New Taipei City Travel

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.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.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.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.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!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.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.

Wulai stands as the most expansive and highest-altitude region within New Taipei City. It represents the sole mountain indigenous district in New Taipei City, primarily inhabited by the Atayal ethnic group. The name "Wulai" originates from the Atayal word "Ulay", signifying the presence of hot springs. Upon entering the North 107 Rural Highway from Wulai Scenic Bridge, you will encounter the idyllic Tranan Tribe, akin to a hidden paradise. Visitors can leisurely walk along the lifeline of the tribe, the Daluolan (Tranan) River, roll up their pants, and immerse themselves in the refreshing river waters to escape the summer heat.Located about a half-hour drive from Wulai Old Street, Tranan Tribe is the first settlement of the Atayal people migrating from Balong in Taoyuan to Wulai in New Taipei City. Situated within the Nanshi River Watershed Protection Area, this small yet beautiful tribe has deliberately avoided excessive development, allowing inhabitants of this region to preserve the most traditional Atayal lifestyle in Wulai. Within the tribe, one can observe characteristic wall paintings and sculptures portraying themes centered around Atayal culture and beliefs.The Daluolan River, known as the mother river of the Tranan Tribe, derives its name from the Atayal word “Tranan” and serves as one of the tributaries of the Nanshi River. A century ago, Atayal people from Balong crossed over the mountain range in search of hunting grounds. They discovered this area, abundant in water sources and fertile soil, and gradually relocated here. During the Japanese domination period, the authorities at the time constructed irrigation canals to channel the waters of the Daluolan River to the tribe for farming purposes. The valley of the Daluolan River is lush and verdant, with the river channel varying between narrow passages and wide expanses. With groups of Taiwan shovel-jaw carps (Onychostoma barbatulum) swimming in crystal-clear waters, it has an astonishingly picturesque scenery.Both banks of the Daluolan River are equipped with scenic trails. The northern bank features an ancient canal trail, while the southern bank hosts the recently established Xilong Trail. The ancient canal trail, also known as the "Fushan Maan Ancient Canal Trail", no longer serves its original irrigation function but continues to flow endlessly. Surrounded by the shade of lush trees, the trail is adorned with towering old trees on both sides and various ferns thriving along the way. The trail is also furnished with rest areas and the Butterfly Garden, offering visitors a beautiful view of butterflies fluttering during the summer.The Tranan Scenic Bridge stands out as the newest attraction in the tribe, connecting the Ancient Canal Trail and Xilong Trail to form a circular route. This steel-structured arched bridge gracefully spans over the Daluolan River. As visitors traverse its path, they're greeted by breathtaking views of the valley and distant mountain peaks. The harmonious fusion of the river and lush forests crafts an invigorating visual spectacle. Returning to the tribe via the Xilong Trail, travelers encounter two intersecting paths that lead to the Daluolan River. Here, guests have the chance to kick off their shoes, roll up their pants, and immerse themselves in the refreshing waters, offering sweet respite from the summer's warmth.While returning to Wulai Old Street via the North 107 Rural Highway, take a moment to gaze toward the right bank where the cable car station of Yun Hsien Resort lies. Here, you can relish the captivating view of the majestic Flying Fountain gracefully descending from the mountaintop. Also known as Yunxian Waterfall, the impressive 80-meter-high cascade stands as the largest waterfall in Northern Taiwan. Since the Japanese colonial period, it has been revered as 'the waterfall from the clouds,' remaining one of the most renowned landscapes in Wulai.After crossing the Wulai Tourist Bridge, turn right to enter the most bustling area of Wulai – Wulai Old Street. Indulging in aromatic indigenous cuisine is a delightful reward after hiking. All the shops along Wulai Old Street have similar signboards. Here, you can discover various indigenous cuisines and local specialties. For instance, rice dumplings, bamboo tube rice, makauy (Litsea cubeba) dishes, bird's-nest fern, shallot, BBQ wild boar meat, hot spring eggs, millet mochi, and more. Let’s relish these local delicacies and satisfy your taste buds!