Text by MOOK Travel & Living Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
The MRT Xinyi Line is set to open soon, reducing the trip from Taipei Main Station to Taipei 101 to just 16 minutes. By then, you’ll be able to travel directly from Xiangshan to Beitou, and transfer in Beitou to head to Tamsui. Along the line, you'll also find the Tonghua/Linjiang Night Market near Xinyi Anhe Station, Yongkang Street at Dongmen Station, and Shilin Night Market at Jiantan Station. With autumn and winter approaching, you can also soak in hot springs around Beitou Station. For those who love sunsets and cityscapes, the famous Tamsui Sunset View and the view of Taipei 101 towering over the city lights from Xiangshan are must-sees. Just hop on the Xinyi Line to travel from Taipei 101 to Tamsui and experience the diverse sights of Greater Taipei.
The MRT Xinyi Line is expected to open by the end of November at the earliest, offering a single route that fulfills three desires: soaking in hot springs, exploring night markets, and enjoying night views. (Image provided by Monochrome Editorial Department)
One Hot Spring — Relax at Beitou Station, Home to Taiwan’s Famous Springs
Surrounded by Shamao Mountain, Datun Mountain, and Qixing Mountain ranges, Beitou lies in a volcanic rock belt. Its unique geological features have fostered industries such as sulfur, U-Li'an stone, ceramics, rush weaving, Penglai rice, and hot springs. The sources of Beitou’s hot springs are located in the Thermal Valley and Longfeng Valley along Xingyi Road. Depending on their location, the springs are classified into three types: white sulfur, green sulfur, and iron sulfur. Here, you can choose from nostalgic traditional bathhouses or trendy modern hot spring resorts — both day trips and overnight stays are great options. In addition, Beitou has numerous cultural attractions, such as the century-old Thermal Valley Park and the Zen Garden where Zhang Xueliang once stayed, all worth exploring.
When the MRT Xinyi Line opens, it will be nearly hot spring season, allowing you to go directly from Xinyi District to Beitou for a relaxing soak. (Image provided by Monochrome Editorial Department)
Two Night Views — The Sunset Symphony at Tamsui Station and the City Lights from Xiangshan Station
The riverbanks, fishing harbors, old streets, and pastry shops that define Tamsui have taken on new looks with tourism development, but its prime location by the mountains and sea remains unchanged. The “Tamsui Sunset,” one of Taiwan’s Eight Scenic Spots, continues to enchant daily.
The sunset in Tamsui is a breathtaking sight you won’t want to miss. (Image provided by David Chen)
Xiangshan, in Taipei’s Xinyi District, is one of the city’s most popular hiking spots. Named for its elephant-like shape, it is part of the Four Beasts Mountains along with nearby Tiger, Leopard, and Lion Mountains. Though only 183 meters above sea level, its unobstructed vantage point offers sweeping views of the Taipei Basin. Watching the night lights of Taipei 101 from Xiangshan is equally captivating, providing not only a breath of fresh mountain air amid the urban jungle but also a uniquely serene feeling of observing city life from a mountaintop retreat.
Climbing Xiangshan to look down on Taipei 101, the hill is not only a great spot to enjoy night views of Xinyi District and Greater Taipei, but also a favorite among photographers for capturing the illuminated tower. (Image provided by Monochrome Editorial Department)
Three Night Markets — All You Need to Know About Tonghua Night Market at Xinyi Anhe Station, Yongkang Street at Dongmen Station, and Shilin Night Market at Jiantan Station
Located between Section 4 of Xinyi Road and Section 2 of Keelung Road, Tonghua Night Market (also known as Linjiang Night Market) may not be as large as other night markets, but it offers a wide range of street food, trendy clothing, and great deals — making it a popular spot for office workers and students to grab a bite, shop, or pick up some fashion.
Tonghua Night Market may be small, but it’s packed with everything you need — a highly popular night market. (Image provided by David Chen)