Port of Taipei

The Port of Taipei 台北港 was built in 1998. It is located at the foot of Guan-yin Mountain in Bali, off highway 61, adjacent to the mouth of Tamsui River (the rectangular structure in Google Maps below). More recently in 2011, dredging of the port was completed to increase its depth. It has been designated a Maritime Center, although never realized significant utilization as far as cargo shipping.

Starting this week, a twice weekly passenger service will begin operation, linking Tamsui with its traditional trading partner-port, FuZhou福州 (via 平潭). This traditional route was closed during and since the Japanese Colonial Era. Now it is finally ready to re-open.

The passenger ship 海峽號 (capacity: 750) can make the trip in 3 hours and a round trip discount fare is pegged at NT$6,300.

Upon arrival, passengers will enter the visa processing area newly decorated in May 2013, designed by famed artist Chen Hui-Chun:

Entry to visa processing area - courtesy of Ms Chen Hui-Chun

This route caters to those who wish to forgo the often much-hassled traveling via Taoyuan International Airport and those worshipers carrying over-sized carriages of deities (note: exchange visits of various deities is a popular activity between Taiwan and Hokkien). It is anticipated that 100,000 visitors each year will travel through the Port of Taipei.