Last chance for great photos！New Taipei Christmas Town countdown begins—3 days left. One-day trip to nearby popular attractions

▲ New Taipei Christmas Town enters its final countdown. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau, same below)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Haven’t figured out where to go for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day holidays? The New Taipei City Christmas Town runs only until January 1, 2018. The New Taipei City Government advises those who haven’t visited yet to seize the last chance to enjoy a romantic night. In addition to the stunning Christmas Town light displays, the city government has also compiled a list of nearby popular attractions, allowing visitors to plan a one-day trip in Banqiao and enjoy a rich experience akin to traveling abroad without leaving the country.

Spend your afternoon with super-popular characters like 8T? Zhong’a, Pororo, Masha, and more

At the “Shining Station Square Light Zone” of the New Taipei City Christmas Town, the adorable Santa Bear stage will host a series of exciting activities during the New Year’s holiday, including joyful song-and-dance performances by the ultra-popular Bubble Land, a meet-and-greet with the beloved children’s cartoon star Pororo, eye-catching cultural and creative illustrations by Masha, and sweet dessert shops where you can enjoy treats with your loved ones.

▲ Kids having fun with popular idols.

Free AR/VR experiences on the first floor of the City Hall

This year, the hottest AR and VR technology has been introduced for the first time, combining with the Christmas Town mascot, Santa Bear animation, instantly transforming the first floor lobby of the City Hall into the most joyful “Santa Bear Ice and Snow Park.” The “Santa Circus AR” tent set up in the center of the lobby offers augmented reality interactive games that let both kids and adults enter the world of the circus with Santa Bear. Meanwhile, the “Santa VR Sport” tent on the east side of the lobby features three sports-themed 360-degree VR virtual reality games—racing, surfing, and skiing—that are realistic and thrilling.

▲ Super-realistic VR experience.

Dance along to the “Christmas Light Dance” in the square

The “Shining Station Square Light Zone” of the New Taipei City Christmas Town has carefully curated Taiwan’s first-ever music and light performance show, the “Christmas Light Dance.” Within a 3-minute show, dazzling lights dance to the powerful and majestic music, delivering an unparalleled visual and auditory spectacle that transports audiences from reality into a theatrical dreamland, immersing them in this wonderful audiovisual feast.

▲ There’s also a light show at the Station Square.

A dreamy brunch that bursts with girlish charm

The Banqiao area offers many unique brunch spots, each with its own distinctive concept. Whether decorated with an abundance of dried flowers, styled in a Provence countryside theme, characterized by an edgy industrial look, or focusing on a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, these brunch cafés attract countless girls and couples and are must-visit Instagram hotspots.

▲ The area around Banqiao Station is a prime brunch destination. (Photo / netizen)yy777777725Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

A new-generation hot spot for photos: Lin Benyuan Garden (Lin Family Garden)

Built during the Qing Dynasty, Lin Benyuan Garden (Lin Family Garden), designed with Jiangnan-style aesthetics, features lush flowers and pavilions amid grand architecture, giving off an extraordinary sense of grandeur. Despite wars and the passage of time, the garden has largely been restored to its former glory after renovation, and it has recently become a favorite among Korean tourists, rising in popularity as a top photo location.

▲ The classic charm of the Lin Family Garden.

A 360-degree all-glass observation deck with breathtaking night views

The 32nd floor of the New Taipei City Government houses a free observation deck with a panoramic 360-degree glass window view. Not only can you take in the full scope of several major construction projects in Banqiao, but you can also clearly see several iconic buildings in Taipei. On clear days, even the Tamsui River and Yangmingshan Mountain are visible. At night, head up to enjoy completely different views of the Christmas Town and the sparkling night scenery of New Taipei.

▲ View of the Christmas Town and New Taipei’s night scenery from the 32nd-floor observatory.