Zhongjiao Bay (aka Zhongjiaowan 中角灣, or Zhongjiao Shazhu Wan 中角沙珠灣) is a long sandy beach in Jinshan District of New Taipei, known as the most popular surfing location in Northern Taiwan. It is popular for surfing and swimming, and nearby there are also hikes, interesting rock formations, and the nearby Jinshan Old Street and Jinshan Hot Springs. It is definitely a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Nearby you can also find other sandy beaches such as Jinshan Beach and Xialiao Beach.
Background: The first people to live in the Jinshan Area were plains indigenous peoples. The name "Jinabaoli" comes from the Chinese transliteration of the indigenous name of the place. Chinese people began to settle here during the late Ming Dynasty, coming mainly from Fujian, and even more came to settle here during the Qing Dynasty. During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, a road was built to connect Jinshan to Keelung and Tamsui, making it easier for people to visit. This road was improved in the ROC period to become provincial highway 2. Jinshan now has a population of about 22,000 people. Currently Jinshan Beach is a popular place to visit for day-trippers from Taipei. Due to the shape of the bay facing east, Zhongjiaowan has constant waves year round. Recently the area has been promoted as an international surfing base by New Taipei City. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Showers: 10 NT per minute - coin operated Activities: You can book surfing lessons at Zhongjiao Bay on Klook here. Tours: You can book a tour to Taiwan's North Coast on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. Hotels: We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Keelung, take provincial highway 2 north along the coast until you reach Jinshan and see the sign for Zhongjiaowan. The beach is located northwest from the old street. There is limited free public parking in front of the beach. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Looking for scooter rental in northern Taiwan? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. By Bus: There are busses that leave from Taipei City Hall station to Jinshan hourly. The ride takes about an hour. From the city center, the beach is a short walk (1 KM or so) or taxi ride. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT and buses from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. Maps: Please see below:
Zhongjiao Bay:
Xialiao Beach: Our Journey: Zhongjiao Bay 中角灣: I have been to Zhongjiao Bay once. My friend from Korea came one time to surf here, and before that I did not know Jinshan had any good beaches. It turns out that this is the premier beach for surfing in northern Taiwan. You can book surfing lessons at Zhongjiao Bay on Klook here. 
Zhongjiao Beach as seen from the roadside.
Near the entrance to the beach is a large parking lot surrounded by many surf shops.
The main building here has some lockers, paid showers, and areas to relax.
If you need, you can rent surfing equipment from the many shops nearby.
You can book surfing lessons at Zhongjiao Bay on Klook here. 
Rules of the beach, At least swimming isn't outright banned like at many beaches in Taiwan.
View to the left of the beach.
View to the right.
View of the sand (no filter or photoshop).
Another view of the right side of the beach. Notice that there are lifeguards on duty here.
View of the mountains behind the beach.
Xialiao Beach 下寮灣 
I have been to Xiaoliao Wan twice (aka Jinshan Oceanside Waterpark 金山海濱浴場), once with nice weather and once with crappy weather. I have way more photos of when the weather was crappy.
Here is when the weather is nicer. Does this look like a beach you want to go to? Yeah, tons of trash every time I have been.
A few years ago I had a friend that came to Taiwan and decided to go surfing at Jinshan Beach. I mean there are probably some nice waves here. But of all the public beaches in Taiwan, if someone were to tell me Jinshan was the dirtiest, I would believe them.
If you want some good surfing/swimming, stay at Zhongjiao Bay. However there are some nice places to hike and enjoy the scenery here if you will not get in the water. 
There is a beautiful pedestrian bridge across the Yuantan River called the Yuantan Rive Bridge.
From there you can reach the beach.
View up the Yuantan River.
Another view of the Yuantan River.
There is some parking and shops near the beach as well.
Abandoned house likely dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
To be honest this is not the cleanest beach I have seen in Taiwan. There has been quite a lot of trash when I have gone both times, but I know they clean it sometimes. I mean you can search Google. Maybe I am just unlucky and come when there is a particularly large amount of trash on the beach.
Another view of the beach.
On the other side of the beach is a rocky shoreline popular for hikers called the "Jinshan Shuiwei Port Mysterious Coast 神秘海岸" which you can also check out. 
When you are done checking out the beach, be sure to check out Jinshan Old Street. Also nearby are many hot spring hotels which you can stay at, which are arguably cheaper and better than those of Wulai or Beitou.
You can book surfing lessons at Zhongjiao Bay on Klook here. Don't forget that there are many activities available along Taiwan's Northern Coast such as Wakeboarding, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, SUP / Paddle Boarding, Diving, Snorkeling Kayaking, Canoeing, Water Biking, River Tracing / Canyoneering, ATVing, Horse Riding, Archery, Tree Climbing, Glamping, Motorcycling, Motorbike Tour, Dragon Boat Racing, Shen'ao Rail Bike, and more on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. Check out our guide to the best beaches near Taipei here. Check out our full guide to Taiwan’s Northern Coast here. Also be sure to check out our guide to Taipei here. You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.
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Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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