New Taipei City Travel

Sanxia sits at the confluence of three streams and has served as an important water transportation hub since ancient times. From the mid-Qing Dynasty onward, it developed into a prosperous market town featuring baroque-style old streets and the Qingshui Zushi Temple, renowned as the "Oriental Art Palace." These represent the tangible manifestation of Sanxia's cultural depth.In the 1990s, College of Law and Commerce, National Chung Hsing University, established an independent institution in Sanxia, leading to the formation of the "Taipei University Special District." The NTPU Special District employs grid-pattern streets and green corridor planning to create spacious artistic pedestrian walkways. Combined with National Taipei University's beautiful campus environment, this shapes a livable atmosphere distinctly different from the old urban areas of Taipei and New Taipei, establishing a brilliant new highlight for Sanxia tourism. With the Sanying MRT Line's opening approaching, visiting the NTPU Special District for sightseeing will become even more convenient! National Taipei UniversityTaipei University, formerly the College of Law and Commerce, National Chung Hsing University, officially opened its new campus in Sanxia in 2000. This beautiful 60-hectare campus intentionally preserved many original landscape green spaces. "To see the lake is to see the heart" - "Heart Lake," named by Master Sheng Yen, sits at the campus center. The 2-hectare lake surface collects water from Liucuopu Canal and attracts numerous waterfowl and aquatic plants as residents. Walking around Heart Lake washes away urban clamor and allows quiet appreciation of the swans' graceful dance.（Campus map image source:National Taipei University）The central lawn surrounded by various college buildings and the library serves as National Taipei University's welcoming boulevard. Lush and open in atmosphere, it provides an excellent destination for family visits and picnicking. The campus's southwest corner borders Sanxia landmark Yuan Mountain, where the university established "Kite-Soaring Square" as a symbol of school spirit. The Sanying MRT Line bridge crossing above the Soaring Kite incorporates imitation brick arch design and bears the name "Nostalgic Corridor," where Sanxia's past and future interweave to create beautiful scenery.For travelers who appreciate architecture, the Library and Information Building along National Taipei University's central axis represents an unmissable campus landmark. With its owl-like wise appearance, multiple sky corridors connect the north and south reinforced concrete buildings. The modern and transparent design faces the central lawn to the east while offering views of Heart Lake and Yuanshan to the west.Distinctive Stores within NTPU CampusThe Amo Cake NTPU Practice Store serves as both the only creative space with painted walls at National Taipei University and a venue fully operated by students to practice entrepreneurial spirit. "NTPU Gorge Afternoon Tea" represents the NTPU Store's mountain journey to visit Sanxia tea farmers, carefully selecting hand-picked Biluochun green tea and honey-fragrant black tea, paired with classic Amo cakes in gift boxes. The packaging integrates local cultural heritage through Qingshui Zushi Temple design, showcasing youth creativity and local connections to create NTPU's most representative souvenir.Located on the second floor of Heart Lake Hall, Papershoot Café offers a rich variety of beverages and light meals. Visitors can also rent lightweight paper cameras from the establishment to experience the joy of shooting with four vintage filters. In the afternoon, enjoy delicious meals with friends in the coffee shop while using paper cameras to capture each other's smiles—both relaxing and thoroughly entertaining. NTPU Special District's Guinness World RecordOn Xueqin Road in front of National Taipei University's main gate stands a gleaming Guinness World Record monument, commemorating a burst of creativity in 2010! The mosaic creation project jointly organized by the NTPU Special District and Yingge Ceramics Museum successfully established the world record for "Most People Creating Mosaics Simultaneously," which remains a celebrated achievement.The NTPU Special District forms a livable living circle spanning Sanxia and Shulin. Walking along tree-lined Xueqin Road, visitors encounter mosaic creations made by children throughout the route. This 1.2-kilometer pedestrian art avenue allows appreciation of public art installations in Ocean Park and Shulin Wanping Park while experiencing the aesthetic lifestyle within the special district!NTPU Special District’s Distinctive StoresThe NTPU Special District has attracted many young new residents, bringing changes to food culture. Located on International First Street, Savor Bistro offers exquisite dishes including risotto, pasta, pizza, and steak meals, along with various cocktails. This comfortable space features resident singers and projection screens for sports events, making it a beloved dining destination for National Taipei University students and special district residents.Shabu Shabu Hotpot stands as the NTPU Special District's renowned hotpot establishment. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and garden landscaping create a spacious and transparent dining environment. Specializing in Japanese-style and Taiwanese-style broths, their high-quality meat melts in your mouth within five seconds of entering the boiling pot.NTPU Special District Annual EventsSince 2018, National Taipei University has planted hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees around Heart Lake. Every March when cherry blossoms bloom, they draw numerous visitors for cherry blossom viewing, establishing the area as Sanxia District's famous cherry blossom destination. University administration began organizing cherry blossom festivals in 2024, even bringing hot air balloons onto campus. Visitors can enjoy both cherry blossoms and hot air balloons, successfully generating tourism excitement for Sanxia.(Image source: National Taipei University)(Image source: National Taipei University) Sanxia is most celebrated for its Biluochun tea. National Taipei University collaborates annually with the New Taipei City Department of Agriculture to organize the Sanxia Green Tea Festival in picnic party format, combining Sanxia's high-quality Biluochun with food and agriculture education experiences. People gather for campus picnics, browse markets, and taste distinctive local teas.(Image source: National Taipei University)(Image source: National Taipei University)Every December, the NTPU Special District holds a Christmas lighting ceremony. As holiday decorations illuminate, the entire Xueqin Road and NTPU campus become instantly enveloped in romantic atmosphere, creating a winter-exclusive dreamlike scene. Stroll through the area and experience the NTPU Special District's rich Christmas spirit.(Image source: National Taipei University)

As night falls, light and shadow events across New Taipei take turns lighting up the city. The Christmasland lights, Pingxi sky lanterns, Jiufen red lanterns, North Coast fire dance, and Bitan water show transform the metropolitan area, mountain towns, and waterfront into stages of light and shadow, making New Taipei's nights incredibly dazzling and boosting nighttime vitality and economy. Christmasland In New Taipei CityChristmasland In The New Taipei, held since 2011, is a winter celebration in Banqiao District. Every year in mid-November, the main light is lit in the New Taipei City Plaza, illuminating the damp winter nights and announcing the lively start of the month-and-a-half-long Christmasland. The Christmasland light zones cover the seven overpasses and four major pedestrian walkways in the Xinban Special District, the square in front of Banqiao Station, Wanping Park, and extend to Fuzhong Square. 2025 Christmasland In New Taipei City grandly opened on November 14th with the theme "Circus Carnival," collaborating with LINE FRIENDS to create a fantastic spectacle of light. In addition to the light projection show on the City Hall building every evening, there are also exciting activities taking place every weekend during the Christmasland period, such as the German Christmas Market, Christmas Relay, The Greatest Show, and Band Carnival. Put on your Christmas outfit, take public transportation to Banqiao, and spend Christmas time under the romantic sea of lights with family and friends.Pingxi Sky Lantern FestivalOn the Lantern Festival night, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month every year, hundreds of sky lanterns carrying wishes illuminate the night sky of Pingxi. The Pingxi Sky Lantern, transforming from a signal to report safety in the past, has become the most iconic Lantern Festival event in Northern Taiwan, ranking alongside the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks in Tainan as "Northern Lanterns, Southern Fireworks." Pingxi is surrounded by mountains and has a humid climate, making it the only area in Taiwan where sky lanterns can be legally released, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Since its inception in 1999, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival has repeatedly won international design awards, becoming New Taipei's most famous festival brand, and illuminating the wishes and dreams of countless people.Jiufen Red Lantern FestivalJiufen, which once prospered due to gold mining, is now renowned internationally for its unique mountain town landscape and nostalgic atmosphere. The Jiufen Red Lantern Festival began in 2023, combining the history and humanities of the mountain town, and lighting up the mountain town together with its sister town – Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The Red Lantern Festival sets up multiple lighting installations at Jiufen landmarks such as Shengping Theater, A-Mei Tea House, and Wufankeng. Change into a Qipao, pick up a lantern, ascend the stone steps, wander through the Jiufen mountain town under the red lanterns, and immerse yourself in the nostalgic and romantic atmosphere. ​​​​​​North Coast Light Festival / Jinshan Sulfuric Fire FishingTaking the Route 2 Taiwan in the height of summer means a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Spend the day enjoying activities, and come to Zhongjiao Bay in Jinshan at night to feel the charm of the North Coast Fashion and Fire! The event takes the surfing sanctuary - Zhongjiao Bay coast - as its stage, combining fire dance and artistic installations to create a perfect visual feast. Stroll through the marine market, savor food truck cuisine, support young farmer products, and spend a wonderful summer night accompanied by the sound of the waves."Boom!" The dark sea surface is instantly lit up. The 'Fire Chief' standing at the bow of the boat lights the torch, and the phototactic fish leap out of the water, fluttering like sea fireflies. Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing, also known as 'scoop boat' fishing, is a century-old traditional fishing method in Jinshan, now transformed into a tourist experience. From May to September every year, visitors can take a yacht from Huanggang to watch the marvelous spectacle of Sulfuric Fire Fishing up close, tour Jinshan Cape and Twin Candlestick Islets along the way, and feel the unique mysterious charm of the night sea.Bitan Water Show and Landscape Installation Exhibition / Hemeishan FirefliesBitan's expansive water area is the best stage for water shows and waterfront landscape installations. The annual Water Show and Landscape Installation Exhibition attract large crowds. The water shows and the light and shadow of the Bitan Suspension Bridge reflect each other beautifully, and the fireworks show illuminates the night sky of Xindian.The 2025 Bitan Landscape Installation Exhibitionwill be displayed from November 1st to December 28th. Japan's popular IP "KAPIBARASAN" and its friends gather at Bitan. Their plump and adorable figures are transformed into large landscape installations, bringing a chill vibe to the Bitan waterfront.Every April and May, Bitan welcomes the firefly breeding season. Walk across the Bitan Suspension Bridge, follow the mountain path on the left side into Hemeishan, where dots of fireflies twinkle on the ground like stars, a natural wonder exclusive to spring.