We’re almost at the end of our trip to Taiwan! On our second to last day, we took a train from Taipei to the very last stop on the Red Line, called Tamsui. Literally translated to ‘fresh water’, this coastal town is located just next to the Taiwan Straits, and was once colonised by the Spanish and Dutch. It became a major trade and fishing port, but fell from grace during the Japanese occupation as traders moved to another port town, Keelung. Today, it is still known for fisheries, but also as a tourist attraction owing to the area’s rich history and culture.

Exiting the train station. 

Just nearby is Tamsui Old Street – a shopping district. While the shops don’t look very old, most have been around for decades; blending in with newer establishments. Like many of the spots we had visited around Taiwan, there were stalls selling all sorts of items: umbrellas, caps, clothing, accessories, food, etc.

A temple sandwiched in between the shops.

It was a long walk to the harbourfront. When we got there, we popped into a famous stall selling a local specialty called A-Gei.

Workers prepping bunches of glass noodles.

So wtf is A-Gei? It’s basically deep fried tofu stuffed with glass noodles and sealed off with fish paste, steamed in a sweet sauce. As you can probably tell from the picture, the sauce is very starchy, and the texture can feel quite gross to some. The flavour was okay; I liked the glass noodles in them and the tofu, but not the fish paste as it wasn’t bouncy.

Some sort of fishball, also serve in the same sweet sticky sauce. 

Other stuff that we ate. Everything else was kinda mediocre. Maybe it’s just not attuned to my Malaysian taste buds.

This is the shop famous for its A-Gei, just off Zhongzheng Road. It’s near a crescent waterfront structure so it won’t be hard to miss.

Unsatisfied, so I went for a giant choco/vanilla swirl. 🙂

Bing Tong Wu Lou; candied fruits/plums on sticks.

Took a ferry to another part of the city; Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, which is famous for its Lover’s Bridge. Built in 2003, the bridge has a unique architecture and lights up with various colours at night.

Since its near the river mouth and the sea, the wind is also very strong here. My hair was a mess by the time I walked across the bridge. There’s nothing much on the other end, just a shop selling snacks/souvenirs and a small garden.

Whole fried squid, a common sight at street stalls in Taiwan. 

Wooden pier.

View of pier from bridge. Lotsa docked boats!

Love locks (? more like wooden plaques) hung on a structure at the park. 

GETTING THERE 

From Taipei, take the Red Line headed to Tamsui. It is the last stop and the journey takes about 40 minutes.