Sleepless in New Taipei City: Spend a romantic night with light and shadow

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Sleepless in New Taipei City: Spend a romantic night with light and shadow
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.
2025新北耶誕城-市府大樓西側

Christmasland In New Taipei City

Christmasland 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新北耶誕城-歡樂馬戲團
2025新北耶誕城天橋裝飾

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.
2025新北耶誕城人行道裝飾
2025新北耶誕城-市府大廳

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
On 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.
2025平溪天燈節
2024平溪天燈節

Jiufen Red Lantern Festival
Jiufen, 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. ​​​​​​
掛滿紅燈籠的九份豎崎路
穿上旗袍逛九份紅燈籠祭
2025九份紅燈籠祭


North Coast Light Festival / Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing
Taking 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.

北海岸潮與火

"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.
金山蹦火仔

Bitan Water Show and Landscape Installation Exhibition / Hemeishan Fireflies
Bitan'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.
碧潭水舞
碧潭煙火

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.
2025碧潭地景

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.
和美山螢火蟲
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The Must-see Attraction for Foreign Visitors- the Yehliu Geopark
You only have a week in Taiwan and do not want to spend too much transportation time? Then you definitely cannot miss the "world-famous" tourist attraction- the Yehliu Geopark. I assume you have done your research on the must-see attraction that people are talking about before coming to Taiwan. Have you heard of the "alien planet" in the northern Taiwan? If no, please add it to your travel to-do-list. The Yehliu Geopark is located in the suburban area of Taipei City. It is 40 minutes away from downtown by public transportation. The long and narrow capes sticking out from the island are eroded by the strong northeast monsoon, and with the weathering and coastal erosion, the "Mars landscape" is thus generated. There are lots of rock types here and you can even see gradient colors on some of the rocks. The famous rocks will be introduced below. You will definitely be amazed when seeing the art of nature in person!Pedestal rock area/ wave-cut platform- 2 main characteristics of the GeoparkIn the first area, you will see lots of pedestal rocks, ginger shaped rocks and candle shaped rocks. When looking around, pedestal rocks are everywhere. With time passing by, the hard concretion inside the sandstone is exposed, and with the effect of wind, sun, rain, wave as well as the erosion of the northeast monsoon, the pedestal rocks of different shapes, such as the pedestal rocks with no necks, bulk necks, narrow necks and broken necks, are thus formed. The landscape with lots of pedestal rocks is very uneven, so pay attention while you are walking on it. Do not be too focused on taking photos or enjoying the view and fall.The second area on the other side of the Geopark has the wave-cut landscape. You will find sea caves, coastal notches, wave-cut platform and cuesta. On one side of the wave-cut platform is the cliff and on the other side is the rapid wave. You will find lots of interesting rocks eroded by the seawater here, including the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars Rocks.Landscape Wonder- The Pedestal RocksWhen first walking into the Geopark, you will see a huge area of the pedestal rocks. When seeing afar, it's like the cute mushrooms park. And the pedestal rocks are the landscape that attracts most people in the Yehliu Geopark. The process for the formulation of the pedestal rock is first the rock formation exposed from the sea surface, and the seawater will erode the rock continuously. After some time, the hard concretion inside the sandstone is exposed, and with the effect of wind, sun, rain, wave as well as the erosion of the northeast monsoon, the pedestal rocks of different shapes, such as the pedestal rocks with no necks, bulk necks, narrow necks and broken necks, are thus formed. The different shapes of the rocks represent the different formation processes. The landscape with lots of pedestal rocks is very uneven, so pay attention while you are walking on it. Do not be too focused on taking photos or enjoying the view and fall.The Star of the Geopark - "Queen's Head"The next coming up is the star of the Yehliu Geopark, "Queen's Head". The Queen's Head is a kind of pedestal rock. When the crustal structure was rising, the differential erosion of the seawater made the Queen's Head what it is like today. If we divide its height by the average crust rising speed in northern Taiwan, we will learn the Queen's Head is about 4,000 years old. The Queen's Head is a kind of pedestal rock. However, the joint on its upper concretion broke during 1962-1963. When viewing from a certain angle, it looks similar to the head portrait of Elizabeth II and thus acquires the name. With the natural weathering effect over the decades, the neck of the Queen's Head is getting even narrower. To prevent erosion by human activities for that tourists might touch it, the Queen's Head is now under protection. If you would like to take a photo with the Queen's Head, you can walk on the wooden plank trail to line up. Besides, you can view the Queen's Head from afar and take photos with it on the trail.The "Cute Princess Rock" and "Candle Shaped Rock" are the popular landscape at the Geopark. The formation process of the "Cute Princess Rock" is similar to that of the Queen's Head. The eroded rock looks like a princess with a ponytail and is said to be the potential replacement of the Queen's Head. Doesn't the rock look like a little girl with her hair in a bun? Though the Cute Princess Rock is probably not as element and sophisticated as the Queen's Head, it gives people a feeling of passion and sweetness.How was the "Candle Shaped Rock" named? I guess you already know! The landscape looks just like candles. There are 3 main processes for the formation of the Candle Shaped Rock. First the candle fire is exposed, and the area around it is eroded to form a groove. Finally, the candlestick is cut and the Candle Shaped Rock is thus formed. The candle fire is actually a round concretion in the rock formation. When seawater erodes sandstone, the round concretion which is harder is exposed on the ground. And when waves dash against the concretion, seawater flow around the concretion to erode the sandstone around it. A groove is formed as a result. Since the formation outside the concretion is harder, seawater will flow according to the shape of the formation and cut the rock into a cone shape that looks like a candlestick. And a rock that looks like the shape of candle is formed by mother nature.Amazing Rocks- CuestaNow let's look at the beautiful scene of the Cuesta in the second area. Walking along on the road to the Cuesta, you will see the most beautiful sea and mountain scene in the Geopark. You can view the Cuesta on one side and the sea cliff as well as wave-cut platform on the other side.The Cuesta features a sharp cliff on one side and a smooth slope on the other side. It is formed because the main stratum is pushed by uneven force and speed, which results in uneven rise of the stratum. When the stratum is pushed, the lump on the ground will cause the stratum to break. And after the seawater erosion, a landscape that looks like a "natural slide" is gradually formed.Guess how famous is the Yehliu Geopark? CNN once reported that the scene at the "Yehliu Geopark" is like the landscape in the outer space and that it has the environment that looks just like the one Mars has. You will definitely find lots of gorgeous and special rocks, including the "Queen's Head", "Ice Cream Rocks", "Beehive Rocks", "Ginger Shaped Rocks" and other wave-cut landscape. You will definitely be amazed by the diverse geologic structure and landscapes here. What's more, you can see how great and powerful nature is. Whether it's from the perspective of geographic environment or location and transportation, the Geopark is definitely worth visiting!Transportation Information of the Yehliu Geopark*Tamsui Bus No.862 (Take the bus heading to Keelung in front of MRT Tamsui Station and get off at Yehliu.) The bus sets out every 30 minutes.*KUO-KUANG eBus No. 1815 (Take the bus heading to Chinshan Youth Activity Center at the KUO-KUANG eBus Station at Taipei Main Station. The Bus drives along Zhongxiao E. Road and makes a brief stop at the Taipei City Hall Bus Station. Please get off at Yehliu.) The bus sets out every 20 minutes.*Keelung Bus No.790 (Take the bus heading to Jinshan next to Keelung Train Station and get off at Yehliu.) The bus sets out every 15 minutes.*Keelung Bus No.1068 (Take the bus heading to Jinshan at National Taiwan University and get off at Yehliu Geopark.)*Keelung Bus No.953 (Take the bus heading to Jinshan at the bus station next to Banqiao Train Station and get off at Yehliu Geopark.)Nearby Places to Go Jinshan Wanli Cycling Route-->Jinshan Wanli Hot Spring
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Danjiang Bridge: A World-class Landmark at the River and Sea Confluence
The Danjiang Bridge opened on May 12, 2026, after decades of planning and construction. The bridge is a road bridge spanning the mouth of the Tamsui River, connecting the Tamsui and Bali banks. It not only greatly improves regional transportation and alleviates the long-standing congestion problem at the Guandu Bridge, but also becomes the world's largest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, with a sleek, beautiful bridge-body posture, making it a dazzling world-class landmark at the mouth of the Tamsui River. The Aesthetics and Craftsmanship of the Danjiang BridgeIn 2015, architectural master Zaha Hadid won the international competition to design the Danjiang Bridge. The design inspiration comes from the elegant body movements of Taiwanese Cloud Gate dancers. The bridge landscape lamp posts and stay cables are integrated with dance imagery, showcasing a rhythmic bridge vocabulary. The bridge towers, with their "hands clasped together" gesture, symbolize blessings for Taiwan. Faced with difficult engineering conditions, such as strong sea winds and silty riverbed geology, the Danjiang Bridge successfully overcame challenges through excellent construction methods. Supported by a 211-meter-high tower and approximately 66 stories tall, the bridge has a total length of 920 meters. It has a main span of 450 meters and a back span of 175 meters, with a maximum bridge deck width of 70 meters, setting a record for the world's largest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, demonstrating Taiwan's world-class engineering capabilities. Sunset in Tamsui The team specially took into account the most charming natural scenery in Tamsui - Sunset in Danhai - when designing the Danjiang Bridge. To avoid blocking the river mouth landscape, the bridge adopts a single-tower asymmetric design; the team configured the main tower at the Tamsui end. Besides echoing the distant view of Bali Guanyin Mountain, it also preserves the wide view of the river mouth as much as possible. It makes the Danjiang Bridge not only a transportation construction project, but also a new highlight of the Sunset in Tamsui. Danjiang Bridge Opening Activities New Taipei City and the Highway Bureau had planned a series of events to invite the public to experience the Danjiang Bridge before its opening. The event kicked off with a parade in late April, followed by a Starry Concert and Picnic Day in early May. The public enjoyed the beauty of the bridge amidst music, sunset, and sea breeze, witnessing the birth of a new landmark at the mouth of the Tamsui River. Wide Pedestrian and Bike Lanes The Danjiang Bridge, approximately 70 meters wide at its widest point, has integrated a Danhai Light Rail reserved lane, bus, car, and motorcycle lanes, as well as pedestrian and bicycle spaces, balancing transportation functionality with a leisure experience. Strolling along Tamsui Old Street in the wind, crossing the bridge to Bali Wazihwei, visitors can slow down on the bridge, stop to admire its curved design, and quietly wait for Tamsui's stunning sunset. North Coast Double-Decker Bus Enjoy panoramic views of the North Coast and Danjiang Bridge from the height of a double-decker bus. The Route 2 Taiwan double-decker bus departs from Nangang Station, circling the North Coast and offering cruise-like views along the azure coastline. It also allows visits to classic scenic spots such as Yehliu Geopark, Jinshan Old Street, and Cape Fugui, where visitors can savor local delicacies and flavor bento boxes. Arrive at the Danjiang Bridge in the evening to admire this magnificent engineering marvel of Route 2 Taiwan. Enjoy the Danjiang Bridge Online Since 2022, the New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department has established a Live Cams System to showcase the beauty of New Taipei City around the clock. The live streams from Bali Left Bank and Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf are excellent choices for appreciating the Danjiang Bridge. Through high-definition live streaming, the system captures the bridge's elegant form and riverside scenery in real time. Whether it's everyday landscapes or large-scale events like fireworks displays across the river, the public can view all online in real time. The public can also use the live footage to check the weather and conditions before their trip, ensuring a well-prepared visit to the Danjiang Bridge!