New Taipei

New Taipei (新北市 Xīnběi Shì), while officially a city, is more like a region surrounding the cities of Taipei and Keelung in Northern Taiwan. It is considered a part of the Taipei Metropolitan Area. == Districts == New Taipei City is broken into 29 districts. They can be categorised by their geography, history, and degree of urbanisation. === Districts === Districts with notable attractions: 1 Jinshan (金山區) – A district known for its seafood and famous Chan monastery complex. 2 Tamsui (淡水區) – A historical district on the north coast that was once the center of shipping and commerce in northern Taiwan. The district is still a popular day-trip destination from Taipei and boasts many historical attractions. 3 Banqiao (板橋區) – Home to the administrative headquarters of New Taipei. 4 Yonghe (永和區) – Known for its breakfast foods. 5 Zhonghe (中和區) – A densely populated suburb of Taipei. 6 Bali (八里區) – An up-and-coming tourist area. 7 Yingge (鶯歌區) – District known for its high concentration of pottery and ceramic makers. 8 Xindian (新店區) – Where the apartment complexes of the metropolis meet the northern end of the Central Mountain Range. 9 Wulai (烏來區) – A small village famous for its hot springs and aboriginal culture. === Other destinations === 1 Fulong village (福隆) – Good beach and surfing. 2 Jiufen (九份) – A once prosperous gold mining town. It now attracts travelers who want a trip back in time. == Understand == New Taipei is basically suburban Taipei and is the home of more than 3,500,000 people. It used to be known as Taipei County (臺北縣 Táiběi Xiàn), but was re-named New Taipei City in 2010 after its population exceeded 2 million, the legal population limit for county status. The city has quite a diverse environment, from the densely populated industrial districts of Sanchong and Shulin to the coastal regions around the district of Tamsui and the sparsely populated mountain districts near Shenkeng. == Get in == === By plane === 1 Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (台灣桃園國際機場 TPE IATA). The main international airport on the island, and the closest major airport to New Taipei. The pre-2006 name, Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (often abbreviated as CKS), may still be used. CitiAir Bus operates an Express bus route #1962 that directly connects Taoyuan International Airport, Tucheng and Banqiao. The bus runs every 30 minutes during the day and costs NT$135. Travelers going to other regions of New Taipei however may have to visit Taipei city first, and head to the destination from there. === By train === There are several TRA stations scattered through New Taipei [1]. 2 Banqiao (Banciao) Railway Station (板橋車站). is the major transportation hub in New Taipei. This station connects the railways, Taipei MRT and Taiwan High Speed Rail. It also has local and inter-city bus stations. (Wunhua Road Sec. 1, Banqiao City) === By bus === Inter-city buses arrive and depart from the Banqiao Railway Station's terminal. The inter-city bus terminal is just east of the Banqiao Railway Station, and the local bus terminal is in the west. Bus services are easily available, both to travel in the city and from or to nearby regions. === By subway (MRT) === Taipei Metro, commonly called MRT, is the most convenient transportation method between Taipei and New Taipei. Tamsui-Xinyi Line (淡水信義線) stations: Zhuwei, Hongshulin and Tamsui. Bannan Line (板南線) stations: Jiangzicui, Xinpu, Banqiao, Fuzhong, Far Eastern Hospital, Haishan, Tucheng, Yongning and Dingpu. Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (中和新蘆線) stations: Luzhou, Sanmin Sr. High School, St. Ignatius High School, Sanhe Jr. High School, Sanchong Elem. School, Huilong, Danfeng, Fu Jen University, Xinzhuang, Touqianzhuang, Xianse Temple, Sanchong, Cailiao, Taipei Bridge, Dingxi, Yongan Market, Jingan and Nanshijiao. Songshan-Xindian Line (松山新店線) stations: Dapinglin, Qizhang, Xindian District Office and Xindian. Circular Line (環狀線) stations: Dapinglin, Shisizhang, Xiulang Bridge, Jingping, Jingan, Zhonghe, Qiaohe, Zhongyuan, Banxin, Banqiao, Xinpu Minsheng, Touqianzhuang, Xingfu and New Taipei Industrial Park. === By boat === CSF operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from Pingtan in mainland China to New Taipei's Bali District and back. As of February 2019, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (full schedule). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,000 one-way, $5,300 round-trip if purchased in advance (fare table), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier (fare table). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens (advance/pier). == Get around == === By bus === Every district of New Taipei is accessible by bus. Most of them are a part of Taipei's bus network. If you know how to take a bus in Taipei, you will have no problem taking a bus in New Taipei. === By subway (MRT) === Taipei MRT is an efficient way to travel between the city's north, west and south sections. === By taxi === Taxis are the most convenient way to get around, and the price is not very high. Note that most taxi drivers speak little or no English. == See == Banqiao's Lin Family Mansion and Garden is one of the best examples of Qing era Chinese architecture in Taiwan. It is free of charge and well worth a visit. Danshui Fisherman's Wharf is New Taipei's most famous scenic sight. Enjoy your coffee or tea beside the Bitan Lake, Xindian. Jiufen is famous for gold mining. There is an excellent gold museum. In Fulong, you will find a coastal district with an excellent beach. Every July, don't forget to attend the three-day Ho-hai-yan Rock Festival. Enjoy the Aboriginal dancing show and hot spring in Wulai. Dharma Drum Mountain (Fagushan - 法鼓山), No. 14-5, Lin 7, Sanjie Village, Jinshan district (金山區) (By car: 1. Take Danjin Highway to Jinshan via Sanzhi. 2. ake Yangjin Highway to Jinshan via Yangmingshan. 3. Take Freeway 1 and exit at Badu interchange or Freeway 3 and exit at Wanli interchange, and proceed along Jijin Highway to Jinshan via Wanli. By bus: Take Kuo-Kuang Bus at the Taipei West Bus Station, Terminal A.), ☏ +886 2 2498-7171. A large and modern chan monastery and monastic college. Impressive buildings and gardens. (updated Dec 2017) Ju Ming Museum (Zhū Míng Měishùguǎn - 朱銘美術館), No.2, Xishihu Road, Jinshan district (金山區), ☏ +886 2 24989940. May-Oct: 10:00-18:00, Nov-Apr: 10:00-17:00. A museum with indoor and open air exhibits of the works of the Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming. (updated Dec 2017) == Do == New Taipei has a great variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking, cycling, hot springs and rock climbing. === Hiking === For serious hikers, try the challenging Wuliaojian trail in Sanxia. == Buy == == Eat == A-Gei (阿給) - the most famous snack in Tamsui consisting of a piece of fried tofu, stuffed with cooked Cellophane noodles, and sealed with surimi. Taro balls (芋圓) - Jiufen's famous product. Box lunches - famous Biandang (box lunches in Mandarin) are sold on the left of the Fulong train station. == Drink == Soy Milk (豆漿) - is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. Yonghe Soy Milk, this household name comes from the original shop which is located at Yonghe. Tea - Pinglin's Baozhong tea (包種茶) is the most famous tea in Taiwan. == Sleep == == Stay safe == == Cope == National Immigration Agency (移民署), 1F., No.135, Min’an Street, Yonghe. (Take taxi from the Banqiao MRT - the nearest station to the agency), ☏ +886 2 8228-2090, fax: +886 2 82282687, +886 2 82282697, +886 2 82282658. M-F 09:00-17:00. Visa applications/extensions for foreign residents of New Taipei City should be made at this agency. (updated Dec 2017) == Go next == Keelung - This harbor city is Taiwan's second-busiest seaport. Dasi - In Taoyuan County, this old township is the temporary resting place of Chiang Kai-shek.