Sankong Spring Hiking Trail Introduction
Sankong Spring, also known as Sankong泉, is located between Shuxing Village and Pingding Village in Tamsui. It is named for its three natural spring outlets that spring forth water. Sankong Spring is situated in the upper reaches of Huanggao Creek, one of the fourteen streams in Tamsui, which originates from the Shulin Kou Creek near Fanjih Lake and the Sankong Spring Creek from Xingfouliao. These two creeks converge to form Huanggao Creek, which flows west into the Tamsui River. Located on a hillside to the east of the current Tamsui MRT Station, this area has been settled by Han Chinese since the Qing Dynasty, evidenced by traditional brick-structured Sanhe courtyards, terraced vegetable gardens, and transformed leisure farms. The three springs are an important local water source; in addition to piping water for domestic use, there are also "wash pits" (washing areas) below, where residents often come to do laundry or wash dishes. Early agriculture in the Sankong Spring area relied on the three springs and streams for irrigation, primarily cultivating rice and tea. However, under government initiatives promoting fallow farmland and transformation, the Sankong Spring area has gradually shifted towards recreational agriculture and ecological restoration. The entrance to the Sankong Spring hiking trail is not obvious and is relatively short; walking along Pingding Road, you can find the trailhead next to Shengbao Company (Shengbao Training Center). The natural springs here make the streams clear and transparent, surrounded by mountains on three sides with an opening towards the Tamsui River estuary, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.
