Trip information map

Daxi Old Street (大溪老街)

Daxi stands as Taoyuan's earliest developed area, a testament to its historical significance. The thriving trade facilitated by small sailboats navigating between Dahan Creek and the Tamsui River contributed to Daxi's prosperity, fostering success for numerous businesses. During the Japanese occupation of the Taisho era, the prevalent architectural style was Baroque, influencing the construction of many stores along Heping Road and Zhongshan Road. Interestingly, these structures seamlessly blended Baroque ornamentation with characteristic totems from Min-nan in Southern China. This unique fusion is notably visible on some old houses, where auspicious Chinese fish and bat totems adorn Greek lintels or Roman columns, creating a distinctive architectural feature in Daxi.

As a relatively later development, Heping Old Street boasts well-preserved buildings that attract tourists with specialty shops and enticing food stands. Noteworthy attractions in the area include the Daxi Bridge, Lee Teng-Fang Ancient Residence, Wude Temple, and the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum. Daxi Old Street, in particular, offers not only traditional Taiwanese toys but also a delectable array of authentic Taiwanese delicacies. Indulge in must-try treats such as Daxi dried tofu, moonlight cakes, peanut caramel candies, tofu puddings, salty rice puddings, and rice dumplings.

When exploring Taoyuan, a visit to Daxi Old Street is a must. Here, you'll not only witness the historical and architectural charm but also savor the true essence of Taiwanese flavor through its rich culinary offerings.

Daxi Tea Factory (大溪老茶廠)

Embark on a captivating journey to the "Daxi Tea Factory" for an enriching "tea-tasting experience," where the pervasive fragrance of tea fills the air, creating an intoxicating ambiance. This iconic location is also the backdrop for the period TV drama "Gold Leaf," adding a touch of cinematic allure to your visit.

A visit to the Daxi Tea Factory unfolds like the commencement of a leisurely exploration into the world of "Tea Time." Originally known as the Jiaoban Mountain Factory, this historic tea facility was constructed by the Japanese in 1926, marking a significant chapter in Daxi's illustrious tea-making history. In its early years, it was synonymous with "upstart tea." Unfortunately, a fire in 1956 threatened its existence, nearly obliterating the entire factory.

In 2010, the Taiwan Tea Corporation undertook the ambitious reconstruction of the Daxi Tea Factory, reviving the elegance of tea culture by seamlessly blending the new with the old after a hiatus of half a century. This restoration project serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Daxi's tea heritage, inviting visitors to savor not just the tea but also the rich history embedded within the walls of this iconic establishment.

Shihmen Reservoir (石門水庫)

Shihmen Reservoir is renowned for its captivating lake and mountain vistas that remain stunning throughout the year. Seamlessly connected to over a dozen tourist attractions, the reservoir offers an array of green parks, scenic bikeways, lake yachts, the impressive dam and spillway, a picturesque wharf, Xizhou Park, Maple Park, Nanyuan Ecological Park, and more.

Beyond its scenic allure, Shihmen Reservoir serves as an ideal location to appreciate the splendid beauty of flowers and leaves. During the winter, vibrant maple leaves and pristine plum blossoms captivate observers. With the arrival of spring, the landscape transforms as peach, cherry, and azalea blossoms compete for visitors' attention with their enchanting beauty. In the rainy season, the majestic sight of water discharge from Shihmen Dam adds a spectacular touch, drawing in a multitude of tourists to witness this natural spectacle.