TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The opening of New Taipei’s MRT Sanying Line early next year will not only improve the commuter living circle but will also boost tourism.

The new line is expected to be completed by the end of this year and opened in early 2026. Access to major attractions such as the Yingge Ceramics Museum, Sanxia Old Street, and the New Taipei Art Museum will be improved, according to a report presented at a municipal meeting on Wednesday, per CNA.

Yang Zong-min (楊宗珉), director of the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau, said the new line will drive local revitalization and promote arts and cultural tourism. He added that a new route will be developed to serve residents and tourists.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) emphasized that the opening of the Sanying Line is one of his administration’s top priorities. He urged New Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems Director Lee Cheng-an (李政安) to go beyond decorating MRT trains with images of local attractions.

Hou said the MRT should not only serve as a convenient means of transportation but also promote tourism by integrating local industries and festivals. He noted that relying solely on art venues such as museums is insufficient to stimulate the local economy.

Chang Yi-yu (張䕒育), director of the New Taipei Cultural Affairs Bureau, said culture is the “soul of tourism,” allowing visitors to experience local charm and traditional industries. She cited the Ruifang Ruisan Coal Preparation Plant revitalization project as an example of how revitalizing historical sites can educate the public about the past.

After the meeting, Hou highlighted New Taipei’s natural attractions, including its mountains and coastline, as valuable assets for developing the tourism and leisure industries. With the upcoming completion of the Sanying Line and the Danjiang Bridge, Hou said the city government will soon launch a new series of tourism activities showcasing New Taipei’s unique highlights.