10 Unique Ways to Explore Hidden Gems: A Stylish Private Trip in New Taipei

Written/Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

With the Taipei Basin as the compass and Taipei City as the center, New Taipei City resembles a beautiful "doughnut"-shaped metropolis. Spanning over 2,000 square kilometers and home to nearly four million residents, this city has evolved with advancements in transportation, making "one-day mini trips" the latest way to explore New Taipei. In October, the New Taipei City Government launched"New Taipei Style Private Trip: Enjoying a Colorful and Vibrant City", a new book centered around cultural landscapes. It features ten one-day private travel routes full of exploration and fun, while also introducing this year’s most popular new attractions, such as the "Crescent Moon Bridge" connecting Xinzhuang and Banqiao. Additionally, it includes nine urban projects that offer an in-depth yet accessible look at New Taipei’s festivals, film and drama locations, art and creativity, leisurely strolls through old streets, seasonal charm... and other must-see highlights. This allows more locals, casual urban travelers, and international backpackers to easily discover the cultural characteristics and hidden gems of New Taipei City.

Led by Locals: One-Day Routes to Explore New Taipei City’s Urban Scenery
Most of the planners and interviewees involved in this book are locals from New Taipei City. They embarked on a journey to rediscover their homeland, embarking on private trips right in their own neighborhoods—hopping on a train to explore hidden Japanese-style dormitory complexes and unmanned train stations in the mountains; strolling through old streets to relive childhood memories of pottery-making and appreciate the beauty of traditional arts; getting lost in alleys just to find a charming cultural and creative shop. They have meticulously documented their favorite hidden spots, hoping to help more people discover the beauty of New Taipei.

New Taipei City boasts natural beauty with its mountains, seas, valleys, waterfronts, and hot springs, as well as pastoral scenery of farms and tea plantations. It also carries the historical traces of generations of settlers who developed the Taipei Basin over the past century. With many exciting events throughout the year, it is a vibrant and colorful city. In recent years, travel books have delved into local cultural stories, and this year, these narratives are combined with even more hidden attractions to create ten private travel routes. Led by locals, readers can experience the diverse, rich, and deeply humanistic side of New Taipei City.

Young writer Yang Fumin, who has won numerous literary awards, also participated in the recommendations. By simply taking public transportation, you can head to Sanxia and Gongliao to embrace mountain and sea views, relax leisurely in Wulai and Jinshan, or enjoy the harbor ferries in Tamsui and Bali.