Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology

Bali is in the north of Taipei County and lies just across the river from the more well known Danshui. It should not be confused with the island in Indonesia or Paris (which is also called Bali in Mandarin). Guanyin Shan (觀音山) is a large mountain which towers above the town and is visible from Taipei.

The Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology (十三行博物館) is the town's most notable attraction. The exhibitions detail how the Shihsanhang site was discovered and the efforts of archaeologists to excavate the site. They also show some artifacts and the daily life of the Shihsanhang civilisation.

The museum has won awards for its architectural design. The surroundings of the museum include a large grassy park and bike trails. Bikes are available for hire and it is also possible to cycle all the way to Taipei along the riverside bike trails. The large series of tanks next to the museum are actually a sewage treatment plant. It seems to be a closed system so there is no need to fear any noxious odours.

The Wazihwei (挖子尾) Conservation Area and Chang Village are about a kilometre away from the museum. The conservation area is composed of mangroves and mudflats. The nearby Chang Village includes some old-style Taiwanese courtyard houses. These places are probably not worth a visit on their own, but stop and have a look on your way to or from the museum.

The museum is closed on Mondays and entry costs NT$100. You can get there by bus Red 13 from the Guandu MRT Station or take the ferry to Bali from Danshui and catch the same bus to the museum.