ITASA

The summer of 2011, I interned at a Taiwanese architecture firm, I took a trip  down to Danshui’s most famous attraction, the Fisherman’s Wharf for a site study project. There are many ways for tourist to get to the wharf: by bus, boat, or bike. Unlike most tourist, I took the trip by foot. Along the way I got to see, step by step, what Danshui is like.

I began my trip from Danshui MRT Station—the last station on the red line at around 2 o’clock. After getting out of the station, the first thing that appeared along the Danshui river was the Danshui Old Street. Danshui Old Street is is a pedestrian street with a wide selection of restaurants, arcades, and unique shops specialize in traditional handcrafts. It is always crowded with tourist that wants to enjoy Danshui’s local specialties: A-Gei (rice noodles stuffed in fried bean curd, served with a mild hot sauce), fish ball soup, and “iron eggs” (eggs which have been stewed in a mix of herbs and spices until pickled) just to name a few. Aside from all the specialties, my personal favorite is the traditional marble-looking candies in almost every little shops. Not only does Danshui Old Street provide the fun for the tourist, it also gives older generation of local Taiwanese, like my parents, a place to relive their childhood.

Passing Danshui Old Street, still walking along the river, I then began my hour long walk to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Along the way, I walked passes the statue of Mackay, a famous doctor/ pastor, churches, and a beautiful pedestrian walkway call the Blue Road. It is a pleasant walkway that is built right along the seashore for you to take pictures of the awesome view Danshui has to offer.

After about half an hour, I finally arrived at the Fisherman’s Wharf for the first time in my life. Arriving at around 5 o’clock, I was just in time to see the most famous Danshui Sunset that all the couples came for. The first thing I saw was the new hotel that was just built next to the Wharf. It is a brand new hotel that looks sort of like a boat, and they have special deals for couples if anyone’s interested. Imagine standing on the balcony holding your other half’s hand over looking the Fisherman’s wharf. This is the  perfect dating spot for you couples out there. Along the left side of the wharf, a wooden walkway leads the way like an entrance. It connects to distinctive pink bridge called the lover’s bridge (情人橋）by the former president, Chen Shui-bian. The bridge is where most people and I stood to enjoy the Sun-set on the edge of the horizon. After seeing the sunset, I had dinner at the local seafood restaurant across the bridge overlooking the colored bridge and the neon lights from the  shops across.

I saw many interesting things along the way and enjoyed fascinating view and the serene walk along the Danshui river. Next time if you’re ever in the area, please do make a trip to the Fisherman’s Wharf!

Written by Joe Chen - East Coast District Chair (University of Maryland)