Shisanhang Museum

The Shisanhang archaeological site, located in Bali District on the south bank of the Tamsui River estuary, was named after its survey in 1957 (Republic of China year 46). It is a national heritage site, preserving the culture of Taiwan's prehistoric Iron Age, dating from 1,800 to 500 years ago. According to archaeological experts, the people from this site may be related to the Ketagalan tribe, one of the Pingpu (Plains Indigenous) tribes. Important artifacts unearthed successively include pottery, ironware, iron smelting furnaces, and burial objects, as well as remains of tombs and settlements. The artifacts unearthed from the Shisanhang site prove that its residents possessed the knowledge and ability to smelt iron at that time and had begun to use silver and copper artifacts. Rare relics such as gold ornaments, gilt bronze, bronze bowls, silver artifacts, copper coins, and copper bells have also been found at the site. Scholars therefore speculate that there was already trade and economic exchange with the outside world at that time. In 1998 (Republic of China year 87), the government officially began constructing the "Shisanhang Museum" on the preserved land of the Shisanhang site. The museum preserves and displays the relics of early inhabitants, hoping to introduce this precious prehistoric site to all visitors. Additionally, it features a "Time Corridor" and periodically hosts various special exhibitions, hoping that while enjoying the Tamsui River waterfront, people can also step back in time and personally experience the historical traces of Shisanhang culture. The original architectural concept of the Shisanhang Museum was inspired by archaeological excavations and the idea of early inhabitants crossing the sea by boat to Taiwan. It has received numerous architectural awards and is a highly acclaimed building in recent years. One side of the Shisanhang Museum faces the azure Tamsui River, while the other side overlooks the lush Mount Guanyin, making it the best spot to view the river and sea scenery of Tamsui and Bali. The beautiful scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile. While visiting the Shisanhang Museum, the Waziwei Mangrove Nature Reserve, a natural lagoon at the Tamsui River estuary, can also be included as part of your itinerary. Whether you observe the rich natural ecosystem of mangroves, crabs, water birds, and egrets up close, or choose to take a ferry to enjoy the beautiful river and sea views of the "Blue Highway", or cycle leisurely along the Bali Left Bank, these activities offer a distinct charm.