New Taipei Travel Guide – iBeauty Taiwan Travel Guide Blog Itinerary, Taipei Tourist Attractions

Taiwan’s Hidden Gem of Nature, Culture, and Adventure
While Taipei often takes the spotlight as Taiwan’s capital, just beyond the city limits lies New Taipei City, a bustling, vibrant region that holds its own with a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and modern charm. With its lush mountains, coastal beauty, historical landmarks, and bustling neighborhoods, New Taipei is a city that invites exploration beyond the usual tourist trail.

New Taipei City is not only Taiwan’s largest city by population, but it also offers a perfect contrast to the more urbanized areas of Taipei. Its appeal lies in its seamless balance of nature, history, and contemporary living. From hiking trails to ancient temples, vibrant night markets to stunning hot springs, New Taipei is filled with adventures waiting to be discovered.

New Taipei City might not get as much international attention as Taipei, but it holds some of Taiwan’s most memorable experiences. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains, sipping tea above the clouds, or lighting lanterns with friends, you’ll find something in New Taipei that speaks to your sense of wonder. Pack your curiosity and get ready to explore.

Why New Taipei Should Be on Your Taiwan Itinerary
New Taipei City is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, foodie, or simply looking for a place to unwind, New Taipei has it all. From its scenic landscapes and ancient temples to its vibrant night markets and cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, be sure to include New Taipei City in your itinerary—this exciting and diverse city promises unforgettable memories and unique experiences that will leave you longing to return.

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.

Tips for Visiting New Taipei City

Taiwan’s Underrated Gem
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. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring old streets, or relaxing by the coast, here are some must-know tips to help you make the most of your visit to New Taipei City.

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.

Pro 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.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps or the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service to map your day.

Tamsui River and Fisherman’s Wharf

Riverfront Relaxation
For a taste of coastal beauty, head to Tamsui, a charming town along the Tamsui River. Once a colonial port town, Tamsui is now a popular area for walking, dining, and exploring. Stroll along the Tamsui Old Street, visit Fort San Domingo for a dose of history, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride or sunset views at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Highlights:

Tamsui Old Street: Great for sunsets, seafood, and riverfront strolling

Fisherman’s Wharf for gorgeous sunset views.

Fort San Domingo to learn about Taiwan’s colonial past.

Best for: Exploring history, river views, and enjoying local delicacies.

Jiufen: A Walk Through Taiwan’s Past

New Taipei is a city where the past and present coexist harmoniously. From ancient temples to historic villages, there are many ways to experience Taiwan’s cultural heritage in this dynamic city.

One of the most famous historical towns in New Taipei is Jiufen, perched high on the mountainside overlooking the ocean. Once a thriving gold mining town, Jiufen is now a picturesque destination known for its narrow streets, traditional tea houses, and lantern-lit atmosphere. The town’s charm comes from its nostalgic vibe, rich history, and spectacular views.

Highlights:

Jiufen Old Streets: A hillside town with tea houses and views that inspired Spirited Away. Jiufen Old Street for local snacks like taro balls and fish balls.

A-Mei Tea House, where you can sip traditional tea and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Gold Ecological Park, to learn about Jiufen’s gold mining past.

Best for: History, tea culture, and scenic views.

Pro Tip: Visit Jiufen on a weekday to avoid heavy crowds.

Pingxi and Shifen: Lanterns and History

Known for the iconic sky lanterns, Pingxi offers visitors a chance to take part in the traditional Taiwanese custom of releasing a lantern with wishes written on it. Pingxi also has a rich railway history with its old train station and surrounding lush forests, making it a fantastic spot for a nostalgic, cultural experience.

Highlights:

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival for a colorful spectacle.

Shifen Waterfall – often called Taiwan’s “Little Niagara”

Shifen Old Street: Famous for sky lanterns you can write wishes on and launch into the sky

Best for: Lantern festivals, nature walks, and cultural experiences.

Hot Springs and Wellness

New Taipei City is home to several hot spring towns, perfect for visitors looking to unwind and rejuvenate. The natural thermal waters are rich in minerals, and many resorts and public baths offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Wulai: Taiwan’s Hot Spring Capital

Located just south of Taipei, Wulai is a quaint town known for its hot springs and indigenous Atayal culture. The hot springs in Wulai are naturally rich in minerals, offering a therapeutic soak in scenic surroundings. The town also has a rich cultural heritage, with local indigenous Atayal tribe museums and performances.

Highlights:

Wulai Hot Springs for relaxing baths.

Wulai Waterfall – known for hot springs and indigenous culture

Atayal Museum to learn about the indigenous culture.

Best for: Hot springs, indigenous culture, and scenic nature walks.

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.

Yehliu Geopark – home to the famous “Queen’s Head” rock formations

Pro Tip: Get an EasyCard and load it up for seamless MRT and bus travel. Apps like “Bus+” or “Taiwan Bus Tracker” help a lot.

Stay Connected

Having internet access is incredibly helpful for maps, language translation, transport schedules, and local recommendations. Rent a portable Wi-Fi device or buy a Taiwanese SIM card at the airport (Taiwan Mobile and Chunghwa Telecom are popular choices).

Tip: Get a local SIM or rent a Wi-Fi hotspot at the airport.

Respect Local Culture

In indigenous areas like Wulai, or historic spots like Jiufen, take time to appreciate the culture — visit small museums, support local artisans, and be mindful when taking photos of locals or rituals.

Bonus Tip: A little Mandarin or even a smile and “Xie xie” (thank you) goes a long way.

How to Get to New Taipei from Taipei

Complete Transportation Guide
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.

Taxi or Ride-Share

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.

Bonus: What to See in New Taipei City?
Here are some popular spots worth visiting after you arrive:

Tamsui – riverside sunsets, street food, Fort San Domingo
Wulai – hot springs, waterfalls, indigenous culture
Yingge – pottery street and ceramics museum
Ruifang / Jiufen / Shifen – mountains, old streets, sky lanterns
Banqiao – shopping, Christmasland (seasonal event), mega malls