Longjing District is a coastal district on Taichung's western strip, located on the northern bank of the lower Dadu River at the western edge of Dadu Plateau, facing the Taiwan Strait; Taiwan's largest thermal power plant, Taichung Power Plant, sits within the district on Longchang Road, and the area is one of Taichung's best-known sunset-viewing spots. The Longjing Dike Bicycle Path runs along the north bank of the Dadu River for about 5.3 kilometers, with viewing platforms offering a striking juxtaposition of strait sunsets and the power plant's industrial skyline.
Taichung Power Plant, located at No. 1 Longchang Road in Longjing District, has a total installed capacity of 5,824 MW, making it Taiwan's largest power plant and once ranked the world's fourth-largest thermal power plant (after Inner Mongolia's Tuoketuo, and South Korea's Taean and Dangjin plants). The Longjing Dike Bicycle Path runs about 5.3 kilometers, from the Longjing-Dadu district boundary in the east to the eastern side of Taichung Power Plant in the west, averaging 4 meters wide, with viewing platforms, rest areas, and riverside parks along the route.
What to see along the Longjing coast
The Longjing shoreline drops steeply from the western face of Dadu Plateau down to sea level, creating a sharp change in terrain. The coastal zone alternates between gravel and sandy stretches — it is not a typical flat sandy beach. Wave action is influenced by the Taiwan Strait monsoon; winds and swells are stronger in autumn and winter, making water activities inadvisable, but the scenery is more dramatic. The large smokestacks of the Taichung Power Plant are clearly visible for dozens of kilometers in every direction, creating a distinctly juxtaposed landscape of industry and nature unique to Taichung's coast.
Longjin She is the community temple of Longjin Village, preserving the core of faith that early Han settlers brought when they opened up the Longjing area; the temple's architecture records the history of how the settlement took shape. A few scattered viewpoints along the western edge of Dadu Plateau look out over Taichung Port and the full coastal panorama. The best time to watch the sunset is roughly between 5 and 7 p.m., varying by season (later in summer, earlier in winter); it is advisable to check the day's sunset time before planning your visit.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- Drive or ride a scooter from Taichung south along Provincial Highway 17 to reach the Longjing coastal zone; roadside parking is fairly convenient.
- The northeast monsoon brings strong winds to the coast in autumn and winter — bring a jacket. Sunscreen is essential in summer.
- There is no set admission fee for the coastal area; it is open year-round. Sunsets are a seasonal attraction, so plan around the day's sunset time.
Nearby connections
- Heading north from Longjing, you can link up with seafood restaurants at Wuqi Fishing Harbor for dinner after watching the sunset.
- Heading south takes you to Wanggong Fishing Harbor in Changhua County, where you can continue exploring fishing village culture along the Taiwan Strait coast.
Sources: contextual facts compiled from the Wikipedia entry on Longjing District. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Longjing District known for sunset viewing?
Longjing faces the Taiwan Strait at the western edge of Dadu Plateau, with an open coastline where sea and sky take on rich colors at dusk, making it one of Taichung's best-known sunset spots.
Where is Taichung Power Plant located within Longjing District?
Taichung Power Plant sits at No. 1 Longchang Road in Longjing District, with a total capacity of 5,824 MW, making it Taiwan's largest power plant and once ranked the world's fourth-largest thermal plant.
How long is the Longjing Dike Bicycle Path?
The path runs about 5.3 kilometers from the Longjing-Dadu boundary to the eastern side of Taichung Power Plant, with viewing platforms along the route.
Sources
- 臺中發電廠 - 維基百科 — 裝置容量、世界排名、地址查證
- 龍井堤防自行車道 - 臺中市龍井區公所 — 自行車道全長5.3公里、範圍、設施查證