Qianshuiwan Beach 淺水灣

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Qianshuiwan (aka Qianshui Bay) in Sanzhi District of New Taipei is a popular beach destination, which includes a pristine bike path that goes all the way to Baishawan. There is also a nice sandy beach, pier, and lots of beach side restaurants nearby. It is a great beach destination along the northeast coast of Taiwan.

Background:
Qianshuiwan beach (literally meaning shallow water bay) was formed roughly 800,000 years ago by volcanoes spewing lava into the ocean. Later coral grew near the shoreline, which makes up for most of the white sand seen on the beach today. The white sandy beach extends about a kilometer along the coast. Now it is one of the most popular destinations on the north coast of Taiwan. Because of its proximity to Taipei, there are sure to be many visitors, and because Taipei has the highest concentration of foreigners, be prepared to see a lot of other foreigners as well. It is a popular area especially during the summer months when it is warmer. It is especially known for the many outdoor restaurants along the beach, that makes it feel like an overseas destination. 

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Bus: Take Keelung bus from either Danshui MRT station or Keelung TRA station.
You can also take the yellow and white North Coast Shuttle Bus to Qianshuiwan station.
By Car: Drive on provincial highway 2 out of Danshui to the northeast, or out of Keelung to the northwest. The beach area is near Sanzhi District 三芝區. 

Map:
Please see below:

Our Journey:

We have been to Qianshui bay once, but we have passed it many times on the way to Baishawan. Compared to Baishawan the beach is smaller, but there are way more food options nearby.

​Check out our drone video above for an overview of the area.

Or check out the 360 degree spherical panorama above.

There is limited parking near the beach, and the main parking lot can get full fast. We ended up parking for free on the side of the road here. 

But then we had to cross the road with heavy traffic.

This is a view of the main parking area.

Near the main parking area, there are also bathrooms with outdoor showers. 

Be sure to read the fine print. 

There is a bike path here that connects to Baishwan. 

Map of Sanzhi.

View from the south side of the beach. It is more rocky here. 

View looking up north. 

Cafe along the beach.

Another snack shop.

People enjoying the southern part of the beach.

There is also a nice paved path all along the beach.

View of the local stream draining into the ocean.

Peanut ice cream roll.

Now we have arrived at the main beach.

View of the south side of the beach.

The sand here is a nice light color.

Looking down the beach.

View of the water which was quite choppy on this day.

People playing in the cold water on an April day.

Taking a stroll down the paved path.

Here the path gets some shade.

Looking back at the bulk of the beachgoers. 

People braving the cool spring water. 

People enjoying the shade near the beach.

Here there is a concrete boardwalk that leads to a peir.

Here you can cross the street to 7-11.

View of the main beach from the north.

View looking up north.

View from the end of the peir.

Here there is a pier that leads to a shiny sculpture. 

Shiny chrome sculpture. Take a selfie here.

There is also more beach further north.

Looking back at the main part of the beach.

Here we also had some cold drinks and sausage.

And we took a long walk back in the hot sun.

Luckily there is some shade in the middle. 

And we began our meal along the ocean shore.

The food all around is not cheap. If you are on a budget, go to 7-11.

And the pizza was not large.

More people on the south side as the tide came in. 

View from the air.

Another view from above. 

Looking at the apartment complex here. 

​Check out more photos of the area in the photo gallery above.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our other blogs about Taiwan's north coast!

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