New Taipei City Travel

When it comes to walled cities in Taiwan, the first places most people think of are Tainan City, Taipei City, and Hengchun Township. The gates of these cities, which were built by officials, still have their gates and even some of their walls, and some of them have had MRT stops named after them (Beimen [north gate] Station, Ximen [west gate] Station or the Taipei MRT line), and are a shared memory among present-day Taiwanese people. But did you know that there is also a walled city in Banqiao, the prime district of New Taipei City?When going from the MRT Fuzhong Station to the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, perceptive travelers will notice that the streetlights in this area are particularly old fashioned, and that they are labelled “Fangqiao Walled City.” On top of that, when looking down, you can see the words “City Border” on the street tiles. The ancient Fangqiao Walled City had five city gates, just like Taipei; additionally, its history is even better known than that of Taipei, primarily due to two major factors that led to the establishment of the city: the Lin family of Banqiao and the Zhang-Quan fighting.Back in the Qing Dynasty, there were frequent fights between Zhangzhou and Quanzhou immigrants; in order to defend themselves from the Quanzhou immigrants, the Banqiao Lin family, who originally came from Zhangzhou, built the Fangqiao Walled City in 1855, stretching out to present-day Ximen [west gate] Street, Beimen [north gate] Street, Nanmen [south gate] Street, and Guanqian West Road. However, during the Japanese occupation, the city was demolished to make place for traffic. Nevertheless, the temples located in the area still show traces of the old city. Cihui Mazu templeLocated at the east side of the Fangqiao Walled City is the most popular Mazu temple in the Banqiao District. The temple is decorated on both the inside and the outside with fragmented ceramic art, sculptures, and color paintings, and the highly refined temple buildings are richly ornamented. In addition, the temple is a popular place for people to pray for prosperity, and local business magnates such as the Banqiao Lin family are all frequent visitors. If you look carefully, you can even find a dragon pillar bearing the business name of the Lin family.Banqiao Jieyun TempleThe Jieyun Temple and the Xinzhuang Dizang Temple, both located near the west gate of Fangqiao Walled City, are historically related to the Zhang-Quan fights; the Dizang Temple was built by the Banqiao gentry to commemorate the Zhangzhou people who died in the altercations. The Jieyun Temple, which is on the other side, was formerly known as the Zhonghe Ciyunyan Temple, but was destroyed during the armed struggles, and its remains were taken over by the Banqiao Jieyun Temple. Its collection contains many precious ancient plaques and scrolls, and there are many wood carvings of flying immortals wrapped in gold foil on both sides of the roof as well as in the main hall, which are very spectacular. The caisson ceiling has a special long oval design, and is of great historical and religious value.Banqiao Diyi TempleThe only one of the four temples to have been a city-designated temple, the Diyi Temple, was built by the Banqiao Lin family to commemorate the people who died fighting; it is also known as the Yuanshuai Temple. In 2021, after it was restored, the temple opened up for the public by appointment. The paintings of the Door Gods and the Qilin murals inside are all made by master painter Mr. Cai Longjin, the winner of the New Taipei Cultural Award. Next time you are in Banqiao, on your way to the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, slow down and closely follow the inscriptions on the ground to explore the former Walled City, and enter the temples to admire the exquisite paintings and craftmanship, and explore the past life of the city!

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!