New Taipei City

Danshui Riverside (5439104262)

侯友宜 Hou You-yi

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Taipei County Council Hall front view 20070508

Population density map of Xinbei (Dec 2009)

New Taipei City is a special municipality and the most populous city in Taiwan. Located in northern Taiwan, it encompasses a large area, including mountains, coastal areas, and a stretch of the densely populated Taiwan Strait coast. It surrounds Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, forming part of the Taipei metropolitan area. The city was known as Taipei County before its upgrade to a special municipality on December 25, 2010, following the approval by the Taiwan government.

History

The area of what is now New Taipei City has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. With the arrival of Han Chinese immigrants in the 17th century, the area began to be developed agriculturally. During the Qing Dynasty, it saw further development and became an important center for trade and commerce due to its proximity to the sea. Following the handover of Taiwan from Japan to the Republic of China in 1945, the area continued to grow rapidly, especially with the industrialization and urbanization that took place in the latter half of the 20th century. The decision to upgrade Taipei County to New Taipei City was part of a government initiative to better manage the growing urban sprawl and to provide higher quality municipal services.

Geography

New Taipei City is characterized by its diverse geography. The western part of the city is part of the Taiwan Strait coastal plain and is highly urbanized, containing many of the city's residential and industrial areas. The eastern part, on the other hand, features mountainous terrain and is home to several national parks and nature reserves. The Tamsui River and Xindian River are two major rivers flowing through the city, playing a crucial role in its ecology and urban planning.

Economy

The economy of New Taipei City is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, services, and technology industries. It is home to many of Taiwan's largest companies, especially in the technology sector. The city also benefits from its proximity to Taipei, with many residents commuting to the capital for work. In recent years, the government has been promoting the development of the cultural and creative industries, as well as tourism, to diversify the local economy further.

Culture

New Taipei City boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, historic sites, and cultural festivals. The city is known for its traditional markets, street food, and historic towns, such as Jiufen and Pingxi, which have become popular tourist destinations. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival and the Yehliu Ocean Carnival, which attract visitors from across Taiwan and abroad.

Education

The city is home to several universities and colleges, providing a wide range of educational opportunities to residents and students from other regions. The education system in New Taipei City is well-developed, with a strong emphasis on both academic and vocational training.

Transportation

New Taipei City has a comprehensive transportation network, including roads, highways, and public transportation systems such as the Taipei Metro, which extends into the city, providing efficient access to Taipei and other regions. The city also has several bus services and is served by the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, located nearby, making it a critical transportation hub in northern Taiwan.

Administration

As a special municipality, New Taipei City is governed by a mayor, who is elected by the residents. The city is divided into districts, each with its own local administration to manage local affairs. This administrative structure allows for efficient governance and the provision of municipal services across its large and diverse territory.