Xizhi
Introduction
Xizhi is an inner-city district in eastern New Taipei City, in northern Taiwan, sitting between Taipei City and Keelung City. Unlike most districts in eastern New Taipei, which are very sparsely populated, Xizhi is one of the more populated districts in the city, so you can expect a busy urban setting rather than open countryside.
Before you go
Before you go, it helps to know what kind of place Xizhi is: a district in Taiwan that is home to some of the country's best known technology brands, among them Acer and DFI. That corporate identity shapes the feel of the place, so arrive expecting a working technology hub rather than a resort town. The source material for Xizhi is limited, so plan around the essentials and treat the technology connection as your starting point for understanding the area.Getting there
Xizhi is served by three TRA stations. Xizhi station is the district's main stop; its original station dates to the late 19th century, while the current elevated platform was built in the 2000s. Xike station handles local lines only and becomes very busy during the morning and evening peaks. Wudu station also serves local stations and is used mostly by commuters travelling between Taipei and Keelung. Last updated: Aug 2019Getting around
Xizhi sits in the Keelung River valley between Taipei City and Keelung City, and that position makes it well connected along a north–south axis. Most trips begin at a train station or on a bus, and the Taiwan Railways Administration network is the main way you move in and out of the district. Three TRA stations serve Xizhi, all oriented toward local, commuter-style service rather than long-distance expresses: Wudu Station, used mostly by commuters travelling between Taipei and Keelung; Xizhi Station, the district's principal station; and Xike Station, which gets very busy during the morning and evening peak hours. Because these stations handle local services, treat them as stops on the Taipei–Keelung corridor rather than gateways for reserved-seat intercity travel — if you are heading further afield, plan to connect through a larger station.
Xizhi does not yet have metro service; a Taipei Metro route and the MRT Keelung Line are planned, but until they open, do not count on the metro to reach or move around the district. The source material does not describe the local bus network in detail, so treat buses as a complement to the rail corridor and check locally for connections onward from the stations. No information is available on taxis or ride-hailing, though taxis are a reasonable fallback for short trips the rail network does not cover directly, particularly around the commercial and business areas. Xizhi is a populated inner-city district rather than a sprawling rural area, and its central areas — including the zone around Farglory U-Town, described as one of the most convenient and centralized areas of the district — are built up with shops, hypermarkets and offices, making walking practical for local errands and nearby amenities once you arrive by train. No direct airport link is documented; expect to reach Taipei or Keelung first and continue by TRA local train.
Where to stay
Lodging in Xizhi is limited, and the source material offers no detail on specific hotels, hostels or guesthouses. What you will find is a practical base rather than a destination in itself, so it pays to decide what you want from your stay before you book.
- Staying near the train station keeps you close to the rail link into Taipei, which suits short trips and onward travel.
- Choosing a spot further out trades convenience for quieter surroundings, but you will rely more on local transport.
Food & drink
For casual eating, head to Xizhi Night Market, the city's main evening street-food market. If you prefer somewhere indoors, Xizhi Xiu Feng Market is a cooked food market tucked under a fly-over. For a more formal meal, Shi Yang (食養山房) on Section 3 of Xiwan Road is a fine-dining restaurant serving Taiwanese cuisine in a Japanese-inspired setting up in the mountains. The source lists no local specialties and no drinking venues, so plan your nights out around the markets.What to see and do
For history and culture, you can pay your respects at Wuzhi Mountain Military Cemetery, set high on a mountainside, or visit the Cihang Memorial on Xiufeng Road. The South Tunnel and the Su Residence on Datong Road offer further glimpses into the area's past. Temples are scattered across the district: Jide Temple on Zhongzheng Road, Gongbei Temple on Xiwan Road, the Jingxiu Temple on Xiufeng Road, and Zhongshun Temple on Gongyuan Road. For open air, head to Xizhi Park, Baipao Lake, Mount Dajian, or Qiedong Waterfall. If you would rather stay active indoors, the Xizhi Civil Sports Center and the Xizhi Swimming Pool both welcome visitors.Three days in Xizhi
Day one: Arrive in Xizhi, a district of New Taipei City in Taiwan, and get your bearings along the Keelung River. The town sits between Taipei City and Keelung City, so you can reach it by TRA services on the Taiwan Railways Administration network, with Xizhi Station, Xike Station and Wudu Station serving the area. Note that there is no Taipei Metro station here yet; the planned MRT Keelung Line is not open. Start with the Xizhi Night Market and the Xizhi Xiu Feng Market for a first taste of local street food and everyday shopping.
Day two: Use Xizhi as a base for the wider region. Because the TRA line runs through Xizhi, Xike and Wudu, you can ride to Taipei or Keelung for the day and return in the evening. Unlike a stay in central Taipei, lodging in Xizhi puts you within easy reach of both cities while keeping you in New Taipei. Before you set out, check the TRA timetable, as service patterns vary by station.
Day three: Spend your last day closer to town. Walk the riverside along the Keelung River, revisit the markets if you want, and choose your departure station depending on your onward route. Most travellers leave via Xizhi Station, Xike Station or Wudu Station, connecting to Taipei or Keelung by TRA. If you are heading to the airport or further afield, plan your transfer through Taipei.