Tamsui Old Street and Jiufen Lose Out! New Taipei's Top Attraction Draws 17.74 Million Visitors, Praised for Scenic Beauty, Diverse Snacks, and Rich Facilities for Full-Day Fun

New Taipei City, Taiwan's most populous city, offers a diverse range of attractions—from bustling shopping malls and urban districts to historic streets like Jiufen and Tamsui Old Street, as well as various natural landscapes—making it a popular destination for relaxation and leisure.

According to the latest tourism statistics released by the Tourism Administration for January to May 2026, the top three most visited attractions in New Taipei City are New Taipei Metropolitan Park, Fuzhong Shopping District, and Ruifang Scenic Area (Jiufen).

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in New Taipei City (Jan–May 2026)

1. New Taipei Metropolitan Park and Surrounding Areas — 17,745,100 visitors 2. Fuzhong Shopping District — 13,289,162 visitors 3. Ruifang Scenic Area — 9,515,707 visitors 4. Tamsui Golden Waterfront and Surrounding Areas — 6,874,213 visitors 5. Linkou Mitsui Outlet Park — 4,684,082 visitors 6. Yulon City — 3,986,540 visitors 7. Bitan Scenic Area — 3,156,213 visitors 8. Honghui Plaza — 3,151,022 visitors 9. Shifen Tourist Center — 2,713,740 visitors 10. Tamsui Historical Relics Museum, New Taipei City — 1,929,909 visitors

Top Recommendation 1: New Taipei Metropolitan Park

New Taipei Metropolitan Park is the largest urban park in the city, located in Sanchong District. With vast green spaces and recreational facilities, it's a favorite spot for families and pet owners to relax and picnic.

Google reviews highlight: "The park is incredibly spacious, with expansive views where blue skies, green lawns, and riverfront scenery blend seamlessly. It's hard to believe such a large green space exists right next to Taipei's urban area. Whether walking, jogging, cycling, or simply sitting on a bench to enjoy the view, it's perfect." Another visitor noted, "I love the large grassy area and children's playground. You can even have a picnic here—perfect for a full day of fun. There are also many nearby shopping areas and restaurants."

Others added: "A great late-night destination with many facilities and clean surroundings, though some amenities are locked at night. There's a large sloped lawn for sliding, and seasonal water play areas in summer. Plenty of roadside parking is available." One reviewer said, "I visited during the lantern festival—the atmosphere was lively, and the night lighting was stunning. The spacious pathways are great for daily walks, jogging, or cycling, and the added art installations make it even more appealing." Another mentioned, "Just across the street from MRT Sanchong Station, this riverside park features inclusive, all-age-friendly design, ample lighting until 10 PM, and the nearby Chongxin Bridge Tourist Market for exploring and shopping."

Top Recommendation 2: Fuzhong Shopping District

Located in Banqiao District, Fuzhong Shopping District is easily accessible and has evolved into a large integrated commercial zone connecting MRT Fuzhong and Banqiao Stations. It offers diverse local cuisine and numerous shopping options.

Google reviews praise: "The road layout is well-planned with high-quality pedestrian walkways, creating a relaxing atmosphere." Another said, "Fuzhong was once the old train station. Over the years, street expansions and convenient transit (MRT, buses) have transformed it. Nearby landmarks include Cihui Temple, famous for oil rice and chicken rice, as well as Ten Ren Tea, Japanese Drug Store, Starbucks, Daiso, Kingstone, Eslite, and Banqiao District Office. The alleys are packed with markets and snack stalls—extremely convenient for daily life."

Visitors also noted: "Crowds surge on holidays, and many market events are held here. The most famous is the annual Fuzhong Halloween and New Taipei Market Festival." Others highlighted: "Themed photo spots during special events," "It's close to Banqiao, saving on transport costs," and "Everything from food, daily goods, clothing, books, and department stores is available at great value."

One review stated: "With delicious oden, Starbucks, affordable teppanyaki, karaoke, Eslite Bookstore, department stores, brand clothing and shoe shops, traditional snack stalls, and beverage shops, it's worth visiting any day, especially in the evenings."

Top Recommendation 3: Ruifang Scenic Area (Jiufen Old Street)

Jiufen, once a thriving gold-mining mountain town, gained renewed fame through films like 'City of Sadness' and 'Spirited Away,' attracting large numbers of domestic and international tourists.

Google reviews describe: "Jiufen Old Street exudes nostalgia, with winding stone steps, red lanterns, and mountain views creating a unique charm. Walking through the alleys feels like stepping back in time. Along the way, local snacks, specialty shops, and teahouses invite slow exploration."

Another visitor said: "The stairs are endless and tiring, but the retro streets lined with red lanterns and mysterious alleyways are so photogenic. It feels like being on a movie set—every shot looks amazing."

Many recommend: "Jiufen Old Street is like a time-travel maze built into the mountains, where red lanterns and stone paths create a unique mountain-town ambiance." One fan said: "A classic northern Taiwan destination. I love the grass jelly cakes—I always buy two boxes to share with family and friends."

Others noted: "The streets are lined with food stalls and souvenir shops, with stunning sea views. At dusk, when the large red lanterns with 'Jiufen' light up, the atmosphere becomes magical." A visitor warned: "The area around Amei Teahouse gets packed at night with many foreign tourists. The stairs get extremely crowded—hold your children's hands. But Jiufen Old Street is truly beautiful and enjoyable to explore."

Image source: Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism