New Taipei City Travel

The majestic sight of horses isn't limited to ancient battlefields in films or televised sporting events. In New Taipei City, you can encounter them up close in public spaces! The New Taipei City Mounted Police Unit is the only mounted police unit in northern Taiwan and the largest in the nation. On weekday afternoons, they patrol the Xinban Special District, while on weekends they rotate between popular tourist destinations including Tamsui, Bali, Yingge, and Bitan. These dashing officers and their striking horses create the city's most distinctive scenery, not only maintaining public safety but also serving as a tourist attraction. Visit the New Taipei Mounted Police Unit's training center to get an inside look at the daily routines of both officers and horses, and witness equestrian excellence rarely seen in urban settings.Established in 2003, the New Taipei Mounted Police Unit was Taiwan's first mounted police force. With approximately 40 members operating as a "task force," officers maintain their regular duties and transform into mounted police when called to serve. To join the unit, members must complete 120 hours of specialized training and pass certification by the equestrian association!The New Taipei City Mounted Police Unit's training center is located at Hannover Equestrian Club, which spans an impressive 6,000 ping, making it the nation's largest equestrian facility. Training follows the English equestrian tradition, serving as a vital hub for both professional instruction and equestrian outreach.Horses are trusted partners for mounted officers on duty. Each horse has a name—Midnight Star, Sunny, and others—and like people, possesses a distinct personality. Some are spirited and playful, while others are calm and reserved. Officers must invest time to bond and develop rapport with their mounts. Training incorporates firecracker sounds, umbrellas, and various noises and obstacles to simulate real conditions in tourist areas, ensuring horses remain composed in any environment. Each deployment requires approximately 1.5 hours of preparation before officers can set out on their patrols.The mounted police's professionalism stems from rigorous training and proper equipment. Riding equipment includes saddles, girths, stirrups, spurs, saddle pads, and reins—all essential for mounted operations. On duty, officers also carry firearms and radios. The elevated vantage point from horseback enables them to monitor crowds effectively and maintain urban safety.Mounted police work extends beyond the saddle. Officers must not only ride but also care for their horses. At the club stables, feeding and grooming duties, along with attentive care of these trusted companions, form an integral part of the job. In the farrier's room, horseshoes mounted with openings facing upward symbolize good fortune—serving as the club's lucky charm! Want to meet the mounted police up close and capture memorable photos? The New Taipei Mounted Police Unit patrols the Xinban Special District from 3 PM to 5 PM on weekdays. On weekends and national holidays, they rotate among scenic locations including Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, Bali Left Bank, Yingge Old Street, and Xindian Bitan, giving residents and visitors the chance to witness these officers in action and enjoy this unique urban spectacle.👮🐎A reminder from the Mounted Police Unit: You may touch a horse's face or pat its neck. However, keep your hands away from its mouth and avoid walking behind the horse to ensure everyone's safety!

You probably will only see majestic weapons on special holidays or TV. But now at the Wuqi Park in Shulin District, New Taipei City, you can see the exhibition of equipment from the army ground forces, army navy forces and army air forces, such as battle tanks, fighter aircrafts and missiles. People can see the equipment in a close distance and its's all free! The New Taipei City Government collaborates with the Ministry of Defense to build the largest Park with weapon exhibition in Taiwan. The environment nearby will make you feel comfortable and you can not only take a walk here but see the weapons used to protect our country. Military fans should not miss it!Go Back to the Good Old Time with Retired Weapons!The Wuqi Park is next to the Military Shrine of New Taipei City. The Military Shrine constructed beside the mountain commemorates the courage and bravery of deceased soldiers and veterans. The Park has 16 pieces of retired weapons from the ground forces, navy forces and air forces. The weapons represent our history and culture. If you walk toward the other direction, you arrive the Datong Mountain Hiking Trail. Datong Mountain is the garden of Shulin District and you can see the beautiful view of New Taipei City once you are on the summit. The hiking trail is not steep and handrails are constructed on the trail, making the trail very suitable for elders to hike!The Wuqi Park is currently the largest park with weapon exhibition from the Ministry of Defense in Taiwan. At the Park you can see the first fighter aircraft that can travel twice as fast as the speed of sound (TF-104G Starfighter), the sea anchor of Zhongzhou Warship, the sea anchor of Lushan Warship, K30 Single-barreled Gun of 5 inches, M166 Mountain Gun, anti-aircraft guns and missiles. All of the weapons have the history of protecting the country for over 10 years and most of them are maintained well. Even if you are not a military fan, you can feel the vibe with the exhibition items and explanation boards and learn about functions and stories of individual weapons.If you follow the route at the Park, you will first see 2 "F-5F Tiger II". They used to be the main fighter aircraft that protected the airspace of Taiwan. They are the heroes of the Park! Besides several majestic fighter aircrafts, you can see naval guns on smaller warships used by the U.S. Navy in World War II and the "Trainable Chaff Rocket Launcher" used on reconnaissance or disturbing the fighter aircraft from the enemy following the route at the Park. How surprising it is that the retired weapons have so many stories to tell!Moreover, you can see the "M1 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun" that is still in service and battle tanks only can be seen in a battle movie standing in the Park quietly but majestically. You will definitely feel in awe.The Themed Park like a "Museum" is Worth Visiting for a Half Day!There is a 2-story building in the Park and you can see the fighter aircraft you just passed by from height. Its heroic appearance will amaze you! No fences are set up in the Wuqi Park so the public can feel closer to the army. But remember not to climb up on weapons or touch them. The weapons in the Park have the history of protecting the country for over 10 years. Tough the Park is not huge, it is a theme park like a "museum". It is suitable for you to bring your elders at home to come here for a half-day trip on weekends!And the Datong Mountain Hiking Trail next to the Park is a hiking trail that the senior citizens will enjoy. Tree shades are all over the trail so you don't have to worry about hiking in hot summer time!Nearby Places to Go Datong Mountain Hiking Trail Blue Dragon Ridge Shanjia Railway Station