New Taipei Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and experience in New Taipei with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about its natural attractions, cultural sites, food, and more.


Introduction to New Taipei

New Taipei, located in Northern Taiwan, is one of the best places to visit in Asia. It boasts numerous attractions for both locals and visitors alike. From natural wonders to historical sites, New Taipei offers a wide range of activities that cater to any type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in New Taipei

There are plenty of places to visit in New Taipei. Here are some to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Palace Museum: Contains over 690,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial treasures and artworks.
  • Taipei National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine: Honors the fallen heroes of the Republic of China in the War against Japan, the civil war and the First and Second Taiwan Strait Crisis.
  • Jiufen Old Street: An old mining settlement turned into a maze of narrow alleyways filled with shops selling souvenirs, food, and novelty items.

Natural Attractions of New Taipei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yangmingshan National Park: A famous national park known for its hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic views.
  • Yehliu Geopark: A geological wonder of unique rock formations and ocean views that make for great photographs.
  • Wulai Hot Springs: A popular destination for hot springs and hiking, located 30 kilometers east of Taipei.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Taipei

New Taipei is also known for its scenic hiking and biking paths that offer a unique way to explore the city. Here are some popular routes:

  • Pingxi Line Hike: A hike along the historic train tracks, dotted with old railway stations.
  • Maokong Hike: An easy trail with stunning views of the Taipei skyline.
  • Bike along the Tamsui River: An easy bike path along the Tamsui River that offers views of the city skyline.

Best Things to Do in New Taipei: Activities and Tours

New Taipei has plenty of activities and tours for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy the city to the fullest. Here are some must-do activities:

  • Take a Hot Springs Tour: There are plenty of hot springs in New Taipei, such as Wulai Hot Springs and Beitou Hot Springs. A hot springs tour is a great way to relax and enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
  • Explore the Night Markets: New Taipei has some of the best night markets in Taiwan, where you can try local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.
  • Join a Cultural Tour: There are many cultural tours available in New Taipei, such as a tea-making tour or a pottery-making tour. These tours offer travelers an opportunity to learn about Taiwanese culture and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Taipei

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for your trip to New Taipei:

Day Activities
1 National Palace Museum, Jiufen Old Street
2 Yangmingshan National Park, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
3 Wulai Hot Springs, Pingxi Line Hike
4 Yehliu Geopark, Keelung Night Market
5 Taipei 101, Din Tai Fung xiao long bao (soup dumplings) restaurant
6 Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
7 Beitou Hot Springs, Shilin Night Market

Food and Drink Scene of New Taipei

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love New Taipei. With a diverse range of flavors, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef Noodle Soup: A hearty noodle soup with braised beef, perfect for a cold day.
  • Soy-Braised Pork Rice: A simple dish of rice and pork, but the deep flavors and tender meat will leave a lasting impression.
  • Sticky Rice Dumplings: A traditional snack made of glutinous rice and filled with either sweet or savory ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Bubble Tea: A Taiwanese invention, bubble tea is a refreshing drink with tapioca pearls at the bottom.
  • Taiwanese Beer: Taiwan has a variety of beers to choose from, such as Taiwan Beer and Tsingtao Beer.

Where to Stay in New Taipei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Taipei has many accommodation options for every type of traveler. Here are some recommendations:

  • Grand Victoria Hotel: A five-star hotel with stunning views of the city and luxurious amenities.
  • On My Way Hostel: A cozy hostel in the Ximending district that’s perfect for budget travelers.
  • Crazy House Hostel: A unique and quirky hostel in the heart of Taipei with a fun and social atmosphere.

What to Buy in New Taipei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to bring home some souvenirs and local products to remember your trip to New Taipei. Here are some suggestions:

  • Pineapple Cakes: A sweet pastry filled with pineapple jam that’s a popular souvenir for visitors to bring back home.
  • Local Tea: Taiwan is known for its tea, and there are many tea shops in New Taipei where you can find the perfect blend for you.
  • Porcelain/Ceramics: Taiwan has a rich history of porcelain and ceramics, and there are many local artists making unique and beautiful pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of New Taipei

Taiwanese culture is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions, but has a unique identity of its own. Here are some cultural customs and practices to be aware of:

  • Respect for elders and superiors: Hierarchical relationships are important in Taiwanese culture, and showing respect for elders and superiors is expected.
  • No tipping culture: Tipping is not common in Taiwan.
  • Covering your head in temples: When entering a temple, it’s customary to remove your shoes and cover your head out of respect.

Best Time to Visit New Taipei

The best time to visit New Taipei is during the fall (September-November) or spring (March-May). These seasons offer mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Taipei

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your trip to New Taipei:

Do:

  • Carry cash: Many smaller stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards, so carry cash when going out.
  • Understand the transportation system: The MRT (subway), buses, and bike routes are efficient and easy to navigate. Familiarize yourself with the transportation options to save time and money.
  • Bring comfortable shoes: There’s a lot of walking involved in exploring New Taipei, so bring comfortable shoes.

Don’t:

  • Chew gum in the street: It’s illegal to chew gum on the street in Taiwan.
  • Touch someone’s head: Touching someone’s head is considered disrespectful in Taiwan.
  • Leave chopsticks sticking up: Leaving chopsticks sticking up in a bowl of rice represents death and is considered bad luck.

Safety and Health

New Taipei is a safe destination for travelers, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Safety in New Taipei

  • Watch for traffic: Taiwan has many motorbikes and scooters, which can be dangerous for pedestrians. Look both ways before crossing the street.
  • Take precautions against the sun: The sun can be strong, especially during summer months. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from sunburn.
  • Be aware of scams: Be cautious of people trying to sell you counterfeit products or asking for money.

Health in New Taipei

  • Drink bottled water: The tap water in New Taipei is chlorinated and safe to drink, but it’s recommended to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upset.
  • Bring medication: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure to bring sufficient medication with you.

Getting to New Taipei: Transportation Options and Logistics

New Taipei is easily accessible for both domestic and international travelers. Here are the transportation options:

Airports Near New Taipei

  • Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): The largest airport in Taiwan, located about 50 minutes from New Taipei by car.
  • Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): A smaller domestic airport located in Taipei, about 25 minutes from New Taipei by car or MRT.

Bus Stations Near New Taipei

  • Taipei Bus Station: Located in central Taipei, with direct buses to New Taipei.
  • Banqiao Bus Station: Located in Banqiao district, with many buses to other parts of Taiwan.

Other Options

  • High-Speed Rail (HSR): The HSR connects many cities in Taiwan, including New Taipei, Taipei, and Taoyuan.
  • Metro: The MRT (subway) is the most convenient way to get around New Taipei and Taipei.

How to Get Around in New Taipei

New Taipei has a good public transportation system that makes getting around easy. Here are some options:

  • MRT (subway): The MRT is a fast and efficient way to get around New Taipei.
  • Buses: Buses are a good option for exploring areas not covered by the MRT.
  • Taxis: Taxis are available, but can be more expensive than other options.

Where to Go Next from New Taipei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore Taiwan, consider visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Taichung: The cultural and educational capital of central Taiwan, known for its museums and parks.
  • Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s second-largest city, known for its night markets and beaches.
  • Hualien: A scenic coastal town with a national park, hot springs, and hiking trails.

Conclusion

New Taipei is a unique and exciting destination for any traveler. From its rich history and culture to its natural wonders and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to explore all that New Taipei has to offer and immerse yourself in this beautiful Taiwanese city.

Banqiao Railway Station Banqiao Railway Station On the Wuliaojian trail in Sanxia On the Wuliaojian trail in Sanxia A serving of a-gei. A serving of a-gei.


    Bali District
    Banqiao
    Pingxi
    Ruifang
    Sanzhi
    Shenkeng
    Shiding
    Wanli
    Wulai
    Xindian
    Xizhi
    Yonghe