Things To Do
in Banqiao
Banqiao is a busy district in New Taipei City just west of Taipei, anchored by a major transit hub at Banqiao Station. It blends historic sites like the Lin Family Mansion with lively night markets, riverside parks, and a growing cafe culture. The area is well connected by MRT and buses, making day trips to natural spots and nearby towns easy.
With a mix of old streets, modern malls, and affordable eateries, Banqiao offers a convenient snapshot of Taiwan’s urban-life spectrum.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the renowned Nanya Rock, a stunning geological formation that showcases the natural beauty of the area. Take a leisurely stroll along the nearby coast and enjoy the fresh air while soaking in the picturesque views. Don't forget to capture some memorable photos at various lookout points.
Head over to the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, where you can appreciate traditional Taiwanese architecture and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about the history of the Lin family and the significance of the site. Afterward, indulge in local delicacies at the nearby street food stalls.
As the sun sets, visit the Banqiao Night Market for a vibrant culinary experience. Sample Taiwanese street food delights such as stinky tofu and bubble tea while browsing through various shops. Wrap up your evening by enjoying live performances showcasing local talent.
Begin your day at the Banqiao Yonghe Soy Milk King for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast featuring freshly made soy milk and fried dough sticks. Experience the bustling atmosphere as locals start their day with these beloved breakfast items. After breakfast, take a stroll through the nearby New Taipei City Plaza, enjoying the urban greenery.
Spend the afternoon at the Huashan Creative Park, a hub for artists and creative professionals, where you'll find galleries, studios, and unique shops. Participate in an art workshop or simply explore the creative offerings and installations throughout the park. Take a break in one of the many cafes that serve artisan coffee and snacks.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Fuzhong 15 Creative Park, where you can find a mix of art, music, and dining experiences. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the trendy restaurants or food stalls offering fusion cuisine. Catch a local performance or art exhibition to fully immerse yourself in the cultural scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-5 |
| 🥗Lunch/dinner at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚇Public transportation (one-way) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent MRT connectivity and easy access to Taipei and surrounding areas
- Vibrant night markets with diverse Taiwanese street food
- Historic sites like Lin Family Mansion alongside modern shopping areas
- Several nearby nature day trips (e.g., Wulai) within easy reach
- Can feel crowded during peak hours and weekends
- Some areas have limited English signage outside major hubs
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer, with typhoon risk
- Commercial areas may be less quiet than older towns
- "Nǐ hǎo" - Hello
- "Xièxiè" - Thank you
- "Qǐng" - Please
- "Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Duōshǎo qián?" - How much is this?
- "Wǒ yào chī / hē" - I would like to eat / drink
- "Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?" - Do you speak English?
- "Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān" - Please give me the menu
- "Hǎo chī" - Delicious
- "Jǐ tiān qù nàlǐ?" - How many days are you staying?
Places to Visit in Banqiao
Visit one of these nice places.
A well-preserved example of classical Southern Chinese architecture with ornate pavilions, courtyards, and tranquil water features.
Historic lanes, traditional storefronts, and nostalgic signage provide a colorful backdrop for street photography.
Neon signs, busy stalls, and lively crowds create dynamic nighttime shots.
Modern transit hub with architectural lines and illuminated facades, especially photogenic at dusk.
Elevated vantage points over Banqiao and surrounding suburbs, ideal for landscape and cityscape photography.
Food in Banqiao
Banqiao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty bowl of braised beef, noodles, and flavorful broth; widely available in local noodle shops around Banqiao.
Must-Try!
Braised pork over rice, a comforting and classic Taiwanese comfort dish found in many casual eateries.
Fermented tofu fried or grilled, often served with pickled vegetables; a staple at night markets.
A savory pancake with oysters and eggs in a starchy batter, commonly found at night markets.
Steamed bun stuffed with braised pork, pickled mustard greens, and crushed peanuts; popular street snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market known for fried snacks, skewers, and local specialties; great for an evening food crawl.
Historic lanes with stalls offering quick bites, noodle bowls, and traditional snacks; ideal for sampling local flavors.
Shopping and street-food hub near Fuzhong Station with a range of Taiwanese favorites and casual seating.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or short greeting is common. Use simple phrases in Mandarin or Taiwanese when possible; avoid loud conversations in public transit.
Use chopsticks properly, avoid sticking them upright in bowls, and share dishes when appropriate.
Tipping is not customary; service charges may be included. Be respectful of local customs and private space.
Safety
Tipping in Banqiao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a strong custom in Taiwan; most service charges are included in the bill at larger establishments. Leaving a small tip is appreciated in higher-end venues, but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted, and credit/debit cards are common in urban areas. Contactless payments and local stored-value cards (e.g., EasyCard) work on MRT, buses, and many shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon rainstorms and potential typhoons; stay hydrated, pace outdoor activities, and carry an umbrella or light rain jacket.
Pleasant temperatures with lower humidity; ideal for outdoor exploring and photography, especially in late September to November.
Mild to cool, rarely very cold; light jackets suffice. Shorter days mean planning for earlier sunset views.
Mild and sometimes rainy; blooming trees and gardens provide scenic backdrops for walks and temple visits.
Banqiao at Night
Hiking in Banqiao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular urban-to-suburban hike with city views; suitable for a half-day excursion.
Forest trails around the Wulai area, including waterfall viewpoints and hot springs nearby.
A short trip from Banqiao to Pingxi area; includes easy trails and scenic waterfall views.
Airports
How to reach Banqiao by plane.
Urban airport close to central Taipei; convenient for domestic flights and some regional routes; reachable by metro from Banqiao with a transfer.
Major international gateway located in Taoyuan; best option for long-haul flights; reachable by high-speed rail and bus services, with transfer to Taipei metro.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic groups in Banqiao with a mix of locals, commuters, students, and families.
A growing segment attracted by access to Taipei’s job market and lower living costs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational sport in schools and parks; local courts and clubs can be found around Banqiao.
Taiwan has a strong baseball culture; you may catch local games or practice sessions in community facilities.
Common in gyms and parks; often played in the evenings by locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Banqiao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common at many stalls and restaurants; look for ‘素’ signs and ask for vegetable-based dishes; many places can accommodate without meat stock.