Pingxi

Located in the northeastern part of New Taipei City, Pingxi is situated in the upper reaches of the Keelung River. The entire district is mountainous, making it a renowned mountain town. It is best known for Wufenshan, Pingxi Sanjian (Three Peaks of Pingxi), and the Xiaozi Mountain group, which are not very high, ranging between 500 and 600 meters. Because the upper reaches of the Keelung River flow through the entire district, its erosive action and the surrounding dissected terrain have created numerous faults and unusual rock formations. As the river flows, it forms many large and small waterfalls, such as Shifen Waterfall, Lingjiao Shiku Waterfall, and Yanjingdong (Spectacles Cave) Waterfall, as well as potholes, all of which are rare natural wonders in Northern Taiwan. Furthermore, due to the tectonic forces of the Earth's orogeny, the mountains within the area have formed 'cuestas' (unilateral mountains) with gentle slopes on the east and west sides, and a steep slope on the other. 'Coal' was once a special product of Pingxi District, and during its heyday, it was the livelihood of the entire district. Although mining has declined and ceased in recent years, 'mine shafts, old streets, and ancient houses' have become local characteristics. For example, 'Shifen Old Street' is located on a broad river terrace, with the Pingxi Branch Railway passing through, so residential houses are built right next to both sides of the railway. Outside the old street is the 'Jingan Suspension Bridge,' connecting Shifen and Nannanshan villages, which is a rare, well-preserved pedestrian suspension bridge. The houses on 'Shidi Street' were even built using cedar wood imported from Japan. Furthermore, 'Pingxi Old Street' still retains some traditional long street houses built alongside the Keelung River, with narrow, crowded streets everywhere showcasing the rustic charm of a mountain town. Every year, the 'Lantern Release during the Lantern Festival' is not only one of the important activities in Pingxi District but also the most folk-colorful cultural event in Northern Taiwan, on par with the Yanshui Beehive Firecrackers in Tainan, known as 'South Firecrackers, North Sky Lanterns.' When you visit Pingxi, don't forget to sample the local culinary specialties: tender yet not greasy free-range chicken, crisp and refreshing green bamboo shoots, stir-fried bird's nest fern with dried fish, vegetarian stir-fried oyster mushrooms, and take away some Pingxi tea. A trip to Pingxi, we believe, is not only a journey to appreciate nature but also a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and a culinary and tea-tasting delight.