Chou, the “King of Mandopop,” is a massive cultural icon who revolutionized Chinese music by blending Western R&B, hip-hop, and classical piano with traditional Chinese melodies and poetry.
Tamsui is where the singer attended school, played the piano, and spent his formative years before bringing those memories to the big screen in “Secret”, the 2007 movie he both directed and starred in.
From central Taipei, visitors can take the red MRT Tamsui-Xinyi line directly to the Tamsui terminal station. As the train approaches the district, urban high-rises give way to open, scenic views along the river.
Tamkang High School, where Chou studied, featured in “Secret”.
Nearby is Aletheia University, another key filming location for the movie.
The campus buildings, stairways, and corridors all showcase the distinctive Taiwanese architecture of the 1990s.
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Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf in Taiwan. Photo by Nick M |
Several long-standing eateries in Tamsui also draw fans due to their connection to the singer’s school days.
From the MRT station, a short walk brings visitors to Tamsui Old Street, where restaurants, food stalls, and souvenir shops stretch along the street running parallel to the riverfront.
The area’s most famous specialty is a-gei, or fried tofu stuffed with glass noodles, sealed with fish paste, steamed, and served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
The dish’s name originates from the Japanese word “abura-age” (oil-fried).
Visitors can also try fish balls, crispy fish skin, and iron eggs, which are eggs simmered multiple times until the outer layer turns dark, firm, and chewy.
Another great way to explore Tamsui is by renting a bicycle and riding along the riverbank, passing through old neighborhoods and historical landmarks toward Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf.
The terrain is flat and easy, making it convenient even for casual cyclists.
Around 4 p.m. is the ideal time to start the journey.
As the sun starts to go down, visitors can spend a few hours cycling, stopping by the river, or visiting attractions without feeling rushed.
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Grilled seafoods in Tamsui. Photo by Nick M |
At the end of the road lies Lover’s Bridge, one of Tamsui’s iconic landmarks. From here, visitors can look out over the river mouth and watch the sunset.
The Tamsui sunset was famously immortalized in the song “Tamsui Twilight,” which paints a picture of the setting sun in the west.
Since May 2026, visitors have an additional viewing spot: Danjiang Bridge, which connects Tamsui with Bali.
Spanning 920 meters in length with a 450-meter main span, the bridge has a single pylon standing over 210 meters tall.
Designed by the firm of the late architect Zaha Hadid, it has dedicated five-meter-wide lanes for pedestrians and cyclists on either side.
Standing by the main pylon along the pedestrian walkway is one of the best ways to admire the sunset.
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Lover’s Bridge in Tamsui. Photo by Nick M |
Visitors can cycle across the bridge, ride along the Bali riverbank to the ferry pier, and then take the ferry back to Tamsui.