Sweet Escape to Neihu! Strawberry Season Kicks Off in Dec & Baishihu Suspension Bridge is REOPENED! Your Ultimate Guide to Fun & Getting There!

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Baishihu Suspension Bridge, shiny and new! (Image Source: Taipei City Government Public Works Department Geotechnical Engineering Office)

The Baishihu Suspension Bridge has been a local icon since it opened in 2010. But after over 15 years of battling the elements, those steel cables and bridge deck were starting to show some serious wear and tear. That’s why the Taipei City Government Public Works Department stepped in with the “113-Year Baishihu Suspension Bridge Overall Component Renovation Project.” They went all out, replacing the main cables, wind bracing cables, bridge deck, railings, and even the decorative ‘dragon keel’ with top-notch stainless steel and hot-dip galvanized steel. They even threw in some fancy bridge adjusters and HDPE coating to boost its lifespan to a whopping 50 years! Now, the bridge is smoother, safer, can handle stronger winds, and still keeps its cool dragon-like vibe that makes it so unique. It’s a win-win for safety and sightseeing!

◆ Address: In front of Bishanyan First Tier Parking Lot (No. 24, Bishan Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City)

◆ Getting There:

· By Bus: Catch Bus Small 2 or Small 2 (Shuttle) from Neihu MRT Station to Bishanyan. From there, it’s just a 2-3 minute stroll to the Bishanyan First Tier Parking Lot.

· By Car: Take the Chenggong Road Interchange, turn left towards Donghu onto Jinlong Road, then follow Bishan Road. You’ll see signs leading you to Bishanyan (No. 24, Bishan Road). Park at the First Tier Parking Lot and you’re good to go!

Baishihu Suspension Bridge (Image Source: Getty Creative)

Baishihu Suspension Bridge (Image Source: Getty Creative)

December means one thing: Neihu Strawberry Season is officially OPEN! You’ll find these sweet berry patches sprinkled across the Baishihu Recreational Agricultural Area, Dahu Street, and Antai Street. The best part? They’re all grown in greenhouses. So, no worries about Taipei’s notorious rain ruining your fun – your shoes will stay mud-free, and you can pick berries come rain or shine!

From December through early May, it’s not just about picking strawberries. Many farms offer awesome agricultural experiences, too! Think strawberry jam DIY, wood-fired pizza making (yes, please!), and loads of local specialty products. Plus, the local farmers whip up some amazing strawberry-themed dishes. So, take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, soak in those mountain views, and then treat yourself to some unbelievably sweet strawberries. It’s the perfect, easy-breezy day trip right here in Taipei!

1. Farms in Baishihu Recreational Agricultural Area

◆ Public Transport:

· Take MRT to Neihu Station (Exit 1), then walk to the Tudigong Temple next to No. 460, Section 2, Neihu Road (that’s the “Bihu Elementary School” bus stop). Catch Bus Small 2 to Bishanyan Station.

· Hop on a bus to Huguang Market Station, then transfer to Bus Small 2 next to the Taipei Branch of China Medical University Hospital, heading to Bishanyan Station.

◆ By Car: From Section 3, Neihu Road, turn onto Bishan Road. Drive all the way to the parking lot in front of Bishanyan Kaijhang Shengwang Temple. From there, it’s a lovely walk across the Baishihu Suspension Bridge towards Tongxin Pond, and you’ll spot strawberry farms along the way.

2. Farms around Dahu Street

◆ Public Transport: From MRT Kunyang Station (Exit 4) or Huguang Market Station, take Bus Small 3 towards Old Master Villa (Lao Ye Shan Zhuang). Get off near Daqiu Field Tudigong Temple.

◆ By Car:

· From Dazhi: Take Wende Road, connect to Section 4, Chenggong Road, then turn onto Dahu Villa Street (Dahu Shanzhuang Jie), which leads to Dahu Street.

· From Minquan Tunnel: Take Section 6, Minquan East Road, connect to Section 5, Chenggong Road, then turn onto Dahu Villa Street, leading to Dahu Street.

· From National Highway 1: Exit at the Neihu Interchange, follow Sections 2, 3, and 4 of Chenggong Road, then turn onto Dahu Villa Street, which connects to Dahu Street.

3. Farms on Antai Street

◆ By Car: From Minquan Tunnel, connect to Section 5, Chenggong Road, turn right onto Kanghu Road. After Kanghu Tunnel, take the right fork towards Antai Street, then turn left into Lane 114 and continue to No. 201.

· Route: Bishanyan Kaijhang Shengwang Temple → Baishihu → Tongxin Pond → Yuanjue Waterfall → Strawberry Picking → Bishan Campsite Skywalk

· Tongxin Pond: This charming double-heart-shaped ecological wetland was once just a neglected spring. Now, it’s a romantic spot with the “Yongjie Pavilion” (Eternal Knot Pavilion) by its side, symbolizing the harmonious bond of “water and land” and “lovers forever united.” Super cute for a photo op!

· Guzhui Pond: Right near Tongxin Pond, Guzhui Pond is a reservoir dug by a local farmer, affectionately known as “Uncle Guzhui,” to solve irrigation issues for the mountain farms. The villagers all pitched in, and later, they named the pond in his honor. A sweet little piece of local history!

· Chunqiu Trail: Once you cross the bridge into the Baishihu community, you’ll find the picturesque Chunqiu Trail. This hundred-meter path winds through beautifully cultivated flower zones, showcasing the rich rural character and natural beauty of the area. It’s a great little nature walk!

· Shikan Huang’s Old House (Ziyunju): This historical gem was built using local materials like quartz sandstone, red brick, rammed earth, and Fuzhou cypress. Originally, it was a thatched-roof home, but it got a full revamp in 1912. Believe it or not, people still live in this ancient abode today!

· Bishanyan Kaijhang Shengwang Temple: One of Taiwan’s largest Kaijhang Shengwang temples, this place is always buzzing with worshippers. It’s conveniently located near the Baishihu Suspension Bridge and the Baishihu Recreational Agricultural Area, making it a perfect quick stop for some spiritual vibes before or after your outdoor adventures.

Guzhui Pond (Image Source: Taipei City Government Public Works Department Geotechnical Engineering Office)