Danshui in One Day: History, Food and Night Market Walking Tour
Taipei, Taiwan
Rating: 
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 5 hours
Discover the heritage and history of Danshui (also known as Tamsui, Damshui, Danshuei, and Tamshui) on a cultural walking tour, including the floating community, local temples and the traditional market. You’ll sample local cuisine, such as fish ball soup and other snacks, in this 19th-century shipping port in northern Taiwan. Explore the city, from its historical roots to its modern local life – including Danshui Old Street and more contemporary architectural icons like Fort San Domingo and Little White House. This small-group tour limited to 12 ensures personalized attention from your guide.
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Discover the heritage and history of Danshui (also known as Tamsui, Damshui, Danshuei, and Tamshui) on a cultural walking tour, including the floating community, local temples and the traditional market. You’ll sample local cuisine, such as fish ball soup and other snacks, in this 19th-century shipping port in northern Taiwan. Explore the city, from its historical roots to its modern local life – including Danshui Old Street and more contemporary architectural icons like Fort San Domingo and Little White House. This small-group tour limited to 12 ensures personalized attention from your guide.Explore beyond Taipei and head to Danshui, a fascinating city at the end of the MRT line. Meet your guide and small group at the Danshui MRT station and set off for a sightseeing tour on foot – discovering unique traditions, culture, history and food in this historical town, located along the Danshui River (Tamsui River).
Trace Danshui’s history and transformation through the eras as you follow your guide to top attractions throughout the city. Begin with Danshui’s 19th-century origins on the water at the nearby floating community. Get a closer look at this visible, yet easily overlooked, community and observe the floating structures, which resemble villages in Southeast Asia. Your guide will point out the Shell Warehouse, set up during British colonization and now functioning as Community University.
Next, head to the traditional market, situated at the heart of Danshui, where locals purchase their daily supplies. Watch farmers trade produce as you soak up the lively atmosphere and learn more about the local lifestyle from your guide.
Visit Danshui Longshan Temple, a well-known temple located in the middle of the market, and continue on to the nearby Danshui Master Temple. Here, marvel at several god statues and very fine and exquisite carvings.
Afterward, walk with your small group to Danshui Old Street, where traditional buildings are constructed with red brick. Hear about how the government of Taiwan planned to rebuild this old street at one time and how the Danshui residents – together with historical and cultural workers – acted to preserve the architecture. Now the authentic street has become one the town’s most unique attractions!
From here, head to the Little White House, the former residence of the Danshui Tax Division. Then, visit Fort San Domingo, a red fort built by the Spanish, and consider how each colonial building portrays Danshui’s different eras and offers an interesting juxtaposition to earlier sights.
Before your tour ends, don’t miss the opportunity to sample Danshui’s most famous and authentic dish: ah gei, made with a sheet of bean curd stuffed with bean thread noodles and eaten with sweet or spicy sauces. In addition to the fish ball soup, enjoy other local snacks available to sample, like grilled squid, local biscuits and an array of delicious desserts.
With a full belly, follow your guide back to Danshui MRT station, where you can either head back to downtown Taipei or continue your evening exploring Danshui at your leisure.
Trace Danshui’s history and transformation through the eras as you follow your guide to top attractions throughout the city. Begin with Danshui’s 19th-century origins on the water at the nearby floating community. Get a closer look at this visible, yet easily overlooked, community and observe the floating structures, which resemble villages in Southeast Asia. Your guide will point out the Shell Warehouse, set up during British colonization and now functioning as Community University.
Next, head to the traditional market, situated at the heart of Danshui, where locals purchase their daily supplies. Watch farmers trade produce as you soak up the lively atmosphere and learn more about the local lifestyle from your guide.
Visit Danshui Longshan Temple, a well-known temple located in the middle of the market, and continue on to the nearby Danshui Master Temple. Here, marvel at several god statues and very fine and exquisite carvings.
Afterward, walk with your small group to Danshui Old Street, where traditional buildings are constructed with red brick. Hear about how the government of Taiwan planned to rebuild this old street at one time and how the Danshui residents – together with historical and cultural workers – acted to preserve the architecture. Now the authentic street has become one the town’s most unique attractions!
From here, head to the Little White House, the former residence of the Danshui Tax Division. Then, visit Fort San Domingo, a red fort built by the Spanish, and consider how each colonial building portrays Danshui’s different eras and offers an interesting juxtaposition to earlier sights.
Before your tour ends, don’t miss the opportunity to sample Danshui’s most famous and authentic dish: ah gei, made with a sheet of bean curd stuffed with bean thread noodles and eaten with sweet or spicy sauces. In addition to the fish ball soup, enjoy other local snacks available to sample, like grilled squid, local biscuits and an array of delicious desserts.
With a full belly, follow your guide back to Danshui MRT station, where you can either head back to downtown Taipei or continue your evening exploring Danshui at your leisure.
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