San Kong Spring Hiking Trail Introduction
Sankong Spring, also known as Sankong泉, is located between Shuxingli and Pingdingli in Tamsui. It is named after the three natural springs that emerge in the area. Sankong Spring is situated in the upstream area of the Huanggao River, one of the fourteen streams in Tamsui, formed by the convergence of Shulin Kou Creek, originating from Fanjih Lake, and Sankong Spring Creek from Xingfuliao, which together flow westward into the Tamsui River. Positioned on the hillside east of the current Tamsui MRT Station, it has been settled since the Qing Dynasty by Han Chinese who developed it into a community, evident in the traditional brick-constructed Han-style Sanheyuan, terraced vegetable gardens, and transformed recreational farms. The three springs are an important local water source, providing water for home use through pipelines, and below them, there are "Washing Pits," often seeing residents washing clothes or cleaning pots and pans. Early agriculture in Sankong Spring relied on these three springs and streams for irrigation, primarily growing rice and tea. With the government's promotion of fallow farmland and transformation, the Sankong Spring area is gradually shifting towards recreational agriculture and ecological restoration. However, the trailhead for the Sankong Spring hiking trail is not very obvious, and the trail is relatively short; following Pingding Road, one can find the entrance beside Shengbao Company (Shengbao Training Center). The natural spring keeps the small streams clear and pristine, surrounded by mountains on three sides with an opening towards the Tamsui River estuary, making it a great spot for sunset viewing.
