CTBC Financial Park’s Ice Rink in Nangang District of Taipei is Taiwan’s only outdoor skating rink. It also includes a man-made snow play area for people who have never experienced snow. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, and the best part is it's free!
Background: The CTBC Financial Park is the headquarters of China Trust Commercial Bank, which was completed in 2013. The free outdoor ice rink at the China Trust Financial Center Park has been running since 2015, as a charitable way to give back to the community. The ice rink can get especially busy during holidays and weekends, so it is best to book online in advance if you have a group of 10 or more. Price: Free Skating Season: December to March every year (closed Chinese New Year's Eve) Session Times: Weekend Additional Session (Saturday and Sunday): 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM First Session: 3:30 - 5 PM Second Session: 5:30 - 7 PM Third Session: 7:30 - 9 PM Notes:
Website (Chinese only): https://www.ctbcfinancialpark.com/activity/Detail/102?category=2 Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Nangang: You can take 14% off the buffet at Courtyard Marriot Nangang on KKday here. You can also get a discount ticket to Crazy Car Café in Nangang, the only restaurant in Taiwan that offers Go-Karting, on KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Nangang Road at Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station, turn north toward CTBC Financial Park. There is paid parking on the south entrance. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: Take the MRT to Nangang Software Park Station. The Ice rink is across the street. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below:
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Nangang District of Taipei City is quieter and less busy than nearby Xinyi District, but here you can find a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful mountains, historic buildings, museums, fun parks, great food, and a lack of crowds. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung River in what is now Xizhi. Nangang Station was built in 1891 as part of the first railway in Taiwan, connecting Keelung to Taipei, making it a prime location for industry. Nangang's old street sprung up near the train station. Technically the oldest street in Nangang is "Zhongnan Street" which most people refer to when they say Nangang Old Street, but I think the old street also spreads onto Nangang Road and Academia Sinica Road. Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River. In the ROC era, Nangang was also an industrial hub for car parts especially the Nankang Tire Factory, which still makes tires today. Nangang has a population of about 113,000 people with about 5,200 people per square kilometer, and has the smallest population of any district of Taipei. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. There is paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Nangang Old Street (aka Zhongnan Street) is one of the most unnoticed old streets in Taiwan, but here you can find historic buildings, great food, and a lack of crowds. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung River in what is now Xizhi. Nangang Station was built in 1891 as part of the first railway in Taiwan, connecting Keelung to Taipei, making it a prime location for industry. Nangang's old street sprung up near the train station. Technically the oldest street in Nangang is "Zhongnan Street" which most people refer to when they say Nangang Old Street, but I think the old street also spreads onto Nangang Road and Academia Sinica Road. Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River. In the ROC era, Nangang was also an industrial hub for car parts especially the Nankang Tire Factory, which still makes tires today. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. There is paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Lesser Mt. Nangang (aka Xiaonangangshan, Little Nangang Hill, or Hengke Mountain 橫科山) is a beautiful hike with amazing views of East Taipei. Getting here is easy, it's literally a 5-minute walk from Nangang Exhibition Center MRT Station. The views here are perhaps some of the best of Nangang (even though technically the mountain is in Xizhi District of New Taipei) and there are usually very few people here.
Background:Lesser Mount Nangang lies 90 meters above sea level, and 95 Peak, the highest peak on the trail, is 375 meters above sea level. This mountain lies near the Nangang Mountain Chain (南港山脈), which starts in Nangang District and goes through Xinyi District, Da'an District, and Wenshan District of Taipei. The rock formations that form the Nangang Mountain Chain formed as sediment under the ocean millions of years ago and were then uplifted thanks to the collision of the Eurasian and Philippine plates. The rocks are mainly sedimentary and are part of the same formation that forms the special rock formations on the northern coast and in Pingxi. The area also has some coal deposits, and there are a few abandoned coal mines on the mountain. Even with quick access to the MRT, not many people know about this trail and you can usually have the trail all to yourself. Hours: 24/7 (there are even lights on the trail at night) Price: Free Length: 45 minutes, 2.1 KM one way Total of about 55 meters in elevation gain Difficulty: Easy, although there are many steep steps at the beginning. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Zhongxiao East Road to Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station. There is paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: From Nangang Road at Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station, walk east until you reach the elevated highway, and the trailhead is on the east side of the highway. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Nangang Martyrs' Shrine (officially Taipei City Martyr's Shrine (臺北市忠烈祠), aka Nangang Veteran's Cemetery Martyrs' Shrine) is a little-known and forgotten building at the Taipei Military Cemetery (臺北市軍人公墓) in Nangang District of Taipei. Nearby is a steep hill that offers places to hike and enjoy the scenery. It is a secret paradise within Taipei City.
This shrine should not be confused with the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine (國民革命忠烈祠) in Zhongshan District of Taipei near the Yuanshan Hotel. Background: The Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine was established in 1969 under President Chiang Jing-kuo, the son of Chiang Kai-shek. Besides the bodies of soldiers killed in action here, there is also the grave of Lin Qingjuan (林靖娟) who was also considered a martyr and honored here for losing her life trying to save preschool children from a terrible incident in which a preschool bus caught on fire. You can listen to that story on Formosa Files here. In addition, 7 doctors and nurses who died in Heping Hospital during the SARS epidemic in 2003 are also honored as martyrs here. The Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine is one of the few martyrs' shrines in Taiwan not be built over a former Shinto Shrine. Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Price: Free Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The Martyrs' Shrine is right next to China University of Science and Technology and there is plenty of free parking near the building and on the mountain. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: Shrine is right next to Solders' Public Cemetery stop with service from bus S1 and many other busses with stops nearby China University of Science and Technology. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
As one of the most secret and unknown tourist attractions in Taipei City, Nangang Tea Mountain is a large mountain area that offers pleasant hikes, great views, historical buildings, no crowds, and most of all tea. It is one of only two mountain tea-growing areas in Taipei City, the other being Maokong. Hopefully, this blog will help you understand how much natural beauty and intact history this is in Nangang District.
Background: Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung River in what is now Xizhi. Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick-making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River. Hours: Trails: 24/7 Tea Processing Demonstration Center: Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM Price: Free Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Nangang Road at Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station, turn south toward the mountains and keep going straight on Academia Sinica Road until it turns into Jiuzhuang Street. Keep going all the way up the mountain and you have reached the tea district. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: Take the Southeast Little 5 bus from Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station. It takes about half an hour to get to the Tea Processing Center from there. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
The Luku Incident Memorial is a reflective arch statue in Shiding District of New Taipei that commemorates what is known as "the largest political event of the nation’s White Terror era." The incident involved two brothers who had started a communist party holdout in the mountains of Shiding. The resulting response, from the then martial law-era ROC government under then Dictator Chiang Kai-Shek, was thousands of police officers arresting hundreds of innocent people, with many of the people being falsely imprisoned and executed.
Historical Background: Two brothers, Chen Pen-chiang and Chen Tung-ho (陳通和), created an armed communist party holdout in the Luku village of Shiding District. They also organized a youth group consisting of underage villagers, however this group did not participate in any illicit activity. In response, on Dec. 28th, 1952, about 10,000 police officers and ROC armed soldiers raided the village over the space of four months, blocking off roads and arresting everyone while trying to remove the communists. Around 400 people in the surrounding areas were arrested, with 200 of those people being tortured and 35 killed. According to the Taipei Times: "Among the 200, 12 were not indicted or released for turning themselves in, while 98 were given prison sentences, 19 of whom were underage." Due to the terrible injustice dealt to the village and the surrounding people, the Luku Incident Memorial was erected in the year 2000. For more information on the incident, check out the articles written by the Taipei Times here andhere. You can also check out the Wikipedia article in Chinese here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: Travel south on Academia Sinica Road in Nangang, and then take Jiuzhuang Street Sec. 2 (舊莊街二段) all the way up the mountain. The memorial sits at the border between Taipei City and New Taipei City. Map: Please see below: 
Academia Sinica's Museum of Ethnology features artifacts from Taiwan's indigenous people and also Han Chinese culture. Entrance is free, it is usually devoid of people, and has amazing ancient artifacts from Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your trip to Taipei.
Background: The museum first began in 1988, and was formerly the Department of Ethnology Studies, Academia Sinica. The Ethnology Department was created in 1928 in Beijing. After 1949, the institute was moved to Taiwan as part of the ROC retreat to Taiwan. Much of the collection comes from Taiwan and China and includes thousands of pieces from prehistoric times from Indigenous people in Taiwan and Han Chinese peoples. Website: https://www.ioe.sinica.edu.tw/index.aspx?SiteID=530367205133077215 Hours: Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Price: Free! Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: There is paid car parking at Academia Sinica, and scooters must park outside. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By MRT/Bus: Take the blue MRT line to Nangang Exhibition Hall station, then transfer to any number of busses from exit 5 to Academia Sinica. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Chengmei Left Bank is one of the nicest areas along the Keelung River and provides an amazing view of the sunset and downtown Taipei. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Nangang.
Background: The Chengmei Left Bank is named after Chengmei Changshou Bridge 成美長壽橋, one of the best preserved suspension bridges in Nangang, even though it is no longer a true suspension bridge. A few months ago we wrote a blog about the defunct suspension bridges along the Keelung River. This bridge also lies in the Nangang/Neihu stretch of the Keelung River and was also once a suspension bridge. Changshou Suspension Bridge was built at the end Xinming Road 452 Lane, and was the main bridge connecting Neihu, Zhoumei Neighborhood to Nangang and Songshan. In February 1948, construction was finished and Changshou Bridge and officially opened. The bridge was opened for the people of Zhoumei Neighborhood in order to improve the water-locked neighborhood. In October 1991 the bridge was restored to its current form and was named “Chengmei Changhsou Bridge.” The bridge now only allows foot traffic across the river. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The bridge is within walking distance of Songshan MRT station. There is limited parking near the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The bridge is within walking distance of Songshan MRT station. . There is limited parking near the side of the road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: 
Baiyun Park is one of the most fun places for kids in East Taipei. With nine slides in total, as well as Taiwan's first circular swing set, a large sand pit, and a rock climbing area, this park has some of the best modern equipment around and simply beats out other parks in the area.
Background: Baiyun Park was completed in 2018 and is named after Baiyun Elementary School next door. This area of Xizhi, especially the mountain area is also known as Baiyun. We made a blog about Baiyun Police Station here. Before the Dakeng River Levee was built about 40 years ago, the area where Baiyun Park is located was part of the Dakeng River. Liufu and Xingfu Parks on the other side of the Levee were once also part of the Dakeng Riverbed. Baiyun Park was the first park in Taiwan with a circular swing set. Another unique feature is the paper airplane-shaped shading below the slides. Since its inception, Baiyun Park has been known as the funnest park around. There will be sure to be lots of kids and parents here on the weekends. Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM Tuesday to Sunday Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Nangang: You can take 14% off the buffet at Courtyard Marriot Nangang on KKday here. You can also get a discount ticket to Crazy Car Café in Nangang, the only restaurant in Taiwan that offers Go-Karting, on KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The park is within walking distance of Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station. There is no car parking near the side of the road, only scooter parking. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The park is within walking distance of Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station. There is limited parking near the side of the road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: See below: 
Shanshuilu Eco Park (aka Shanshui Green Eco Park) in Nangang District of Taipei is a large grassy park with one of the best views in Taipei City, built over a former landfill. Here you can find beautiful mountain scenery, a large playground, ziplines, a sand pit, a reading room, and lots of large grassy areas. It is one of the most popular parks in Taipei City.
Background: Shanshuilu Eco Park was built over the Shanzhuku Landfill and opened to the public in 2013. The park is 21 hectares and it is the largest park in Nangang. The Shanzhuku Valley once had steep terrain, and used to be used for orchards and farmland. However, since about 1970, the valley was slowly filled in with landfill and a recycling plant, acting as Taipei City's main landfill site. Garbage stopped being collected after the site was filled to capacity in 2004, and the site was used as a recycling site until 2010. After 2010, it was decided to turn the site into a park. Behind the park, part of the landfill is still in use and has renewed its permit until 2030 or until the site fills. The park features a small library and classroom, bathrooms, slides, two sand pits, ponds, bike paths, large grassy areas, an amphitheater, swings, trampolines, and zip-lines. Because of its large size and fun equipment, it is especially popular for families with small children and parking will usually get totally full on weekends with good weather. Dogs are allowed at the park. Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM Tuesday to Sunday Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The park is just off Nanshen Road between Nangang and Shenkeng. There is plenty of free parking within the park. The parking spots may get full on weekends but you can still park next to the curb on the east side of the parking lot. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: From Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station you can take bus 679 to the park. There is limited parking near the side of the road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: 
Songshan Brick Factory Smokestack 松山磚廠烟囪
History: Of the many smokestacks that once covered Nangang, only 3 remain standing, and there is another which is highly damaged. The first smokestack I will talk about is not very well known at all. In fact I only found one blog that mentions it, calling it "南港繁華的磚廠遺址," and there is also a facebook page that someone created for it, which has a pretty good history of the place. This factory is still in use as a banana field/garage. 歷史： 曾經覆蓋南港的煙囪中，只剩下3個，還有一被破損的煙囪。 我會說的第一個煙囪根本不是很有名。 其實我只找到一個提到它的部落格，稱它為“南港繁華的磚廠遺址”，還有人為它創建的Facebook頁面，這個頁面有很好的地方歷史。 這家工廠目前有香蕉場/車庫的作用。 To paraphrase from the Facebook page, the kiln was one of many brick kilns in the surrounding neighborhoods. After the tea industry began to decline in Nangang, brick making became the mainstay for the area. Clay was harvested from what is now Songshan station, which was ideal for brick making. There were smokestacks pretty much everywhere (making for terrible air quality), and pretty everyone that lived at what is now the border between Nangang an Songshan was involved in the brick making process in some way. There were roughly 50 workers at each brick kiln, earning roughly 200 NT a day. At the time, the brick kiln had the most advanced technology available and could produce 18,000-20,000 bricks a day! The quality was especially fine at the Bagua kiln (across the street from this one, now destroyed). The bricks from that kiln were crack resistant, and some were used in what is now the presidential office building in Taipei. 從Facebook的頁面來解釋，這個窯是周圍社區的眾多磚窯之一。 南港茶業開始衰落後，製磚成為該地區的中流砥柱。 從現在的松山車站收穫粘土，這是製磚的理想選擇。 幾乎到處都是煙囪（造成可怕的空氣質量），而那些生活在南港和松山之間邊界的每一個人，都以某種方式參與了製磚的過程。 每座磚窯大約有50名工人，每天能掙大約200新台幣。 當時，磚窯擁有最先進的技術，每天可以生產1.8萬到2萬塊磚！ 八卦窯的質量特別好（與現在的馬街隔街相望）。 那個窯裡的磚頭是抗裂的，有的被用在現在的台北總統辦公樓裡。 As environmental regulations tightened and demand for bricks decreased, the factory decided to shut down in 1971. After that, the kiln went back to nature, and the owner filled the kiln in with garbage and rubble. The Taipei City government wanted to make the brick kiln into a historical building, but the owner of the kiln did not want to. To escape the city's grasp, he even destroyed the Bagua kiln across the street. In the end the owner got away with it because he owned the property. 隨著環保法規的緊縮和對磚塊的需求下降，工廠決定在1971年關閉。之後，窯爐回歸自然，窯主用垃圾和瓦礫填滿了窯爐。 台北市政府想把磚窯變成一座歷史悠久的建築，但窯主並不想。 為了逃離城市，他甚至摧毀了馬路對面的八卦窯。 所有者最終因為擁有這個財產而逃走了。 My Visit: This place was actually so hard to find that I came across it by accident having nothing to go on but a picture from the former blog. The smokestack itself is not that prominent either because it is hid in the middle of a bunch of buildings. 我的拜訪： 這個地方實在是太難找了，我偶然發現了這個地方，而是從前一個博客的圖片。 煙囪本身並不突出，因為它藏在一堆建築物的中間。
After the ROC took control of Taiwan in 1945, the government designated Taipei's Nangang (南港） as an industrial district. At this time, the brick making and coal mining industries were starting to wind down, and other industries such as chemical plants, tire factories, fertilizer, and others were taking off. A forest of Smokestacks covered the area, and and because of this Nangang was known as Black Town “黑鄉.” For a view of what the old Nangang looked like, click here.
1945年中華民國控制台灣後，政府指定台北市南港區為工業區，此時製磚業和煤礦業開始放緩，其他行業如化工廠，輪胎廠 ，化肥等正在起飛，煙霧繚繞的森林覆蓋了該地區，因此南港被稱為“黑鄉”。為了了解南港古老的風貌，請點擊這裡。 
Nangang, the district in Taipei where I live and work, has a rich history that includes being a center for industry and transportation. One such building that lies hidden in Nangang from the Japanese era called “松山療養所長宿舍” which I have translated as “The Songshan Sanatorium Superintendent’s Dormitory.” Now it has been renovated and converted into a coffee shop called "Jingxin Yuan 靜心苑."
When I tell Taiwanese people that I live in Nangang, some older people tell me that it is a place full of factories and industry. However Nangang today is a vibrant and modern part of Taipei, full of greenery and advanced architecture. But sadly, there is almost no trace of Nangang’s industrial history anywhere.
Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung river in what is now Xizhi. Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River.
Currently two remaining suspension bridge towers next to the Keelung River from the industrial era of Nangang. The best preserved is “五分吊橋” Wufen suspension bridge. According to the signs next to the bridge, it was built in 1918. 
Taipei's Nangang Exhibition Center (aka TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall or TaiNEX) is Taiwan's largest exhibition center. The area has two large exhibition buildings with multiple exhibition floors, as well as restaurants and convenience stores inside. With easy transportation from the Blue Line Nangang Exposition Center MRT station, it is a convenient place to hold events and conferences.
Background: Originally Taipei City's only exhibition hall was at Taiwan's World Trade Center (featured on the 2000 NT note) which was completed in 1985. The first building at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX 1) was completed in 2008, and the second building (Tainex 2) was completed in 2019. TaiNEX 1 has a total floor area of approximately 144,000 square meters, is seven stories high, includes room for 2467 stalls, and was completed at a cost of 3,500,000,000 NTD. TaiNEX 2 has a total floor area of approximately 160,400 square meters, is nine stories high, includes room for 2104 stalls, and was completed at a cost of 7,200,000,000 NTD. Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Price: Free entrance for most exhibitions Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The sports center is right next to Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station on Nangang Road. There is paid parking under TaiNEX 2. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The sports center is right next to Nangang Exhibition Center MRT station on Nangang Road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Lè Architecture is an office building in Nangang District of Taipei with one of the most unique designs in Taipei City. The building uses a round design to mimic pebbles in the Keelung River and to show roundness, strength, and elegance in Taiwanese culture. The building is also extremely eco-friendly and has won various awards. It should definitely be included on any artists' map of Taipei.
Background: Lè Architecture was constructed by the architecture firm Aedas which has headquarters in Hong Kong. It was completed in 2016 and the floor area covers 11,500 square meters. The building uses a round design to mimic pebbles in the Keelung River and to show roundness, strength, and elegance in Taiwanese culture. The building won the CTBUH Award 2019: Best Tall Building under 100 meters 2019 Award of Excellence Architizer A+ Popular Choice Awards 2018. It stands as a landmark in Nangang but usually you will not see too many people here. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The sports center is right next to Nangang MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road. There is paid parking at Nangang Station. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The sports center is right next to Nangang MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Taipei's Extreme Sports Training Center in Nangang is one of the best places in Taiwan to practice skateboarding, roller blading, BMX biking, etc. Here you can find Taiwan's largest half pipe, quarter pipes, a pool, rails, ramps, a foam pit, and more. It is definitely worth a stop if you want to find a suitable place for extreme sports training.
Background: The Taipei Extreme Sports Training Center began construction in 2010 with a budget of 50,000,000 NTD and it was completed in 2011. In the first ten years or so the park was free of any entrance fee for anyone to use. Maintenance was completed by the Taipei City Government Department of Sports. Later on, they found this was taking too much of the City's money, so they decided to let outside companies bid to use the space. Therefore now you have to pay a fee to get in, however they do take good care of the facilities now. The features in the park are quite intense. The park often features international competitions. Usually this place is not busy on weekdays but can get very busy on weekends including lots of parents taking small kids to practice here. Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Price: 100 NT an hour 150 NT for two hours (the prices were 50% off when I visited due to the recent opening) Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The sports center is right next to Nangang MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road. There is paid parking at Nangang Station. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: The sports center is right next to Nangang MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Taipei Music Center (aka TMC, or Taipei Pop Music Center 臺北流行音樂中心) is the first large performance area in Taiwan dedicated to pop music. It features three main buildings: a concert hall, a pop music cultural center, a creative hub building, and large open spaces and grassy areas. The area also has pedestrian bridges and easy access to Nangang Station. It should definitely be on your list on your next trip to Taipei.
Background: Planning for the Taipei Music Center first began in 2003 and construction began in 2013. The area was finally completed in 2020 and opened to the public in 2021. Total expenditure for the music center was over 6 billion NTD (193 million USD). It was designed by RUR Architecture, an American firm. The concert hall has 3,100 fixed seats, and at full capacity can fit about 5,000 people. Now the area is home to major music industry players and domestic and international music concerts. Website: Check out the latest concerts, festivals, and activities going on at their website here: https://tmc.taipei/en/ Price: Free entrance, concert prices may vary. Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM every day except Monday (concert times may vary) Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Kunyang MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road, travel north until you reach the park. There is paid parking at Nangang Station. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: Take the MRT to Kunyang Station or Nangang Station. The park is about a 10 minute walk from either station. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Nangang Park is one of the most pleasant parks in Taipei. It features two large natural ponds, a large grassy area, a large children's play area, a jogging track, hiking trails, tennis courts, and much more. There are also amazing views of the nearby mountains, Taipei City, and the 101 tower. It is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
Background: Nangang Park was originally called "Houshanpi 後山埤" which MRT Houshanpi Station on the blue line is named after, and literally means "the lake behind the hill." There are two other lakes in Nangang nearby, one is down the street from the park called Dongxinpi 東新埤, and the other one is accessible from Academia Sinica called Sanchongpupi 三重埔埤. The three lakes are home to waterfowl and other wildlife. Originally Houshanpi was one lake but was later split into two because of silting. Nangang Park was established in 1987 around the natural Houshanpi Lake/Pond. The pond also acts as a flood control system. The park is usually not very busy but you will see a lot of people here during nice weather and on weekends and holidays. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Houshanpi MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road, turn east onto Dongxin Road until you reach the park. There is paid parking at the park entrance and on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: From Kunyang MRT station on Zhongxiao East Road, walk east until you reach the park. The park is about a 10 minute walk. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Sitting at the eastern entrance of Raohe Street Night market is the Ciyou temple, which is the religious center of the area. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Matsu, with a blackened statue of her as the centerpiece. The temple was completed in 1753 and was also an important centerpiece of the old Xikou transportation area near Songshan Station.
Historical Background: Songshan Ciyou Temple was established in 1753 by a wondering monk who found fellow followers of Matsu in the area, after ten years of collecting donations. Starting in the Qing Dynasty, the area around Ciyou Temple and Songshan station was called Xikou (tin port), an important transportation hub in Taiwan (for more information about this old industrial area in East Taipei, check out our blog here). From Songshan station, goods from Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan could be directly loaded to the Keelung River and transported to the sea. However due to silting, the Keelung River became less and less import in terms of transportation, and the area around Raohe Street became obsolete, especially after the much wider Bade street was built right next to it. In order to help business in the area, the Taipei city government established a tourist night market on Raohe Street on May 11th, 1987, which was the second tourist night market established in Taipei. The temple has become the main religious center of the area, and is the main Matsu Temple in eastern Taipei. Price: Free! But don't you dare come with an empty wallet. Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM Tours: You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on TripAdvisor here, KKday here, or Klook here . Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: Take the MRT green line to Songshan station (the last station), and get out at exit 2, 3, or 4, and continue walking north for about 1 minute to Raohe street. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Train /TRA: Raohe Street is within walking distance of Songshan TRA station. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Car: If you travel there by car, there is a parking garage on Bade street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: There is scooter parking next to Songshan elementary school and on Songhe street in front of Rainbow bridge. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: 
Nangang's Bottle Cap Factory, now POPOP Taipei, was a Japanese era factory built 80 years ago and stopped production in 2004. Now it has been converted into a space for meetings, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, musical performances etc.
Background: Nangang's Bottle Cap Factory was built during the Japanese era in 1943, and continued operating until 2004, providing bottling parts for over 14 wine manufacturers. It was then abandoned until 2010 when Taipei City chose the spot for urban revitalization. The bottle cap factory renovation was completed in 2020. Currently there is space for meetings, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, musical performances, a night market, and more. On weekends it attracts hundreds of visitors especially when there are special events. Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM every day Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Civic Boulevard or Nangang Road to Nangang Station. The bottle cap factory is just north of the station, across the street. There is paid parking at Nangang Station. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By TRA/HSR/MRT: Take the TRA/HSR/MRT/inter-city bus to Nangang Station. The bottle cap factory is just north of the station, across the street. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Academia Sinica's Museum of History and Philology is one of the best museums in Taiwan. It has the largest collection of Chinese oracle bone remains in the world. It is also free, usually devoid of people, and has some of the most amazing ancient artifacts from Taiwan and China. It is like a mini National Palace Museum, and is worth a visit on your trip to Taipei.
Background: The museum first began in 1933, just after the Institute of History and Philology was created in 1928 in Beijing. After 1949, the museum was moved to Taiwan as part of the ROC retreat to Taiwan. In 1965 the museum did merge with the National Palace Museum, and was reopened in 1986 when the museum building at Academia Sinica was completed. The building also underwent renovations from 1997-2002. Much of the collection comes from when the institute was located in China, and includes thousands of pieces from prehistoric times, as well as the Shang, Chou, and Han Dynasties. Website: http://museum.sinica.edu.tw/en/visit/ Hours: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Price: Free! Temperature: The museum is kept at a cool 20 degrees Celsius, so dress accordingly. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: There is paid car parking at Academia Sinica, and scooters must park outside. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By MRT/Bus: Take the blue MRT line to Nangang Exhibition Hall station, then transfer to any number of busses from exit 5 to Academia Sinica. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Raohe Street Night Market is a bustling night market in Eastern Taipei and one of the most popular in the city. One could argue that Roahe Street is the best night market in Taipei. With a large assortment of great food and snacks, along with the usual night market cheap clothes and everyday items, along with close proximity to public transport, Raohe Street is a must-see destination when you come to Taipei.
Historical Background: The name Raohe comes from a county in Heilongjiang, China, meaning the place of many birds. Starting in the Qing Dynasty, the area around Raohe Street and Songshan station was called Xikou (tin port), an important transportation hub in Taiwan (for more information about this old industrial area in East Taipei, check out our blog here). From Songshan station, goods from Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan could be directly loaded to the Keelung River and transported to the sea. However due to silting, the Keelung River became less and less import in terms of transportation, and Raohe Street became obsolete, especially after the much wider Bade street was built right next to it. In order to help business in the area, the Taipei city government established a tourist night market on Raohe Street on May 11th, 1987, which was the second tourist night market established in Taipei. Price: Free! But don't you dare come with an empty wallet. Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM Tours: You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on TripAdvisor here, KKday here, or Klook here . Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: Take the MRT green line to Songshan station (the last station), and get out at exit 2, 3, or 4, and continue walking north for about 1 minute to Raohe street. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Train /TRA: Raohe Street is within walking distance of Songshan TRA station. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By Car: If you travel there by car, there is a parking garage on Bade street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: There is scooter parking next to Songshan elementary school and on Songhe street in front of Rainbow bridge. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: 
The Elephant Mountain/Four Beasts Mountain trail (aka Xiangshan/Sishoushan Trail) is perhaps the most easily accessible trail in Taipei with perhaps also the best views of the city. This popular and easy hike covers areas of Xinyi and Nangang District and offers excellent views of the 101 and the rest of downtown Taipei. It should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Taipei.
Background: Elephant Mountain get's its name from the shape of the mountain, which from a distance looks like an elephant. The same is true of the hills next to it: Tiger Mountain, Lion Mountain, and Leopard Mountain. Other peaks on the trail include Mt. Nangang, Thumb Mountain, and 95 Peak. Elephant Mountain lies at 181 meters above sea level, and 95 Peak, the highest peak on the trail, is 375 meters above sea level. These mountains lie on the Nangang Mountain Chain (南港山脈), which starts in Nangang District, and goes through Xinyi District, Da'an District, and Wenshan District of Taipei. The rock formations that form the Nangang Mountain Chain formed as sediment under the ocean millions of years ago and were then uplifted thanks to the collision of the Eurasian and Phillipine plates. The rocks are mainly sedimentary and are part of the same formation that forms the special rock formations on the northern coast and in Pingxi. The area also has some coal deposits, and there are a few abandoned coal mines on the mountain. Currently Elephant Mountain and the Four Beasts trail is one of the most popular trails in Taipei or all of Taiwan. With quick access to the MRT, hundreds of people hike these trails daily. Hours: 24/7 (there are even lights on the trail at night) Price: Free Length: Elephant Mountain: 1-2 hours 1.5 KM one way Total of about 160 meters in elevation gain Full Four Beasts Trail: 4-6 hours 11KM one way (to China University of Science and Technology) Total of about 350 meters in elevation gain Difficulty: Easy, although there are many steep steps at the beginning. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: Take the Red Line MRT to the Elephant Mountain stop. The trailhead is about 500 meters from the MRT station. Just walk along the park to the trailhead. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Scooter/Car: Drive east on Xinyi Raod in Taipei, and turn right at Xiangshan MRT station. There should be scooter and car parking on the street, but car parking may be hard to find. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: 
Bogart's Smokehouse is an authentic American barbeque restaurant in Nangang District of Taipei. Run by Americans, it is a taste of home for many foreigners in Taiwan.
Background: From their website: "Our story starts with an big idea and a little conversation. Having worked for Dalie’s Smokehouse in Valley Park Missouri, and gaining a true respect for their process of smoked meats and side dishes, an idea to bring that sweet flavor over to Taiwan began. Over a hearty conversation, and a few beers, planning stages were prepared to bring over a direct translation of what real Bar-B-Que is produced from the best of what local farms in Taiwan can provide. The result, is something truly special indeed. Influenced by the legend, Executive Chef Skip Steele of Pappy’s Smokehouse Saint Louis, with Mr. Peter Brickler of Tempus Saint Louis, and Chef Hunter we bring a style of BBQ unheard of in Taiwan. We hope you enjoy!" Website: http://bogartsbbq.com/ www.facebook.com/bogartssmokehousetaipei/ Price: Ribs: 600 NT for half, 1100 NT for whole Sandwiches: 260-350 NT including sides Hours: Tue. to Sat. 11:30 – 20:00ish or till they are sold out. Sun. 11:30 – 16:00 or till they are sold out. So get there early. Taipei Food Related Tours: You can eat your way through Taipei through such tours and activities as Taiwanese Breakfast Cooking Class in Taipei, Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class in Taipei, or Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Cooking Class and more on TripAdvisor here. Activities in Taipei: You can also look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By car/scooter: The restaurant is right on Nangang Road in front of the train station. There is parking on the side of the road or at Nangang Station. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By MRT/TRA: The restaurant is within five minute walking distance of Nangang TRA/MRT station. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. ​You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: |
Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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