Forget Everything! Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf Has Taiwan’s Most Mind-Blowing Sunset

Hey there, fellow adventurers and sunset fanatics! Remember my “Ocean Views” post? I mentioned seeing the sea for the first time in Tamsui. Well, my initial trip wasn’t just about the ocean. My main goal was chasing a legendary sunset.

Taiwan boasts three incredibly famous sunset spots. These include Tamsui in New Taipei, Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung, and Sizihwan in Kaohsiung. First up on my list? Let’s dive into Tamsui!

• Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf: My Sunset Obsession

  

  Tamsui is nestled on the northwest side of New Taipei City. It sits right at the mouth of the Tamsui River. This area is super scenic, famous for its gorgeous river and mountain views.

  It has been one of Taiwan’s “Eight Scenic Spots” for ages. People even called it the “Venice of the East” back in the day!

  

  Tamsui offers several iconic attractions. These include Tamsui Old Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Fort San Domingo. I’m saving Old Street for a dedicated “Foodie Adventures” post. Today, however, we’re all about Fisherman’s Wharf and its unbelievable sunsets.

  My Rainy Day Sunset Chase

  My very first visit to Fisherman’s Wharf was pretty wild. Taipei was actually raining that day! My schedule was super packed, and this was my only free slot. So, after class, I decided to brave the MRT and go anyway.

  Chasing a sunset in the rain? Yeah, I know, definitely not the usual plan!

  Luckily, the rain had stopped by the time I got off the MRT. I quickly hopped on a bus, heading straight for Fisherman’s Wharf. I was so glad I trusted my gut! The sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf was absolutely breathtaking. It was beautiful beyond words!

  

  I put on some melancholic love songs and walked back and forth on Lover’s Bridge. The sunset painted the distant horizon in fiery colors. Above me, fluffy white clouds seemed close enough to touch.

  Occasionally, a plane would glide across the vast sky. Below my feet, the Tamsui River sparkled, reflecting the fading light. It was a perfect, breezy evening with truly magnificent scenery.

  

  That gorgeous, boat-shaped pedestrian bridge at Fisherman’s Wharf is called Lover’s Bridge. Many couples actually take their wedding photos there! Interestingly, one of my clients once told me a local legend. They said couples who walk across Lover’s Bridge together eventually break up. I’m not sure how true that is, but it’s a fun thought!

  

  After the sun finally dipped below the horizon, I reluctantly left the bridge. It was time to grab some of Tamsui’s famous local snack, “A-gei.” Afterward, I caught the last ferry back to Tamsui Old Street. At the Tamsui pier, I thought about heading to Bali (the one across the river, not the Indonesian island!). However, I wasn’t eating seafood back then, so I decided against it.

  

  **Pro Tip:** Let’s talk about Tamsui’s famous “A-gei.” It features fried tofu skin wrapped around glass noodles. This dish draws inspiration from Japanese fried tofu. Honestly? I’ve only tried it once. It wasn’t really my favorite, to be frank.

  

  **Fun Fact:** From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can gaze across the Tamsui River. You’ll spot Bali and Guanyin Mountain in the distance. Bali is known for its diverse street food. Yu Family’s Peacock Clams are especially famous there, but I haven’t tried them myself yet!

  

  **Sneak Peek:** Here’s a quick shot of Tamsui Old Street at night. Don’t worry, I’ll dedicate a whole separate post to this vibrant spot later on!

  
  

  A Hazy Second Visit

  Since my first visit was rainy, I decided to go back to Fisherman’s Wharf on a clear day. Ironically, the sky was a bit hazy that time. It wasn’t as fresh or vibrant as I had hoped.

  Still, my friends with me were absolutely amazed! Honestly, I kind of regret that second trip. I wish Fisherman’s Wharf had remained that perfect, magical memory from my very first visit.

  

  
  

• Gaomei Wetlands, Taichung

• Sizihwan, Kaohsiung

• Meiti Riverside Park, Keelung River

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