Every late spring and early summer, the North Coast, besides viewing the sea, actually has another very worthwhile hidden spot to visit: 'Songshan Hundred-Year Terraced Fields'.
Here, from April to May, the romantic iris flower season arrives, paired with the layered hundred-year stone-built terraced fields, the entire scene is truly beautiful, like stepping into a fairyland.
Although this time when I came, the flowers were not in full bloom as many, but the scenery of the terraced fields themselves is still very charming, very suitable for arranging a relaxing walking trip.
Songshan Terraced Fields are located in the Shimen mountain area, near Jianshan Lake, with a serene environment, not as crowded as popular spots usually, but during the flower season, the crowd still increases noticeably.
📍Spot Information｜Songshan Hundred-Year Terraced Fields
Address: New Taipei City Shimen District North 19 Rural Road
📍Transportation Methods
Driving: Navigate to 'Songshan Terraced Fields' or North 19 Rural Road
Scooter: Riding on mountain roads is OK, but pay attention to safety
Public Transport: Not very convenient, recommended to drive yourself
⚠️ Small Reminder:
The mountain roads are narrow, some sections make passing difficult, and on holidays with heavy traffic, it's easy to get stuck, so weekdays are suggested for a more comfortable visit!
📍Parking Information
There are a few parking spots on site, but during the flower season, they are almost always full.
The biggest feature of Songshan Terraced Fields is the only one in Taiwan made with Yangmingshan volcanic rocks for the hundred-year stone-built terraced fields!
As early as over three hundred years ago, the early settlers used the 'triangular tripod method' to stack stone by stone into stable walls, forming the current terraced field terrain, with the layered and interlocking stone textures, like natural geometric art works, very spectacular!
We came this time for the iris flowers! Walking along the paths into the center of the terraced fields, you can see the purple iris flowers swaying gracefully at the field edges.
Although the current number of iris flowers is not as many as during peak bloom, their poses scattered among the green fields are still elegant.
Even if there are not many flowers, just walking along the winding paths, breathing the fresh mountain air, and watching the reflections of the sky on the terraced field waters, it feels like the body and mind are healed.
Walking slowly along the field paths, you can go deep into the terraced fields, strolling while appreciating the layered scenery, really very relaxing.
Additionally, you can also go to the viewing platform, overlooking the entire terraced fields from above, with a broader view and even more spectacular!
Walking on the paths of Songshan Terraced Fields, you'll find that the iris flowers here are not just the common deep purple.
There are also pure white, elegant light purple, and even a mysterious blue-purple, all interwoven and blooming in this green terraced fields.
On the way exploring Songshan Terraced Fields, you absolutely cannot miss this 'Xu Family Stone House' full of stories; this building also continues the local stone-building tradition, with its thick walls witnessing the passage of time, exuding a quiet and resilient beauty.
Stepping into the stone house, the most surprising thing is not the building itself, but the group of 'little masters' here; we met many cute cats, they lazily sunbathe on the stone walls or lightly shuttle through the ancient house, completely unafraid.
If you visit on a holiday, it becomes more lively! Next to the stone house, local residents set up small stalls selling self-produced agricultural products.
If you miss the iris flowers, don't be sad; in mid to late June, the cosmos flower season follows, and the scene of the entire flower sea interwoven with the terraced fields will definitely be another absolutely beautiful sight!
📍Recommended Route: Shimen One-Day Small Trip
✔ Qingshan Waterfall: Not far from the terraced fields, you can stop by to walk the trails and enjoy the forest phytoncides.
✔ Shimen Cave: Going down the mountain back to the coastal line, go see the famous sea-eroded cave scenery and step on the waves.
✔ Shimen Food: On the way back, don't forget to buy a famous Shimen sticky rice dumpling as a snack.
Songshan Hundred-Year Stone-Built Terraced Fields is really a place worth traveling to; it's not just a scenic area, but a living cultural heritage.
Whether coming to view the iris flowers or purely to see the terraced fields scenery, the kind of 'plucking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence' tranquility here is absolutely worth a special trip.
Remember, the mountain roads are narrow, please drive carefully, and take your trash with you, together to protect this beautiful hundred-year landscape!
⚠️Notes:
Everyone's experiences and feelings about travel, spots, or dining are different; this article is only for personal experience sharing, welcome to refer and evaluate for yourself whether to go.
It's recommended to check more information before departure to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable meal or itinerary!