New Taipei City, abbreviated as "New Taipei," is located in northern Taiwan and is a special municipality of the Republic of China. It was upgraded from the former Taipei County. New Taipei City completely surrounds Taipei City, is bordered by Keelung City on three sides to the northeast, Yilan County to the southeast, and Taoyuan City to the southwest. Within the city, Fugui Cape in Shimen District is the northernmost point of Taiwan’s main island, while Sandiao Cape in Gongliao District marks its easternmost point. The city is divided into 29 administrative districts, with its administrative center in Banqiao District. With a registered population of approximately 4 million, New Taipei City is Taiwan's most populous city and primary administrative division.
Population and Urban Development
The population of New Taipei City is primarily concentrated within the Taipei Basin. A line extending from Fugui Cape in Shimen District to Mount Babokulu in Wulai District divides the city into eastern and western parts. Population distribution is uneven, with the western region being densely populated and the eastern region much less so, with a disparity exceeding tenfold.
The historical development of New Taipei City is closely tied to Taipei City. During the Qing Dynasty, the regions on the right bank of the Tamsui River (modern-day Taipei City) and New Taipei City developed independently. Post-war, with a massive influx of population, New Taipei City gradually became a multi-core metropolis within the Taipei metropolitan area. Many districts in the city function as satellite towns or commuter towns supporting Taipei City, showcasing a diverse coexistence of urbanization and rural natural landscapes.
Geographical Location
New Taipei City is the northernmost city on Taiwan’s main island. It faces the Pacific Ocean to the east, connects with the East China Sea to the northeast, and the Taiwan Strait to the west. It encircles Taipei City, borders Keelung City to the northeast, Yilan County to the southeast, and Taoyuan City to the southwest. Together with Taipei City and Keelung City, it forms the Taipei metropolitan area, with its influence extending to Taoyuan City and Yilan County. Most settlements within the city are satellite towns surrounding Taipei City, making New Taipei City a model of composite urban development in Taiwan.
Topography and Hydrology
New Taipei City covers a land area of 2,052 square kilometers, approximately 1/16 of Taiwan’s main island, and boasts a 120-kilometer coastline. Its terrain is diverse, comprising mountains, hills, and plateaus. While the northern coast features small, independent rivers and some southeastern streams belong to the Lanyang River watershed, most of the area falls under the Tamsui River system. Major rivers include the Keelung River, Xindian River, Jingmei River, Beishi River, Nanshi River, Wenzaikeng River, Sanxia River, and Dahan River, with tributaries interweaving to create a beautiful geographic environment.
The coastline of New Taipei City is characterized by alternating rocky capes and bays. Prominent capes include Fugui Cape, Jinshan Sulfur Port, Yehliu, Shen'ao Cape, Bitou Cape, Longdong Cape, and Sandiao Cape, with Fugui Cape and Sandiao Cape marking the northernmost and easternmost points of Taiwan’s main island, respectively. Notable bays include Jinshan Bay, Yehliu Port, Wanli Bay, Shen'ao Port, Longdong Bay, and Fulong Bay, many of which serve as fishing ports or for other uses.
Climate
New Taipei City falls within the humid subtropical climate zone, with abundant and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. Huoshaoliao in Pingxi District is the rainiest place in Taiwan, with an average annual rainfall of 3,749 millimeters (1990–2002). In terms of temperature, the monthly average lowest temperature occurs in January, around 13.7°C, while the monthly average highest temperature is in July, about 34.8°C.
