Driving along Jiuzhuang Street Section 2 toward the hills in search of Baozhong tea, I watched the lush greenery roll past my car window—it’s hard to believe that this vast stretch of forest is still part of land-scarce Taipei. At the foot of the mountain lies the constant buzz of Nangang Exhibition Center, Nangang Software Park, and LaLaport Mall. Up in the hills, however, it’s a world of tranquil woodlands. The stark contrast left me with a vivid new impression of Nangang.
Contents
◦ Taipei Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Taipei
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚄 Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei
🛵 Taipei Scooter Rental - Taipei Main Station Pickup
02｜Popular Attractions in Taipei
🎫 Taipei Fun Pass
🎫 Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
🎫 National Palace Museum Ticket in Taipei
🎫 Taipei Zoo Ticket
🎫 Taipei Children's Amusement Park Ticket
🎫 Maokong Gondola Ticket in Taipei
03｜Things To Do in Taipei
🎡 Miramar Ferris Wheel Ticket
♨️ Spring City Resort Hot Spring in Taipei
💆🏻♀️ The Village Spa Massage in Taipei
◦ The History of Nangang
Nangang, formerly known as Nangang-tsai, sits in the southeastern corner of Taipei City and is the least populated district in the city.
In 1885, migrants from Fujian arrived in Zhangnaoliao—then part of Tamsui Subprefecture in Taipei Prefecture—an area that today covers Dakeng in Nangang. They found that the climate, rainfall, and soil were ideal for tea cultivation, and began planting tea trees, making Nangang the birthplace of Taiwan’s Baozhong tea.
By 1954, the president of Academia Sinica began actively promoting the “Academia Sinica Restoration Plan in Taiwan,” first reestablishing the Institute of Botany, followed by the preparatory offices for the Institute of Modern History and the Institute of Ethnology the next year. This marked Nangang’s gradual transformation into a hub for academia and scientific research.
In 2015, the Taipei City Government announced the East Gateway Project, launching major transportation and infrastructure works. The MRT Bannan Line, Nangang Software Park, Nangang Exhibition Center, HSR Nangang Station, and the Taipei Music Center all followed, breathing new life into the district and shaping it into a rising powerhouse where technology, transport, and culture converge.
◦ Attractions in Nangang
01｜Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center
When it comes to Baozhong tea, most people may think of Pinglin’s Wenshan Baozhong tea. In fact, Nangang is the true birthplace of Baozhong tea, with a history of over a century. As early as 1885 during the Guangxu reign of the Qing dynasty, immigrants from Anxi, Fujian discovered that the mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil in Nangang were ideal for tea cultivation. They began planting tea trees here, sparking local economic growth. Up until the end of World War II, tea was one of Nangang’s key industries, and together with Pinglin, it earned the title “Hometown of Baozhong Tea”, making it one of Taiwan’s oldest tea-producing regions.
The Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center is thoughtfully designed. It features a machinery display area, a special exhibition on tea mountains and tea culture, independent exhibition rooms, and a tea-tasting area, along with simple tea sets available for visitors to borrow.
Having visited twice, my favorite spot remains the Tea Mountains & Tea Affairs Exhibition Area. Through historical documents, writings, and displays of tea leaves and utensils, the world of tea seems to take on richer stories.
Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 336, Sec. 2, Jiuzhuang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei
02｜Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Nangang
今年 3 月開幕的南港 LaLaport，除了緊鄰南港展覽館，更有捷運、臺鐵與高鐵在此交會，交通超方便，迅速成為臺北週末休閒、親子共遊的新購物熱點。
南港 LaLaport 集結了超過 300 家品牌，從話題十足的特色專賣店，到日系流行潮牌，都能在此一網打盡。
當我走進哈利波特周邊專賣店「Harry Potter – Mahou Dokoro」臺灣首店，還有愛牌 UNITED ARROWS 時，整個失心瘋！
What surprised me most was finding Lin Cong Ming’s Clay Pot Fish Head from Chiayi in the B1F food market. I have to say, the brand’s third-generation successor truly has the bold vision to take the business to a whole new level!
Nangang LaLaport Opening Hours: 1100-2130 No. 131, Jingmao 2nd Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei
03｜Academia Sinica
Stepping into Academia Sinica and seeing signs pointing to the Institute of Molecular Biology and the Genomics Research Center, I suddenly felt as if just standing here might somehow make me smarter. This illusion even made the nearby barbershops with “Academia” in their names seem more professional.
Academia Sinica is Taiwan’s highest academic research institution and a major scholarly hub for Chinese-speaking academia worldwide. Its origins trace back to 1928 in Nanjing, China. Since its founding, it has endured wars, relocations, and transformations, yet it has always remained a symbol of intellectual pursuit and scientific innovation. In 1954, the then-president actively promoted the “Reestablishment Plan” in Nangang, first reinstating the Institute of Botany, and later setting up preparatory offices for the Institute of Modern History and the Institute of Ethnology. This helped spur Nangang’s gradual transformation into a center of academia and scientific research.
But Academia Sinica is far from being just a cold, lofty temple of knowledge—its accessible yet content-rich museums and exhibitions are the real highlights of my visit this time.
Academia Sinica Opening Hours: 0900-1800 , closed on weekends and public holidays. No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei
04｜Eco Pavilion Emerge Architects & Associates
I had assumed that the exhibition halls inside Academia Sinica would feel as cold and detached as academic research itself. To my surprise, the moment I stepped into the Eco-Life Pavilion, I was greeted by a bright, green, and welcoming space that instantly put me at ease. Located in the institution’s Ecological Restoration Area, the building’s organic, amoeba-like form was designed to preserve the native trees. Combined with the courtyard’s lush plantings, the outdoor greenery subtly flows indoors.
The second floor’s ecological exhibition area is filled with elements designed for shared learning between parents and children. Lighthearted and engaging themes are paired with accurate yet easy-to-understand information, along with phonetic annotations, so visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves.
My personal favorite is the fish skeleton staining specimens, which reveal the inner structure of the fish. The transparent body and vivid magenta bones transform an ordinary fish into an arresting work of art.
Eco Pavilion Emerge Architects & Associates Opening Hours: 0830-1800 , closed on weekends and public holidays. No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei
05｜Hu Shih Memorial Hall
While planning my trip, I was surprised to learn that Academia Sinica has a “Hu Shih Memorial Hall.” I wondered—what connection does this prestigious research institution have with the Hu Shih I knew from textbooks? In 1958, at the age of 67, Hu Shih came to Taiwan to serve as President of Academia Sinica. During his tenure, he actively promoted academic exchange, inviting international scholars to Taiwan and working to advance the local academic community.
Today, the memorial is housed in his former Taipei residence, divided into two sections: the Exhibition Hall and the Residence. The Exhibition Hall contains a rich collection of manuscripts, photographs, and personal artifacts, while the Residence preserves the furnishings and atmosphere of his lifetime. Standing before the desk he once used, I recalled the content of those manuscripts and his well-known saying: “Speak with the evidence you have, no more, no less.” In a place devoted to research, this commitment to truth feels especially moving.
Hu Shih Memorial Hall Opening Hours: 0930-1200, 1330-1630 , closed on weekends and public holidays. No. 130, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Nangang
01｜Give Cold Bird Handmade Desserts
In Nangang, I finally had the chance to visit the base of the YouTube channel “Yan Shi Dessert Shop”. The one thing I had been dying to try was “Only Sour Lemon Tart,” created by Nana Ko.
This tart’s precision and clarity took me by surprise. The citrus aroma and sharp acidity were perfectly balanced, while the sweetness faded cleanly. The sturdy crust and delicate lemon filling merged into one in every bite—worthy of praise from the first to the very last mouthful. I’ve always believed that mastering acidity in desserts and drinks is a true skill, and this lemon tart is the perfect example.
Give Cold Bird Handmade Desserts Opening Hours: 1100-1900 No. 127, Zhongnan St., Nangang Dist., Taipei
02｜Beidahuang Dumpling Shop
Beidahuang is a well-known dumpling restaurant in Nangang, conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from the Nangang transportation hub (where three train lines intersect) and the Nangang Exhibition Center. No matter what time you go, Beidahuang is always busy. When I arrived just before the usual meal hours, there was already a line of people waiting to pick up their marinated snacks by the entrance. If you come with friends, it’s best to have one group secure a table while the others order the marinated dishes.
Their dumplings cost 9 NT dollars each, which might seem a bit pricey at first glance. However, both the size of the dumplings and the amount of filling inside are impressive. The texture is firm, and the juicy meat filling is rich — definitely above average in quality. As for the marinated snacks, which sometimes get overshadowed by the dumplings, they are quite remarkable too. The generous portions come with plenty of pickled mustard greens and scallions. Served with a spoonful of spicy sauce, it’s a perfect treat for those who love bold flavors.
All in all, a meal here costs just a little over 100 NT dollars. Considering the rising costs of everything and the high rent in Taipei, this price is quite affordable — no wonder there’s often a long queue.
Beidahuang Dumpling Shop Opening Hours: 1100-2130 No. 201, Sec. 1, Nangang Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Taipei
➤ Zhongzheng | A District Where Political Forces Converge