New Taipei City

New Taipei City
Name	New Taipei City
Native name	新北市
Settlement type	Special municipality
Coordinates	25, 00, 40, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Taiwan
Established title	Established as a municipality
Established date	25 December 2010
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Hou Yu-ih
Area total km2	2052.57
Population total	4,004,367
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	National Standard Time
Website	https://www.ntpc.gov.tw/

New Taipei City is a special municipality located in northern Taiwan. It completely surrounds the national capital of Taipei and is the most populous city in the country, forming the core of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area. Originally administered as Taipei County, it was elevated to its current status in 2010, encompassing a diverse landscape of coastal plains, river basins, and mountainous terrain.

History

The area has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological sites like the Tōhoku-excavated Tōhoku site in Bali District revealing traces of the indigenous Ketagalan people. During the Qing dynasty, significant Han Chinese settlement began, with ports like Tamsui becoming vital for trade under agreements like the Convention of Peking. The Japanese colonial period saw infrastructure development, including the expansion of Keelung Port and mining in the Ruifang District area. After retrocession, it was organized as Taipei County, serving as an industrial and residential hinterland for Taipei before its municipal upgrade was approved by the Executive Yuan in 2009.

Geography

The city borders Taipei to the center, Keelung to the northeast, Taoyuan to the southwest, and Yilan County to the southeast. Major geographical features include the volcanic Datun Mountains, the fertile plains of the Tamsui River basin, and a long coastline along the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean. Notable natural attractions are the dramatic sea cliffs of Yehliu in Wanli District, the hot springs of Wulai, and the expansive Yangmingshan National Park, which it shares with Taipei.

Demographics

With over four million residents, it is a densely populated and ethnically diverse metropolis. The population includes Hoklo and Hakka communities, descendants of mainland Chinese migrants who arrived after 1949, and indigenous groups such as the Atayal in Wulai. The city has experienced rapid growth due to suburbanization from Taipei, leading to large residential districts like Banqiao, Zhonghe, and Xinzhuang.

Government and politics

The city government is headed by a directly elected mayor, with the current mayor being Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang. The legislative body is the New Taipei City Council. Administratively, it is divided into 29 districts, including major administrative centers in Banqiao and Xindian. It is a major political battleground in national elections, often seen as a bellwether for the Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party.

Economy

The city has a robust and diversified economy, historically centered on manufacturing in areas like Xinzhuang and Sanchong. It is a major hub for the information technology and electronics industries, with clusters supporting the Hsinchu Science Park and companies like ASUS and ACER. Traditional industries such as jewelry manufacturing in Ruifang and ceramics in Yingge remain significant, alongside a growing services sector and tourism centered on sites like Jiufen.

Culture and society

The city hosts numerous major cultural festivals, including the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival and the Yingge Ceramics Festival. It is renowned for its vibrant night markets, such as the Lehua Night Market in Yonghe and Tamsui's waterfront market. Cultural institutions include the National Taiwan University of Arts in Banqiao and the Museum of World Religions in Yonghe. The historic streets of Tamsui reflect its multicultural past, with landmarks like Fort San Domingo and the Tamsui Church.

Transport

The city is a critical transportation node served by an extensive network of Taipei Metro lines, including the Banqiao Line, Zhonghe–Xinlu Line, and the airport express to Taoyuan International Airport. Major railway stations include Banqiao Station, a hub for Taiwan High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways Administration services. An extensive system of highways, such as National Highway No. 1 and No. 3, and provincial highways connect all districts. The ports of Tamsui and Bali handle commercial river traffic on the Tamsui River.

Category:New Taipei City Category:Special municipalities of Taiwan Category:Populated places established in 2010