Make an easy daytrip north of Taipei to visit Tamsui, with a tumultuous and fluctuating past and a great variety of architectural styles. Its museums provide insights into the ruling periods of the Japanese, the Chinese and competing Western powers. Stroll along the banks of the Tamsui River at sunset to see the townscape bathed in golden light.

Explore the restaurants, cafés and traditional Xiaochi street food, including fried squid, at Tamsui Old Street. Just a block inland from the river, this lively street has a range of souvenir shops, carnival games and viewing platforms near the water. At the northeastern end of the street stands the impressive Fort San Domingo, a 17th-century structure that served the Dutch, British, Chinese and Japanese. Admire the scenic gardens and learn about the area’s rich history.

Walk northwest for a few minutes and climb a hill to reach Hobe Fort, one of the bastions constructed in response to the Sino-French War and the Battle of Tamsui. Explore the imposing exterior and view the river from this vantage point.

Down by the water is the Tamsui Customs Wharf, the only surviving pier from the Qing Dynasty. Walk along the riverbank to reach the Tamsui Golden Anchor, a serene park bordering the waterway, with fishing zones and shops.

For a sense of local traditions, go to the town’s northeastern outskirts and visit the Wuji Tianyuan Temple. This majestic five-tiered pagoda is at times shrouded by the pink hues of cherry blossom trees.

Find the Tamsui district in the northern part of the New Taipei City special municipality at the northern edge of Taiwan. Arrive at Taipei Station or Taipei Songshan Airport and travel north toward the mouth of the Tamsui River. Continue exploring the region for other nearby gems such as Yangmingshan National Park, Keelung City and the Ruifang District.