VIBE

This quaint fishing port and 19th century international crossroads (it was designated as one of the few places in China open for foreign trade by the Qing Dynasty) offers visitors a mix of European and local Taiwanese culture and traditions. Architecturally, Hongmao Castle, an impressive Western-style fortress (also known as Fort San Domingo), is the highlight; it was started by the Spanish in the 1620s, finished by the Dutch in the 1640s, and home to the British Consulate in the 1800s. Traditional Taiwanese attractions in Tamsui include Yinhan Temple and Tamsui Old Street (aka Jung Jeng Road), a pedestrianized street packed with snack vendors and handicraft shops. A bit downstream, the Tamshui Fisherman’s Wharf offers upscale shopping and seafood restaurants.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

When we’re in the mood to get out of the city, this is one of our favorite places to come. Since it's super easy to get to via the MRT, we can arrive in the afternoon to see the sights before watching the sunset over the Strait of Taiwan (it’s absolutely stunning) and then eat our way down Tamsui Old Street, filling up on local eats at the various vendors.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Many of the seafood restaurants at the Fisherman’s Wharf are overpriced.

GOOD TO KNOW

Tamsui is in Taipei County but not in the city itself (it’s situated about 40 minutes northwest of the city, where the Tamsui River meets the Strait of Taiwan). Tamsui is also referred to as “DanShui”; the former being the Taiwanese version and the latter the Mandarin pronunciation written in pinyin. Tamsui is also a famous college town, with three very well known universities located here. Fun fact about Hongmao Castle: its name literally means “fortress of the red haired,” in reference to its Western founders.