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New Taipei City Travel

Summer at the end of the Century, evolutions on the Banqiao railway

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Summer at the end of the Century, evolutions on the Banqiao railway
Category :
MRT Travel & Rail travel
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & The aged

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      Introduction

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      The Banqiao Railway Station today is a massive station and a transport hub located in the Xinban Special District. However, do you still remember the old Banqiao Railway Station situated on the MRT Fuzhong Station today? In recent years, many cities in Taiwan are conducting railway grade separation, such as the Railway Underground Project in Kaohsiung, Tainan and Taoyuan, and the Elevated Railway Project in Taichung. The Taipei Railway Underground Project, the first railway section to be conducted underground, started back in 1983. This project, spanning 30 years, has drastically transformed the transportation system and city landscape in Taipei City. This has also affected Banqiao, the capital district in New Taipei City. Let us roam from Fuzhong to Xinban Special District, and feel the changes between new and old Banqiao.

      舊板橋車站

      The Banqiao Broadcasting Station, a municipal historic site located at the MRT Fuzhong Station, was completed and opened in 1930. It was designed by Kuriyama Shunichi, the architect of Taipei Beimen Post Office, which was completed in the same year. With its horizontal elevation, the building is a representation of contemporary architecture. Besides, it is also the most iconic Japanese colonial building in the area. As a transmission facility for radio broadcasting, the broadcasting station could send waves as far as Minxiong in Chiayi County. It is an important historical site when it comes to Taiwan's broadcasting history.
      板橋放送所

      The Fuzhong Shopping Area, located at the old Banqiao Railway Station, was once the busiest district in Banqiao and the entertainment center for the local residents. From 1901 to 1999, Banqiao Railway Station was situated in today’s Fuzhong. Even though the station has been relocated, the wide variety of stores still make Fuzhong a special place. karaoke bars, eateries, restaurants, malls and clothing stores co-exist and prosper together, making it a nice place for shopping in Banqiao. Moreover, the Halloween party at the end of October is a spectacular annual event in the Fuzhong Shopping Area.
      府中商圈

      Although the old Banqiao Railway Station is gone because of the Railway Underground Project, we can still see the remaining traces of the old Banqiao Railway Station at Fuzhong Shopping Area. In the first year of the 20th century, the route of the Taiwan Railway had changed from passing through the north of the Dahan River in Xinzhuang to the south of the Dahan River in Banqiao, which laid the foundation for Banqiao to become the capital district of New Taipei City. The Railway Underground Project, which operated at the end of the century, boosted local development once again.
      舊板橋車站

      Fuzhong 15 is the first theme pavilion that combines film and animation art with a documentary auditorium in Taiwan. After many years of development and management, Fuzhong 15 has become an important venue for sharing stories, and has become an important cultural landmark in Banqiao. Come to Fuzhong 15 and let its spokespeople, “Brother One” and “Brother Five” lead you into a world of images!
      府中15

      Walk Along Xianmin Boulevard, which was rebuilt from an old railway, toward the northeast, where the new Banqiao Railway Station 800 meters away has turned into a transport hub and a large shopping area. The 25-story new station attracts passengers from the HSR, TR, MRT Bannan Line, Circular Line, and Banqiao Bus Station. It is a true business center, connecting office buildings, malls, and hotels in series in this area with underground walkways and skywalks. It also created the richest skyline in Banqiao District.
      板橋火車站

      There are lots of skyscrapers in Xinban Special District. It is a great thing for people to be able to overlook the city on a higher floor. With a height of 140.5 meters, New Taipei City Hall makes use of its height advantage by setting a free observation floor for viewing on the 32nd floor. People can take the exclusive elevator straight up to the observation deck. There, they can look 360 degrees through the full-width window design and see Mount Guanyin, Tamsui River, and Taipei 101 all at once, not to mention that you can clearly see the skyscrapers in Banqiao and Banqiao station since they are much closer. From the old Banqiao Railway Station to Xinban Special District, you can experience the differences brought about by the changed railway in Banqiao.
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      遠眺臺北市區
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      Exploring New Taipei by Taipei MRT – Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Xinzhuang branch)
      Zhonghe-Xinlu Line of Taipei MRT Xinzhuang branch began service in 2013. The whole route is underground, spanning across Xinzhuang and Sanchong Districts. There are a total of nine stations, including Taipei Bridge (O13), Cailiao (O14), Sanchong (O15), Xianse Temple (O16), Touqianzhuang (O17), Xinzhuang (O18), Fu Jen University (O19), Danfeng (O20), and Huilong (O21). Xinzhuang was once passed through by Taiwan's first railway, built by Liu Mingchuan. In 1893, the section between Taipei and Hsinchu began service. Haishankou Station was set up in front of today's Xinzhuang Elementary School. During the Japanese Rule period, Taiwan Railways modified the route so that after 1901, the train began passing through Banqiao area. Xinzhuang's status was therefore gradually surpassed by Banqiao. A century later, with the launch of Zhonghe-Xinlu Line, Xinzhuang entered the era of new railways.Xinzhuang District is the second largest district of New Taipei City after Banqiao District, with a population of more than 400,000. It is the earliest developed area in Greater Taipei with many ancient temples and local culture preserved. It is also where the Pontifical university, Fu Jen University, is located. Join us to tour around Xinzhuang by MRT!Taipei Bridge (O13): Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1The first stop is near Taipei Bridge. With low and simple brick houses on the riverside hanging the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" flags, the nostalgic Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1 is a favorite location of film crews. It is also the childhood memories of many Taiwanese. In addition to military kindred related exhibitions, many military-themed exhibitions and activities are held here, bringing many military fans here.Sanchong Air Force Military Kindred Village No. 1 was where the Japanese anti-aircraft artillery was based during World War II, responsible for defending the sky over Tamsui River. Today, the underground tunnels between the artillery positions have been preserved. Put on a helmet and follow the guide to explore the underground Village No. 1!Cailiao (O14): Yunye Meat Curd MuseumYunye Meat Curd Museum inherits the delicious dried meat from an old shop of more than 30 years of history at Huannan Market. It is the first culture museum in Taiwan having the dried meat industry as the theme. Integrating Taiwan's traditional cuisine and food culture, with fun experiences in the fully transparent production process of dried meat, the museum allows visitors to learn in guided tours about modern dried meat and the cutting-edge concepts of food hygiene. It is a great indoor location for a family tour.Sanchong (O15): New Taipei Metropolitan ParkSanchong (O15) and Taoyuan MRT Sanchong Station (A2) are connected, and you can transfer between the lines within the station. It is the first impression of Taipei for international travelers after crossing the Linkou Plateau. Outside of Sanchong Station, you will find New Taipei Metropolitan Park that is located within Erchong Floodway. The park covers an area of 424 hectares, which is 16 times the size of Daan Forest Park in Taipei City. New Taipei Metropolitan Park has vast space and greenery with bicycle paths, various sports facilities, and children's favorite, Bear Monkey Forest Playground. Bear Monkey Forest Playground and Sea World Water Park are the world's largest inclusive embankment slide park. The design incorporates endemic species of Taiwan such as Formosan black bear, Formosan landlocked salmon, Mikado pheasant, green sea turtle, and mudskipper. Adults and Children of all ages can enjoy the park together!Xinzhuang (O18): Xinzhuang Temple Street Commercial District, Xinzhuang Guangfu Temple, Crescent Bridge"Fu first, Lu second, Xinzhuang third" is a proverb that entails the prosperity of Xinzhuang. Xinzhuang was the earliest developed area in Taipei, rising to the advantages in shipping of Dahan River. In the 18th century, it was the busiest commercial center of Taipei. Walking through Temple Street, you can vaguely feel how the web of streets was formed more than 200 years ago, seeing streets such as Mishi (rice market) Lane, Xiancai (pickled vegetable) Street, and Tiaoshui (water-carrying) Lane.Temple Street Commercial District is a blend of old and new with shops set up among temples. It is an area where Xinzhuang people gather for meals and go shopping. There are many well-known ancient temples in Temple Street, such as the only national monument in Xinzhuang, Guangfu Temple (built by Chaozhou Hakka people in 1780); Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple (built in 1729), Xinzhuang Dizang Temple (built in 1757), Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple (built in 1760), and Xinzhuang Wenchang Temple (built in 1813). The unique "Guanjiangshou" culture is therefore developed along with the temple fair pastry, Xianguang cake. This temple fair pastry is shaped like a bagel with a mixed savory and sweet flavor. It is a special product sold in the pastry shops on Temple Street that brings people blessings.Although Xinzhuang Port disappeared a hundred years ago due to siltation of the river, gazing at the vast Dahan River on Crescent Bridge outside the embankment would still remind you of the scene of "Xinzhuang Port crowded by thousands of sails, and the market lit by thousands of household lights." Crescent Bridge is the longest double-span steel arch bridge in Taiwan. It has a beautiful shape and is designed for pedestrians and bicycles only. Taking advantage of its height, you can enjoy the view of both banks of Dahan River in the breeze.Fu Jen University (O19): Fu Jen Catholic UniversityUniversity campuses often occupy a vast area and are surrounded by many inexpensive food options, making them great places for a weekend trip. Fu Jen University was founded in Beijing in 1925 and was once ranked as one of the four top universities in Beijing. In 1961, Fu Jen University was reestablished in Taiwan. It is the only university in Taiwan that is under the direct authority of the Holy See. The campus was designed by German engineers. There is coverage of dense vegetation. The buildings are of the color scheme of red, blue, and gray. Most signs of the buildings were created by calligraphers and politicians, including Chiang Kai-shek, Tai Jingnong, Wang Jingzhi, and Chia Ching-teh. You can enjoy them while strolling on campus.Fu Jen University's popular delicacy, FJU Department of Food Science ice-cream, is something alumni would visit the campus for. There are three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and mixed. Every year, a time-limited flavor is launched during FJU's anniversary celebration. It is the sweetest memory for many. There are also many high-value, low-cost delicacies around the main gate of Fu Jen University, such as Teppanyaki, spicy hotpot, and Cantonese roast meat. There are many affordable and delicious options!Huilong (O21):New Taipei City Military Cemetery(Arms Park)The last station of Xinzhuang Line is Huilong Station. This station is located at the westernmost end of the Taipei Basin. At the Military Shrine at the foot of Datong Mountain, Ministry of National Defense placed retired arms on display at the plaza, including fighter jets from the 1970s-90s, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and Northrop F-5;5"/54 caliber Mark 16 gun and warship anchor of the Navy; and M41 Walker Bulldog tank and various anti-aircraft guns of the Army. This is the favorite spot of many military enthusiasts! In the future, Huilong Station will be connected with the Brown Line of Taoyuan MRT and Wanda-Shulin Line of Taipei MRT, making it the largest transit station in Xinzhuang. It is hoped that the well-connected web of public transportation will take visitors to all corners of the metropolitan.
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