Tamsui Scenery in detail

Xiaoyoukeng is a volcanic landscape located at the foot of Mt. Qixing ("Seven Star Mountain"), Yang Ming Shan National Park. Its name, "Xiaoyoukeng", means "little oil pit". This name is fitting, as it's literally a "pit" in the face of the mountain that continuously pumps out long trails of steam and sulphurous gases from within the Earth's surface. On the ground nearby, you'll find pools of boiling sulfur water, which visitors use to cook eggs. The sulfuric water is said to contain minerals that enhance the flavor of the eggs.

Fumaroles aside, the area provides amazing views of Xiaoyoukeng's "landslide terrain", as well as the Tamsui region in the distance. There are also a number of walking trails that lead to the top of Mt. Qixing (1,120 meters above sea level) and offer a spectacular view of the entire Taipei Basin.