Things To Do
in Banqiao
Banqiao (板橋) is the bustling administrative and commercial district of New Taipei City, located just west of Taipei across the Dahan River. It is a dense urban hub with shopping malls, night markets, historic sites and excellent transit connections to greater Taipei. The district blends traditional Taiwanese street-food culture and temples with modern plazas, art spaces and high-rise offices.
Banqiao is a practical base for exploring northern Taiwan—close to Taipei’s attractions while offering its own local flavor and easier neighborhood-level experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Banqiao and check into your chosen hotel. Take some time to freshen up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Stroll through the nearby streets to get your first taste of the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Banqiao Cultural and Creative Industries Park, exploring unique art galleries and shops. Grab lunch at one of the many food stalls offering delicious Taiwanese snacks. Spend some time relaxing in the adjacent park, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Experience the local night market where you can sample street food and buy handmade crafts. Engage with friendly locals as you wander the bustling lanes filled with sights and sounds. Wind down at a tea house, savoring traditional Taiwanese tea.
Start your day with a visit to the Banqiao Lin Family Mansion and Museum, learning about the area's history and architecture. The beautifully preserved buildings provide insight into the region's past. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the garden that surrounds the mansion.
Head to the natural beauty of the nearby Dahan River, where you can rent a bike and explore the riverside paths. Stop for lunch at a riverside café that offers fresh, local dishes. Enjoy the fresh air and serene views as you cycle along the riverbank.
Indulge in a traditional Taiwanese dinner at a renowned restaurant, trying local specialties like beef noodle soup or oyster omelets. After dinner, catch a cultural performance showcasing traditional Taiwanese art and dance. Reflect on your day while enjoying a nightcap at a local bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar or convenience store) | $2.50-5 |
| ☕Cafe coffee | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🚇MRT/bus single trip | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi (short trip 3–5 km) | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent public transportation and connectivity to Taipei and northern Taiwan.
- Vibrant street-food scene and accessible night markets.
- Good blend of historical sites (Lin Family Garden) and modern shopping centers.
- Convenient base for day trips to nearby nature and Taipei attractions.
- Densely built and can feel crowded or less scenic than rural destinations.
- Hot, humid summers and potential typhoon disruptions.
- Fewer high-end or unique boutique hotels compared with Taipei central areas.
- Language barrier in smaller stalls if you don’t speak basic Chinese.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "廁所在哪裡? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "可以刷卡嗎? (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
- "不好意思 (Bù hǎo yì si)" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Banqiao
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautifully preserved classical garden with traditional architecture, ponds and ornate woodwork—excellent for close-up details and cultural shots.
Riverside views, paddle boats, and a suspension bridge that look great at golden hour and evening light reflections.
Modern transit hub and plaza with interesting urban geometry and bustling commuter scenes—good for street and architectural photography.
Converted warehouses and alleyways with murals, rotating installations and colorful backdrops for creative urban shots.
Wide riverside pathways and bridges along the Dahan River offer skyline views toward Taipei, especially during sunset.
Food in Banqiao
Banqiao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty beef and noodle soup found at specialist shops—look for long-standing local noodle houses near Banqiao Station.
Must-Try!
Savory minced pork braised over rice, a ubiquitous comfort dish available at small eateries and lunch counters.
A night-market favorite—crispy-chewy omelette with fresh oysters and savory-sweet sauce, available at evening markets.
Originally Taiwanese, you’ll find both famous chains and excellent local bubble tea shops across Banqiao.
Soy milk, egg crepes (dan bing) and fried dough sticks from street-side breakfast shops—perfect for a local morning experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A compact night market area with stalls selling grilled skewers, oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, sweets and bubble tea; ideal for sampling several small dishes.
Bitan’s pedestrianised riverside hosts casual cafes and weekend food vendors—good for relaxed snacks and drinks beside the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Form orderly lines for MRT and buses; be polite and patient. Use a quiet voice on public transport and avoid blocking walkways.
Remove shoes when visiting someone’s home if asked. When visiting temples, dress modestly and follow local customs—don’t climb on altars or point with your feet.
Politeness and saving face matter—avoid loud confrontations. A simple “謝謝” (xièxiè) and “不好意思” (bù hǎo yì si) go a long way.
Smoking is banned in many public spaces; use designated smoking areas. Keep streets and parks clean—littering is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Banqiao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may appear at upscale restaurants and hotels. For taxis, rounding up is appreciated but not required. Exceptional service may be rewarded, but it isn’t expected.
Cash (NTD) is widely used for small stalls and older shops. EasyCard (悠遊卡) or iPASS for transit and many convenience stores; contactless payments, credit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, LINE Pay) are accepted increasingly at malls and modern restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and humid with occasional showers; cherry blossoms and flowering trees appear in nearby parks. Pack a light rain jacket and plan flexible outdoor activities.
Hot, humid and rainy with the typhoon season from late summer into early autumn. Expect high temperatures, sudden heavy showers and occasional service disruptions during typhoons—stay updated on forecasts.
Generally the most pleasant season—cooler, drier and comfortable for hiking and outdoor exploration. Great time for evening walks and riverside activities.
Mild and damp rather than very cold; temperatures are cool with frequent drizzle. Layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended—snow is rare in Banqiao itself.
Banqiao at Night
Hiking in Banqiao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular short hike in Taipei offering iconic skyline views of Taipei 101 and the city—accessible by MRT with a short walk, suitable for sunset photography.
Lush volcanic landscapes, hot springs and multiple trails; best for day trips to enjoy cooler mountain air and varied scenery (longer transit from Banqiao).
Easy riverside walks with scenic viewpoints and picnic areas—family-friendly and easily combined with Bitan’s paddle-boat activities.
A nearby ridge with several trail options and lookouts over the northern coastline; moderate difficulty and good for sunrise or coastal views.
Airports
How to reach Banqiao by plane.
Main international gateway for northern Taiwan, about 40–60 minutes from Banqiao by airport MRT or shuttle bus (longer in traffic). Taoyuan MRT connects to Taipei, and buses/taxis serve Banqiao directly.
Smaller domestic and regional airport located in Taipei city, convenient for flights from other parts of Asia; about 20–30 minutes by public transport to Banqiao.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, including multi-generational families and working professionals—Banqiao is primarily residential and commercial.
Banqiao hosts many commuters, office workers and students who use the district’s transit hubs, malls and cafes.
A smaller but noticeable expat community working in business, education and tech—international services and eateries are available but concentrated.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Taiwan’s most popular sports—local and professional games draw enthusiastic crowds, and many parks have baseball facilities.
Widely played in community courts and schools; pickup games are common in urban areas and university campuses.
Popular indoor sports with many clubs and community centers offering courts and equipment rentals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Banqiao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (mock-meat stalls, vegetable noodle soups, and Buddhist-style cuisine) but many stalls use fish sauce or meat-based broths—ask “有素嗎? (yǒu sù ma?)” or look for 素 (sù) items. Larger restaurants and malls often have clearer vegetarian labeling.
Vegan options are more limited; always clarify ingredients (no oyster sauce, fish sauce, dairy). Carry a translated card explaining allergies or dietary needs in Chinese for markets and small vendors.
Halal-certified options are less common in Banqiao than in Taipei city center; seek out dedicated Halal restaurants or international hotels for assured options.