Tamsui & Fort San Domingo
Itinerary
★Tamsui Fort San Domingo → ★Little White House → Oxford College → Tamsui Church
→ Tamsui old street → Blueway → Bali Left Bank Park
-
Tamsui Fort San Domingo
Fort San Domingo, located on the hilltop overlooking Tamsui River estuary, was established
by the Spanish in 1628. It was torn down by the Spanish before they were expelled
from Tamsui by the Dutch in 1642. The Dutch then built Fort Antonio near the ruins
of Fort San Domingo. Since the local inhabitants in Tamsui at the time referred
to the Dutch as “red hair savages,” the fort was nicknamed “Hong Mao Chen,” meaning
the "Red Hair Fortress." In reference to the early Spanish occupation, we now use
the original Spanish name Fort San Domingo to represent the historic site, although
the actual castle we see today is the Dutch fortress Fort Antonio. Fort Antonio
is a two story cube-shaped building, measuring 15.25 meters on all four sides while
standing 13 meters tall. The deep foundation, thick walls, and mix of stones and
bricks provide the fort with strong and effective fortification. Following the Opium
War, the British government leased the fort from the Qing government for their consulate.
Modifications were made accordingly for consular business. To accommodate the needs
of the consul’s family, the consular residence was then built on the eastern side
of the fort. This Victorian building was constructed with red bricks and features
verandas as well as a four-sided steep roof, providing a warm and delicate atmosphere.
The fusion and influence of Dutch and British architecture has painted the “Green
Hill” and surroundings with a unique balanced quality.
-
Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence ( Little White House )
In 1858, following the Second Opium War, Taiwan was forced to open its ports for
trade under the Beijing and the Tienjin Treaties. Four years later, a customs office
was established in Tamsui following the opening of Tamsui Port. Initially, there
were only a few foreign customs officers, most of whom lived in the customs office
building or rental houses nearby. Tamsui Customs administration then purchased a
piece of land in 1866 and subsequently started building official staff residences
in 1869.
-
Oxford College
After sharing his accomplishments in the far east with the people of his Canadian
hometown, Rev. Mackay returned to Taiwan in 1882 and established an educational
institution using the donations he received from his Oxford County. In honor to
the contributors, the college was named “Oxford College”. Rev. Mackay employed modern
educational systems utilizing the most advanced technology of the times to inspire
students. He introduced them to western thinking and cutting edge scientific knowledge,
further broadening their worldview. As a result, Tamsui became the fountain of western
education in Taiwan.
-
Tamsui Church
A fter Dr. Mackay arrived in Tamsui, he began missionary work and Tamsui became
the origin of Presbyterian Church in Northern Taiwan. The church has a Gothic feel
to it, with the glazed windows, bell tower, pointed arches and spires. The brickwork
is exceptional, too. Since it was established in 1933, there has not been any dilapidation,
and it is still a place where people go for service. Every Christmas, the church
is greatly decorated, and visitors come and take pictures.
-
Tamsui Old Street
Tamsui used to be called Huwei. It is a derivation from the ancient tongue Hoba.
It means the river outlet. Tamsui is located in northwest of Taipei basin. Tamsui
is surrounded by mountains and rivers and the scenery is beautiful. Walking on the
old streets along the riverbank, visitors may view the old buildings and may try
the tasty local dishes, such as fish dumplings, Agei (fried meat pastry) and hard
eggs, etc. The dock is a good place for marvelous sunset viewing. Visitors can also
take the boat ride between Tamsui and Bali. Anyone would love to watch the flying
cranes and listen to the river flowing.
-
Blueway
You can see one of the famous view “sunset in Tamsui” at Fish erman Wharf. You can
take the boat go through the “Blue Way” to Tamsui Old Street.
-
Bali Left Bank Park
Left Bank Park is on the left bank of the Tamsui River. It is 280 M long and features
Left Bank Conference Hall, Left Bank Pier and the Old Banyan Pillbox. The expansive
park has a river view and it is on the Bali Left Bank Bike Trail continuum and there
are plenty of places to rent a bicycle.
The Feature of Taiwan Taxi
- Professional driver-guides with an average experience of 5 years.
- GPS dispatch + 3G (GPS, GPRS, GIS) taxi service + 24-hour monitoring service for
riding safety.
- Largest brand/number of taxi (around 6,000 taxis) available for service and largest
scale of operation with service provided in Taiwan.
- SOS emergency assistance.
Price Includes
- Chinese-Speaking driver-guide service.
- Roundtrip Taipei hotel/downtown area transfer.
- Price is based on distance by per car and maximum seating capacity for 4 passengers.
- Executing compulsory insurance up to NT$ 16 million/p.car. And each passenger will
be insured accidental insurance of NT$ 2 million and accidental medical insurance
of NT$ 200 thousand.
Extra Cost Items
- Meal plan, souvenir, ★admission fee and gratuity ($20-30/p.car recommended)
- Extended Hours(if need): $30/p.hour/p.car
- English/Japanese-Speaking driver-guide can be requested. ($40/p.car)
- Transfer : $60/oneway/p.car (airport ← → hotel)
- Escort Tour Guide service : $45/p.car
- All rates are not valid during the 2023 CHINESE NEW YEAR. Price will be increased $25 for transfer service/one way, $45 for each tour period 20Jan-28Jan 2023.
Important Notes
- Please provide your booking# and passport copy when you get in taxi.
- Majestic Vacations reserves the right to amend itinerary and price.
- Taiwan Taxi reserves the right to substitute, alter or modify the tour if any unexpected
and unforeseen conditions beyond our control preventing the completion of such.
Conditions can include weather, traffic jam, traffic accident and car equipment
problems.
Cancellation Policy
- 100% penalty ,7 days or less days prior to departure.
- $30 penalty up to 8 days before prior to departure.
Back Order Online