New Taipei City has shortlisted two candidate sites for its New Taipei dome project, signaling progress toward a landmark infrastructure development. Moreover, the administration aims to pick the final location next year after detailed feasibility studies. The New Taipei dome will become a signature multipurpose complex for sports, culture, and entertainment.
Officials announced on Wednesday that the two finalists are the Shulin No. 5 institutional‑use site in Shulin District and the Danhai New Town Phase 2 site in Tamsui District. Both sites passed a six‑month expert evaluation confirming their suitability. The Shulin site borders key districts, while the Danhai site offers scenic coastal surroundings.
Deputy Mayor Liu Ho‑jan said both locations met key criteria, including ample land area and solid transportation access. Additionally, the city’s Sports Department has already commissioned consultants to conduct deeper assessments on financial viability, traffic impact, and infrastructure demands. The stadium complex will span roughly 23 hectares and include a stadium, parking, retail areas, hotels, and entertainment facilities.
The Shulin location benefits from planned transit ties. It sits adjacent to a future metro station on the Wanda‑Zhonghe‑Shulin Line, which connects to multiple other metro lines.Highway access via Provincial Highway No. 65 connects to Freeways 1 and 3, enhancing the site’s overall accessibility.
On the other hand, the Danhai site was chosen for its scenic and tourist appeal. With the recent completion of the Tamkang Bridge and the upcoming Tamsui Light Rail extension, prospects for accessibility and connectivity are improving. The setting provides a blend of seaside and mountainscape, lending aesthetic appeal to large‑scale events.
Originally, other sites had appeared on the shortlist. These included areas near Shulin Sports Center, Shulin Daganyuan farmland, Sanxia Maiziyuan farmland, and the existing Taipei Detention Center. City authorities narrowed the list through land use, transportation, and stakeholder input.
City leaders are drawing inspiration from successful dome models abroad. For example, in April, Mayor Hou Yu‑ih led a delegation to Tokyo to study Tokyo Dome’s multi‑use design, commercial model, and integration with surrounding amenities. That visit underscored how combining sports, entertainment, retail, and tourism helps maximize economic returns.
The New Taipei dome would also address existing gaps in large‑capacity indoor venues. Northern Taiwan lacks domed arenas that can host high‑profile indoor concerts, sports, and cultural events year‑round. Consequently, the new facility would boost the city’s ability to attract domestic and international acts.
If all goes as planned, the administration expects the final site decision next year. Afterwards, design, permitting, and financing phases will follow. Stakeholders anticipate the dome could open within the next decade, subject to budget approvals and construction timelines. In summary, the New Taipei dome project has reached a critical step: selecting between two viable sites at Shulin and Danhai. Ultimately, the outcome will shape how the city balances transportation, tourism, and cultural infrastructure goals for the years ahead.
