Not just the New Taipei Christmas Town! Top 10 popular attractions and food spots in Banqiao

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The grandest “New Taipei City Happy Christmas Town” in Taiwan has arrived, making it an annual event you can’t miss in the Greater Taipei area. The spectacular light projections and other amazing effects created by a world-class team are not only eye-catching but also filled with a romantic Christmas vibe, attracting both domestic and international tourists. But it would be a pity to visit Banqiao just for the New Taipei Christmas Town. Here are ten must-do food and fun activities in Banqiao that are worth spending a whole day exploring.

1. Crescent Bridge
Crescent Bridge connects Banqiao’s 435 Art & Cultural Zone and Xinzhuang Old Street at either end. The bridge features an “asymmetrical double-steel tied-arch design,” and its nighttime light projections create a stunning visual effect. The lights beautifully highlight the graceful curves of the arches, making it a perfect date spot for couples.

2. Banqiao 435 Art & Cultural Zone
The entrance of Banqiao 435 Art & Cultural Zone features a European neoclassical-style design reminiscent of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, with tall, symmetrical columns. Set against white sand and a fountain, it’s a must-photograph spot for beautiful, romantic shots.

3. Banqiao Railway Station
The Danhai Light Rail is currently under active construction as part of the “Three Rings and Three Lines” transportation project. It has a close collaboration and connection with works by Jimmy Liao. These Jimmy Liao artworks are now displayed in the Xinzhuang Underground Pedestrian Passage. Whether you’re heading from the main Banqiao Station to Banqiao Railway Station, Civic Square, or Big City Department Store, you’ll pass through this passage.

4. Lin Family Mansion and Garden
The Lin Family Mansion and Garden, including its three-courtyard residence and garden, is a popular tourist attraction in New Taipei. This grand mansion, built over forty years, is renowned for its massive scale, exquisite material selection, and intricate, refined construction. It is widely recognized as a quintessential example of Qing Dynasty gardens in Taiwan and is the largest surviving classical Chinese garden-style architecture in the country, earning the reputation of “Taiwan’s No. 1 Garden.”