Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office

During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, there were once eighteen Pingpu (Plain) tribal families engaged in reclamation in the area of the present day Quanyuan Village in Beitou District. This place was known as the Shibafen Zhuang (literally referring to a village of eighteen farmsteads), and was renamed Quanyuan Village (Spring Source Village) after the Retrocession. Due to the endless supply of running spring water in the area, early settlers built and developed many canals, taking advantage of the abundant water resources for irrigation, and thereby driving local agricultural developments. However, over time, abandoned farmland increased due to industry relocation and population migration. Rare and precious species of birds, frogs and old trees, as well as stone houses, charcoal kilns, trails and irrigation canals can be found in the neighborhood. In view of the community’s rich ecological and cultural resources, since last year (2012), Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department , Taipei City Government, began holding discussions with Quanyuan Village residents to seek their opinions, and the Community Improvement Plan was launched.

Director Lin Yu-i of the Geotechnical Engineering Office expressed that Beitou’s Quanyuan Village is located within the Datun Mountain Range, and has always been known as the “Flowing Water Fountainhead of Shibafen”. Since most areas of this community are included within the scope of Yangmingshan National Park, land development in the neighborhood has been restricted over the years. As a result, many valuable and natural ecosystems are well preserved. In consideration of ecological conservation and the use of quality water resources, the Office and Quanyuan Village together discussed the commencement of the Community Improvement Plan.

Chief Chen Zhicheng of Quanyuan Village mentioned that apart from coordinating with Taipei City Government on the Plan, guided tours will be organized by local elders and cultural-historical workers to promote local humanistic features, in order for visitors to learn about the valuable resources of the community.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office also indicated that the goal of the Plan is to shape Quanyuan Village into the “Flowing Water Eco-Village”. In the future, the community entrance symbolism will be created first. Furthermore, a comprehensive approach will be adopted to gradually connect various tourist attractions through a trail system.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office recommends a secret tourist attraction located at the 1k+500 mark of Quanyuan Village Industrial Road. This point of interest not only has a vast field of view commanding the Guandu Plain and MRT Beitou Depot, but also a panoramic view of the Taipei Basin. The Improvement Plan has seen the recent completion of the “Train Observation Deck”, which uses the MRT Beitou Depot as the theme, combined with gravel trails and cherry trees surrounding the spot to create a beautiful scene. Chief Chen pointed out that visitors have recently been frequenting the location and exclaiming: “What a good observation deck for appreciating the beautiful scenery!”

The Geotechnical Engineering Office indicated that Quanyuan Community has a good natural environment with the peaceful ambience of countryside pastures. Take a visit to the Train Observation Deck to admire the charming sunset scene of Bali’s Guanyin Mountain, for enjoyment of simple happiness away from the hustle and bustle to restore your body and mind.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office also expressed that the Quanyuan Village Improvement Plan is one of the major tasks this year. It is fortunate to have the enthusiastic assistance of Chief Chen during the process. Furthermore, the support from private landowners has made it possible for the Plan to be gradually pushed forward smoothly. Director Lin mentions that the community will be renovated step by step in accordance with the natural environment conditions, by focusing on the symbolism at the community entrance, repairing irrigation canals, trail improvement, as well as the creation of recreation space and a farmer’s square. In addition, there are eighteen century-old trees planted by ancestors of the eighteen settler families. The Geotechnical Engineering Office is also planning to organize and improve the surroundings of these eighteen ancient trees to create a rest stop. When the time comes, everyone will be welcome to come and listen to the stories of reclamation by the ancestors and to name the eighteen old trees.

Chief Chen said that Beitou’s Quanyuan area has a rich ecology and many scenic spots, and recommends the general public to take the time to come for a walk. There are bound to be unexpected surprises waiting for you.