via the wide steps on the right. This will help reduce the strain on your knees!
At the summit of Jiandong Mountain (尖凍山), there’s a platform where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. On clear days, you might see Guanyin Mountain, Qixing Mountain, Datun Mountain, and Taipei city. After completing the loop, you’ll exit at Alley 36 on Cixiu Road, finishing the entire circular trail.
Experience the Charm of Taishan with a Half-Day Tour
Although Taishan is not very large, you’ll discover its unique cultural charm with a bit of exploration. I hope you enjoy the allure of Taishan on a leisurely afternoon! If you’re feeling energetic, you can also use the remaining half-day to explore the ‘Top Taishan Attractions Half-Day Tour’!