New Taipei, Special municipality in northern Taiwan.
New Taipei is a special municipality in northern Taiwan that covers 2,050 square kilometers (790 square miles) and surrounds the capital Taipei, with a 75-mile coastline full of beaches and several mountain ranges. Flat coastal districts in the north and east quickly give way to forested hills and steep mountains in the south and west.
The region changed from indigenous Ketagalan settlements to a major urban center after Han Chinese traders arrived during the Ming Dynasty. The official formation as an independent administrative unit happened in 2010, when it separated from Taiwan Province and became a special municipality.
The 29 districts show very different faces each day, from old temples and tea plantations to technology companies and universities. Local markets open early in the morning and serve traditional food next to modern shops that stay open late into the evening.
An extensive network of metro, buses and trains connects all districts and usually runs from 6 AM to midnight. Most public transport accepts contactless payment cards, which are available at any major station.
The Wulai District preserves the indigenous Atayal culture and offers natural hot springs, waterfalls and mountain trails within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the center. The area remains one of the few places where visitors can see traditional weaving arts and indigenous dances still practiced by the local community.
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