New Option: Shop for Lunar New Year Goods on Dihua Street & Take a Water Bus There

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Shop for Lunar New Year goods and take a boat ride too. To coincide with the upcoming Lunar New Year, the New Taipei City water bus will be giving out free ride vouchers from now until January 29, during the operating period of Dihua Street’s festive market. Passengers can take the Huajiang to Zhongxiao route or the Zhongxiao to Dadaocheng route, with 100 vouchers available each day — totaling 1,900 free spots.

▲ New Taipei City water bus. (Photo / Reporter Sun Yaozhang)

The New Taipei City Department of Transportation stated that the water bus is expected to surpass 30,000 riders in January. To thank the public, during the Dihua Festival and Lunar New Year Market period, 10 free ride vouchers will be given out every afternoon from 1 PM to 4 PM at the “Milano Cafe” outside Dihua Street on the hour. Additionally, passengers who take photos and check in at the Huajiang or Zhongxiao docks with the caption “Take the water bus to shop for Lunar New Year goods” can also receive a free voucher — one per person per day.

The water bus routes “Huajiang–Zhongxiao” and “Zhongxiao–Dadaocheng” have been in operation since July 30, 2013 (102 year, 7th month, 30th day in Taiwan calendar), with fares set at bus rate levels. On average, around 200-plus passengers ride daily. The transportation bureau noted that those taking these two routes to shop for New Year goods can enjoy views of wetland ecology along the way, and may even spot migratory birds.

The operating hours of the water bus are affected by tidal changes. From 9 AM to 10 PM daily, there are 12 scheduled trips, increasing to 18 trips on holidays. Each trip takes about 15 minutes, with a full fare of NT$15 per segment. Bicycles can also be brought on board for free, depending on cabin space. Before riding, passengers can check thewater bus websitefor schedule information.