Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Taipei riverside bike paths pass by here, and you can rent bikes north of Guandu
Temple on Zhixing Rd near Guandu Wharf.
Sights & Activities
Guandu Temple TAOIST TEMPLE
(Guāndù Gōng; 360 Zhixing Rd) Dating back to 1661, this gawdy, grand, multistorey temple
(one of Taipei's oldest) is built right into the side of a mountain. In fact, a 100m-plus tun-
nel runs through the mountain itself. Lined with brightly painted deities, the hall leads to
a balcony offering a panoramic view of the Tamsui riverscape.
Guandu Temple is a riot of decorative arts, especially rooftop jiǎnniàn (mosaic-like
temple decoration), and there are Qing-era stone columns in the worship hall. On the
riverside sits a food court serving all manner of Taiwanese delicacies. For many visitors,
Guandu is a perfect example of the mixed role that most Taiwanese temples play: house
of worship, art house, carnival venue and street food market.
Guandu Nature Park PARK
(Guāndù Zìrán Gōngyuán; 55 Guandu Rd; adult/child NT$50/30; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun) Ten years
in the planning, this 57- hectare nature reserve opened in 2001 under the control of the
Wild Bird Society of Taipei. There's a visitor centre, good trails and hides, as well as
over 100 species of birds, 150 species of plants and 800 species of animals.
The park, situated at the confluence of the Danshui and Keelung Rivers (and their
smaller tributaries), has a wide variety of habitats, including grass, mangroves, salt-water
marsh and freshwater ponds. On weekdays it's rather busy with school groups, and on
weekends with other tourists.
Tittot Glass Art Museum MUSEUM
(Liúyuán Shuǐjīng Bówùguǎn; www.tittot.com ; 16 Lane 515, Zhong-Yang N Rd, Sec 4; admission
NT$100; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun; Guandu) From the outside, this museum just east of
Guandu MRT station looks like a factory. Inside, however, beautiful glassware objects
are displayed on two levels as well as detailed explanations of glass-making techniques
(such as the lost wax technique).
Glass-blowing demonstrations are held daily, and classes are also given in glass-mak-
ing. To get here take Exit 1, turn left and walk a minute back alongside the tracks.
Getting There & Around
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