Introduction to New Taipei
New Taipei City, which encircles Taipei City, is the most populous city in Taiwan and offers a dynamic blend of culture, history, and natural wonders. Though often overshadowed by the capital, New Taipei is a diverse destination in its own right, with something to offer for every type of traveler—from hikers and surfers to food lovers and culture seekers.
From Mountains to Sea: Diverse Landscapes
New Taipei boasts a dramatic range of terrains—mountains, rivers, beaches, and waterfalls—making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is home to famous natural attractions like Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall, and Fulong Beach, each drawing thousands of visitors for hiking, photography, and relaxation by the coast.
Iconic Old Streets and Towns
New Taipei is dotted with charming old towns and streets that reflect Taiwan’s history and local culture. Jiufen Old Street transports you to a bygone era with lantern-lit alleys and nostalgic teahouses. Meanwhile, Shifen and Pingxi are known for sky lanterns, heritage railways, and waterfall hikes—making them ideal for day trips.
Temples, Tradition, and Spiritual Sites
Deep-rooted in religious practice, New Taipei is rich with temples and spiritual sites. Visit the grand Zushi Temple in Sanxia, the coastal Gongliao temples, or Jingtong’s Earth God shrines to witness local religious life. These sites come alive during festivals and are welcoming to visitors seeking quiet reflection or cultural insight.
Coastal Escapes and Surf Culture
New Taipei’s eastern and northern coastlines offer some of Taiwan’s best beach experiences. Fulong Beach is a hotspot for sunbathing and surfing, while Baishawan and Shimen Cave provide dramatic ocean views and cliffside walks. The annual Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival draws beachgoers and artists from across Asia.
Culture, Crafts, and Museums
The city’s vibrant culture thrives in places like Yingge, Taiwan’s ceramics capital, where visitors can explore pottery workshops and museums. In Banqiao, modern shopping centers meet heritage buildings. From traditional arts to contemporary installations, New Taipei balances past and present across its districts.
Getting Around is Easy
Despite its size, New Taipei is easily accessible via Taiwan’s excellent public transportation. The MRT system connects the city with Taipei, while buses and trains reach outlying districts. Whether you’re visiting coastal towns or mountain villages, getting around is efficient, affordable, and traveler-friendly.
Why New Taipei Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
With its vast range of experiences—natural beauty, historic charm, urban convenience, and rich cultural life—New Taipei is more than a side trip from Taipei. It’s a complete destination that showcases the diversity of Taiwan. No matter your interests, New Taipei has something to inspire and delight.
Use Taipei as Your Base
Since New Taipei completely surrounds Taipei, it’s easy to make day trips from the city center using the MRT or local trains. Areas like Tamsui, Yehliu, Jiufen, Pingxi, and Wulai are all reachable in under 90 minutes.
Tip: Plan your days geographically — for example, combine Jiufen with Shifen or Yehliu with Keelung.
Don’t Underestimate the Size
New Taipei is huge. It includes mountain villages, coastal towns, riverfront parks, and remote hot spring areas. Do a little planning and check transportation times in advance — especially if you’re using buses.
Buses Go Where Trains Don’t
Many New Taipei destinations like Jiufen, Yehliu, and Wulai don’t have train access — buses are your best option.
Tip: Get an EasyCard and load it up for seamless MRT and bus travel. Apps like “Bus+” help a lot.
What to Eat in New Taipei
Night Markets
New Taipei City is a food lover’s dream, with a range of local dishes, street foods, and night markets to explore. The city’s diverse culinary scene offers everything from traditional Taiwanese favorites to modern fusion dishes.
New Taipei is home to some of the best night markets in Taiwan, where you can sample the island’s iconic street food. The Xinzhuang Night Market and the Raohe Street Night Market are two of the most popular spots for foodies looking to indulge in Taiwanese snacks.
Best for: Street food, cultural immersion, and late-night snacking.
Try the Local Snacks
Food in New Taipei is just as exciting as in Taipei. Don’t miss:
A-gei (fried tofu stuffed with noodles) in Tamsui
Sweet potato balls in Jiufen
Grilled mochi and sausages in Shifen
Mountain vegetables and boar meat in Wulai
Go Hungry: These towns are built for grazing and snacking.
Things to Do in New Taipei
If Taipei is the heart of Taiwan, then New Taipei City is its lungs — vast, green, and full of fresh air and hidden wonders. Surrounding the capital, New Taipei offers a refreshing contrast to Taipei’s urban core, with mountains, rivers, beaches, and ancient towns just a short ride away.
Read Things to Do in New Taipei
Eastern New Taipei
Jiufen Old Street
Perched on a mountainside overlooking the northeastern coast, Jiufen Old Street is steeped in nostalgic charm. The narrow alleyways are filled with teahouses, lanterns, and stalls selling taro balls, herbal rice cakes, and other Taiwanese snacks. Each turn offers a new vista—whether of red lanterns against misty hills or traditional storefronts dripping moss from centuries of rain.
Beyond the culinary delights, Jiufen is famed for its classic teahouses, where guests can sit and sip oolong while the fog drifts in off the ocean. Whether you’re snapping photographs or sampling local treats, the atmosphere here feels steeped in history and folklore—a timeless reflection of Taiwan’s mountain-coastal culture.
Shifen Waterfall
Known as “Taiwan’s Little Niagara,” Shifen Waterfall spreads gracefully across a wide rock ledge, plunging into a verdant basin below. The path to the viewing platforms is framed by forest and mossy stonework, offering a tranquil entry into nature before the roar of the falls overtakes you.
Standing on the viewing deck, the mist cools your face as you watch white water crash down. In summer, the surrounding greenery is lush; in autumn, golden leaves drift through the spray. Each season renders the waterfall anew, making every visit a distinct sensory memory.
Shifen Old Street
Uniquely built along a live train track, Shifen Old Street creates a village atmosphere where daily life and tourism meet. Here, visitors write wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the air as trains periodically rumble through, merging poetry with motion. The street is alive with vendors selling grilled mochi, peanut ice cream rolls, and street snacks, offering a culinary side to its cultural warmth.
There’s an enchanting rhythm to the place: lanterns hovering amidst fleeting trains, sizzling food echoes, and old-time shops that stumble into the present day. It’s experiential storytelling—the romance of ancient skies meets the immediate beat of a train whistle in a way Taiwan does best.
Houtong Cat Village
Once an old coal-mining town, Houtong has found new life as Taiwan’s most famous cat village, where hundreds of cats roam free by old railway tracks and among preserved community structures. The felines lounge on benches, greet visitors, and meander through cat-themed cafés and stores.
Walking through Houtong feels like stepping into a gentle fable—industrial relics sit beside playful whiskers and tail flicks, reminding you of the community’s transformation. Volunteers care for the cats, making it both a heartwarming cultural stop and a sweet respite for animal lovers.
Gold Museum (Jinguashi)
High above Jinguashi lies the Gold Museum, built within old mining buildings, where vintage photos and relics tell the story of Taiwan’s gold-rush era. The museum includes interactive exhibits and even a mine tunnel walkway, allowing visitors to experience the conditions miners worked in.
Paths wander through the wooded hills, tracing the steps of historical gold processing stations and offering sweeping views of Terraced valleys and ocean. It’s a rich blend of industrial heritage and natural scenery.
Jinguashi Geopark
Jinguashi Geopark is a geological wonder filled with sea-carved rock formations formed by wind and ancient tides. Walkways wind past surreal sculptures like the Queen’s Head, Turtle Rock, and Elephant Trunk Rock, creating what feels like an outdoor gallery of stone art.
Interpreting signs explain the geological forces behind each formation, connecting your walk to the long scale of Earth’s evolution. Coastal breezes and salt spray lend drama to the sculpted basalt—the perfect setting for both admiration and reflection.
Shenkeng Old Street
Known as Taiwan’s tofu village, Shenkeng Old Street teems with stalls selling stinky tofu, silky tofu puddings, and tofu-skin snacks. The wooden storefronts harken back to a slower era, as vendors hand-fry or steam each portion before your eyes.
It’s a flavor pilgrimage—each bite is steeped in tradition, each street corner still with the smell of soy and indigenous craft. Exploring Shenkeng is to taste generations of local culture in savory, nostalgic intensity.
Yinyang Sea
Located beneath the old mining works near Jinguashi, the Yinyang Sea is a striking visual phenomenon where orange-yellow mineral runoff meets the deep blue ocean. Raised platforms offer safe views, where the shifting water creates a natural painting in motion.
The contrast is more than scenic—it’s a reminder of nature’s interaction with human history. The two-tone water is ever-changing and quietly powerful, blending environmental awareness with natural beauty.
Nanya Rock
Along the coast of Ruifang lies Nanya Rock, a surreal coastal gallery of mushroom-shaped formations sculpted by millennia of wind and waves. Walking paths hug these jagged stones, providing low but dramatic vantage points amid tidal pools teeming with life.
Best at sunset, the rocks glow against fading light like bronze statuettes carved by the sea. It’s a tactile, living Art Deco—raw, weathered, and deeply resonant with Taiwan’s natural force.
Longdong Bay Cape Trail
The Longdong Bay Cape Trail carves a dramatic path along rugged cliffs overlooking sapphire seas, dotted with indigenous flora and panoramic overlooks. It’s a stunning hike that draws climbers, sunrise seekers, and anyone aiming to feel the sea breeze at altitude.
Onlookers can watch granite walls speckled with climbers, hear the crash of waves far below, and taste salt on the wind. It’s an elemental encounter—trail, rock, and ocean tethered by shared drama.
Longdong
Longdong is an adventurous coastal playground famed for its reefs, clear waters, and adrenaline-charged activities. Surfers catch Pacific swells, kayakers push out into rock-framed swell breaks, and climbers ascend vertical cliffs dipped in blue.
It’s where outdoor energy thrives—and every corner feels part of Taiwan’s east coast frontier. Whether you’re riding waves or eyeing a cliff challenge, Longdong celebrates motion, challenge, and exploration.
Fulong Beach
With soft golden sand stretching beside parks and bike lanes, Fulong Beach is perfect for families, cyclists, and festival-goers. Seasonal events—sand sculpture contests, beach concerts—keep the atmosphere cheerful, while boardwalk cafés and palm trees filter breezy sunlight.
The shoreline here is versatile: sunrise yoga, midday swims, twilight strolls. It’s the kind of place where time feels soft and shared, a collective, breezy coastal living room.
Caoling Historic Trail
The Caoling Historic Trail is a bamboo-shadowed foot path that once connected Keelung to Yilan, now preserved amid nature and history. You pass carved stone markers and colonial shells as ocean views peek through tree breaks.
It’s a diplomatic stitch between depths of forest and swatches of sea—a hike that is both science and story, wood and wind.
Huangdidian Trail
Huangdidian hill trail rolls over grassy ridges high above the Pacific—you won’t see many others here. Gorse and low shrubs carpets underfoot, framed by endless sky and open ocean perspective.
It’s short yet transcendent: the summit brings northerly views of rocky shoreline and netted ocean below—wide enough for sunrise or sunset reflection without logistical stress. Tread softly here, horizons wide and quiet.
Western New Taipei
Yingge Ceramics Street
Yingge Ceramics Street is a bustling hub of creativity and craftsmanship, lined with shops, workshops, and galleries dedicated to pottery and ceramic arts. Visitors can browse an impressive range of products, from traditional blue-and-white porcelain to modern, colorful pieces. The street preserves the town’s long history as Taiwan’s ceramic capital, with local artisans often showcasing their skills right in front of you.
In addition to shopping, many stores offer hands-on pottery-making experiences, where you can shape and glaze your own souvenirs. The atmosphere is lively yet artistic, with tiled sidewalks, ceramic-themed decorations, and warm street food stands adding to the charm. It’s the perfect place to appreciate both the heritage and innovation of Taiwanese ceramics.
Yingge Ceramics Museum
Located just a short walk from Ceramics Street, the Yingge Ceramics Museum is Taiwan’s first museum dedicated entirely to ceramics. Its striking modern architecture sets the tone for a rich, immersive journey through the history of pottery in Taiwan—from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary design. The exhibitions highlight not only traditional techniques but also the evolution of ceramic art in a global context.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of galleries, interactive displays, and educational workshops. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and artist residencies, attracting international attention. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious about local culture, this museum offers deep insight into how clay has shaped Taiwanese identity.
Sanxia Old Street
Sanxia Old Street is one of the best-preserved historical streets in northern Taiwan. With its Baroque-style red brick buildings, curved archways, and detailed carvings, the street offers a vivid glimpse into Taiwan’s architectural past. You’ll find specialty shops selling indigo-dyed fabrics, handmade soaps, and traditional pastries that reflect the area’s rich cultural roots.
The atmosphere here is serene and nostalgic, especially on weekdays when foot traffic is lighter. Many of the storefronts have been restored to reflect their early-20th-century glory, creating a harmonious blend of commerce and history. Sanxia Old Street is not only a destination for sightseeing but also a living community that continues to thrive through its connection to heritage.
Lin Family Mansion and Garden
The Lin Family Mansion and Garden in Banqiao is one of Taiwan’s finest surviving examples of traditional Chinese garden architecture. Built during the Qing Dynasty, the mansion complex features intricately carved woodwork, elegant courtyards, and serene ponds surrounded by pavilions. The garden layout follows classic feng shui principles, emphasizing harmony between nature and structure.
A visit here transports you to a different time—where scholars, merchants, and nobles once walked under ornate arches and bamboo groves. It’s a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle, inviting visitors to slow down and admire the artistic details, from curved roof tiles to stone bridges. History and tranquility blend beautifully in this cultural landmark.
Banqiao 435 Art Zone
Once a military housing complex, the 435 Art Zone has been revitalized into a creative park that supports Taiwan’s emerging artists. The site features open studio spaces, galleries, performance venues, and outdoor installations. Colorful murals and quirky sculptures can be found throughout, making it a favorite for both casual visitors and photography lovers.
This is a place where contemporary art meets community engagement. Frequent workshops, weekend markets, and pop-up exhibits create a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re here to admire art or simply take a leisurely stroll, 435 Art Zone offers a refreshing take on urban culture and creativity.
Crescent Bridge
Spanning the Dahan River, Crescent Bridge is an iconic piece of modern architecture connecting Banqiao and Xinzhuang districts. Known for its sweeping, curved design and LED lighting, the bridge is especially stunning at night when it glows in a spectrum of colors. It’s not just a transportation link—it’s a popular spot for romantic walks and evening photography.
The bridge includes dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, with rest stops offering panoramic views of the river and Taipei skyline. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset jog or simply taking in the sights, Crescent Bridge adds a touch of futuristic elegance to New Taipei’s growing urban landscape.
Northern New Taipei
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark stretches along a rocky headland north of Taipei, featuring otherworldly rock shapes sculpted by years of wind and waves. Strolling along the wooden walkways, you’ll come across famous formations like the “Queen’s Head,” “Fairy’s Shoe,” and “Sea Candles,” each accompanied by informational signs explaining how natural forces shaped them over time.
The park’s coastline is dotted with tide pools that host tiny sea creatures, offering a glimpse into Taiwan’s coastal ecosystems. Early morning or late afternoon light brings out warm hues in the rocks and enhances the dramatic textures, making Yehliu a favorite spot for landscape enthusiasts and photographers.
Yehliu Ocean World
Just a short walk from the geopark, Yehliu Ocean World is Taiwan’s northernmost marine park, entertaining visitors with dolphin and sea lion shows in a theater overlooking the sea. Beyond performances, guests can get hands-on with touch pools and walk through aquariums filled with fish, turtles, and seabirds, blending fun with marine education.
The park also emphasizes conservation by showcasing native species and spreading awareness about ocean issues like plastic pollution. While some areas feel a bit dated, the interactive exhibits and engaging sea life presentations make it a kid-friendly way to learn about marine ecosystems.
Tamsui Old Street
Winding along the riverside, Tamsui Old Street comes alive with the smells of grilled seafood, peanut ice cream rolls, and local specialties like salted fish. Historic architecture from the Japanese and colonial periods sits comfortably beside modern cafés, creating a dynamic backdrop of heritage and contemporary life.
As the sun sets, the golden light on the river and the buzz from street musicians, local artists, and ferryboats contribute to a cozy, festive vibe. It’s the perfect place for a casual evening—light bites, live culture, and pleasant riverside strolls.
Fisherman’s Wharf
At the mouth of the river, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf offers a breezy sea escape with its signature Lovers’ Bridge—an elegant arch that becomes a romantic spectacle when lights come on at dusk. Seafood restaurants and floating stalls line the pier, inviting families and couples to enjoy fresh dishes with ocean views.
Evenings feel festive here, with performers, seafood markets, and sometimes fireworks adding to the charm. Whether dining, walking, or just gazing across the water, the wharf is the go-to spot for seaside ambiance in Tamsui.
Fort San Domingo
Sitting high on a promontory, Fort San Domingo has changed hands multiple times—from Spanish to Dutch to British—leaving behind an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Inside, historical exhibits and artifacts guide visitors through its layered past, while the expansive terrace offers sweeping views of the river and harbor below.
Walking along the fort’s ramparts, you can almost feel the footsteps of soldiers and diplomats who once stood here. The building’s sturdy brick walls and wide vistas cast a historic grace over all who visit.
Tianyuan Temple (天元宮)
Tianyuan Temple perches on a hill in Sanchong, especially sought after during cherry blossom season when pink flowers drape its terraces. With pastel roofs and peaceful courtyards, it blends religious practice with seasonal beauty.
The temple is a hub for spiritual activity—temple fairs, lantern releases, and prayer rituals are common here—while offering sweeping city views from several well-placed terraces.
Mt. Miantian (面天山)
Mt. Miantian is an easy-to-reach hiking spot near Tamsui, featuring gentle slopes and grass hills. From the summit, you can see the Tamsui River meandering through farmland, with the shadow of Guanyin Mountain standing tall on the horizon.
Ideal for sunrise or sunset treks, the hike isn’t strenuous but delivers big rewards with river and island views that open up just steps out of the city.
Fengshuhu Historic Trail (風樹湖古道)
Following a mountainous tributary near Wulai, the Fengshuhu Trail winds through bamboo groves, granite steps, wooden bridges, and small river shrines, creating a peaceful, folklore-rich hike. It’s a walk that feels secluded, where soft breezes and trickling water replace city noise.
Historical markers and pavilions punctuate the path, lending a sense of cultural depth to the natural scenery—perfect for hikers who love a blend of nature, legend, and quiet reflection.
Southern New Taipei
Wulai Waterfall
Wulai Waterfall is one of northern Taiwan’s most iconic natural sights, plunging from a height of about 80 meters amidst lush mountains. The waterfall is especially striking during the rainy season when the flow intensifies and mist fills the surrounding air, creating a dramatic backdrop for photos. A cable car nearby offers a unique vantage point from above, and the viewing platform below gives you a full frontal view of the cascading waters.
Surrounding the waterfall, you’ll find well-maintained walking paths and small vendors selling snacks and local souvenirs. The nearby river also features hot spring resorts and natural pools, offering a great way to relax after sightseeing. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a scenic escape from Taipei, Wulai Waterfall provides a refreshing mountain retreat.
Wulai Old Street
Wulai Old Street, nestled in the heart of the indigenous Atayal village, is a charming pedestrian area filled with local delicacies, traditional crafts, and Atayal cultural elements. Visitors can sample famous Wulai snacks like wild boar sausage, bamboo rice, and sweet millet wine, while browsing handmade souvenirs and textiles.
The street is also a gateway to understanding the area’s indigenous culture. Exhibits and performances occasionally take place along the strip, and the Wulai Atayal Museum nearby provides deeper insights into their history and way of life. A stroll down Wulai Old Street blends culinary discovery with cultural exploration in a tranquil mountain setting.
Bitan Scenic Area
Located at the southern end of the Taipei MRT Green Line, Bitan Scenic Area is a riverside destination known for its picturesque suspension bridge and pedal boat rides. The area is especially popular on weekends when families and couples gather to enjoy the views, rent boats, or simply walk along the riverside promenade lined with cafes and snack stalls.
In the evening, Bitan lights up with romantic ambience as the bridge glows in colorful lights and restaurants along the water begin to bustle. The contrast of nature and urban charm makes it a great spot for a half-day escape, easily accessible yet far removed from the busy pace of central Taipei.
Shiding Old Street
Shiding Old Street is a lesser-known gem compared to other old towns, but it boasts a deep history rooted in Taiwan’s early coal-mining and tea-growing eras. The narrow, winding streets retain their rustic charm with stone steps, arched bridges, and old shopfronts that echo the town’s prosperous past.
Visitors can sample traditional Hakka dishes, try local tofu specialties, or sip mountain-grown tea while admiring the tranquil riverside setting. Surrounded by hills and greenery, Shiding offers a quiet, authentic glimpse into small-town life away from the crowds, ideal for those looking to explore a more peaceful side of Taiwan.
Zhonghe Myanmar Street
Zhonghe Myanmar Street is a unique enclave in New Taipei City where a sizable Burmese-Chinese community has settled, bringing with them rich flavors and traditions. Known for its authentic Burmese and Southeast Asian cuisine, the street is lined with eateries serving mohinga (rice noodle soup), tea leaf salad, and Burmese-style curry, offering a rare taste of Myanmar in Taiwan.
Beyond food, the area features cultural markers like small Buddhist temples, prayer flags, and specialty grocery stores filled with Southeast Asian ingredients. Visiting Zhonghe Myanmar Street is not just a culinary journey—it’s a chance to experience the multicultural diversity that quietly thrives in Taiwan’s urban fringes.
How to Get to New Taipei from Taipei
New Taipei City surrounds Taipei City like a giant ring, covering 29 districts including popular spots like Tamsui, Banqiao, Xindian, Ruifang, and Wulai. Whether you’re headed there for nature, food, culture, or business, getting there is straightforward.
Taipei MRT (Metro) – Easiest and Fastest Option
The Taipei Metro (MRT) system extends into almost every major district of New Taipei City. If you’re already in Taipei, you can use the same MRT system to reach New Taipei in 10 to 45 minutes, depending on your destination.
Use your EasyCard to tap in/out. Fares range from NT$20–65 depending on distance.
Taiwan Railways (TRA) – For Banqiao, Ruifang, Keelung & Beyond
The TRA train system connects central Taipei with many parts of New Taipei and northern Taiwan.
Popular TRA Routes from Taipei Main Station:
To Banqiao: 10 min
To Ruifang (gateway to Jiufen): ~45 min
To Yingge (ceramics town): ~30 min
Buy tickets at the station or use your EasyCard.
Intercity and Local Buses
Taipei has an extensive bus system that connects directly to New Taipei neighborhoods.
Buses are useful if you’re:
Going to areas not served by MRT (like Wulai or Shiding)
Looking for a direct route without transfers
Example Bus Routes:
Wulai: Bus 849 from Xindian MRT Station (~40 min)
Shenkeng: Bus 912 or Green 1 from Taipei Zoo Station
Jingtong/Shifen: Bus 795 from Muzha MRT Station
Use Google Maps or the Taiwan Bus+ app to check schedules in real time.
Taxis are metered and convenient for short trips to nearby New Taipei areas.
Cost: Starts at NT$85; a ride from Taipei Main Station to Banqiao is ~NT$250–350.
You can also use Uber, LINE Taxi, or local apps like Taiwan Taxi.
Taxis are useful for places with limited public transport, especially late at night.
YouBike – Great for Nearby Districts
If you’re exploring districts like Xindian, Sanchong, or Yonghe, you can rent a YouBike and ride across riverside bike paths or bridges.
Register your EasyCard and phone number to unlock bikes.
Cost: NT$10 for 30 minutes (YouBike 2.0)
Example route: Bike from Gongguan (Taipei) to Xindian riverside park in 30–40 minutes.
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