Text by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin; compiled and reported
In recent years, Banqiao District has developed rapidly, with high-rise residential buildings, offices, and commercial spaces springing up everywhere. Large shopping malls have also moved in one after another, making it almost the “Xinyi District” of New Taipei City. Yet amid the dazzling fashion vibe, the 435 Art Zone with its classical European-style architecture, the Lin Ben Yuan Garden, the Xinpu Market where locals shop for ingredients and delicacies, the Cihui Temple’s God of Wealth Hall rebuilt from Terry Gou’s ancestral home, and Yaya Night Market—the largest night market in Banqiao—each paints a picture of the district’s historical memories and cultural charm. Now, set off for Banqiao right away to experience the blend of old culture and new art that defines Banqiao’s identity.
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Banqiao, which has recently become a hub for fashion trends, still retains many nostalgic old buildings and local traditional delicacies waiting for visitors to savor. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
435 Art Zone
The park features some of the greenest and most charming trees in Banqiao, along with open and free-flowing spaces. Its aesthetic atmosphere is highlighted by the original European-style buildings, with the main structure, “Zhongzheng Hall,” being a notable landmark with its neoclassical pediment and colonnade. Various artistic and cultural events are held here irregularly. Additionally, the area hosts the Lu Ban Craft Research Institute, an Indigenous Peoples Activity Center, and an International Art Village, adding even more diversity to the artistic scene at 435 Art Zone.
[Info]
Phone: 02-2969-0366
Address: No. 435, Zhongzheng Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City (next to Banqiao Junior High School)
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The lofty 1950s-wash-stone retro corridor becomes even more romantic and magical when lit up at night. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Xinpu Market
Located near Xinpu MRT Station, Xinpu Market is an important supply spot for locals to purchase ingredients and enjoy snacks. Among them, the three eateries located around the market entrance at Exit 1 of Xinpu MRT Station, in Lane 31, Section 1, Culture Road 435—namely “Xinpu Yimi (cold noodle dish),” “Yongjiu Handmade Baozi Shop,” and “Carmen Café”—are the most favored, becoming popular food spots that foodies love to queue for.
[Info]
Address: Lane within Section 1, Culture Road 435, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
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The famous wonton yimi (cold noodle dish) at Xinpu Market features thin wrappers, generous fillings, and a broth that is savory yet not greasy. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Sanfeng Taro Ice City
Since 1976, Sanfeng Taro Ice City has maintained this nostalgic old-school vibe. The hand-painted signs transport you back in time, while your ears pick up the familiar hum of their unique “snow ice” machines, which still follow traditional production methods. The small square-tiled counter is adorned with an old electric fan that makes a quaint whirring sound, and the counter displays old-fashioned “sour, sweet, and salty preserved fruits” that never fail to amaze.
[Info]
Phone: 02-2952-4097
Address: No. 15, Minzu Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
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Snow ice is made by cooling it to below minus ten degrees Celsius and continuously stirring to remove moisture from the ice. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Cihui Temple
Cihui Temple primarily worships Mazu. Since the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, Mazu has been enshrined here and deeply revered by Banqiao residents, with incense burning growing ever more prosperous. However, after being eroded by wind and rain, the Lin Ben Yuan family took the lead in initiating the construction of a Mazu temple, which was completed in the 13th year of the Tongzhi reign (1874 AD)—this is Cihui Temple. The current appearance of Cihui Temple has also been reconstructed. Every year during the March birthday celebrations of Mazu, worshippers flock here in an endless stream. One of the most talked-about features of Cihui Temple is the God of Wealth Hall, which was rebuilt from the ancestral home of Taiwanese tycoon Terry Gou—that is, the side hall of Cihui Temple.
[Info]
Phone: 02-2965-0012
Address: No. 81, Fuzhong Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
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Cihui Temple is a center of faith for Banqiao residents, and its side hall was rebuilt from the home of wealthy businessman Terry Gou. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)