Imagine a vast stretch of fine light sand washed by azure waters—this is how Baishawan Beach greets its guests. This picturesque spot, located in the Shimen District, is considered one of the best seaside resorts that Taiwan has to offer. A natural bay protected by rocky outcrops creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility here, attracting both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking solitude by the ocean.
Baishawan Beach. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI
Surrounded by lush subtropical greenery and majestic cliffs, this "White Sand Beach" has become a favorite spot for residents of Taipei. Thanks to its cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure, the site consistently receives high marks from travelers. The shoreline stretches for several hundred meters, allowing everyone to accommodate comfortably even on popular weekend days.
The main feature of the location lies in its unique landscape: here you can see wind-cut rocks formed by many years of monsoon impact. The combination of transparent water, soft sand, and whimsical rock shapes makes Baishawan a true natural wonder of the northern coast.
Contacts
To check current beach conditions and available services, you can refer to the official tourism portals of the district. Below are the main contact details:
The main magnet for visitors is, undoubtedly, swimming in the crystal-clear water and relaxing on the velvety sand. The gentle entrance to the sea makes this place safe for families with children, and the absence of strong currents allows you to enjoy swimming peacefully. Active leisure enthusiasts can rent SUP boards or kayaks to explore the bay from the water, or organize a friendly beach volleyball match.
It is definitely worth setting aside time for a walk along the ecological trails. One of the most popular leads to Linshanbi Harbor: this route takes about 40 minutes and passes through flat terrain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and basalt rocks. Along the shore, you can also go seashell hunting or observe marine life in small coastal pools during low tide.
Evening on the beach is a special time. Many tourists specifically stay here until dusk to watch the sunset, when the sky is painted in delicate pink and orange tones. This is the perfect moment for a romantic picnic or a professional photo session against the backdrop of natural formations and the endless sea horizon.
Getting There
There are several ways to reach this picturesque spot from central Taipei. The most popular public transport option is to take the metro to MRT Tamsui or MRT Beitou station, then transfer to bus No. 862 or No. 865. The bus ride to the "Baishawan" stop takes about 1–1.5 hours, and routes run regularly, offering passengers views of the coastal scenery.
For those who prefer comfort and freedom of movement, renting a car or taking a taxi is an ideal option. The route from the capital follows the scenic Northern Coastal Highway (No. 2) toward Shimen District. The distance is about 40 km, and the travel time is approximately one hour. Free parking is available for visitors near the beach.
A one-way taxi ride will cost approximately 1000–1500 TWD. This is a convenient choice for groups or families with children, especially during the hot summer months when you want to reach the refreshing water as quickly as possible.
Ближайший город: Taipei
History & Facts
The history of this place is inextricably linked to the power of the natural elements. The "White Sand Beach" owes its name to the unique composition of the soil: the fine, light sand appeared here as a result of centuries of erosion of nearby rocks and corals. The main natural attraction of the area is the so-called "wind-cut rocks"—whimsical stone formations whose shapes have been honed by strong winds and sea spray.
In former times, the Shimen District coastline served exclusively the needs of local fishing communities. Traditional fishing methods and a close connection with the ocean formed the unique cultural identity of this part of the island. Baishawan Beach remained a hidden gem until the infrastructure development of New Taipei City opened it up for mass tourism.
In recent decades, the area has been improved: modern lifeguard posts and protective dams have appeared, yet the place has retained its pristine beauty. Today, the beach is considered a model of environmental care, where modern service harmoniously combines with an untouched subtropical landscape.
Time Needed
To fully enjoy the atmosphere and natural beauty, it is worth setting aside 2 to 4 hours for the trip. This time is quite enough to swim in the clean waters of the bay, sunbathe, and take a walk along the surf line.
If you plan to head out on the hiking trails to neighboring bays, such as Linshanbi, or arrange a proper sunset picnic, we recommend allocating half a day for the visit. Morning hours or the time before sunset are considered the most suitable to avoid the midday heat and take the best photos.
Working Hours
Access to the beach area itself is possible 24/7, as it is a natural site. However, it should be noted that the official swimming zones where lifeguards are on duty and public showers operate mainly during the summer season (from May to September) from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
During the autumn-winter period, the infrastructure schedule may change depending on weather conditions and wind strength. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official tourism website of Taiwan's north coast to confirm the current status of beach services.
Nearby
A visit to the coast can easily be combined with exploring other interesting locations. The northern part of the island offers many options for family recreation and entertainment, from modern amusement parks to colorful night markets.