A Morning As A City Roamer

Between Xinzhuang and Sanchong of New Taipei City

I often went out purposely when I was younger. At the time, I was full of curiosity about this world. I enjoyed the time when I can observe the city and the people.

As I grew up, I became in need of a reason to go out. I lost the habit to feel that tranquility while observing the city, and need to have a purpose or a destination when I leave my space.

I hope I could pick up the habit again, so I decided to arrange a mini-trip every weekend, just to observe my city and relax. This is just to say, this story won’t be a travel note, but just a local’s rambling about her short wandering around the city.

The place I went to this time is called Xianse Temple, which is located between Xinzhuang and Sanchong of New Taipei City. The district is not geographically far from where I live, however, as an individual who relies on public transportation, it’s not very convenient to get there for me. The situation got better when a new metro line, Circular Line, was built in 2020.

Although being a national 3rd class historical site, Xianse Temple is far from being famous and frequently visited, if you ask for my frank opinion. This is how the scenery looks like when you walk out of the metro station. I went here on a rainy day, so it looked a bit more desolate than usual.

But a cold, rainy day has its advantage. At least nowhere would be crowded. (In Taiwan, everywhere can be crowded during the weekend.) I had breakfast in a random eaterie on the street. I was not surprised to find that the breakfast was VERY delicious. According to my experience and intuition, a lot of tasty foods are hidden in those desolate places in Taiwan.

Continuing walking on the desolate rainy street, I was a bit shocked to find an architectural style change around me. Different from the construction site I just saw, a pretty decent apartment appears in front of me.

Right next to the apartment, there’s a small park for residents to take a walk.

But then right after, I found a lot of factories. (Such a change of scenery!)

I think the district will have more residents and decent apartments as in the photos because it’s one of the urban renewal places. Businesses will be moved here and the place will prosper in the future.

After another 20 mins walking, I got to Xianse Temple finally.

The temple is devoted to the God of Agriculture (Shen-Nong), but as many other temples here in Taiwan, we could also worship other Buddhist deities and Taoist deities in it.

Below is my route for today’s journey, just in case you’re interested. I went back to the metro station after a short visit to Xianse Temple, but if you walk on, you could reach New Taipei Metropolitan Park, which is a very large and beautiful park that I’d recommend to go and relax on a sunny-picnic day.

The slides are very colorful and fun to play, if you have children or if a child still lives in your mind.

I enjoyed this roaming around the district and rambling about my roaming around the place, although the rainy day was still pretty annoying and I had a running nose on that day. Hope you enjoy the essay too!