Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is ideally located within walking distance of Tamsui’s vibrant attractions, including the Tamsui Old Street, Fort San Domingo, and the Tamsui Customs Wharf. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to the Tamsui MRT Station, making it easy to explore the rest of Taipei.

Tamsui

Tamsui is a beautiful town located on the Tamsui River in New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is known for its stunning scenery, historical attractions, and vibrant nightlife.

The town of Tamsui (淡水) is located in the northern tip of Taiwan, along its northern coast near where the Tamsui River flows into the Taiwan Strait. It’s official English name is Tamsui (pronounced in the Taiwanese dialect), but in Mandarin is called Danshui. Due to its colonial past from the Spanish, Dutch and English from as early as the 17th century, the city is rich in culture and architectural beauty

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamsui include:

Tamsui Old Street: This historic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and temples.
Tamsui Fort: This 17th-century fort was built by the Dutch and offers stunning views of the Tamsui River.
Dr George Leslie Mackay: is a Canadian Presbyterian missionary that was sent on a mission to Taiwan in 1872
Fisherman’s Wharf: This waterfront area is home to a variety of seafood restaurants and shops.

Tamsui Old Street

Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街) unfolds its vibrant spirit along the Tamsui River, stretching from the northern end of Danshui MRT Station all the way to the Ferry Pier. The main artery, Zhongzheng Rd, and its bustling side streets overflow with shops, restaurants, cafes, and stalls tempting taste buds with an array of snacks and “small-eats.” Open from early morning until late at night, the street exudes an energy that’s infectious.

Arrived in Tamsui via MRT around 10 am and were instantly swept up in the old street’s lively embrace. Browsing through the shops, hunting for renowned local delicacies (as highlighted below), and exploring the 18th-century Fuyou Temple (福佑宫), dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu (媽祖), became our delightful itinerary.

Photo credit: New Taipei City Tourism Bureau

Tamsui Fort

Tamsui’s Fort San Domingo (紅毛城, hong mao cheng) proudly stands as a testament to both time and the changing tides of power. Originally built by the Spanish in 1628, it fell victim to the Dutch conquest in 1644, who then reconstructed the fort on the same site and named it Fort Antonio. But the locals, referencing the Dutch’s fiery hair color, bestowed upon it the enduring nickname “Red-Haired Fort.”

Fort San Domingo’s historical tapestry continued to weave with its transformation into a British consulate in 1868, adorned in a coat of red paint. Subsequent chapters saw the fort utilized by various powers – Chinese, Japanese, Australians, and Americans – before finally returning to Taiwan and earning its prestigious designation as a National Historic Site.

Perched atop a small hill, the fort invites exploration. Step inside the fortress, Tamsui’s oldest building, and marvel at its timeless aura. Wander through the former British consul’s residence, where remnants of colonial décor whisper tales of the past. For a mere NT$80 (US$2.5), you gain access not only to Fort San Domingo, but also to nearby Hobe Fort and the Customs Officer’s Residence, further enriching your historical journey.

Photo credit: New Taipei City Tourism Bureau

Dr. George Leslie Mackay: A Legacy in Tamsui

In 1872, Canadian Presbyterian missionary Dr. George Leslie Mackay arrived in Tamsui, forever changing the town’s landscape. He married a local woman, making Tamsui his home until his passing in 1901. His footprint remains visible in numerous landmarks throughout the town.

The iconic Tamsui Presbyterian Church (淡水禮拜堂) stands testament to his efforts, neighboring Taiwan’s first Western hospital, Hobe Mackay Hospital (滬尾偕醫館), which he also founded (both were closed during your visit). His educational legacy lives on in the former Oxford College (牛津學院), now a museum housed within Aletheia University (真理大學). Numerous statues throughout Tamsui pay homage to his lasting impact.

Photo credit: New Taipei City Tourism Bureau

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a waterfront area located in Tamsui. It is home to a variety of seafood restaurants and shops. The area is also a popular spot for fishing and boat watching.

Just beside the majestic Fort San Domingo, nestled along the Tamsui River, rests the historical Tamsui Customs Wharf (淡水古蹟群). Stretching 150 meters, this wharf pulsated with activity during the 19th century. Built by the Qing Dynasty of China, it became a key port, overseen by the British who established their boathouse and managed customs activities here. Stones from Guanyin Mountain formed the sturdy foundation, and remnants of that era live on in the two-story western house and two warehouses. During our visit, these very warehouses housed a captivating exhibition delving into the “1884 Battle of Tamsui,” transporting us back to a pivotal moment in history.

Photo credit: New Taipei City Tourism Bureau

Fullon Hotel 福容大飯店淡水

The Fullon Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in Tamsui. It offers stunning views of the Tamsui River and the 觀音山 (Guanyin Mountain). The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness center.

Fullon Hotel is a renowned Taiwanese hospitality brand with a collection of hotels and resorts located across the country. Each Fullon Hotel is uniquely designed to reflect the local culture and charm of its surroundings, while offering guests a consistently high standard of service and amenities.

A vacation paradise right by the city,embracing world-class luxuriously spectacular

Tamsui is located just 30 minutes by car from Taipei City downtown and can also be easily reached by MRT Tamsui Line(捷運淡水線); transit via Danhai Light Rail(淡海輕軌) or Blue Highway (ferry), and it will take only 10 minutes before arriving at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf scenic area.

Within the area, there is breathtaking world-class sunset, the most beautiful hotel in Northern Taiwan in a unique cruise ship style, as well as New Taipei City’s landmark “100m-high revolving Lover’s Tower” – they are all must-visitsites for international and domestic travelers alike!

At the Hotel, the picturesque sceneries of the mountains and the ocean are integrated with humanities, culture, and art. It offers 198 comfortable guestrooms and comprehensive facilities: precious hot spring from Datun Mountain, sauna, ocean-view gym, aromatherapeutic spa, rooftop outdoor swimming pool, children’s play area, VR playroom, and children’s car racing room; diverse dining services: buffet at Arcadia Café(田園咖啡), Chef A-Chi Dimsum Restaurant(阿基師觀海茶樓), Lobby Café(大廳咖啡廳).

The Hotel has been recognized by awards given in Taiwan and around the world, and it is also 5-Star Hotel. Outstanding service quality, reasonable and friendly prices have made the Hotel widely loved by many since its inception.