Transit — Confirmed Change

MRT Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi) eastern extension opens Aug 30, 2026.
New terminus: 捷運廣慈/豁然亭站 Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station
Extension: 1.4 km east of current Xiangshan Station, along Xinyi Road Section 6
Operating licence issued Aug 18 by Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Free rides Aug 30–Sep 28 on the extension segment only (Guangci ↔ Xiangshan)
Construction: one of the most geologically complex MRT projects undertaken in Taipei — up to 10 underground levels; excavation roughly double the scale of a standard station
Fully operational and fared by Nov 2. Previous reports listed the extension as unconfirmed; this status is now resolved.

What the New Station Serves

The station area is on Xinyi Road Section 6, adjacent to 廣慈博愛院 Guangci Charity Park and the 豁然亭/奉天宮 Fengtian Temple complex. Walking access to the eastern approaches of 四獸山 (Four Beasts Mountain): the Tiger, Leopard, and Lion Hills trailheads are reachable without first passing through the Xiangshan/Elephant Mountain crowds.

Elephant Mountain (象山, MRT Xiangshan) is the most-visited ridge; the other three peaks see a fraction of the traffic but offer equivalent city views. The Guangci station provides a quieter entry point for the full Four Beasts ridge loop (~3–4 hr, exposed in parts — wet rock in the NE monsoon season; dry weekday mornings preferred).

Four Beasts Mountain — Nov window assessment:
Free; no booking required; trail open daily
NE monsoon: cloud and drizzle common; ridge rocks slick when wet
Recommendation: morning start on the clearest of the five days; treat as weather-dependent
Do not schedule on the same day as ART TAIPEI (Nov 2) — leave that afternoon free for TWTC

Events — No Changes to Prior Report

ART TAIPEI 2026: Oct 30–Nov 2, TWTC Hall 1, Xinyi. Final public day Nov 2, 11:00–18:00. Tickets via Accupass (event ID 2607080649073395119800). Buy before departure. Nov 2 is also arrival day — confirm immigration and baggage transfer time before committing to the 11:00 opening.

Taipei Art Week 2026 (3rd edition): Oct 24–Nov 7. Entire five-day stay falls within the window. MOCA Taipei confirmed partner. Individual venue admission. Programme details: check taipeiartweek.tw.

Pre-Departure Checklist — 70 Days Out

Book now: ART TAIPEI Nov 2 tickets (Accupass — event ID 2607080649073395119800)
Check Sep 2026: NTCH ARTQUAKE In Autumn programme (npac-ntch.org); Taipei Art Week venue schedules (taipeiartweek.tw); TFAM exhibition closing dates; Legacy Taipei concert listings
Check Oct 2026: NT$8,000 repeat visitor voucher portal (taiwan.net.tw — not yet live); Taipingshan beech peak status (tpsr.forest.gov.tw); Red Line extension fare structure confirmed; Costco Neihu current hours
Before departure: TWAC submission (twac.immigration.gov.tw; submit within 7 days of arrival; free)
Transit: Airport MRT NT$160 to Taipei Main Station (35 min T1 / 38 min T2); EasyCard deposit NT$100 refundable; contactless NFC live on MRT since Jul 1, 2026 (no discount — use EasyCard for cost efficiency)

Closures on Nov 2 (Arrival Day)

National Taiwan Museum (both buildings), 228 Memorial Museum, Mitsui Warehouse, Railway Department Park, 土銀展示館, 阜杭豆漿 — all closed Monday. 東一排骨 closed Mon + 1st/3rd Tue (also closed Nov 3). Plan Nov 2 around outdoor items: ART TAIPEI at TWTC, 228 Peace Park, Beimen, Camera Street, Hengyang Road, 中山堂.

Weather — Nov 2–6

22–25°C day / 16–18°C night. NE monsoon: ~15–17 rain days/month, 80–130 mm/month. Persistent drizzle, not tropical downpours. Pack: waterproof jacket, layers, waterproof shoes. Outdoor deck at Taipei 101 (91F) and Skyline 460 roof walk close in rain — keep 101 as a flexible slot for the clearest day.