Understand
The districts of New Taipei are generally considered to have a less salubrious environment than those in Taipei City, though Xindian is an exception. Built later than many of the county's other municipalities, Xindian is a spacious suburb with good recreational facilities. Besides the famous Bitan Lake, the city also boasts good hiking areas in the mountains that surround the city. In recent years, IT industries have also expanded rapidily in Xindian, and this has greatly increased the affluence of the area. There are three large shopping complexes in Xindian, as well as a bustling downtown. The Hwa-yuan Xin-cheng New Garden City area of Xindian was developed in the 70s and 80s with the aim of attracting artists and writers. Thirty years later, the green hills, quiet environment and relatively inexpensive real estate prices of Garden City still attracts the art crowd, and in addition, many Westerners have settled there. New Garden City is located about twenty minutes from downtown Xindian, off the road to Wulai.
