Sankong 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 spring water outlets that emerge from the ground. Sankong Spring is situated in the upper reaches of the Huanggaox creek, one of the fourteen streams in Tamsui, originating from the Shulinkou creek near Fengkang Lake and the Sankong Spring creek from Xingfuliao, converging to form Huanggaox creek, which flows westward into the Tamsui River. Positioned on the hillside east of the current Tamsui MRT Station, Han Chinese began to settle and develop the area since the Qing Dynasty, evidenced by traditional brick-and-stone Han-style Sanheyuan houses, terraced gardens, and transformed leisure farms. The three spring outlets are an important local water source; besides piping water home, there are "wash shu" (laundry pools), where residents can frequently be seen washing clothes or cleaning utensils. Early agriculture in the Sankong Spring area relied on the three springs and streams for irrigation, primarily cultivating rice and tea. However, under the government's promotion of fallow agricultural land and transformation, the Sankong Spring area has gradually shifted towards leisure agriculture and ecological restoration. The entrance to the Sankong Spring hiking trail is not obvious and is relatively short; following Pingding Road, one can find the entrance next to the Sheng Bao Company (Sheng Bao Training Center). The natural spring creates clear streams, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an opening facing the Tamsui River estuary, making it a great place to enjoy sunset views.
