Sankong Spring Hiking Trail Introduction
Sankong Spring, also known as Sankong Qiong, is located between Shuxingli and Pingdingli in Tamsui. It is named for its three natural spring water outlets that gush forth. Sankong Spring is situated in the upstream area of the Huanggao Stream, one of the fourteen streams in Tamsui, originating from the Shulin Kou Stream near Fanjihu and the Sankong Spring Stream from Xingfuliao. These streams converge to form the Huanggao Stream, which then flows westward into the Tamsui River. Located on the hillside east of the current Tamsui MRT Station, Han Chinese settlers began to develop this area during the Qing Dynasty, leading to the establishment of settlements. You can see traditional brick and stone Han-style Sanhe Courtyards, terraced vegetable gardens, and transformed leisure farms. The spring water from Sankong is an important local water source; in addition to being piped back home, there are also “Washing Pits” below (laundry basins), where residents are often seen washing clothes or cleaning pots and pans. Early agriculture in the Sankong Spring area depended on the three springs and streams for irrigation, primarily growing rice and tea. However, with government initiatives promoting fallowing and transformation of agricultural land, the area has gradually shifted towards leisure agriculture and ecological restoration. The entrance to the Sankong Spring hiking trail is not prominent, and it is not long. Walking along Pingding Road, one can find the trail entrance next to the Sheng Bao Company (Sheng Bao Training Center). The natural spring water makes the streams here crystal clear, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an opening facing the Tamsui River estuary. This location is also a great spot for sunset viewing.
