'''Neihu''' (?____) is a northern district of Taipei famous for its IT industry and large shopping complexies. It also features parks as well as mountains dotted with temples and crisscrossed with hiking trails.
Understand
On July 1 1968, " Neihu Township, Taipei County" was placed under the jurisdiction of Taipei City and became "Neihu District". Until 1974, construction was prohibited in the entire district. In February 1976, the City Government announced a development plan for Neihu's Ta Hu Li. Then in February 1978, Nei Kou Hsiao Keng and Wu Fen (both are part of Hsin Li Tsu) were designated as the first areas to be developed during the first phase of the city development plan. Following this, large-scale construction projects were carried out and numerous residential buildings sprang up "like bamboo shoots after the spring rains." By the end of December 1974, the population of Neihu District was 51,369. However, by the end of 2006, the population had grown to 264,624. The main reason for this rapid growth is Neihu's superior living environment which includes natural resources such as rivers, lakes, and mountains.
(Source: Neihu District Office)
Get in
Neihu is Taipei's only district not yet served by the MRT. Many buses provide convenient access to the area, including the 630, 284, and the Brown 9.
See
'''Dahu Park''' is a popular area for recreation. It boasts a large lake with a famous Chinese-style arched bridge. There is a swimming pool here too, and people often hike up Egret Mountain, adjacent to the lake, for exercise. The swimming pool is a little outdated and in need of an upgrade, but it's only $110NT for a swim and included in that price you get access to the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and the high-powered water jets that regulars use to relieve tired and aching muscles. There's also a freezing cold plunge pool for the not too faint at heart. As well as a 25m indoor pool, there's also a 50m outdoor pool and a kids pool with climbing apparatus and water jets to play with. It's right next to Dahu park so once you've had a swim you can enjoy the park's facilities including a foot massage path and basic exercise equipment. It's a great place to jog around and then go for a swim after.
'''Bishan Temple''' is the largest Taoist temple in Neihu. Located on a mountainside to the north of downtown Neihu, it offers spectacular views of Taipei on a clear day. It is possible to spend the night here for a donation. Nearby are other interesting Buddhist and Taoist temples.
Do
'''Hiking''' is possible in the mountainous northern part of the district. A network of trails covers the area. Some trailheads can be found near Bishan Temple. It's a good area for summer hiking because the microclimate in the mountains here tends to be cooler and less humid than in other areas of Taipei.
Buy
Neihu is home to major warehouse retailers, such as Costco, Carrefour, RT-Mart and B&Q.
Eat
Neihu has a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
'''Alleycat's Pizza''', 67-1, Section 5, Chenggong Road, Neihu, Weekdays: 12pm-2pm & 5pm-11pm, Weekends: 12pm-11pm, offer stone-baked thin-crust pizzas with a wide variety of toppings. On the drinks menu are South African wines, seven bottled beers plus Stella Artois and Hoegaarden on tap.
Drink
'''The Terminal''', Neihu Road Sec 2 (behind the Japanese department store). A bar serving meals. Open daily from 2PM every day.
Sleep
'''City Lake Hotel''' (_________X), [http://www.citylake.com.tw/web-e/index.htm]
Contact