Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering OfficeNews

A short hike to Mt. Qixing ends perfectly! Everyone loves the hiking event and wants to join it every year

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 06:24:00 GMT

Don’t feel sad for the make-up day. A short hike to Mt. Qixing in 2023 ends perfectly today (September 24). 700 lucky people joined the event and enjoyed the happiest weekend in nature. People can take any trail to the top. They hiked from 7:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., climbed to the summit, and received a hat exclusive to the event. Hikers of all ages enjoyed the exciting event and received great souvenirs. The event was unforgettable and they want to join the event every year!

The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government stated that a short hike to Mt. Qixing has become one of the most popular hiking events. More and more people sign up for it every year. Over 12 thousand hikers joined the event, hitting a record high. It is expected that over 15 thousand hikers will join us next year. We designed a souvenir cap this year to make the event special. Combined with the features of Mt. Qixing and Taipei Grand Trail, the cap is very popular. Hikers receive this cap when reaching the top. The cap will travel with hikers through nature and will stay deep in their heart.

Lots of people brought their family and friends to this event. Some hikers have acquired the Taipei Grand Trail Completion Certificate every year. Rookie hikers are less experienced in hiking but they hang in there and climb to the top step by step because the event was exciting. While climbing to the top, hikers can feel a sense of achievement they never felt before and how happy it was to take a short hike to Mt. Qixing!

Geotechnical Engineering Office pointed out that taking a short hike to Mt. Qixing is an important hiking event in Taipei, which will be the first city in Taiwan that has an iconic hiking event. When tourists from other countries, and other counties and cities in Taiwan visit Taipei, Mt. Qixing, the tallest mountain in Taipei, will come in their mind. This event shows that Taipei is a lively city, leads the hiking trend in Taiwan, and encourages more people to embrace mountains and forests in nature.

Note: If you need to refer to photos, please search for and download them from the website of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/).

Gather the power of community and guard the future! Continue to promote voluntary hillside disaster prevention and the promotion of soil and water conservation on campus

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:50:00 GMT

In the era of global climate change, natural disasters occur frequently in Taiwan. Typhoon and torrential rain every year easily lead to disasters on hillsides. Geotechnical Engineering Office entrusted Center for Weather and Climate Disaster Research, NTU to promote voluntary hillside disaster prevention and the promotion of soil and water conservation on campus. Throughout courses on these issues, it is hoped to raise awareness of voluntary disaster prevention and teach people how to respond to the disaster risk incurred from an extreme climate.

Eight courses on voluntary disaster prevention of hillside communities were held this year. Hillside disaster seminars, field inspections of community environment, and scenario planning help community residents further understand potential disaster risks, making them more able to cope with disasters. It is hoped that community residents can engage in disaster prevention together to prevent disasters in communities in a more powerful way.

Furthermore, Geotechnical Engineering Office continues to work with schools of all levels in this city to promote soil and water conservation on campus, in order to facilitate inheritance of disaster prevention education, and raise awareness of water and land resource protection of students. This year (2023), it will hold eight courses on promotion of soil and water conservation on campus. During the course, a lecturer guides students to read the picture book and explore the campus, and shares domestic and international cases with students, motivates students to learn and think, and implements disaster prevention education.

Hsu Jui Yi, Section Chief of Slope Land Building Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, stated that, “This year, we will organize eight courses on voluntary disaster prevention of hillside communities and eight courses on promotion of soil and water conservation on campus. All of the courses are full and will also be open next year (2024). For related courses, those who are willing to participate in this educational event, please call Slope Land Building Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office as soon as possible, (02) 27593001#3615. "

Note: If you need to refer to photos, please search for and download them from the website of "Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government"

http://www.geo.gov.taipei/

Revive the Legend of Ponlai Rice! Hutian Community and National Taiwan University Collaborate to Restore an Heirloom Rice Variety

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:09:00 GMT

Hutian Community Development Association in Zhuzihu, Yangmingshan has collaborated with the Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University to restore an heirloom rice variety. The heirloom rice variety introduced from Japan to Taiwan in the early years had been lost long ago. After an extensive search conducted by scholars in Japan, the invaluable rice variety was successfully reintroduced to Zhuzihu! The challenging restoration journey aims to revive the legend of Ponlai Rice and showcase the tenacity and culture of Taiwanese agriculture.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government indicated that a group of people rolled up their pants and hunched over the paddy field by the side of Zhuzihu Road under the searing sun in July to demonstrate the traditional farm work of manual rice transplanting. Yung-Ju Chen, the former President of the Hutian Community Development Association, also introduced the unique Nakamura variety in the paddy field enthusiastically.

The Nakamura variety was introduced to Taiwan when the country was under Japanese colonial rule, and it ultimately evolved into the Ponlai Rice of today after years of improvements. Although the Nakamura variety was lost in Taiwan, Chao-Shu Hsieh, a Professor from the Department of Agronomy at National Taiwan University, traveled to Japan to find it and eventually came upon the Nakamura variety, which has been frozen for three decades in the National Institute of Genetics in Japan. In the spring of 2016, they transplanted Nakamura rice seedlings in a paddy field in Zhuzihu by hand in heavy rain, creating the lush green rice fields we see today that symbolize the realization of the hope to reintroduce the Nakamura variety to Taiwanese soil.

Shih-Yuan Lin, Section Chief of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that Zhuzihu has not only become the cradle of Ponlai Rice, but it is also famed for its alpine flowers and vegetables. Zhuzihu Ponlai Rice Foundation Seed Field Story House has transformed Zhuzihu into a valuable region for exploring the history and story of Ponlai Rice, allowing citizens to appreciate the diverse culture and features of Taiwanese agriculture.

The Hutian Community Development Association has joined forces with the National Taiwan University to showcase the heritage of Taiwanese agriculture and highlight agricultural experts' selfless devotion to environmental adaptation and variety improvement. The journey of reintroducing the heirloom rice variety takes people back to a century ago to admire the diligence and commitment of Japanese agricultural experts. Are you curious about the story of Ponlai Rice? You are invited to visit “ZhuZiHuClub” on Facebook to discover the impressive miracle of Taiwanese agriculture.

Note: If you need to use relevant photos, please download them from the website of "Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government" (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/).

Forest rangers in Taipei receive first-aid training to rescue people in time while protecting the forest

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:46:00 GMT

Forest rangers in Taipei patrol the hillsides every day and in any weather condition. They need to work alone in the mountains and always be ready to cope with emergencies. These mountain lovers can perform lots of tasks, including climbing mountains, distinguishing terrain, and helping mountain climbers who have gotten lost. They can even operate UAVs to help them patrol. To make sure that forest rangers are safe when they are on duty, this past week (September 4) the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government arranged training for forest rangers to locate people on the map by phone and perform first-aid in the wild. This training will help forest rangers improve their survival skills through technological and medical knowledge and practical techniques and they will be able to use these skills when people require their assistance.

Wu Hsi Chih, the developer of “Wadi”, a mobile app, is the lecturer of this course. He said that a user can use the offline map and GPX tracker to track himself/herself in the mountains and leave a trail to avoid getting lost. The ability to create and follow trails, as well as location skills, are essential to mountain climbers nowadays. Forest rangers can learn to record the patrol track in this course. They can send the coordinate immediately when they need help, hence rescue workers can reach them quickly. This skill is very important because it helps themselves and others.

Huang Kuo Feng, the coach from Taiwan Wilderness Medical Association (TWMA) pointed out that the Basic Life Support (BLS) training course can teach forest rangers the CPR, AED and common first-aid injury treatment. All of the forest rangers taking the course can acquire Certificate of Qualification issued by TWMA. They can perform first-aid rescue before the golden rescue time closes when they run into an accident before the rescue worker arrives during mountain patrol in the future.

Tsao Fu Chung, a senior forest ranger stated that there are a lot of different emergencies that may come up during mountain patrol. Bee stings, snake bites and stray dog attacks are common. Mountain skill training reduces risks for forest rangers on duty. Tsao Fu Chung recalled that he ran into a pale-faced mountain climber having difficulty breathing at Juansi Waterfall Trail in Shilin District. He checked if he was conscious, then reported to the rescue unit immediately. He operated the first-aid device according to the instructions of the rescue worker on the phone to get the mountain climber out of danger. It was fortunate that he was able to help him immediately. Tsao Fu Chung has benefited greatly by taking this training course because he learned more first-aid techniques and knowledge. He will now be at ease during mountain patrol.

Get away from the heat in mountains at the end of summer. Meet the forests, hills and streams in Beitou

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 06:17:00 GMT

This summer is unusually hot. The End of Heat is over but it is still hot. Go to the mountains at the end of summer vacation or on weekends. Get away from the crowd and go hiking. Walk in cool shade and enjoy the flowing streams.

The altitude of Zhuzihu in Beitou District is 670 meters. As a typical rural settlement, Zhuzihu integrates industries such as local flower farms with natural resources to develop agricultural recreation. In addition to the renowned Yang Ming Shan Flower Festival from March to May every year, the Black Forest, which went viral in the past years, is also a popular spot. The Geotechnical Engineering Office continues to dredge gullies through the Neo-Natural River Reconstruction Method, taking natural habitat, eco-friendliness and disaster prevention into account, and creating a leisure space of blue skies and green fields.

“Dinghu Circular Trail” and “Yangming Creek Waterside Trail” in Dinghu Area and “Calla Lily Circular Trail” and “Calla Lily Path” in Xiahu Area are easy, flat hiking trails along the river and canals. Furthermore, the Geotechnical Engineering Office built a pedestrian-and-vehicle separated road along the irrigation canal in front of Hutian Elementary School. When you walk down the stairs from the scenic lookout diagonally opposite to Hutian Elementary School, you can stroll in this serene natural secret path. You can walk on the Shuicheliao Trail of Hutian Bridge and Zhuzihu Road along the way to feel the cool stream and fresh air in the mountains.

At last, here’s a reminder that visitors must always be alert when they go mountain climbing or visit the river. It is hot and there are still the potential for convectional rain and typhoons. River flash floods in the mountains occur accordingly. Be careful when playing near the stream and valleys. Keep a safe distance from the river.

1. Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line and get off at Beitou Station. Take Bus Xiao 9 and get off at Hutian Bridge Station or Zhuzihu Police Station.

2. Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line and get off at Shipai Station. Take Bus Xiao 8 and get off at Hutian Bridge Station or Zhuzihu Police Station.

3. Take Bus 108, 109, 110, 230, 260 or Red 5 to Yangmingshan. Take Bus Xiao 9 and get off at Hutian Bridge Station or Zhuzihu Police Station.

The current condition of landslides potential debris flow in Taipei is always under watch. Taipei citizens do not need to worry about landslide

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:23:00 GMT

The latest information in the survey released by the Agency of Rural Development & Soil and Water Conservation, MOA in August 2023 indicates that there are 1,731 potential debris flow torrents in Taiwan and 50 of them are in Taipei, covering eight villages in Beitou, Shilin, Xinyi and Neihu District. There are residents near ten of these rivers. The investigation and evaluation results show that there are two mid-risk and twenty low-risk potential debris flow torrents. Further observation is required for twenty-eight torrents.

Geotechnical Engineering Office pointed out that there are fifty potential debris flow torrents in Taipei and there are residents living in area affected by ten potential debris flow torrents. Geotechnical Engineering Office entrusted professional technical units to inspect, observe and govern these areas over the years. These torrents are improved year and year and the protected objects are protected. All of the potential debris flow torrents in Taipei are now safe and stable. Every year before the flood control season, the Geotechnical Engineering Office visits these residents to promote disaster prevention, distributes the Disaster Evacuation Map to them, communicates with them face-to-face, and reminds them to be aware of the warning-level rainfall and evacuation-level rainfall. It informs the area of evacuation news, promotes landslide prevention and scenario planning, and always keeps an eye on real-time rainfall data during extreme climate events such as typhoons and torrential rains. Meanwhile, based on the yellow or red alert of potential debris flow torrents in Taipei released by Agency of Rural Development & Soil and Water Conservation, Geotechnical Engineering Office advises or evacuates protected residents and guides them to a shelter to ensure their life and property safety In addition, professional disaster prevention agencies always stay alert to prevent disasters and rescue protected objects during and after the disaster to minimize the disaster effects.

Chu Hsin An, Section Chief of Geotechnical Engineering Office indicated that every year the Geotechnical Engineering Office appoints professional technicians to inspect fifty potential debris flow torrents in Taipei during flood control season. In addition to three times regular inspection every May, August and November, flexible inspections are held during typhoons, torrential rains or earthquakes in the flood control season, to solve potential risks for the structure of the water conservation facilities of canal, cross facilities (road or bridge), and potential debris flow sources. Geotechnical Engineering Office endeavors to prevent debris flow or landslide, and secure potential debris flow torrents and protected objects.

Improved construction quality of hillsides in Taipei A new achievement of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, winning six Taipei City Government Public Works Excellence Awards

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 08:37:00 GMT

Today the Taipei City Government Public Works Excellence Award Ceremony, the highest honor for the public works of Taipei City Government, was held in International Conference Hall, CPC Building. Six of the construction projects performed by the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department were recognized by the evaluation committee, covering hydraulic engineering, civil engineering and architectural engineering. Lee Shu-Chuan, Deputy Mayor of Taipei, honored the award to the Geotechnical Engineering Office and its construction team, and praised them in public to acknowledge the Geotechnical Engineering Office for continuously enhancing the hillside environment and construction quality.

The first awarded construction project is the “Hydraulic Engineering - Construction of Shuangxi Wetland Park and Bus Parking Area.” Water flows from the pond in front of Shilin Pumping Station through hydraulic units such as sedimentation tank, thick planting area and ecological pool. Sedimentation of micro topography and adsorption transform sewage into clear water. This is a field for environmental education on water purification. Over 260 trees suitable for this area have been planted here. Shuangxi Riverside Bikeway, Taipei Astronomical Museum and National Taiwan Science Education Center are connected to provide a new recreational area for citizens to enjoy the wetland ecosystem and science education.

The second awarded construction project is the “Hydraulic Engineering - Improvement and Facility Maintenance Project of Canals on the Hillside in Taipei in 2022.” Ziming Creek is adjacent to Zhongxing Road in Beitou District. The overall environment construction was put into consideration during planning and design of construction. Canal rectification is the main goal. A permeable pavement integrating the valley has been set up to connect popular scenic spots, Yangming Academy Housem, Ziming Creek and Zhuzihu. These spots form a green corridor combining hot springs, green maple trees and streams, becoming a scenic spot on the outskirts of Taipei for recreation and enjoying the maple leaves.

The third awarded construction project is the “Civil Engineering - Improvement and Facility Maintenance Project of Slopes on the Hillside in Taipei in 2022.” Earth anchor lifecycle, anchor remediation, new anchor, and diverse monitoring techniques have been introduced to the project based on government-industry-university-institute collaboration. These four innovative aspects protect the anchor at the downslope where the MaoKong Gondola T16 Tower is located. There are lots of tourists walking on the upslope to Xiangshan Hiking Trail at Taipei City Hospital Heping Songde Branch. The rockfall protection net, anchor head protection facilities, reinforced drainage system and erosion control mat have been established to adapt to the site, creating a safe, healthy slope land environment ensuring sustainable development.

The fourth awarded construction project is the “Civil Engineering - renovation of forest recreation area (Zhinan Scenic Area) in 2022.” The existing unused space was revitalized by sorting out the environmental and humanistic context. Pink cherry blossoms bloom along the blessing trail to compose the Series of Seven Blessing Songs. The blessing trail is one of the light display zones of the 2023 Taiwan Lantern Festival, an exhibition area of 2022 Taipei Public Arts Festival, and a remote performance space for international arts groups. The idea of improvement by creating great benefits through a small construction project successfully makes Zhinan Scenic Area a more popular spot. Based on the idea of circular economy, local materials are reused. With these materials, delicate workmanship and natural aesthetics, the project manager of construction manufacturer has been honored with the Distinguished Master Award.

The fifth awarded construction project is the “Building - Construction of the Administration Room of Bishan Campground in 2020.” An arc-shaped administration room and a flood detention and sediment retention basin via Low Impact Development (LID) Method have been built. They blend into the local natural environment, follow the idea of forest sustainability and soil and water conservation, and enhance the overall recreational ambience of the campground. The forest camp area and S-shaped sky corridor havce been completed in recent years. These two facilities and the administration room present a new landscape and vision and deliver a natural forest ecological experience to campers.

The sixth awarded construction project is the “Building - construction of wall burial area in the military cemetery (the third to sixth row in Xiao Section) in 2021.” The construction site is located in Nangang Military Cemetery. To adapt to cemetery needs of a thousand people every year, this cemetery offers a good worship environment and service area. The cemetery is built with the quality of a house. A neat, unified wall burial area has been built on the current land, which has been revitalized. Pavement connects all areas, creating a friendly passage space. Greenification of cemetery and the wall burial area strengthen inclusion of landscape and nature, change the stern, depressive ambience of the cemetery, and achieve the goal of creating a recreational cemetery park.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office keeps promoting hillside environmental adaptation based on core values, e.g. safety and disaster prevention, sustainable ecosystem and value-added environment, integrating diverse aspects and breakthroughs. In the construction projects winning the award, the slope is more stable, canal governance has been performed, the scenic spot has been revitalized, the campground has been optimized, the wetland park has been built, and the military cemetery has been utilized. The Geotechnical Engineering Office will continue to strive for hillside safety, enhancement of construction quality, ecological environment conservation, sustainable development, and a safe, comfortable, diverse recreational area for citizens.

Be careful when you go to the mountains in summer. Keep a safe distance from the river in the mountains in Taipei

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 08:48:00 GMT

It is hot in summer. Mountains on the outskirts of Taipei are a great place to get away from the heat. Recently typhoons have hit Taiwan and it is raining all over Taipei. There is lots of water in the streams in the mountains. Be careful when you are near water and keep a safe distance from the river.

Chu Hsin An, Section Chief of Mud/Rockslide Control Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, indicated that soil turns soft due to continuous rainfall. People must watch out for landslides and rock falls when going to the mountains. In recent years, due to the influence of global climate change, chances of extreme rainfall increase chances of these events significantly and sudden torrential rain causes flash flood in the mountain area. People must always be alert when going mountain climbing or visiting the river. The Taipei City Government set up drowning signs at the basins where people have drowned over the years, or where lots of tourists visit. Life-saving appliances are available at some basins to rescue
people falling into the water. People may download the “Taipei City Disaster Prevention App” before going to the mountains to keep track of real-time weather updates (rainfall, water height and typhoon alert).

Three signs of a river flash flood

Water becomes muddy suddenly

The terrain of basin varies. The sign of a flash flood at some rivers is that water becomes muddy or defoliated leaves and dead branches flow in the river.

Water starts to flow faster

Usually the water level in the front part of river course suddenly drops, hence water flows faster.

River level rises consistently

Before a flash flood occurs at some basins, the water level of river upstream is slightly higher than the original water level, and water flows gently at the same speed. When the river level rises "consistently", you only have five to ten seconds to get away from the flash flood.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je Hosts Screening of National Geographic Channel’s “Inside: Taipei Grand Trail”

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:05:00 GMT

Hot New Bucket List Item: The Taipei Grand Trail

The first screening of the “Inside: Taipei Grand Trail” show was held today in Taipei, Taiwan. A collaboration between the Taipei City Government and the National Geographic, the one-hour program was directed by Golden Bell award winner Yang Shou Yi. Mayor Ko Wen-je hosted the screening and invited publics to rediscover Taipei by hiking the trail.

The 92-kilometer Taipei Grand Trail has been a point of promotion of the city government since 2018. The trail is divided into 7 sections, allowing hikers to tackle one section at a time, one day at a time if they wished to do so. The trail starts at MRT Guandu Station and leads hikers through Yangmingshan National park, where one-third of the hike takes place. Along the way are majestic views of the mountains of Taipei including the Datun Volcano Group and Mount Qixing, whose peak is the highest in Taipei at 1,120 meters. Other points of interests include a valley of hydrangeas at Zhuzihu, a natural trail maintained by volunteers using traditional methods in Shuangxigou, Bishan Campgrounds, strawberry picking farms in Neihu, a spot for watching planes take off and land near Yuanshan, tea tasting in Maokong, and a million dollar night view of Taipei 101 from Sishou Mountain. The Taipei Grand Trail brings and joins the elements of fitness, challenge, confidence-building, convenient access to creature comforts and delicious cuisine in the city.

“After finishing the twin tower ride, I challenged myself to the Taipei Grand Trail. It was more than a test of physical endurance. It was an opportunity to see Taipei from a different perspective. It was glorious. Hike the trail and you will fall in love with it,” said Mayor Ke Wen-je. “But don’t just stop at the end of the 92km hike, there’s a 130km riverside bike trail that connects the MRT Taipei Zoo and Guandu Stations, completing the circuit. And whichever section of the trail you choose to hike and from whatever direction, public transportation is available - MRT, buses, ubikes, the Maokong Gondola, etc. It’s really convenient in the city. You can go anytime,” he added.

To “Inside: Taipei Grand Trail” presenters Benjamin Wang and his wife Cindy Chen, helping with trail maintenance was especially memorable. “It was the first time for us to see how natural trails are maintained. Feeling the earth between our hands, how ancient it is, how we’re helping with building a trail for people to safely walk on, it was really special. And climbing Datun Mountain was pretty impressed too. It was not easy! We had to keep pep talking each other and keep taking breaks to get through it. And when we finally made it to the top, it felt great! All the fatigue instantly disappeared…until it was time to go back down again. The hike is also really nice if you’re looking for spiritual growth, or to get back in touch with your inner self. We really recommend it,” the couple said.

“Every year our graduating class climbs the peak of Mount Qixing,” said Hutian Elementary School dean of academic affairs Li Bi-man. “It’s a long, tough hike that helps kids exercise their will power and build resilience. Mountain climbing helps them get to know the land, themselves, and know that they can accomplish what they set out to do. With training and experiences like this, taking on new challenges in the future will get easier and easier,” she added. Mayor Ko agreed, “strong and healthy kids will make our country more competitive. I hope to see more schools organize graduation hiking challenges to the peak of Mt. Qixing.” “This is great for adults as well - the Taipei Grand Trail is an excellent training ground for tackling higher mountains,” he added.

“Inside: Taipei Grand Trail” will premier on December 12th at 10 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel, where it will be broadcasted simultaneously in 30 countries around the world. Those who missed it can tune into Fox Sports the following day for the rerun.

“The Taipei Grand Trail is a rewarding hike in so many ways, great for beginners and experienced mountain climbers alike. It should be on your bucket list,” said the presenters.

Promote the Forest Management Demonstration at Daluntou Mountain for the Permanent Inheritance of the Forestry

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 08:41:00 GMT

Promote the Forest Management Demonstration at Daluntou Mountain for the Permanent Inheritance of the Forestry

　　To improve the forest health and promote the forestry in Taipei City, the Geotechnical Engineering Office(GEO) initiated the timber stand improvement demonstration for the forest at Daluntou Mountain in the City. It invited LIN, JIN-SHU, Uncle SHU, with decades of experiences in forestry to perform the thinning operation on site, and invited faculties and students from departments related to forests across Taiwan to join for observation and study, so as to pass down the nearly lost logs skidding skills and lift the curtain for the forest management demonstration of Taipei City.

　　According to the GEO, forestry withered due to the logging ban of woods in Taiwan in early years. However, since announcing the range of forests in the City in 2018, the GEO intends to promote works for forest management, including timber stand improvement. Therefore, the GEO invited National Chiayi University, National Chung Hsing University, and the forestry sector to build a professional team and prioritize the thinning operation for the forest amounted to nearly 26 hectares at Daluntou Mountain. It is expected that the forest will become the citizen’s forest in the future that provides various benefits such as recreation and landscape as well as environmental education.

　　According to CHANG, KUN-CHENG, an assistant professor from the Department of Forestry, National Chiayi University, moderate thinning of forests allows the sunlight to penetrate the vegetation, increases the space of growth for the residual stand, and improves their health. Uncle SHU’s team adopted the strip thinning method and the stringing techniques that incurs minor effect to the ground for logs skidding and stacked the broken branches from the thinning as cross slopes to help soil and water conservation and manifest a habitat environment for creatures.

　　According to ZENG, GUAN-YU, a student from the Department of Forestry, National Ilan University who participated in the obesrvation tour, “this is not the first time for me to see thinning; however, coming to the site for the thinning operation this time at Daluntou Mountain still fascinates me, especially the process where the trees were cut down. When the tree was cut down, it was like decades of time were concentrated at that moment. When the tree fell toward the cut, along with the sound “pah,” the piece of wood was broken. But I know it was not the end; on this piece of land, there will be better woods, healthier forest, and prettier scenery.”

　　LIN, SHI-YUAN, Section Chief of the Forestry Section, GEO, said that people work in the forestry often say, “There will be sustainable timber if we harvest wood at the right time.” Woods are environmental materials that can be regenerated and reused; forestation and harvest are indispensable parts for sustainable resources. Furthermore, Taipei City has rich low elevation mountains ecology, worthy of being used to invigorate the circular ecological economy, including developing the under-forest economy, such as mushrooms and rough-leaved holly. The wood from thinning may be extended to reuse, while DIY environmental education program may also be promoted. For relevant information, feel free to follow our Facebook page “Taipei.GEO”
(https://zh-tw.facebook.com/Taipei.GEO/).

“Chulu Bishan” to Start Your Brand New Mountain Life！

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 06:40:00 GMT

“Chulu Bishan” to Start Your Brand New Mountain Life！

　　In recent years, camping has become more and more popular. For beginners who want to join the camping life but have no idea how to camp safely, the Geotechnical Engineering Office(GEO) will hold two sessions of camping promotion events “Chulu Bishan” on holidays in October. Everyone is welcomed to team up with their children to register for participation, to get close to mother nature and enjoy the physical and mental relaxation!

　　According to the GEO, the Bishan Campsite is located between Daluntou Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain, with an altitude of approximately 350m and contains abundant ecological resources. The campsite adopts human and nature's co-existence as its operating theme, conveys the spirit of sustainable development and utilization for the ecology and preserves ample space for getting close to nature. Within the campsite, there is a hiking trail of approximately 1km; citizens may enjoy the forest bath with leisure within the green forest at Bishan. In addition, abundant tourist attractions such as Bishan Temple and Baishihu Suspension Bridge are also recreational options available for citizens.

　　According to LIN, SHIH-YUAN, Section Chief of the Forestry Recreation Section, GEO, the delicate planning of the event targets the beginners; the camping spot, tent, and stove are prepared for citizens, while participants only have to prepare their own sleeping bags, cookout appliance, and food ingredients. The GEO will arrange the camping skill and cookout skill programs to convey the easy, simple, and safe camping concepts, allowing those who camp for the first time to quickly pick up the skills. Bishan Campsite has minor light pollution during the night, which allows it to become a fair venue for stargazing in Taipei. A starlight concert will also be arranged for the event, inviting participants to enjoy a starlight feast of acoustic guitar. In order to deepen the happy experiences of co-existence between citizens and nature, events such as forest yoga and ecological observation are also arranged in the morning for citizens to jointly experience the natural aesthetics of the mountain and forest.

　　The event is free of charge; however, the restriction is that the participants shall be those who have never participated in the camping event organized by the GEO or those who have never applied for the camping spot. Plus, participants shall be families with children (participation of children below junior high school is required). The registration for session 1 and session 2 is expected to be opened at 12 p.m. on 30 September (Wednesday) and 16 October (Friday). Online registration is adopted. Maximum groups allowed shall be 39 groups (2-4 people/group) for each session; Taipei City residents shall be prioritized when the number registered group is more than 39. The accepted sequence shall be determined by way of lots.
Details for registration, please check out the event’s registration form: https://forms.gle/vTn9mMiytY7TZpih9
Event Consultation Line: (02)2368-0602 Ms. Guan/Ms. Zhao
Service Mailbox: iloveforest@friendlyseed.com.tw

Geotechnical Engineering Office Making Continuous Outstanding Performance with Recognition of 4 More Taipei City Distinguished Public Construction Awards

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 08:59:00 GMT

The Distinguished Public Construction Award, which symbolizes the highest honor for Taipei City Government’s public constructions, has entered its eighth year this year. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) has sent in a total of 4 constructions for the contest application, which have all received award recognitions. The 4 constructions are “Civil Engineering Category – Improvement Construction of Existing Roads in the Mountain Area at Lane 402 and 300 of Xingyi Road, Taipei City ”, “Civil Engineering Category– 2018 Hiking Trail Improvement and Maintenance Construction ”, “Architecture Category – 2018 Military Cemetery Cremains Burial Niche Facility and Barrier-Free Ramp Installation Construction (Second Row in Xiao Area) ”, and “Hydraulic Engineering Category – 2018 Taipei City Hillslope and Creeks Maintenance and Facility Improvement Construction (North Area) ”. Deputy Mayor Pong Chen-sheng presented the awards to the GEO and the construction execution team. Through public recognition, the city government acknowledged the GEO’s continuous and tireless dedicated efforts on hillslope environment and its construction quality.

The GEO noted that, “Improvement Construction of Existing Roads in the Mountain Area at Lane 402 and 300 of Xingyi Road, Taipei City” is located within Taipei City’s first hot spring industry exclusive district. To invigorate development of local industry while giving consideration to the ecological environment, four core values – revitalizing industry, sponge city, driving safety, and energy conservation and carbon reduction – are set forth as the principles of the construction. Through the improvement of an 8-meter-wide road and the imagery installation at the South and North entrances, the local driving safety and overall comfort are enhanced. Moreover, by integrating the imagery creation at the South and North entrances with the area’s surrounding landscape and leisure and recreation resources, the hot spring industry’s sustainable development is advanced and a regional characteristic is created.

For the second awarded construction, the “2018 Hiking Trail Improvement and Maintenance Construction”, the GEO connects Taipei City’s existing trails with trails at Yangmingshan National Park to establish the Taipei Grand Trail route. The total length of the route, extending from north to south, is 92km, and the route is at an altitude of 1,120m. The construction process made use of the concept of “zero-addition” of cement pavement and “zero-disappearance” of natural pavement, integrating the natural surroundings and reducing the impact on existing ecosystems so as to achieve energy conservation, carbon reduction, and a sustainable ecological environment. Views along the trail are breathtaking, making it a “Grand Tour Route” that everyone should take on at least once in their lifetime. Since the GEO began promoting the Taipei Grand Trail last September, there have already been 2,700 people who have completed the challenge.

The third construction awarded, the 2018 Military Cemetery Cremains Burial Niche Facility and Barrier-Free Ramp Installation Construction (Second Row in Xiao Area), is located at Taipei Military Cemetery. In response to the need of nearly a thousand burials every year, unused land burial areas overgrown with weeds are redesigned into an orderly burial niche area. Furthermore, to coordinate with the stairway-like terrain at the original land burial area, friendly ramps are installed to offer convenience for all pedestrians. And to integrate the GEO’s construction experience of a leisure and reservation space, resting chairs are set up, broad-leaved podocarpus, rhododendron, and other plants are arranged to beautify the surrounding. An environment appropriate for relaxation is planned out, and the originally gloomy and depressing ambiance at the cemetery has been gradually improved, infusing lively colors to the whole area.

The last awarded construction is the “2018 Taipei City Hillslope and Creeks Maintenance and Facility Improvement Construction (North Area)”, which is situated at Zhuzihu in Beitou District. The construction mainly focused on the renovation of the circular trails at Dinghu, reinforcement of the trails’ water permeability, and creation of a hillslope barrier-free space. On the other hand, with respect to improvement on the ditch in front of Hutian Elementary School, coordination with the original appearance of the terrain was made to preserve the primitive plants and to reduce any impact on the primordial ecosystem. After the ditch was properly revamped, the original natural sceneries were restored, and city residents are now able to take a stroll over the secret natural trails situated amidst the tranquil calmness and enjoy the cooling river streams and fresh air in the mountains.

The GEO stated that the Office has been working on the foundation of disaster prevention and safety as it creates constructions that possess simultaneously disaster prevention functions and a natural landscape. In addition, local humanities, culture, and history, soil and water conservation, environmental education, ecological and natural surroundings, and other elements are incorporated, and coordination with conditions at the existing environment is also achieved to naturally blend the constructions amidst the woods. As a result, the constructions are able to provide safe hillslope environments and first-rate leisure and recreation space in nature to all city residents.

Anyone who needs to access pictures related to this article is welcome to visit the GEO official website (https://english.geo.gov.taipei/) for reference and download.

Taipei City Government has agreed on land resumption of Chientan Youth Activity Center and will continue the lease according to law

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 01:44:00 GMT

Taipei City Government has agreed on land resumption of Chientan Youth Activity Center and will continue the lease according to law

Regarding the rent of Chientan Youth Activity Center, there may be misunderstandings. The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government has specially stated that the state-owned property land is subject to the rent based on a 5% annual interest rate. The Ministry of the Interior recognizes that the land for non-business use should charge 60%, while the rest for business purposes should rent at a 160% surcharge. At present, the land lease is subject to collect the rent continuously in accordance with the law.

Before the year of 1988, China Youth Corps (CYC) legally obtained about 65% of the property rights of Chientan Youth Activity Center, whereas the state-owned property accounted for 35%. The buildings were located in about 15 areas on No.676, 6th Subsection of Bailing Section, Shilin District, Taipei City, and were co-managed by the National Property Administration, Taiwan Railways Administration, and Taipei City Government.

Taipei City Government has collected the annual rents from CYC since 1993. Yet, the social transformation and public justice has been highly addressed in recent years. Taipei City Government considered the land resumption in 2016. According to the law, the appeal of building relocation becomes a must. However, the other two parties, the National Property Administration and Taiwan Railways Administration, have lease contracts with CYC until 2019 and 2020. Moreover, the building groups cannot be torn down separately. Even if 65% of the CYC-owned buildings are dismantled, the rest must be demolished as well due to the structural damage, yet the destruction of state-owned property is not feasible.

In order to solve this historical issue which has been left for decades and smoothly execute the transformation as well as take into account the best interests of the city and the citizens, Taipei City Government signed an agreement with CYC in September 2016 that the property rights of the building will be an uncompensated transfer to Taipei City Government in the end of 2024. When this time comes, the buildings will be estimated at the market value of NT$267.21 million by three real estate appraisers. On the other hand, CYC still has to pay rent for the use of business purposes, approximately NT$16 million per year. A total of 8 years' land lease can bring in more than NT$100 million to Taipei City Government.

For the sake of citizens' welfare, Taipei City Government has taken back the partial lands and turned it into a recreational area for residents. CYC is required to dismantle the fence and be responsible for maintenance and greening. Nowadays, the large lawn and the round-the-lake trail are open to public. The newspaper rack which has been set up in the reading room on the first floor of the Education Building is open publicly. Citizens and tourists are all welcome to use the recreation resources in Yuanshan Scenic Area.

CYC currently pays the rent of Chientan Youth Activity Center on the state-owned property land, which is based on a 5% annual interest rate regulated in "Rent Criteria of State-owned Property Land Ordinance" revised on April 1, 2018. Moreover, CYC is recognized as a public welfare group by the Ministry of the Interior. Its land for non-business use should be charged 60% while the rest for business purposes should be calculated at a 160% surcharge. The monthly rent is about NT$1.38 million, roughly equal to NT$246 per ping. The rent calculation is in accordance with the law and is not below the criteria so as to keep the best interests and welfare of the city and the public.

Facing the problem is the first step to solving the problem. Under the harmonious negotiation, it is a three-way win solution for Taipei City Government, the citizens and CYC. It avoids long-term litigation which may take time and result in a less-than-ideal conclusion.

Flood control period has come. Taipei City has completed propagandizing on the disaster prevention on potential debris flow torrent

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 08:09:00 GMT

According to the announcement of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, there are 1719 debris flow torrents in Taiwan. In Taipei City, there are 50 debris flow torrents. Among them, inhabitants are residing in the neighborhood of 10 of them, covering the area of Beitou, Shilin, Xinyi, and Neihu, with the total of 8 villages. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government has already visited the households one by one in the affected areas and informed them with the guidelines on evacuation. Disaster prevention campaigns were also held to educate villagers to finish disaster prevention works before the flood control period.
Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government expressed that among the 50 debris flow torrents in Taipei City, 3 of them are regarded to have mid-risk potential, 19 of them are low-risk potential, and 28 of them are listed under observation. By May 2018, 10 of the debris flow torrents inhabited by people in the neighborhood, there are 94 protected households, with 274 of registered inhabitants and 236 actual inhabitants, who are registered and monitored by our department.
The Geotechnical Engineering Office expressed that due to the global climate change, there are frequent short-duration intense rainfalls weather conditions. To prevent debris flow and people’s injury, in this year, we have completed the disaster prevention preparation, regular inspection and observation, household visit to inform inhabitants with related tips, and deliver disaster prevention maps before the flood control period. They communicated with residents directly to remind them of the warning rainfall and evacuation rainfall to inform each protected object accurately to allow them to obtain evacuation information. At the same time, disaster prevention campaigns were also held to educate villagers and familiarize them with the evacuation routes. In addition, disasters prevention education camps were also held to elementary school children with knowledge on debris flow.
Huang Ting-Chao, the head of Mud/Rock Slide Control Section, The Geotechnical Engineering Office said, the department has held 4 debris flow disaster prevention and evacuation exercises, 3 debris flow disaster prevention education seminars, and 2 educations camps for elementary students on debris flow prevention, with the total of 878 participants. In the campaigns, professional technicians explained that during the typhoon and heavy rain period, they should pay attention to the conditions of debris flow torrent. The speakers also informed them with the evacuation routs, telephone numbers of related disaster rescue units, and the mud/rockslide evacuation maps in their villages and neighborhoods so that people can understand how to save themselves during typhoons and heavy rains. If any help is need from them, they can report to related units rapidly to facilitate disasters rescue units to conduct immediate rescue.
PS.: If you need to quote from any of the photos, please consult the website of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (Geotechnical Engineering Office) and download them for use.

Green Taipei, Land of Diversity - Let’s walk the trail together 2018 Ecological Guided Trail Tour accepting registrations now!

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 01:41:00 GMT

After the long cold winter ends, the earth wears a green dress and all the plants bud. Why not take advantage of this great season by walking outdoors and stepping into the mountain wild to loosen up? The Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Public Works Department, Taipei City Government is inviting the public to stroll along the trail for revitalization in the warm spring, and take a brisk and lively journey to experience vibrant “Green Taipei” and appreciate this “Land of Diversity.”

The Geotechnical Engineering Office has announced that this year there will be 4 sessions of Trail Ecological Guided Tours held at the locations in the following order: Pingding Ancient Canal Loop Hiking Trail, Nangangshan Hiking Trail, Daluntou and Dalunweishan Scenic Hiking Trail, Hengling Ancient Way Loop Hiking Trail. Each participant of the respective guided tour will be gifted a souvenir upon finishing the route. The souvenir varies for each session. Hikers are encouraged to join all the tours and make a collection!

The first session of Ecological Guided Trail Tour takes place at Pingding Ancient Canal Loop Hiking Trail on April 14th and accepts 300 participants. Registration starts from March 30th until it is fully booked. Interested parties are invited to google Taiwan Nature Trail Society Blog (http://blog.xuite.net/naturet/ngo)and complete registration online; for more information, please visit the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office , or call (02)2302-5265 and a special service agent will provide you with the necessary services.

The chief of the Industrial and Trail Section at the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Chen Yan-cheng, says for all participants to assemble on April 14^th at 8 am at the “entrance of Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail” bus stop, the terminal station of small bus #18. Then, start walking along lane 370, section 3, Zhishan Road. Cut into “Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail” Zhishan Road Hiking entrance at the right side of private residence #29. After passing the Tianweizi Bridge crossing Shuangsi, walk uphill and you will come to a road junction shortly. Take the left Hiking way routed through the Dengfeng Canal, Pingding New Canal, Pingding Ancient Canal, Qingfeng kiosk and Dayin platform then the Daqitou Hiking Trail. Walk on the downhill trail with steps until you get back to Zishan Road and the path makes a circle. The tour ends at the entrance of the Pingding Ancient Canal Hiking Trail entrance bus stop.

Along the trail, you can see the landscapes of the magnificent rocky wall, clear water creek, hundred-year-old ancient canal and splendid water terrace farming area. It’s a featured route with its exclusive signatures. This activity is featured in response to Hiking Trail and 422 Earth Day. In addition to the Ecological Guided Tour, there are 4 environmental educational topics including water footprint, ecology footprint, Lishan Yuanjing water terrace farming area and the spring Welcome Earth Day in the hopes of reminding people to strive for environmental protection.

PS: For anyone who needs to cite related pictures and photos, please visit the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei) for free downloads.

A first in Taiwan – Taipei City reminds people of soil conservation plans and the expiry dates of water to safeguard peoples’ rights

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 06:29:00 GMT

The Geotechnical Engineering Office, a division of the Public Works Department in Taipei City, promotes the smart management of slope land in order to consolidate control of information regarding slope land cases and the disclosure thereof. After disclosing information regarding reviewed cases and violations, the Geotechnical Engineering Office provides a service of text messages and emails regarding soil conservation plans and the expiry dates of water to remind people of the applications of construction projects and the extensions of completion dates. This is done to promote the efficacy of project management, and to avoid soil and water conservation plans expiring and becoming invalid. Likewise, peoples’ rights will not expire either.

Have any of you encountered the following painful experiences: the expiration of a uniform invoice that renders the claiming of prize money futile, fines for expired parking fees or late credit card payments, or other times things expire? Cases like these not only invalidate your rights but also bring you fines. It is troubling. But now you don’t have to worry about these types of situations when applying for water and soil conservation plans in Taipei City. The Geotechnical Engineering Office expressed that, according to the Water and Soil Conservation Plan Approval and Supervision Act, if any water and soil conservation plan is not applied during the effective period for the commencement and completion of the construction, the original approved plan will be invalid. It will cost time and money to re-apply, not to mention the effect on peoples’ rights. Therefore, the Geotechnical Engineering Office provides a leading automatic texting reminder system to prevent people from any loss because of not understanding related rules and regulations.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office expressed that the slope land data bank that has built up gradually aims to provide a better possible usage of information. In addition to promoting the managerial efficacy of the Taipei City Government, it also expects to provide people with better services. At present, there are expiry dates in each stage of the review of water and soil conservation plans, as well as in reporting the commencement and completion of construction projects, returns of deposit, and more. While ensuring the safety of slope land, it also confuses people with these complicated procedures. Now, the reminder function of the smart checking system will text or email people of important dates immediately. Replacing traditional paper documents, it safeguards peoples’ rights and speeds up administration efficiency, making a win-win situation.

P.S. For usable photos or clips, please visit the Chinese website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/) for reference and downloads.

Promote road safety in the mountain area to provide people with safety in transportation

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:08:00 GMT

The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government is responsible for the maintenance of 436 roads and 28 bridges in the mountain area announced and controlled by Taipei City Government. They are located at different administrative districts: Beitou, Shilin, Zhongshan, Neihu, Xinyi, Wenshan, and Nangang. Every year, it inspects, weeds, trims hanging down trees, maintains and improves the bridges and tests them every two years at the mountain roads announced as regulated by Taipei City Government to minimize risks during disasters. By doing so, it provides a safe environment to safeguard people’s lives and properties.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office expressed that by promoting the overall quality of the mountain roads, autonomous evaluation of the mountain roads will be held annually. It invites experts and scholars to provide suggestions for further improvements regarding the quality, safety, and comfortable environment of the mountain roads. In the end, it aims to accomplish the goal of road safety in the mountain area.

In 2017, the Geotechnical Engineering Office inspected 436 roads in the mountain area regularly as routine. Their total length is 213km, being inspected weekly. During typhoons, downpours, and earthquakes, personnel will be sent on the second day to inspect and examine the conditions. In total, 225 cases have been reported. 1,820 personnel were sent to operate excavators, bulldozers, cranes and other equipment in rescue missions. In addition, remediation was applied to15,393m ² of side slope; 57,998m ² of roads paved; 1,416m of guardrails and 1,962m of drainage maintained. In Taipei City, 196km of roads are weeded every season to provide overall service quality for roads, road safety for pedestrians, good views, and quality leisure space for road users.

To provide convenience to people and innovate computerized management of roads in mountain areas, the Geotechnical Engineering Office will establish the road digging in mountain area system in 2018, and a computerized road management system. The help of the road digging in mountain areas will facilitate people to apply for digging in mountain areas with a prompt, convenient, and efficient service. As to the computerized road management system, it can track the life-cycle of mountain roads, using big data to analyze and provide feedback, while also allowing more efficient use of maintenance funds. In sum, it provides much improved service quality for mountain roads, offering people a more comfortable and safer transportation environment.

It is time to take the Maokong through the Camphor Walking Trail to admire the beauty of flowers during the New Year holidays in 2018.

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 03:47:00 GMT

The New Year is forthcoming in 2018. Have you thought about where to go during the three holidays? In addition to watching the beautiful fireworks show around Taipei 101, you can also go take the Maokong through the Camphor Walking Trail to admire the beauty of LupinLupin Flowers all over the mountains while the pine leaves discolor and wither. The Geotechnical Engineering Office under the Public Works Department of Taipei City Government is here to invite you to go hiking in the mountains and admire the flowers for fun.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office said that the flowering golden inflorescences of Lupin Flowers are now swaying in the Camphor Walking Trail with a total area of about 1.5 hectares. The surrounding environment has a broad vision and is rich in rural images with ox carts, water tankers and bicycles, which are very interesting. Beside the Caiyun Pavilion, there are a few towering deciduous cypress trees and the leaves are withering and falling as their color turns from emerald green to brown owing to the change of the season. Walking on the trail is very relaxed and comfortable, and visitors are welcomed to collect some good memories.

Chen Yencheng, Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that, this time, the Lupin Flowers are planted in batches on the fallow lands next to the trail and they blossom with advances in time. The first batch of gold-colored Lupin Flowers are now in bloom. The second batch of Lupin Flowers will blossom in January, approximately, after the New Year. During this period, visitors can come to the Camphor Walking Trail to admire the flowers. The government encourages visitors to make every possible use of MRT, bus or YouBike and other public transport to go on a happy trip to the trail. Around the Camphor Walking Trail, visitors can go ahead as directed by the flowers and admire their magnificence.

If you have any suggestions on the facilities and environment of the trails, you are welcome to fill in the questionnaire (https://goo.gl/QZ5fpQ) on the Trail Satisfaction Survey Website. If you need a map of Taipei's hiking trail, you can pick it up for free at the Industrial and Trail Section of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, or download the information from the Geotechnical Engineering Office’s thematic website on Leisure and Recreation (http://gisweb.taipei.gov.tw/release/).

P.S.: To cite relevant pictures, please refer to the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government(http://www.geo.gov.taipei/) for free to download.

Several Steps away from City Noises The Best Place to Strengthen Your Body in Autumn and Winter

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 00:49:00 GMT

Blowing winter breeze announces the arrival of 2018. Instead of staying in your blanket and getting colder, why not go outdoors to strengthen your body? Xiangshan Trail, adjacent to the urban area of Xinyi District, is your best choice to stay away from city noises, linger within the woods, and experience the beauty of a rich ecosystem.
Xiangshan is the highest point of the Shishou Hills trail system. The circular main course of Shishou Hills stretches 1450 meters and takes about 90 minutes to complete the course. The course will use up 890 calories, enabling you to burn your fat and strengthen your body easily. This trail system that leads to all directions allows visitors to arrange hiking trails easily. Including the One-Line Sky and Great Crag along the way, visitors can observe precious geological features from a close distance. With multiple observation platforms, you can enjoy the sceneries of Taipei Basin while resting along the way.
Leaving the no. 2 exit of MRT Xiangshan Station, eye-catching guide signs ahead introduce the Xiangshan Trail in detail. After scanning the QR code on it with your cell phone, you can carry the route to get there with you. Walk easily along Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road for 5 minutes, you can arriving at the hiking entrance of Lingyun Temple. While climbing along the wide staircase, you can experience the quiet yet flourishing wood, as you are teleported from the hustling city in an instant into Mother Nature. After climbing for 15 to 20 minutes, you can reach Photographer's Platform, the first observation platform along the way. Here with its 270^o wide horizon, you can overlook the great sceneries of Xinyi Business Circle while resting.
Hikers can take pictures with Taipei 101 at many places along the trail. Places such as Camera Platform, Yihsian Pavilion, Chaoran Pavilion and other places are all well-known sightseeing spots by hikers. The famous Six Boulders is also a great spot for taking pictures and signing up on your SNS. The Firework Platform at the end of a small path adjacent to Yongchun Pavilion is the perfect place to enjoy nightscapes and Taipei 101 New Year fireworks. Due to word of mouth and online information, this place is now filled with domestic and foreign tourists. Listening to foreign languages while hiking is yet another interesting experience.
Section Manager Chen Yen-cheng of the Industrial Road and Trail Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office said that before the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade, the Geotechnical Engineering Office has updated the trail system facilities by installing comprehensive direction signs to provide tourists with accurate attraction information and direction, friendly family handrails so that friends of all age can hike at ease, and stylish chairs designed based on the image of Xiangshan, creating another interesting picture taking sight.
PS. For those who need to use related pictures, please feel free to download them from the website of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/).

Butterflies dance in the winter breeze Nice to watch butterflies at Jiannan Butterfly Eco-education Park

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT

“Jiannan Butterfly Eco-education Park” is located by the Miramar Ferris Wheel. With convenient traffic, it is just 5 minutes’ walk from Jiannan Road Station, MRT Wenhu Line. It is a different butterfly park because there aren’t any screen houses there. Although there aren’t any butterflies dancing over your head, they fly freely in an open plan living space. The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government highly recommends this scenic spot, where you can see the Miramar Ferris Wheel and Taipei 101. All the landscapes in the Taipei Basin can all be captured there. Being so magnificent, it is a popular setting for many famous TV series.
Jiannan Butterfly Eco-education Park aims to create an ecological landscape and restore the habitat for butterflies. With the help of the volunteers of Taiwan Butterfly Conservation Society, indigenous Taiwan food plants for butterflies and nectar plants are planted. Now, it has become an ideal place for schools at different districts to conduct ecological tours and outings. It is also a nice hiking spot for people.
Ms. Sun Shu-Hsia, the head of the Forest Recreation Section of the Geotechnical Engineering Office expressed that in addition to butterfly watching, the Geotech Office also installed ecological ponds, an entrance image of the caterpillar landscape, and other leisure facilities in the park. There are also self-guided tour posts to give people an understanding and more knowledge about butterflies when visiting there during their leisure time.
Mr. Hu Wen-hua, the chairman of the Taiwan Butterfly Conservation Society, expressed that the park will hold two free of charge guided tours to Jiannan Butterfly Eco-education Park at the weekends of November 5 and December 3. No advance sign-up is necessary. The tour groups will gether at 9:00am at Exit 1, “Jiannan Road Station”, MRT Wenhu Line.
He would like to invite people to come and learn more about Jiannan Butterfly Eco-education Park to learn more about butterflies and make friends with them. For further information, please visit the official site of the Taiwan Butterfly Conservation Society: http://www.butterfly.org.tw.
Transportation information: The park is convenient for traffic. People can take MRT Wenhu Line to Jiannan Road Station. Get off the station at Exit 1 to Jiannan Road. Just take a five minutes’ walk, and you will arrive at the trail by the settling basin. Walk along the trail, then you will soon arrive at Jiannan Butterfly Eco-education Park. (See attachment)
　　PS.: If you need to cite any picture or photo, please visit the website of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/), and download the ones you need for free.

Hiking trails in Taipei lead you to mountains and waters

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The Xishan Community in Shilin is located on Yangmingshan, with the two cleanest brooks in Taipei: Shuangxi River and Jingque River. With spectacular natural environments, it constitutes a unique rural scene, with canal views and a mountain landscape. In addition, there are other scenic spots such as Fenguizui, Shengren Waterfall and more, which attract many visitors. The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government expressed that cyclists are highly recommended to cycle around, feeling the caress of the breeze during the season of the Autumn Equinox. With the National Palace Museum as the starting point, they can ride along Section 3 of Zhishan Road and turn to the mountain trail at Lane 71. Passing the settlement at Banling, and climbing the last section of the trial uphill, you will arrive at the “Bike Station.” It is nice to take a break there and feel the comfortable caress of mountain breeze, and overlook the magnificent landscapes of Shilin and downtown Neihu.
Chen, Chien-Fan, the Chief of the Slope Conservation Section of the Geotechnical Engineering Office said there is an old canal near the settlement at Xishan Banling. It can be accessed from the trail by the stairs at Lane 71, Section 3 of Zhishan Road. Tall longan trees and banyan trees stand side by side. At one side there are laundry trays, foot washing platforms, and more. Ascending the stone stairs, you will walk along the old canal with water running alongside it. Just take a turn, and you will see an old and simple Land God Temple. Going further by following the sound of running water, you will arrive at a waterfall with water roaring in a tranquil environment. Hiking along this trail, you can feel the primitive scenes of this hundred-year-old historic site.
In addition, the Shilin Xishan Community Development Association will hold the “Eat Many to Eat Plenty – Gourmet Food Peace Ritual in the Pastoral” on September 23, 2017 at Banling Settlement, Xishan. In the venue, there will be a friendly small farmers’ market to present you fresh produce directly from agricultural production areas. Moreover, there will be folk toymaking, DIY crafting, and other activities. You are welcomed to visit Xishan to enjoy the leisure of eating local cuisine by the terrace and canal. It is fun and appetizing. (For further information on “Eat Many to Eat Plenty – Gourmet Food Peace Ritual in the Pastoral” and to sign up for it, please search the “Neishuangxi Broadcast Station” FB fan page).
For people intending to go to Banling, Xishan by car, we recommend entering the venue at Lane 71, Section 3, Zhishan Road. For people going by bus, we recommend taking the Small 19 bus at the National Palace Museum, and getting off at Banling. Taking public transportation is strongly recommended.
PS.: If relevant pictures are needed, you are welcome to download and liberally use them from the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/).

Taipei City Hiking Trails Offer Access to Nature

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Taipei Universiade 2017 is in full force and our athletes continue to achieve great results. The Universiade mascot "Bravo the Bear" wants to invite you to join in on a trip to Xianshan, to “check in” and click “likes”. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Taipei City Public Works Department welcomes Universiade teams from across the world to the internationally renowned and newly improved Xianshan Trail. Show Taiwan to the world!
　　GEO indicated that the Xianshan Hiking Trail improvements include additional guard rails, designed seating, kind reminders, drinking water fountains, and flower gardens. The improvements are widely approved by public of all ages. The Xianshan Trail is near the Xiangshan Station on the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line; it is the first choice for an elevated view of Taipei 101, and has become an internationally renowned travel hot spot.
　　Bravo signboards have been installed at 6 scenic spots along the Xianshan trail in celebration of Universiade. Visitors are welcome to hike for health and to cheer on our athletes.
　　GEO Industrial and Trail Section Chief Chen Yen-Cheng said that the old guard rails have been replaced to make them more user-friendly. The thoughtful replacements make it easier to hike up and down the mountain. 4 sets of seats designed based on the Chinse character of "Xian" (means “elephant”), kind reminders, and flowers and plants, etc., are installed along the trail to offer hikers a comfortable rest before continuing on the hike.
　　The most important rule of hiking is to stay hydrated; a drinking fountain has been installed on the Xianshan photography platform to quench thirst.
　　Take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Xianshan Station, take exit 2 to walk to the entrance of the trail, hike up to Liuju Rock, follow the guide map, and you will find all 6 Bravo signboards. Don't forget to “check in” on your FaceBook!
　　Public transportation, such as MRT, buses, or Ubikes is recommended for a carefree, leisurely trip. For any suggestions or feedback on the trail facilities or environment, please fill out the GEO trail satisfaction online questionnaire (https://goo.gl/QZ5fpQ). Free Taipei City hiking trail map is available from the GEO Industrial and Trail Section upon request, or you may also download the map at the GEO Recreation Website (http://gisweb.taipei.gov.tw/release/).
　　PS. To use related photos, please download them from the GEO website (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/).

Try a hiking trail in Taipei City to visit the waters and mountains

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The long, hot summer vacation has arrived. Parents are always wondering how to plan leisure activities for their children. The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (the “GEO”) recommends that citizens take a family trip and explore the hiking trails in Taipei City; they allow you to get close to the waters and mountains and enjoy a fun, “cool” summer.First of all, the GEO recommends Hushanxi Hiking Trail; its entrance is located on Lane 251, Fude Street, Xinyi District. It is a hiking trail with the easiest access to the waters and mountains. The platform beside the trail is the favorite spot of adults and children to rest and soak their feet in the chilly waters to relieve the summer heat. The rich natural ecology along the hiking trail provides an ideal home for many plants and animals. The GEO urges visitors who come here to escape the summer heat to observe these creatures quietly and not disturb their natural behaviors. With the entrance located on Pingjing Street, Shilin District, Pingding Historic Canal Trail offers rolling terrain along the trail. The trail connects Dengfeng Canal, Pingding New Canal and Pingding Historic Canal, which are all more than 150 years old. Walking on the long and winding nostalgic trail along the Historic Canal, you can listen to the murmuring of running water and enjoy a peaceful moment. Chen Yen-Cheng, chief of the Industrial and Trail Section of the GEO, recommends Dagouxi Riverside Hiking Trail; its entrance is located on Dahushanzhuang St, Neihu District. The first part of the hiking trail is along the riverbank, where the water is shallow and the hiking trail is easy to walk on. Then, it joins Yuanjue Temple Hiking Trail, which is of gentle terrain and comfortable, with surrounding lush trees. The river is so clean you can see its bottom; and as you approach the Yuanjue Waterfall, you’ll also be able to bask in the shower of negative ions. Lastly, there is Bixi Hiking Trail, with the entrance located on Bixi Industrial Road, Shilin District. Walking through the woods, you will see the observation platform in the shape of “Tetris” made with railway sleepers retired from rail tracks. In addition, there are four platforms in the shape of spade, heart, diamond and club of the poker cards scattered in the woods, waiting for you to pay them a visit. PS. To cite the pictures, please refer to the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/) for download.

Geotechnical Engineering Office decorates the romantic early summer with violet-blue flowers in Taipei City Neishuangxi Agapanthus Blossom Festival

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 16:00:00 GMT

As the plum rain front moves away and the heavy rain finally stops, the birds in the forest start chirping to welcome the coming summer and the long lost blue sky. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), Public Works Department, Taipei City Government especially planted Agapanthus in the medicinal botanical garden in Neishuangxi Nature Center this year. The GEO looks forward for all citizens, regardless of age to “take a summer visit” to the mountain and feel the early summer atmosphere among the violet-blue Agapanthus.

　　The generic name of Agapanthus africanus is derived from Greek: agape (love) and anthos (flower). The meaning (language of flower) is romantic love and the visit of love. It is indeed very beautiful when Agapanthus blooms, living up to its name. The violet-blue petals make a round circle and look like many couples dancing the waltz in a circle, and praising the beauty of love. In the greater China area, Agapanthus also symbolizes many descendants for its fruits growing in clusters, and has the name “Lily of Hundreds of Offspring.”

　　Shu-Xia Sun, the Director of Forest Recreation Section, pointed out that there is a sad story behind Agapanthus. According to the story, a boy and a girl met up to pick flowers. The boy saw a beautiful flower of love blooming on the cliff and risked his life to pick the flower to win the girl’s heart. However, the boy slipped and although the girl grabbed his hand in time, she had no strength to pull him up. In the end the boy fell off the cliff and left the flower of love in the girl’s hand. This sad story added a tinge of sadness and mystery to the violet-blue Agapanthus.

　　The Agapanthus in the Neishuangxi Nature Center will bloom in the coming two weeks. People may seize the fine days after the rain to appreciate the flowers. The medicinal botanical garden in Neishuangxi Nature Center is open for people to visit every Tuesday to Sunday from 9AM to 4PM. During the weekend, there will be water and soil conservation volunteers providing guided tours. Why not take the opportunity during the blossom season to visit Neishuangxi and get to know some other herbs or aromatic plants?

　　PS: For relevant pictures to be referenced, if required, please visit the Website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/)(Chinese) and download the pictures.

2017 Summer Universiade’s adjustable swimming pool officially launched

Sun, 11 Jun 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Today (May 17th), Su Li-Chiung, the Secretary-General of Taipei City Government, and Li Xian-Ming, Secretary-General of Taoyuan City Government, together announced the official launch of the adjustable swimming pool for the finals of the swimming and water polo events in the 2017 Summer Universiade. Secretary-General Su said the adjustable pool for the 2017 Summer Universiade swimming and water polo finals was completely assembled after 60 days’ construction from March 6th to May 5th, and the test runs have been conducted. Chinese Taipei Swimming Association (CTSA) was authorized by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) to conduct site inspection before its official launch.

　　Today, Taipei City Government specially invited Taoyuan City Government, Sports Administration of the Ministry of Education, National Taiwan Sport University and CTSA to participate in the opening ceremony. Zhang Ke-Xiang and Huang Jun-Xiang, gold medalists in the 2017 National High School Athletic Games, were also invited to experience the brand new swimming pool, symbolizing that the City is ready for the arrival of 2017 Summer Universiade on August 19th.

　　Secretary-General Su added that the 2017 Summer Universiade requires a total of 60 venues, including 2 newly built venues, 53 renovated venues and 5 venues which require only decoration before the events. As of May 17th, the renovation of 52 venues has been completed, and that of the remaining 1 venue is nearly done.

　　Chen Jian-Fan, section chief of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that the adjustable swimming pool for the finals of 2017 Summer Universiade swimming and water polo finals is in the sports center of National Taiwan Sport University, which is located in Taoyuan City’s Guishan District. The main structure of the pool is built with 150 pieces of high quality hot-dip galvanized steel in combination with PVC waterproof fabric, and the bottom is secured with steel cables. After injecting the water, the dimension can be slightly adjusted to ensure it conforms to the competition standards of FINA.

　　In view of the green pool water incident during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, the 2017 Summer Universiade has adopted a circulation system of modular and highly efficient filtration and disinfection equipment imported directly from Spain for its swimming pool. In addition, the water quality engineer of the original manufacturer has confirmed that the water quality meets the standards of FINA and International University Sports Federation (FISU).

　　To cater to the requirements of the venue, a poolside elevated platform was especially imported from the United Kingdom and adjusted based on the venue’s profile and pipelines. Each square meter can withstand a load up to 500 kg, ensuring the safety of the athletes and the staff during the competitions.
　　An adjustable swimming pool is a new trend in today’s international swimming competitions. As long as the venue is able to withstand the load of the pool water, it will be able to host swimming competitions, without having to build a new facility for the game. According to past experience, a standard adjustable swimming pool can be assembled in approximately 1 month by working continuously day and night. Together with light and sound effects, it will make the competition even more exciting. Similar projects were done for the 2013 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Download video of the pool: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_LIHFEx4HilOW4wTjgwd2tkVkE/view
Download time-lapse photographs of the construction: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9fkjvZVLf3rY1dPZW5zeVpZR0U
　　PS.: You may visit the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/) (Chinese) to download the pictures.

First Direct Drinking Water Service along Taipei City Hiking Trails

Mon, 15 May 2017 16:00:00 GMT

In order to improve the hiking environment in Taipei City, the first ever direct drinking water machines were installed at the hiking trail entrances, offering drinking water that is sustainable and healthful. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (Public Works Department, Taipei City Government) and the Taipei Water Department cooperated on the planning and survey. Currently, 6 trail entrances have had direct drinking water machines installed, including the Xianjiyan Trail, Tianmu Ancient Trail, Dalunweishan Trail, Bihu Trail, Shuicheliao Trail, and Hengling Ancient Trail. There will be subsequent installation discussions on the water pipe distribution routes and trail locations.

　　The Geotechnical Engineering Office indicated that hiking is an aerobic sport, where the body loses a large amount of water; insufficient water supplementation under high summer temperatures may easily lead to heat stroke. After the drinking water machines are installed, the public will no longer need to purchase bottled water. Hikers only need to bring water bottles or containers to fill up before the hike, which not only reduces the number of waste bottles, and achieves environmental conservation in mind, body and soul, but also offers multiple benefits in one.

　　The Taipei Water Department explained that each direct drinking water machine has two water dispensers: one for direct drinking, and the other for filling water bottles; the water quality has all been inspected and is qualified, so the public can drink without worry.

　　Chen Yan-Cheng, Section Chief of the Trail Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office said that since 2010, Taipei City has been continuously offering portable toilet services at the trail entrances, which currently has reached 67 units; this is done to satisfy the public's physical needs, and protect a sanitary mountain forest environment. Furthermore, for a user-friendly portable toilet, special foundation and steps are installed for aesthetics and improvement of the overall service quality.

　　The 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade is about to welcome athletes and guests from all over the world. Taipei City will continue to inspect the water supply quality of the hiking trail surroundings, such as Sishoshan Trail, etc., and add new direct drinking water machines to improve the hiking environment service quality.

　　Visitors are recommended to take public transportation such as the MRT, buses, YouBikes, etc. for a relaxing and enjoyable trip to the trails. For Taipei City trail maps, please contact the Geotechnical Engineering Office Trail Section for a free copy or download from the Geotechnical Engineering Office website (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/)(Chinese).

Inspection of soil and water conservation facilities on slopeland to be conducted in Taipei City for the approaching flood control period

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Inspection of soil and water conservation facilities on slopeland to be conducted in Taipei City for the approaching flood control period

　　The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government (GEO), announced that, beginning April 27th, the office will conduct inspections of soil and water conservation facilities on slopeland and campaigns to ensure normal operations of the facilities, prevent the possible danger of extreme rainfall during the flood control period, and minimize the occurrence of disasters such as landslide and mudslide, in order to safeguard the lives and assets of the public.

　　Taiwan Professional Geotechnical Engineers Association has been delegated in 2017 to take charge of the inspections and campaigns. According to Chairman Zhou Yang-Guo, they shall conduct an inspection on every completed soil and water conservation project, with items such as retaining wall, drainage ditch and detention and settling basin. Professional technicians will also provide consultation services to promote the correct concept of slope disaster prevention.

　　350 completed soil and water conservation projects are scheduled to be inspected in 2017 in two sessions. The personnel in charge of the maintenance of facilities are requested to first conduct a self-inspection, and accompany the inspector on the date of inspection. In case of violating regulations, such as alteration of retaining wall, covering or burying drainage ditches, or using detention and settling basin for other purposes, violators shall be fined or requested to make corrections within a stipulated time.

　　For completed soil and water conservation projects not scheduled for inspection, the Professional Geotechnical Engineers Association will send a “Self-inspection form for soil and water conservation on slopeland” to the persons in charge of the maintenance of facilities before the end of May, for them to conduct self-inspection and mail back the duly filled-out form.

　　The GEO stated that in recent years, associations of professional technicians have been delegated to conduct facilities inspection on completed soil and water conservation projects and campaigns, to enhance the public’s willingness to show concern and actively maintain soil and water conservation. It has shown good results, with the number of cases failing to meet the regulations having decreased gradually over the years. ?

　　For questions regarding the facilities of soil and water conservation on slopeland projects or self-inspection, please call Taiwan Professional Geotechnical Engineers Association at (02) 2782-0022 for free consultation, or visit the GEO website, and click on “Appointment for soil and water conservation consultation” under citizen service to arrange for consultation by professional technicians.

Endless Surprises as You Overlook the Scenery around Zhinan Temple on Taipei MaoKong Gondola

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Centering on Zhinan Temple, the scenic area around Zhinan Temple in Taipei’s Wenshan District has been an appealing destination for people who want to climb the mountain or hike. The place is also a religious center where believers come and worship deities. The surroundings are beautiful and serene. Together with the gondola station, the place is easily accessible by public transport. Meanwhile, combining religion, culture and natural scenery, the place has been using “three religions and five chapels, a compass for life” as its main concept in recent years, rendering itself as a truly unique scenic spot.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government stated that they started with the idea of Land Art to build a whole new experience for taking the Maokong Gondola; a romantic sea of flowers is about to be revealed in this sacred place for lovers. Also, after the Chinese fringe trees and alfalfa plants grow, the place will become a white and purple worry-free forest during the flowering season. In the meantime, the green grassland creates a symbolic image of cows rummaging around. Frequent visitors can stroll around the usual scenery and discover new surprises, whereas first-time visitors are advised to take the MaoKong Gondola to enjoy a panoramic view and get to know the merits of the scenic area around Zhinan Temple.

Sun Shu-Shia, Chief of Forest Recreation Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that many little white flowers, called Snow in April, will grow on the Chinese fringe trees every April in the worry-free forest, a sacred place for lovers. Combined with alfalfa plants, a healing view of white and purple on the hillside will help you forget about your worries. On the other side, there will be Longflower Lilies in spring, Daylilies in summer and Vine Peanuts in fall blooming in rotation, welcoming visitors all year round with enthusiasm.

Ps. If you need relevant images, please refer to the website of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government (http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/) (Chinese) to download the images.

Tongxin Pond of Baishihu Community, Taipei City Gets a New Look

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

As the spring vacation approaches, the joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year is ubiquitous. Tongxin Pond in the Baishihu community, Taipei City, has been given a new look by Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government. The spring vacation is expected to be the best time to enjoy the beauty of the flowers. As you visit the place, we advise you to relax and stroll around to enjoy the mirthful ambiance and the warm New Year atmosphere in the rural community.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office said that Tongxin Pond has been decorated with joyful poinsettias and black tee trees, whose symbolic meaning is wealth. In the island area inside the pond, the black tea trees cover the scorching red heart, while the outside is surrounded by bright red poinsettias. This decoration resonates with the meaning of “Tongxin (one heart),” creating a strong sense of happiness.

Chen Jian-Fan, chief of the Slope Conservation Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that there are many more scenic spots that will grant you happiness; for example, the famous Bai Shi Lake Bridge looks like a giant dragon lying across the valley. Also, Bi Shan Yan, Wishing Tree, Old House of the Huang Family, Sweet Water Mandarin Duck Lake, Secret Bamboo Forest, Da Lun Lake, Boulevard Happiness, and Bi Shan Campsite, are all linked together in a route for a one-day trip. People who like to climb mountains or hike can also use the Da Lun Trail, Dragon Boat Rock Trail, Zhong Yong Mt. Trail, Yuan Jiao Temple Trail, etc.; so come to the Baishihu community and enjoy the delights of rustic life in an urban area.

The Director of the Development Association of Baishihu Community, Lin Mei-Xue, said that now is the red strawberry season in the Baishihu community. Local strawberries are grown on trellises in the greenhouse. Therefore, even if it rains, you do not have to worry about the mud that keeps you from walking, so that you can pick the fruits with ease. Meanwhile, shops in the neighborhood also feature meals combining strawberries and local plants. The Baishihu community is an urban rural community that contains “Healthy Organic Vegetables and Fruits”, “Scenic Spots that Give You Happiness” and “Natural Ecological Landscape.” The scenery differs as the seasons change. The community is the top choice for travelling in the suburbs of Taipei City.

P.S. If you need relevant images, please refer to the website of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government (http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/) to download the images. Traffic Information

By car: Exit from Chenggong Road Interchange Freeway No.1, go to Chenggong Road and go straight. Then turn left to Jinlong Road, and go to Bishan Road. Follow the route navigation signs to get to the Bi Shan Yan parking lot. By bus: Take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to MRT Neihu Station. From the bus stop MRT Neihu Station at the MRT exit, take Small 2 or Small 2 (local bus) to the Baishihu community.

Golden Bald Cypress of Jiuru Community awaits your visit this autumn

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:00:00 GMT

As the calendar moves into late autumn, Jiuru Community, located along the Sifen River in Nangang District of Taipei City, is about to embrace the Golden Bald Cypress season. The Bald Cypresses surrounding Lishan Farmers Square in Jiuru Community are actually deciduous trees in the family Taxodiaceae. The trees are beautiful in form and the leaves are delicate and soft like feathers. When the Northeast Monsoon arrives, the leaves turn from green to yellow, yellow to orange, and orange to red. The changes in the colors are extremely dazzling. The red leaves eventually fall off the trees. Yet, they won’t go too far away; instead, they’ll form a red carpet under the trees, like a grand welcome to your visit.In the early days, Lishan Farmers Square in Jiuru Community used to be a classical academy where local children received an education. However, the unstable stratum at the time caused many landslide disasters, which left the place abandoned for years. After interviewing the local people, the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City Public Works Department got to know the culture and history of the place. Through the Agricultural Community Environment Improvement Program, the GEO conducted river remediation while building Lishan Farmers Square and paved tiles carved with Su Shi’s poem: “Ding Feng Bo” (Pacified Storm) to give a touch of scholarly atmosphere to the place.Xie Jiang-Ji, the President of Jiuru Community Development Association, stated that community activities such as the Stream Closing and Fish Protection Event and Bamboo Shoot Festival are held in Lishan Farmers Square every summer, and everyone is welcome to visit Sifen River to get to know the local culture and history from the community residents. “Sifen River no longer threatens people’s lives and property safety after being remediated and, with the riverbank trail, river-crossing stepping stones, and fish ladder constructed, we are also taking care of the aspect of ecological restoration. Fish and shrimps now have new homes. Come to Jiuru Community to take a slow walk, listen to the running water and enjoy a trip in nature,” said Jian-Fan Chen, the Chief of the GEO Slope Conservation Section. If you wish to visit Jiuru Community, you may go by car or take the MRT to Kunyang Station or Taipei Zoo Station; then take Bus S12, alight at Lishan Bridge Stop and walk along Section 4 of Yanjiuyuan Road until reaching Lishan Farmers Square (Lishan Park). p.s. If you wish to access any pictures, please visit the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Taipei City Public Works Department (http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/) to download.

Taipei City Neishuangxi Geological Tour

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Taipei City Neishuangxi Geological Tour　　Nothing beats going outdoors in this cool autumn. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City Government’s Public Works Department is organizing a geological landscape tour, “The past and present of Taipei Basin”, on November 19th, 2016 at the Neishuangxi Nature Center, and welcomes parents and children of the fifth grade and above to come and join us!　　The GEO expressed that geological conditions are closely related to urban safety. It has specially set up a geological classroom at the Neishuangxi Nature Center to continuously promote geological environmental education on slopes, making use of the natural landscape to explain the terrain features, and allowing the public to learn more about the city they live in.　　The head of GEO’s Forest Recreation Section, Sun Shu-Xia, said, a lively and interesting skit is designed for this geological tour to lead adults and children in exploring the reasons behind the formation of Taipei Basin, and to learn geological terms such as dip slope, river bank erosion, fault zone, etc., by stepping on the stones and rocks with our own feet and unveiling the secrets of the earth with our five senses.　　The tour is sponsored by the Geotechnical Engineering Office of Taipei City Public Works Department, and is free to the public. For more details and registration information, please visit the Neishuangxi Nature Center’s blog (http://neishuangxi.blogspot.tw/(Chinese)). Online registration begins on October 28th (Friday) 12:30 PM and is limited to 30 people. Please e-mail nsx.service@eeft.org.tw or contact Ms. Hsieh at (02) 2841-4705 ext. 12 for any enquires about the tour. (On-site personnel may not be able to promptly receive calls especially during courses; contact by e-mail is advised where possible.)

Slope Autonomous Disaster Prevention Communities Are Growing Strong in Taipei City

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Slope Autonomous Disaster Prevention Communities Are Growing Strong in Taipei City In order to assist residents of communities on slopes in learning more about the potential environmental hazards to life, and strengthen their capabilities in regard to disaster management, this year the Geotechnical Engineering Office of Taipei City Public Works Department continues to counsel eight slope communities on establishing their autonomous disaster prevention systems. This counseling process includes educational promotion of soil and water conservation and disaster prevention, establishment of community-based disaster prevention organizations, and disaster prevention drills, in order to enhance the slope community residents’ capabilities of maintaining soil and water conservation facilities, as well as their safety awareness.The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) said that so far they have counseled and helped with the establishment of autonomous disaster prevention systems in a total of 18 slope communities, including 8 new communities in Beitou, Nangang, Neihu, Xinyi and Wenshan Districts this year. The GEO also continues to track the autonomous disaster prevention communities whose establishment was counseled in the past two years, and help them understand that there are more and more citizens paying attention to the ideas and actions of disaster prevention, which signifies the gradual formation of the slope autonomous disaster prevention network.By conducting field investigations and education trainings, residents from the slope autonomous disaster prevention communities in Taipei City have built up their disaster prevention knowledge and capabilities in properly maintaining soil and water conservation facilities, as well as simulating possible disaster scenarios and carried out drills by means of simulated possible disaster situations in communities to learn about the appropriate disaster responses. If a typhoon or storm alert is issued, residents can be highly alert and well prepared for any emergency.Professor Liu Chia-Nan from the Department of Civil Engineering, National Chi Nan University, said that this year the counseling program of autonomous disaster prevention communities has been well received by residents, suggesting that the recent trend of global warming and greater frequency of natural disasters has raised people’s concern about slope living environments. Residents swarmed to ask the specialists of disaster prevention about the methods for reinforcing and protecting their communities. During the disaster prevention drills, residents also show great enthusiasm for playing their respective roles in simulated disaster scenarios, familiarizing themselves with disaster prevention mechanisms to achieve the goal of protecting their own safety.The GEO plans to conduct a slope disaster drill at the end of October 2016 in Fulin Village, Shilin District. The residents from the autonomous disaster prevention communities newly established in 2016 will participate in the drill of simulated possible slope disaster scenarios caused by typhoons, which is meant to determine how well these residents have learned about mobilization and evacuation, and to reinforce their concept and awareness that “Prevention is more important than rescue; escape is more important than prevention.” During the exercise, NGOs, village and neighborhood heads and all residents that care deeply about their communities will join together to organize teams for disaster prevention, rescue and evacuation. If any disaster does occur, these teams can be immediately mobilized and evacuated to protect the safety of the residents.If you need to cite any of the images, please go to the website of the ”Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government“(http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/) for downloads.

The Cardiovascular Theme Park Opens at Bishan Campground in Taipei City

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMT

The Cardiovascular Theme Park Opens at Bishan Campground in Taipei CityAs modern people are often busy and have a fast-paced life, many of us may suffer from cardiovascular diseases in the long run. In order to urge citizens to keep a healthy lifestyle, Taipei City Government officially opened the Cardiovascular Theme Park at Bishan Campground in Neihu District on August 13th; it emphasizes the ideas of “Exercising for heath by day, camping for stargazing by night.” On the day of its grand opening, the Park held environmental education activities on cardiovascular topics, inviting forty participants (including both adults and kids) to exercise and learn together to protect our cardiovascular health.The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) said that in the Cardiovascular Theme Park visitors walk into the “Heartbeat Plaza”, follow the red arrows (oxygenated blood) and blue arrows (deoxygenated blood) to go through the corridors of blood vessels, and pass the revolving door of cardiac valves and the tunnel of the main artery to complete the journey of the blood cell baby. The “Cardiovascular Flower Gallery” applies different layers of shapes to symbolize artery clogging. The “Classroom of Heart Knowledge” and “House of Heart Rhythm” are the places where you can take on various health missions by means of graphic and text interpretation and interactive experience devices!Chen Yen-Cheng, Chief of Forest Recreation Section, GEO, said that the Bishan Campground utilizes existing facilities and original landforms to offer environmental education classes. It allows visitors to realize afresh their body functions, understand the important roles played by blood cells, and learn about the causes of arterial clogging. Furthermore, the Park incorporates health education, knowledge and principles into the facilities and interpretive system, and urges citizens to exercise their bodies and nimble minds with the guidance of hearty mascots, Hearty Grandpa and Hearty Baby. People can acquire the secret recipe of health effortlessly in this park.As from today, the Cardiovascular Theme Park is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00. On Saturday and Sunday, group visitors can make a reservation in advance for a guided tour. For further information, please refer to the “Volunteer Guided Tour Services” section on the website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office.Note: If you need to cite any of the images, please go to the website of the ”Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government“ (http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/(Chinese)) for downloads.

Geotechnical Engineering Office Recommends 6 Romantic Trails to Enjoy Calla Lilies

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:00:00 GMT

　　The annual Calla Lily Festival is around the corner. Zhuzihu is internationally famous for its sea of calla lilies. It has won the Whole City Award in the LivCom Awards: The International Awards for Liveable Communities, and is also the designated destination of visiting delegations. The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government, would like to make a special recommendation for the six creek-side trails hidden in Zhuzihu. Readers are welcome to plan a getaway from the City and visit Zhuzihu during the blooming season to enjoy the white calla lilies.

　　The Geotechnical Engineering Office pointed out, under the premise of making hillside safety the first priority, that the Office has applied ecological engineering methods to preserve habitats, and has constructed a circular creek-side multi-trail system to connect the whole Zhuzihu region, while creating a win-win situation that achieves both soil and water conservation effects and local agritourism development.

　　The Geotechnical Engineering Office recommends the “Dinghu Circular Trail” in Dinghu District for people who want to enjoy the great flower bed of calla lilies, the magnificent views of Xiaoyoukeng, great egrets and terraced fields. This creek-circling trail is flat and easy to walk on, and takes about 20 minutes to complete; it is suitable for both young and old alike. People who are interested in the waterwheels left behind by early farmers or the ecological pond can head for the “Haiyu Circular Trail” in Xiahu District. This trail similarly takes about 20 minutes to complete. Visitors can also enjoy the cold creek water at the Yuanhu Water Play Area. For those who are interested in waterfalls, small hills and terraced hillside, they should choose the “Wenxue Trail” in Shuiwei District. The trail takes only 10 minutes to complete. Visitors who want to view calla lilies and terraced fields from the vantage view of the mountains can go to the “Hudi Circular Trail.” This trail takes about 15 minutes to complete. The longest trail is the “Zhuzihu Circular Trail”. It starts from the Hutian Bridge and goes through Tunghu, Dinghu, Shuiwei and Xiahu to form a trail and road around the mountain. The trail takes about 50 minutes to complete. Visitors get to enjoy the beautiful Zhuzihu scenery along the way. Moreover, the scenic attraction of “Yulian Trail” changes with the seasons, offering the enjoyment of calla lilies (March-May), African Lilies (April-June) and Bigleaf Hydrangea (May-August). There is a different surprise for every visit. The trail takes about 15 minutes to complete.

　　Mr. Tsao Chang-cheng, the chief of Hutien Village in Beitou District, said that Zhuzihu is located in the Datun Volcanoes of Taipei Basin at an altitude of 650 meters. The climate is comfortable all year round. Zhuzihu possesses a volcano landscape that is a rare sight around the world, with a diversity of native animals and plants species. It is a classic rural settlement. The local people have worked with the Taipei City government for a long time to develop many scenic spots with distinct features. Every year, activities such as the Calla Lily Festival, Bigleaf Hydrangea Festival and Sunflower Festival attract tourists in droves. In April and May, visitors can stay until dark to admire the enchanting lights of fireflies.

　　Mr. Huang Ting-chao, Chief of Landslide Prevention Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, mentioned that the calla lilies bloom in spring every year. Walking between the creek and calla lilies, you can experience the fun of picking calla lilies, be enchanted by the cherry blossom trees lining the way, and feel your spirits rise as the magnificent mountain views unfold before your eyes. The Geotechnical Engineering Office has achieved ecological conservation and created a space for leisure by integrating local needs and conducting improvement works on the creek gully, allowing the thriving development of agriculture and tourism in the Zhuzihu area. Zhuzihu is a great recreational and sight-seeing spot for families.

Direction:

1. By bus: Take Bus 108, 109, 110, 230, 260, or Red 5 to Yangmingshan and transfer to Bus 9 to Zhuzihu.
2. MRT: Alight at Beitou Station of MRT Tamsui Line and transfer to Bus 9 to Zhuzihu.
3. MRT: Alight at Shipai Station of MRT Tamsui Line and transfer to Bus 8 to Zhuzihu.
4. Take Bus 131 (Loop service between Yangmingshan Park Parking Lot 2 and Zhuzihu).
5. Take Royal Bus (Taipei-Jinshan Line) to Zhuzihu Police Station.

Enjoy Stunning Fall Colors on a Bike, Like an Eco-conscious Pro!

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Enjoy Stunning Fall Colors on a Bike, Like an Eco-conscious Pro!Mountain biking provides the best approach to the low-carbon tourism recently championed by Taiwan’s government. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City’s Public Works Department proudly presents a bike route that starts at a bike stop on Lane 71, Section 3, Zhishan Road, Shilin District and stretches toward an amazing natural phenomenon, a valley blanketed with maple foliage that turns yellowish-orange and then crimson while mingling with the golden rays of sunshine, in Jingshan Community (at the intersection of Lane 131, Jingshan Road and the end of Yonggong Road). Now is the time for a fuel-efficient, autumn eco-tour on your bike!　　The Xishan Community (Section 3, Zhishan Road) and Jingshan Community, according to GEO director Huang Li-yuan, are both blessed with Mother Nature’s bounty, being great geographical locations as well as a diverse ecosystem packed with attractions, from the Neishuangxi Nature Center (the City’s largest forest park) to three historic irrigation canals (Jingque, Pingding and Bainian), a bike stop, cherry blossom-viewing platform and Chunghwa Telecom’s satellite hub. Luring throngs of professional cyclists even on weekdays, and invariably starting and ending at the National Palace Museum, the Xishan-Jingshan neighborhood’s six popular bike routes (via Section 2, Zhishan Road) lead to a bus terminal down the end of Zhongshe Road, Lengshuikeng Visitor Center, Fengguikou, Sheng-ren Waterfall, Baishihu Suspension Bridge and a gazebo at the end of Jian-nan Road.It is a great idea to bike up Yangmingshan on the weekend; slowly pass through idyllic farming villages with breezes caressing your face, and take a break by Xishan Community’s Bainian Ancient Canal, which is as tranquil as the Philosophers’ Walk in Heidelberg (Philosophenweg), said Chen Jian-fan, who heads the Slope Conservation Section of GEO. Hinged upon “conservation of both water and scenic resources,” GEO’s environmental improvement plan began from the sign of Bainian Canal to a small square beyond some red brick houses (where farmers do their laundry and wash off the dirt from their bodies after working in paddies), and then to a trail running parallel to an irrigation canal lined with old trees and terraced fields. Lying ahead of that canal, its perennially pleasant temperature attracting lovely creatures such as fish and shrimps, is a shrine to tudigong (land god), where all passers-by bow their heads out of reverence for the canal-guarding deity, as has been done for generations. Take in delightful views across the crystal-clear, murmuring Jingque River, and you’ll be impressed how its diverse ecosystem bolsters your belief in striving toward something better. While most of its adjacent mountain areas lies fallow now, the maples in Jingshan Village (a cross between an indigenous green maple and its Japanese relative) are donning red garments, said the village chief He Sheng-nan, citing the species’ five- or seven-lobed leaves and the fact that their twice-a-year color transformation periods (April and December) always leave Jingshan Road crowded with visitors. So grab your bike now and explore this highland neighborhood, known for a dazzlingly lively watercourse and striking fall foliage!Getting There: By car: Drive along Zhishan Rd., turn left at Ln. 71, Sec. 3, Zhishan Rd. and keep moving until reaching the destination. By public transport: Take Mini Bus No. 19, get off at Banling, and enter the trail across the street from Wangxi Pavilion. Don’t forget to bring your bike!

Visit Taipei City’s 30 Best Micro-vacation Spots on National Day Holiday!

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Crisscrossed by streams and surrounded by hills on all sides, the Taipei Basin lures tourists with its downtown landmarks and historic sites, although the numerous stunning yet little-known attractions are accessible only to those who actually visit the City’s mountainous outskirts. The good news is that the “Taipei Mountain Fun” published by the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City’s Public Works Department is packed with natural wonders and day-trip ideas! If you have no plans yet for the National Day (October 10th), get inspired by this travel guide for a relaxing micro-vacation!Citing a “safety-first” policy, GEO director Huang Li-yuan(黃立遠) says a series of efforts (landslide preparedness, creek remediation, hillside development/management, forest scenic areas complete with recreational facilities and hiking trails, etc.) have been made in recent years to ensure the City’s hillsides are noticeably safe and tourist-friendly. It is worth noting that, with the focus shifting from disaster remediation to conservation and recreation, the City’s constantly improved hillside landscape, currently offering 130 distinctively enticing mountain/waterfront trails, 3 scenic areas and 2 campsites, has brought natural phenomena and getaways closer to citizens. Huang Tian-jin(黃添進), chief of the GEO’s Mud/Rockslide Control Section, notes that the Zunzitou Creek Nature Park was unveiled in Shilin District last year to combine the local ecosystem and cultural highlights with energy-efficient innovations (such as the “renewable energy tree” and keeled watermills) into a winner of the “2015 FIABCI Taiwan Real Estate Excellence Awards (gold medal)”, “2015 Taipei City Distinguished Public Construction Award” and “Outstanding Agricultural Construction Award 2013-2014”. Thanks to extensive media coverage, the Hexing Coal Mine in Xinyi District has also emerged as the City’s new attraction, featuring “Miner Pangolin”, an installation at the entrance that honors hardworking mine employees, clay murals in the “Time Tunnel”, a tree house just outside its exit, and other details that illustrate the beauty of a now-defunct mine, as well as the vigor of Mother Nature. Like the Zunzitou Creek Nature Park, Hexing Coal Mine is a natural retreat destination that received the gold medal in the “2015 FIABCI Taiwan Real Estate Excellence Awards”, an ideal spot to spend your National Day! Whether it is a mountain/riverside trail, secluded campsite or scenic area, each place featured in “Taipei Mountain Fun” is distinctively interesting, naturally dazzling and accessible within an hour via an ultra-convenient public transit network, thus providing fresh insights into the City’s lovely scenery. Please visit the GEO’s official site for the digital version of “Taipei Mountain Fun” (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=147027893&ctNode=87305&mp=105041#03(Chinese)) and follow the expert advice to roam the City’s pleasant mountains any time you desire!

Walk for Health under the Moonlight

Sat, 07 Nov 2015 16:00:00 GMT

14 blissful spots for moon viewing recommended by the Geotechnical Engineering OfficeThe Mid-Autumn Festival is the time for reunion. It is an important and heartwarming traditional festival where family and friends gather together to eat mooncake and pomelo, and appreciate the beauty of the moon. The Geotechnical Engineering Office of Taipei City Government sincerely invites you to 14 moon viewing spots that will allow you to enjoy the nightscape of the City in the company of moonlight, and experience the feeling of Tang dynasty poet, Li Bai, when he wrote “From Heaven’s Peak the moon rises bright, over a boundless sea of cloud;” in The Moon at the Fortified Pass, and share the beauty of the night and the moon with the Moon Rabbit and Chang’e.Huang Li-Yuan, Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, first recommended the “Xiangshan Hiking Trail” in Xingyi District. This popular trail near Taipei 101 allows its visitors to have a bird’s eye view of the prosperous Xingyi District and Taipei Basin. It passes through 4 areas of high altitude, including Sheshou Platform, Six Boulders, Camera Platform and Chao-ran Pavilion, which boast breathtaking and mind-refreshing views. The neighboring “Hushan Hiking Trail” also offers a majestic nightscape. By climbing up the stairs next to Sung Shan Tsu Huei Temple amid the sound of the murmuring brook, you’ll reach the 3 recommended scenic spots, namely Shishou (Four Beasts) Square, Fuxingyuan and Highland 120, for a closer peek at the fairytale story of Chang’e. These two trails are both near the MRT stations and hence are convenient for the public to reach.Chief Xia Xien-Tong of the Office’s Industrial and Trail Section said that the relatively primitive “Cuishan Hiking Trail” in Shilin District features a wide square and scenic overlook that are free from light pollution. Stars and moon seen from there always seem especially bright and mesmerizing. As for “Jiantanshan Hiking Trail” in Zhongshan District, it has a well-known airplane viewing platform that is not blocked by buildings or mountains; hence, it is an excellent moon viewing spot for the Mid-Autumn Festival.Zhang Jia-nan, Head of Zhinan Village, Wenshan District, also invites everyone to “Camphor Tree Trail”. This easily accessible trail located beside the Maokong Gondola Station is very mild and hiker-friendly. With an ensemble of croaks from frogs along the trail, visitors can choose to view the moon at Caiyun Pavilion, Huangjiao Pavilion or Lingfong Pavilion, and feel the tranquility and peacefulness. In addition, the Office’s newly completed “Ascending Trail: Wanyuan Pavilion” is located on a separate hill beside the Mingde Temple on Laoquan St. It is about 30 minutes’ walk from the Maokong Gondola Station; one will pass a Sakura grove before reaching the top to enjoy an impressive view of the moon.The Geotechnical Engineering Office welcomes everyone to make use of the festive period to gather friends and family and visit these recommended trails. As the wind is strong at night in the mountains, you are kindly reminded to wear sufficient clothing. Please also be careful of your own footing and walk slowly while maintaining order and trail environment when moon viewing. To prevent fire outbreak, barbequing is prohibited. When using photography equipment, please be careful to avoid affecting the view or obstructing the passage of other visitors. Safety always comes first when travelling. Please watch out for the safety of family members, friends and yourself, and keep children within your sight at all times to prevent accidents from occurring.

New attraction in Taipei City’s Xinyi District: An old coal mine resembling those in Jinguashi!

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Taipei City’s Xinyi District is full of skyscrapers and few people know that there is actually an old abandoned mine hidden beside Northern Taiwan Cihui Temple, which can be reached by travelling along Songren Road to Lane 150 of Section 5, Xinyi Road, and then into the alley beside the Combined Logistics Technical Training Centre. During the Japanese colonial period, it was called “Hexing Coal Mine”. After an overall environmental improvement by the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government, the place has now been brought to light again. It is as if a new place of attraction is created, making one feel like having come to the famous Jinguashi mining area. Residents of Taipei City no longer need to travel far for a mining experience.
Huang Li-Yuan, director of the Office, said that “Hexing Coal Mine” is situated beside Jiupi Creek of Taipei City. In the early days, a large amount of cinders were stacked from coal mining, making the geological conditions relatively weak, and Jiupi Creek was announced by the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, as a potential debris flow torrent. To safeguard the safety of the residents and to achieve the objective of disaster prevention and mitigation, the Office managed to secure funding for remediation. The project includes revamping the overall environment of the old mining area beside Jiupi Creek to provide the residents with a new recreational place.
Huang Tian-Jing, head of Mud/Rockslide Control Section of the Office, said that Jiupi Creek remediation uses ecological engineering methods, such as masonry revetment, wood pile check dam, live staking, wattle fence, etc., and makes full use of natural materials, which are not only highly permeable and safe, but can also reduce the environmental impact. Different mudslide remediation methods were adopted based on different conditions; hence, they also serve as outdoor teaching materials for mudslide remediation. In addition, to combine the project with the environmental reform of “Hexing Coal Mine” old mining area, the local natural landscape was integrated with the characteristics of mining culture to create a regional marketing highlight. Upon entering the park, the public may walk along the red brick flooring and mine cart track-like path into the “time tunnel”. Along the way, one will see the replica scene of a mine cart coming out of the mine, and the ceramic mural painting, “Life of Coal”, describing the process of coal mining. At the end of the tunnel is a “spiral staircase”, and if you are lucky, you may even see bats hanging upside down at the cinder notch of the old mine. A the entrance of “Hexing Coal Mine” stands “Miner Pangolin”, welcoming your arrival, and inviting you to reminisce about the hard work of the miners in the olden days.
Quan Hong-Qiang, village head of Liuhe Village, Xinyi District, said with the closure of “Hexing Coal Mine” and decline of coal industry, the surrounding environment became neglected. With the funding by the Office on the remediation of Jiupi Creek and the reconstruction of “Hexing Coal Mine”, residents now have a safer living environment, and the area has also become an excellent place for education and entertainment, filled with a historical and cultural atmosphere. The public no longer needs to travel all the way to Pingxi or Jinguashi to learn about the culture and history of mining, as Taipei City’s Xingyi District has just the right place.
Mr. Hong, a local resident, said that he is grateful that the Office adopts an ecological approach for mudslide remediation. Today, the overall environment has both ecological and aesthetic values, and the residents feel safer after Jiupi Creek’s remediation. In addition, as most ancestors of the local residents used to work in “Hexing Coal Mine”, the reconstruction of the mine has brought back their memories. You are sincerely invited to visit this new attraction of Xinyi District.

Walking along the track-like path and learning about the local culture and history can bring visitors back to the Japanese colonial period. The explanatory facilities on coal mining and installations along the way make one feel the past has come back to life. The public may spend their holidays visiting “Hexing Coal Mine” and experience the unique culture of the old mining area in Xinyi District.

Visitors may reach Hexing Coal Mine via the track path and spiral staircase, as if it can lead you all the way to the sky!!	Visitors may reach Hexing Coal Mine via the track path and spiral staircase, as if it can lead you all the way to the sky!
The educational ceramic mural painting, “Life of Coal”, describes the origin, extraction and processing of coal	Miner Pangolin awaits your arrival at the entrance of Hexing Coal Mine. Visitors can ride in the mine cart and take a picture with him.
The fading plaque tells the history of Hexing Coal Mine.	The vivid figures of miners inside the coal mine take you back to the coal mining days in olden times
The old coal mine has now become the highlight of Xinyi District, allowing the public to experience Taiwan’s mining culture even in Taipei City	Wood pile check dam remediation provides safety as well as aesthetic and ecological values
The handmade kiln-fired travel guide provides the public with detailed information

Direction:

YouBike:
Rent a YouBike from MRT Taipei 101 or Xiangshan Station, ride along Songren Road to Wuxing Street, turn left and ride along Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, to Combined Logistics Technical Training Centre, and then turn left to the end of Alley 471, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road.
By Car:

Drive along Songren Road to Wuxing Street, turn left and drive along Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, to Combined Logistics Technical Training Centre, and then turn left to the end of Alley 471, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road.

A map for private camellia-viewing spots in Taipei City’s Hushan area revealed: A trip of camellia in the Hushan area

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:00:00 GMT

It is a good season to admire camellia flowers from November to March. There are many private scenery spots for viewing camellias in Taipei City’s Hushan Village, where camellias are in full bloom now. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City’s Public Works Department encourages visitors to go on a trip to admire camellia flowers.

The cultivation of camellias can be traced back in its long history; camellias have been known as the “treasure in flowers” since ancient times. There are numerous cultivars today because of newly developed techniques in growing these flowers. Extremely favored by Shogun General Toyotomi Hideyoshi of Japan in the 15th century, they were widely planted in Kyoto, and afterwards at other famous locations such as Tokyo, Kyushu, Nagasaki, Nara, etc. In Taiwan, Yangmingshan has been a center for planting indigenous camellia species since 1965. Moreover, camellias belong to ornamental woody plants of great economic value.

As pointed out by Huang Li-yuan, Director of the GEO, the Hushan Village of Beitou District features many nurseries that rear seedlings and flowers as well, as rich geothermal resources from the Datun volcanic cluster. Among the nurseries, the garden of azaleas and camellias behind the second parking lot in Yangmingshan offers a private scenery spot for admiring camellias. This place is conveniently located, where you can find rich views adorned with camellias, as well as flowers of cherry, plum, azalea, peach, etc. In addition to the garden of azaleas and camellias, Christmas camellia and Japanese camellia can be seen in full bloom along the Section 1 of Hushan Rd. to the area beside the flower clock’s parking lot (near Mingchi Pavilion).

Li Qiu-xia Chief of Hushan Village, told us about two private flower viewing spots rarely known even among villagers. One is a terrace nursery at the end of the Section 2 of Hushan Rd. near Guanyuanlou restaurant, where Christmas camellia is in full bloom and the fallen flowers look beautiful on the ground. The other is the camellia plantation beside Hudi trail right behind Hushan Elementary School. At these two places, Christmas camellia and Japanese camellia are at the peaks of their blossom and exhibit breathless beauty. Along the Hudi trail, in addition to camellias, there are special scenes created and built by the GEO this year, such as a storytelling place under an old soapberry tree, old osmanthus, the century-old Xu residence, pigsty, etc. Camellia-loving citizens should never miss these two private spots for appreciating the charm of camellias.

As expressed by the GEO’s Division Chief Chen Jian-fan, the two abovementioned flower-viewing spots will undergo improvement projects next year on their surroundings: a sunset-viewing platform will be built near the second parking lot and renovation carried out for the abandoned 40th artillery military camp. In addition, after the site surveys, footprints of indigenous animals from the Hudi community will be impressed on stone slabs of the trail to add some fun and creativity. Citizens are welcome to pay a visit to these places while viewing the flowers!

Citizens who wish to have a tour of camellias are advised to take bus No. 260 at Taipei MRT Shilin Station or to take bus Red 5 at Taipei MRT Jiantan Station, get off at Yangmingshan bus terminal and then follow the signs to reach the second parking lot and the garden of azaleas and camellias.

Citizens can also take bus S9 at Taipei MRT Beitou Station, get off at the Grass Mountain Chateau, and then walk toward the Section 2 of Hushan Rd. for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the terrace nursery that is considered one of the secret spots for admiring camellia flowers.

Visitors heading to Hudi trail can take bus S25 at Taipei MRT Beitou Station and get off at Meihu stop, or take bus No. 535 at Taipei MRT Shipai Station and get off at Meihu stop. Then walk for 5 minutes to arrive at the trail. (A reminder: To arrive at Meihu stop, be sure to inform the driver upon getting on the bus.)

Christmas camellia and Japanese camellia are in full bloom near Mingchi Pavilion in the flower clock parking lot, which attracts numerous visitors"
Fallen flowers of Taiwan gordonia
　
Fallen flowers of Taiwan gordonia

The terrace nursery at the end of the Section 2 of Hushan Rd., where the seedlings of Taiwan white pine, azalea, and camellia are planted along the way

Fallen flowers of Christmas camellia are all over the ground, attracting visitors to take photos

Fallen flowers of Christmas camellia are all over the ground, attracting visitors to take photos
　
　
Various cultivars of glamorous camellias

Rare romantic scenery visited by “Empress Ki”: The Geotechnical Engineering Office invites you to visit the heart-echoing woods in Zhuzihu

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:00:00 GMT

The “Black Forest” in Zhuzihu of Beitou District has been known as a great location for bridal photo shots that made it not only the first choice of photo shooting for newlyweds, but also where even the “Empress” would like to come take a look. Recently, Ha Ji-Won, a famous actress-singer from South Korea, came to Taipei to film a scene in the woods. The location picked was the “Echoing Hearts” scenic spot built by the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City’s Public Works Department. Let GEO take you to re-experience the bliss like an empress!

As explained by GEO Director Huang Li-Yuan(黃立遠), the tall and straight Chinese firs are densely grown inside the “Black Forest” along the industrial roads in Zhuzihu, with sunlight shining through gaps between the trees to form shadows that are full of layers, making it a hot pick for photo-taking by newlyweds or couples. Here, the GEO specially built a piece of installation art, “Echoing Hearts”, that represents pure love, to complement the surrounding thick forest, adding a romantic aura found in fairy tales and offering a great spot for lovers to take picture for a sweet and happy memory. The place can be reached by bus Small 8 or Small 9 to the “Hushan Elementary School” stop. The installation art is approx. 500 meters of walking distance from the bus stop.

According to Mr. Xia Xian-Tong(夏賢統), Chief of GEO Industrial and Trail Section, the scenery of creek and hilly rice paddies is in sight along the roads in Zhuzihu area, with restaurants that offer special fresh and sweet treats of the mountain. Secret scenery that is rarely known is available along a creek-side trail in Dinghu section, where an overview of Xiaoyoukeng’s sulfur smokes is within sight, with a fluttering aura of romance. In addition, there is another “Waterwheel House Trail” that can be accessed from an entrance beside the parking lot of Taipei City Hutian Elementary School. Walking along the farmlands and taro fields while accompanied by the flowing creek, the leisurely country scenery comes into sight.
Ms. Huang, a bride-to-be at the time who came to the Black Forest for a bridal photo shoot, said she came to this Black Forest in March of last year with her husband and found it absolutely beautiful, which made them choose to come here for bridal photo shooting when they decided to get marry. The red and white “Echoing Hearts” was a great surprise when they came here this year for the bridal photo shoot; they will highly recommend the place to others.
PS: If you would like to use the related photos, please visit the Geotechnical Engineering Office’s website (http://www.geo.gov.taipei/)(Chinese) or the Go Hiking website (http://www.hiking.taipei/)(Chinese) to download. You are also welcome to download our smartphone APP “Go Hiking Taipei” for more information regarding the hiking trails.


Chinese fir cluster in the Black Forest: Bridal photo shooting 1	Chinese fir cluster in the Black Forest: Bridal photo shooting 2

“Echoing Hearts”	“Echoing Hearts”: Endless waves of visitors

“Echoing Hearts”: Bridal photo shooting 1	“Echoing Hearts”: Bridal photo shooting 2

Strolling in the black forest 1	Strolling in the black forest 2

“Hushan Elementary School” stop	Entrance to the Waterwheel House Trail (Hutian Elementary School)

Entrance to the Waterwheel House Trail (by the big banyan tree)	Waterwheel House Trail

Ten spots for Sunset Spotting in Taipei City recommended by the Geotechnical Engineering Office

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:00:00 GMT

With the sun going down and golden rays of light beaming through the azure sky and white clouds, sunsets take on different appearances and are mesmerizing! The Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department of Taipei City Government proudly recommends ten spots for hiking and appreciating the beautiful sunset sceneries in Taipei City.

Huang Li-Yuan(黃立遠), Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, stated that the best hiking trails and locations for observing sunsets in Taipei City include: Junjianyan Hiking Trail (Junjianyan) in Beitou District; Daluntoushan Hiking Trail (Chengfeng Fort) in Shilin District; Xiangshan Hiking Trail (The Six Giant Rocks & Photo-taking Platform) and Hushan Hiking Trail (9-5 Peak & Hushan Peak) in Xinyi District; Liyushan Hiking Trail (mountain top pavilion) and Zhongyongshan Hiking Trail (mountain top platform) in Neihu District; and Zhanghu Hiking Trail (Lingfeng Pavilion) and Denggao Hiking Trail (Wangyuan Pavilion) in Wenshan District.

"Situated in the Four Beasts Mountains near Taipei 101, Xiangshan and Hushan Hiking Trails have excellent views and favorable geographical positions. What’s more, with their well-maintained hiking facilities, they have always been among the hottest spots for people to view Taipei City’s landscape. The Geotechnical Engineering Office sincerely recommends these 10 locations, offering people multiple choices to enjoy the magnificent sunsets in a relaxing and healthy way," said Xia Xian-Tong(夏賢統), Section Chief of the Industrial and Trail Section.

When going to Maokong, located in Wenshan District, you can first take the Hello Kitty Gondola up the mountain to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and refreshing tea with family and friends before you find the perfect timing to proceed to one of the two recommended spots for observing sunsets. The Wangyuan Pavilion on Denggao Hiking Trail, which was newly constructed this year, is located on a small stand-alone mountain top next to the Mingde Temple on Laoquan Street. It is only a 30-minute walk from the Maokong Gondola Station. Walking through cherry blossom trees along the two sides of the path, and you will arrive at the top within a few minutes to enjoy a great view of the beautiful night scenes and splendid fireworks.

Chen Yan-cheng, Engineer of the Industrial and Trail Section added that, Junjianyan in Beitou District and Chengfeng Fort in Shilin District provide not only beautiful scenery of sunsets but also a 360-degree panoramic view where one will be amazed by how the world below seems so small, and be inspired and invigorated to face tomorrow’s challenges.

"The views from the peaks of Zhongyongshan and Liyushan in Neihu District are magnificent. Besides, the entrances of the hiking trails are right beside MRT Dahu Park Station, so it is quite easy to reach. Along the routes, you will pass by a number of famous temples, including: Bishan Temple, Jinlong Temple, Yuanjue Temple, etc. You can set out at about 3 p.m. from the MRT Dahu Park Station,” said Mr. Liu, a visitor there for the beautiful sunsets.

Traffic Information for Sunset Spotting

The Six Giant Rocks, Xiangshan Hiking Trail, Xinyi District	A view of Taipei City from The Six Giant Rocks
Sunset-spotting visitors at Xiangshan (1)	Sunset-spotting visitors at Xiangshan (2)
Beautiful sunset in Taipei City	Photo-taking Platform, Xiangshan Hiking Trail, Xinyi District
A view of Taipei City from the Photo-taking Platform	Hushan Peak, Hushan Hiking Trail, Xinyi District
A view of Taipei City from Hushan Peak	9-5 Peak, Hushan Hiking Trail, Xinyi District
A view of Taipei City from 9-5 Peak	Wangyuan Pavilion, Denggao Hiking Trail, Wenshan District
A view of Taipei City from Wangyuan Pavilion	Lingfeng Pavilion, Zhanghu Hiking Trail, Wenshan District
A view of Taipei City from Lingfeng Pavilion	Junjianyan, Junjianyan Hiking Trail, Beitou District
A view of Taipei City from Junjianyan	Chengfeng Fort, Daluntoushan Hiking Trail, Shilin District
A view of Taipei City from Chengfeng Fort	Mountain Top Pavilion, Liyushan Hiking Trail, Neihu District
Mountain Top Platform, Zhongyongshan Hiking Trail, Neihu District

Ko ko ko! The young Taiwan barbets hint the arrival of autumn

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Having found a habitat in Neishuangxi Natural Center, a pair of Taiwan barbets has given birth to their offspring, adding new family members to nature at the beginning of autumn this year.

As expressed by Ming-Yu He, Chief of the Forest Recreation Section of the Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), Neishuangxi Natural Center is a wooded area in the vicinity of Taipei for environmental education. Its rich natural factors have given birth to various ecological species, among which is the Taiwan barbet, a local resident bird that has long settled at the Center. The Taiwan barbet is Taiwan’s native species and also an expert in puncturing wood for making a dwelling. It has clear call resembling that of a wooden fish (a percussion instrument used by monks that makes the sound “ko ko ko”) and colorful feathers (bright green for the body and red, yellow, blue, black and green for the head, forming natural protective colors), thus earning the name “spotted monk of the forest”.

In recent years, a pair of loving barbets has given birth to their offspring, adding new members to, and enhancing, the ecological richness around the Center. The reproduction activities of barbets usually take place between March and August, among which the peak of reproduction falls between June and July. We are extremely happy to have found the trace of these baby barbets in the Center in late August. Visitors are welcome to come to the Center and look for these lovely and colorful “monks” along the wooden trail recently renovated inside the Center’s herbal garden.

The herbal garden of the Neishuangxi Natural Center is open to free visits from 9 AM to 4 PM from Wednesday through Sunday. In case of need, visitors can sign up for tour guides with the GEO, where friendly and enthusiastic water and soil conservation volunteers will lead the visitors to search for the Taiwan barbets. Visitors are advised to bring along a light jacket as the weather in the mountains has turned cooler with the arrival of autumn.

PS: To use the photos, please visit the Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office Chinese website (http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/（Chinese）) to download.

Photo 1. Home of Barbets	Photo2. The entrance image of the herbal garden
Photo 3. Can you find the barbets?	Photo 4. Can you find the barbets?
Photo 5. Children are having fun learning	Photo 6. Touring the herbal garden

Taiwan’s Only Titanium-plated "5-clawed Golden Dragon" Revealed in Zhinan Scenic Area

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 16:00:00 GMT

The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City’s Public Works Department recently launched the Zhinan Scenic Area after brainstorming with representatives of Chin-Nan Temple and its neighboring communities over the theme of “Advice from Three Religions (Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism) for Five Areas of Life” to determine the meanings of Chinese zodiac signs and astrological cycles, which hopefully would give visitors some life guidance. Completed in March 2014, the brand new scenic and recreational facility features a footpath network lined with 12 horoscope-inspired stone sculptures, each distinctively styled and separately placed at a “5-year” interval to interpret a specific stage of life. Among others, the titanium-plated sculpture of a five-clawed, rain-breathing golden dragon erected by the Chin-Nan Temple Management Committee next to a landscaped waterfall is so lifelike (thanks to the mist evaporators!) you might think it is splashing in a misty celestial pond.

Each zodiac sign has a different meaning. While the Tiger is a sacred, regal beast in Chinese mythology that can cast out evil spirits and restore peace, the Rooster’s tall, fiery red crest indicates increased fame, wealth and other auspicious things. The Pig, as the Chinese character of “home” pictographically suggests, is an integral part of a household, the basic unit of civilization development and preservation efforts. The landscaping plan of Zhinan Scenic Area connects 12 different zodiac signs to give guidance about life.

In recent years, GEO and the Chin-Nan Temple Management Committee have teamed up to construct and restore various scenic highlights (namely the Family Recreation Area, Lover’s Mecca and Longevity Trail), according to GEO’s director Li-Yuan Huang. Those who arrive in the Zhinan area by Maokong Gondola, immediately after getting off at the Zhinan Temple Station, will be greeted by the sight of the newly completed Fountain Square, where the glistening fountain is encircled by laborious, adorable and lifelike zodiac animal-inspired stone seats, Huang added.

Ming-Yu He, the chief of GEO’s Forest Recreation Section, mentioned a GEO plan to decorate the Zhinan Scenic Area with a “Chinese zodiac map” in 2014, scattering horoscope-themed artworks between the Fountain Square and Lover’s Mecca (the vantage point) with the Tiger, Horse and Monkey sculptures crafted with laser-engraved stainless steel to add a touch of religious heritage and artistic landscaping to this scenic area. It is a great idea to explore the Chinese horoscope in this secret base, while enjoying a treasure hunt that is relaxing and thrilling at the same time, he added.

Following their highly successful 2012 partnerships, including GEO’s Lover’s Mecca reinforcement effort and Chin-Nan Temple’s enshrinement of Yue Lao (Chinese Cupid), GEO and Chin-Nan Temple joined forces in a year-long project in 2014 that led to the world’s one and only 100% handcrafted titanium-plated stainless steel sculpture of a five-clawed golden dragon, said Zhong-Xin Gao, chairman of the Chin-Nan Temple Management Committee. The dragon is covered with 3,600 scales; it clutches a magic ball and an imperial seal in its right and left claws, respectively. Legend has it that the dragon was the Jade Emperor’s mount that flew in the sky, roamed the depths, called clouds and rain into existence and nourished everyone on earth. It is a holy creature to which some Chinese followers of folk religions pray for rain and protection against devils, hence a symbol of nobility, prosperity, good luck and success. The golden dragon sculpture was unveiled on June 15th hopefully to give visitors a better idea of how their lives are connected to Chinese astrology.

Zhinan Village Chief Jia-Nan Zhang said GEO’s lively sculptural reproductions of Chinese zodiac signs have been celebrated across his neighborhood and attracted enough youngsters to bolster the local economy, as evidenced by the growing number of Maokong Gondola users getting off at the Zhinan Temple Station.

Note: Photos of the golden dragon and Zhinan Scenic Area can be downloaded from GEO’s Chinese website (http: //www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/)

Address: No. 115, Wanshou Rd., Wenshan Dist., Taipei City (beside Maokong Gondola’s Zhinan Temple Station)

Transportation information
By Car:
1. Front range: Take Wanshou Rd. and drive uphill until reaching the end of the road.
2. Back range: Take Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd. uphill, turn into Lane 157, Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd. and keep driving till the end of the lane.
By Public Transport Services:
1. Front range: Take Bus 530 or Brown 5 and get off at Zhinan Temple.
2. Back range: Take Mini Bus 10 or Zhinan Left Route and get off at Maokong Gondola’s Zhinan Temple Station.
3. Back range: Take the Maokong Gondola and get off at Zhinan Temple Station.

Photo 1. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Rat)	Photo 2. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Ox)
Photo 3. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Tiger)	Photo 4. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Rabbit)
Photo 5. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Dragon)	Photo 6. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Dragon)
Photo 7. The Waterfall in Dragon Zone	Photo 8. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Snake)
Photo 9. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Horse)	Photo 10. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Goat)
Photo 11. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Monkey)	Photo 12. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Rooster)
Photo 13. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Dog)	Photo 14. Chinese Zodiac Sign (Pig)
Photo 15. Family Recreation Area	Photo 16. Lover’s Mecca
Photo 17. Fountain Square	Photo 18. Longevity Trail

Upgrading Hiking Safety by Adding AEDs on Hiking Trails for Immediate Rescue

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Hiking safety is being upgraded again! The Geotechnical Engineering Office of Taipei City’s Public Works Department will set up Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on five popular trails as of May 9th, 2014 and expects to finish the installation before May 12th. It is hoped that, with the easy operation of the lifesaving AED, more precious lives could be saved within the golden rescue time of sudden loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest. In so doing, citizens can feel safer when hiking! 　　

According to Huang Li-Yuan, the Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Taipei City’s hiking trails have been citizens’ popular recreation spots. In order to provide citizens with a safer hiking environment, the Office held many public meetings in neighboring schools and temples and coordinated with them regarding the AED installation locations. Thanks to their strong support, currently AEDs have been installed at five popular trails: “Sanxuan Temple Trail” and “Tea Exhibition Center Trail” in the Wenshan District, the “Beixing Temple Trail” and “Hushan Hiking Trail” in the Xinyi District, and the “Zhongyongshan Hiking Trail” in the Neihu District. As an old saying goes: “better save one life than build a seven-storey pagoda”. It’s our duty to save lives. While we encourage citizens to go hiking, we shall make every effort to build a safe and friendly hiking environment for them too. 　　

As indicated by Chief Xia Xian-Tong of the Industrial and Trail Section, an AED can automatically detect a patient’s heart and pulse beats, and give the heart an electric shock to restore its normal function. It is easy-to-use. When turning it on, you will hear a voice instruction along with illustrations. It is as simple as a “point and shoot camera”; thus, it is also commonly called the “AED for dummies”. Currently, many advanced countries use it for medical emergency, making it one of the indicators showing social advancement. This time, the Geotechnical Engineering Office has set up AEDs at appropriate locations beside the hiking gate of five popular trails where the average number of hikers can reach more than 10,000 during holidays. It is hoped that by further extending such emergency rescue measures to potential accident sites, citizens can rest assured when they go hiking. 　　

Ye Han-Ren, the subsection chief of the Industrial and Trial Section, notes that, according to the statistics released by the Department of Health, heart disease is one of the top 3 causes of death in Taiwan. Related studies also pointed out that, in some cases, if an electric shock could be delivered within one minute after the heart has stopped beating as a result of sudden cardiac arrest, the first-aid success rate could top 90%. It is a race between time and death. In Japan, since AEDs are now available at many places, the survival rate has increased from 7% to almost 40%. The AEDs installed by the Geotechnical Engineering Office on the trails, allow people to seize the golden rescue time by providing coma patients with immediate rescue. The Office aims to build a safer hiking environment for its citizens, and will devote its efforts to safeguarding citizens’ hiking safety.

PS: To download related pictures, please visit the website of the “Geotechnical Engineering Office of Public Works Department, Taipei City Government” at http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/(Chinese)

List of trails where AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are scheduled to be set up:

Administrative district	Trail name	Expected location
Wenshan District	Sanxuan Temple Trail	Zhinan Elementary School
Wenshan District	Tea Exhibition Center Trail	Muzha Tea Exhibition Center
Xinyi District	Beixing Temple Trail	Beixing Temple
Xinyi District	Hushan Hiking Trial	Yaochi Temple
Neihu District	Zhongyongshan Hiking Trail	Cisheng Temple

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Sanxuan Temple Trail at Wenshan District

Tea Exhibition Center Trail at Wenshan District

Hushan Hiking Trail at Xinyi District

Zhongyongshan Hiking Trail at Neihu District

Enjoy Calla Lilies, Taiwanese Lilies and Dull-ice Flowers in Northern, Central and Southern Taipei along 14 Hiking Trails Recommended by Taipei City’s GEO

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Flowers across Taipei come into bloom in April, painting the City in vibrant hues that encourage outdoor activities. Among the various native or non-native flowering plants lining trails city-wide, calla lilies, Taiwanese lilies and dull-ice flowers are emblematic of northern, central and southern Taipei, respectively. It is healthful and relaxing to admire the sheer splendor of blossoms while enjoying life’s little blessings on Taipei’s flower-viewing trails.

Huang Li-yuan, Director of Taipei City’s Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), explained the term “calla lilies in the north” refers to the calla lily fields lying by the gently rolling, hiker-friendly trails in Beitou District’ Zhuzihu Lake. Fading into the horizon, the effortless luxury of a snow-white sea of calla lilies is available on a number of the City’s hiking trails, including Shuicheliao (or “water wheel shed”) Hiking Trail, Hudi Circular Trail, Calla Lily Circular Trail and Dinghu Circular Trail. “Taiwanese lilies in the center” refer to the staple flowering plant at Neishuangxi Nature Center, Shilin District, where visitors can stop and smell the intense fragrance during each flowering season. As the term “dull-ice flowers in the south” implies, the GEO ingeniously created an ethereal carpet of yellow, white and blue dull-ice flowers that stretches all the way up the slopes in an amusing contrast to the 1.5-hectare fallow land flanking the Camphor Tree Trail in Maokong, Wenshan District.

The Cuishan Hiking Trail in Shilin District, according to GEO’s Industrial and Trail Section chief, Xia Xian-tong, was transformed by replanting an abandoned police shooting range for ecological richness and diversity, as evidenced by the trail-lining flowering plants (mostly Taiwan agrimony and Common Melastoma) besides tiny, plaza-dwelling flossflowers that frolic in the wind.

Accessible via Cuishan Hiking Trail, the Bixi Hiking Trail provides a tranquil view of the immaculately white Chinese Fringetrees, in full bloom and set against a verdant backdrop. Meanwhile, the subtle yet uplifting fragrance of Taiwan Maesa adorning the historic Tianmu Trail ensures a flower-viewing trip that satisfies visitors’ visual as well as olfactory senses.

Chen Yan-cheng, a senior engineer at GEO’s Industrial and Trail Section, recommended the calming and historically significant Hengling Trail in Hushan township, Beitou District, which is flanked by Chinese hydrangea (white sepals and tiny yellow flowers), besides Formosanum Elderberry (tiny white flowers) to make visitors feel as if they are in a meditation retreat. The well-equipped Xiangshan and Hushan (meaning Mt. Elephant and Mt. Tiger in Chinese, respectively) Hiking Trails in Xinyi District near the Taipei 101 skyscraper feature dazzling clusters; each contains tens of white Bigflower Galangal. Moreover, numerous impeccably white, fragrant Taiwanese lilies are planted by local residents both along Nangang District’s Gengliao Trail and near the hilltop pavilion. People visiting Neihu District’s Jinmianshan Hiking Trail on the ridge will surely be impressed by how the fiery-red Oldham’s Azalea pleasantly and vividly contrasts with green leaves.

Reaching every administrative district of Taipei City, the extensive network of hiking trails offers access to a springtime stroll amid Mother Nature, where various flowers elicit a sense of joy in the viewers. GEO invites you to take a flower-viewing tour of the 12 trails it recommends, and offers a map free of charge. You can also download the map at GEO’s hiking website (http://hiking.taipei.gov.tw/)(Chinese) 　　

Calla lilies in the north: a panoramic view of the calla lily fields in Zhuzihu Lake	Calla lilies in the north: a close-up shot of calla lilies at Zhuzihu Lake
Taiwanese lilies in the center: the “sea of lilies” at Neishuangxi Nature Center	Taiwanese lilies in the center: the “sea of lilies” and viewing platform at Neishuangxi Nature Center
Dull-ice flowers in the south: the Caiyun Pavilion and “sea of dull-ice flowers” on Camphor Tree Trail	Dull-ice flowers in the south: the “sea of dull-ice flowers” on Camphor Tree Trail
Taiwan agrimony on the Cuishan Hiking Trail	Common Melastoma on the Cuishan Hiking Trail
Flossflowers on the Cuishan Hiking Trail	Chinese Fringetrees on the Bixi Hiking Trail
Taiwan Maesa on the Tianmu Trail	Shell ginger on the Xiangshan and Hushan Hiking Trails
Oldham’s Azalea on the Jinmianshan Hiking Trail	Taiwanese lilies on the Gengliao Trail

Let’s head to Shilin’s Neishuangxi to “explore the mountain, river and soil”

Wed, 14 May 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Neishuangxi Nature Center’s 2014 environmental education curriculum has started! The theme of the 2014 curriculum is: “Explore the mountain, river and soil”. In line with the unique forest ecosystem and rich resources of plants, animals, geology and hydrology, the center launches a series of environmental education courses that brings you into the natural forest and river. The curriculum comprises 4 types of educational and interesting environmental courses throughout the year: environmental interpretation, themed courses, school promotion and special projects. We sincerely invite the public, schools and organizations to take part in these courses, and get your hands and feet dirty while exploring the mountain, river and soil!

Huang Li-Yuan, Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that Neishuangxi Nature Center, a forest located within Taipei City, was accredited as the Environment Education Facility by the Environmental Protection Administration on Oct. 31, 2013, becoming the first forest-based educational facility in Taipei City. The Center upholds “Forest Lohas, Nature Sharing” as its core spirit, and launches various themed courses and special events every year, allowing students, families, adults and NGOs to learn and experience these diverse environmental education curriculums. Since 2009, the Center has organized 268 courses, which have attracted 9,447 adults and children to visit the center, experience nature and get to know the forest.

He Ming-Yu, Chief of the Forest Recreation Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that, the Center will launch 41 forest life courses in 2014, catering to different needs. They include field courses and school promotion programs popular among teachers and students; “A date with nocturnal animals in midsummer”, is a night observation of insects that attracts the enthusiastic participation of children; and “The secrets of tree seeds”, which arouse the curiosity of parents and children. In addition, there are holiday courses dedicated to adults: “Forest in the palm” and “Ditch cleaning workshop”. Organizations may also apply for environmental interpretation programs such as “Waters of the forest” and “The mystery of Taipei Basin”. It is hoped that the different types of courses, will help the public to learn about the services provided by the forest in our daily life, improve the public’s knowledge of forest ecology and encourage people to strive for environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Ethics Foundation of Taiwan said that holiday courses for adults will be launched from March to October; the courses include “Forest in the palm”, “Ditch cleaning workshop” and “College of forest design”. From May to November, exploration programs like “The stories of forest flowers”, “A date with nocturnal animals in midsummer” and “The secrets of tree seeds”, dedicated to parent-child participation will be offered. In addition, in midsummer July, the Center will organize a special event filled with fun of the forest, called “Ding-dong, ding-dong, the forest apartment”. Adults and children are welcome to hike at Shilin’s Daluntoushan, visiting the bio-residents of the forest and obtaining an in-depth understanding of this land; you can relax and have fun at the same time.

The Center’s 2014 curriculum: “Forest Life Courses” consists of fun courses suitable for parents and their children, holiday courses that allow you to gain practical knowledge, easy-to-play and -learn special events, and field teachings and school promotion programs for you to learn through experience; they cater to both children and adults. The Center welcomes you to join these activities. For more information regarding the Center’s curriculum “Forest Life Courses” and registration details, please visit “Neishuangxi Nature Center’s blog” http://neishuangxi.blogspot.tw/enquiry.

Neishuangxi Nature Center tells you the various little secrets of the forest!	Get to know nature through a friendly way
Come on in, close your eyes and “feel” the forest	Hike along the trails to explore the secrets hidden in the forest and soil
Forest in the palm: carefully inserting the strong branch into the soil, completing the cutting	Forest backpackers’ inn: experimenting with seed dispersal by water
Waters of the forest: observing river ecology	Compost nourishes the flowers: Let’s make a huge chocolate cake!

Transportation Information of Neishuangxi Nature Center

1. Address: No.27, Lane 150, Section 3, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
2. Transportation Information:
　(1) By car: From Taipei downtown towards Waishuangxi; from Section 3, Zhishan Road along Bixi Industrial Road to Neishuangxi Nature Center (with parking lots).
　(2) Public transportation: MRT Jiantan Station and transfer to - Bus M1: alight at Xishan Nursery. - Bus S18: alight at Bixi Bridge, and walk to Neishuangxi Nature Center (about 30 minutes).
3. The parking space is quite limited at Neishuangxi Nature Center. Citizens are advised to make use of the public transportation in order to reduce carbon emission and save energy. Thank you for your cooperation!

Preparation for the approaching flood season: Geotechnical Engineering Office visits 24 old communities to promote conservation of soil and water as well as safety issues

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Facing the approaching season of torrential rains and typhoons, to strengthen the principles of “disaster prevention is more important than relief” and “disaster prevention starts from oneself” among residents living in old hillside communities, the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Taipei City’s Public Works Department will visit 24 communities on the advisory list to educate residents about conservation of soil and water, in the hope that they will learn about natural disasters brought by climate changes in recent years, have a better understanding of preventive measures through self-checks of their surrounding environment, and strengthen hillside self-management. The campaign seeks to enhance awareness on disaster prevention.

As expressed by Huang Li-yuan, Director of the Office, there are 24 old hillside communities scattered in 8 districts (Beitou, Shilin, Zhongshan, Neihu, Daan, Xinyi, Nangang and Wenshan) and 18 villages in Taipei City. According to a recently updated survey, there are 1,982 households and 5,092 inhabitants in total in these communities; all of them are preserved and supervised regularly, based on the advisory list. Potential dangers are still lurking around these hillside areas, as buildings in the communities are stacked against each other and built close to the steep slopes with insufficient distance between them, not to mention the poor drainage in the surrounding area. To ensure the safety of the residents and their belongings, the Office is keeping a close and constant watch on the communities. An earthquake, 4.0 on the Richter scale, took place on Feb. 12, 2014, with its epicenter in Shilin District of Taipei City. Afterwards, the Office immediately dispatched staff for a full inspection of the situation in the hillside areas of the communities. Fortunately, there was no damage or casualties reported from any of the 24 communities.

As expressed by Lin Shi-yuan, Section Chief of the Office, the 24 old communities had gone through a project of three phases in three years, since 2008, for the conservation of soil and water as well as disaster mitigation. Completed at the end of 2010, the improvement project has effectively reduced the risk of disasters. However, to offer more guarantees to residents, the Office cooperates with teams of professional engineers, regularly visiting and inspecting these communities yearly. During the flood season (May to Nov.), there are at least 7 monthly rounds of regular visits and inspections. During the season of torrential rains and typhoons, more visits and inspections are arranged whenever abnormal situations at the hillside are spotted. Emergency repairs and other measures of disaster prevention and mitigation will be underway to prevent the disaster’s aggravation.

As expressed by Director Huang Li-yuan, maps for disaster prevention are specially printed for the communities, so that residents can learn about evacuation routes and refuges during disasters. In the past, these maps were explained and distributed at education and promotion sessions for the conservation of soil and water. Starting last year, to enable people who were unable to attend the scheduled sessions to learn about evacuation routes and refuges, the Office had professional teams visit and distribute maps and leaflets, informing people about procedures of disaster prevention as well as refuges in each community. Meanwhile, should people have questions regarding safety of the hillside areas near their homes, they can also talk to the visiting staff. The Office will provide “the service to the home”, duly offering professional improvement advice for residents’ reference.

As recalled by Engineer Li Bao-cheng, the former chairman of Taipei Soil and Water Conservation Engineer Association, who has spent over a decade visiting and inspecting the communities, he was frequently chased by stray dogs when conducting visits and inspections. The living environment in those communities was far from ideal; trash or miscellaneous items were randomly piled up everywhere. People did not welcome the visits of the Office’s staff, either. However, in recent years, residents of the communities have grown to care for the places they live in. Besides cleaning their living environment on their own, they started to welcome the visits and inspections of the staff. He is treated like a neighbor they have known for years; the kindness touches him tremendously. It also shows that the City Government’s long-term efforts in educating people about disaster prevention have led to positive results.

As appealed again by Section Chief Lin Shi-yuan, disaster prevention at hillside areas cannot rely solely on the City Government and professional teams. It also requires residents’ cooperation as well as self-checks in order to achieve more with less effort, and to carry out effective disaster prevention. During the visits, if residents immediately discuss the issues they have encountered on the hillsides near their homes, the professional teams from the City Government will be able to immediately get a clear picture of the situation. It will be even more helpful if further information becomes available on disaster history or conditions of hillsides and drainage during typhoons or storms; professional engineers will be able to better determine the underlying problems of the hillsides and offer more complete and appropriate advices for improvement measures. As reminded by the Office, residents are advised to inspect facilities for soil and water conservation around their living environments. Should they discover any unusual signs at the hillsides near their homes, they can contact the Office’s Slope Land Building Section (Dial 1999 Taipei Citizen hotline with the Office’s extension 3613). A staff member will be at your service. If necessary, professional engineers will perform onsite inspections and offer professional opinions.

Photo 1: Education and promotion session to educate people about the conservation of soil and water
in old hillside communities, held by the Office’s staff

Photo 2: Information session to educate people about the conservation of soil
and water on old hillside communities, explained by professional engineers

Photo 3: Household visits of the old hillside communities.
Professional staff explained maps of disaster prevention for residents

Photo 4: Household visits of the old hillside communities.
Professional staff learned about the history of disasters in the community from its residents

Photo 5: Joint inspections in the old hillside communities. Visiting the community
for the joint inspections of soil and water conservation problem on hillside areas

Photo 6: Joint inspections in the old hillside communities.
Residents of the community shared the hillside situations in their community

Neishuangxi Learning Forest: Let’s Experience Mother Nature and together Protect the Forest

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Last year the Neishuangxi Nature Center, which was planned and organized by the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Taipei City Government’s Public Works Department, earned the environmental educational accreditation awarded by the Executive Yuan’s Environmental Protection Administration. According to Huang Li-Yuan, the Office director, the Nature Center, with its distinctive ecosystem and abundant plant, animal, geological and hydrological resources, garnered this accreditation on Oct. 31, 2013, becoming the City’s first forest-based educational site. Utilizing its forest’s ecological resources, the Center planned several multi-function, educational programs, in an attempt to establish professional development in the field of environmental education. A total of 43 course sessions were provided in 2013, attracting 1,360 participants.

He Ming-Yu, the chief of the Forest’s Recreation Section, revealed that in 2013, the Center offered diversified and small-group learning experiences through the theme “Get moving to protect the forest.” With this program, children and adults were invited to experience nature and safeguard the forest through different environmental educational courses. Beginning in April 2014, the Center will continue to provide theme courses covering field teaching and promoting environmental education in schools; these have been well received by many teachers and children. The courses include: “A date with nighttime animals in mid-summer”, a program that children requested fervently, for observing insects and “Secrets of tree seeds”, a program that aroused both the parents and children’s curiosity. In addition, the Center also offers a vacation program for adults. For more information about courses offered by the Center, visit the “Neishuangxi Nature Center Blog” at http://neishuangxi.blogspot.tw/(Chinese).

The Center also provides guided tours on water and soil conservation for groups of 15 people or more. However, interested parties need to apply for this service two weeks in advance. The tour is offered from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, please visit the Geotechnical Engineering Office website at http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw (Chinese). The medicinal plant park is open to the public on weekends and holidays.

Now, have a look and find out how exciting the 2013 forest learning was!

Field teaching at the “Diverse forest community”:

Aimed at 3rd- and 6th-graders, this program was designed with content easy to comprehend, while also granting access to the great outdoors. Here, by walking along the Neishuangxi forest trail, students got to know the balance of nature through food chains and biological webs, and to observe creatures in the field. In the end, the students created a habitat map for forest creatures, and learned that all living things are closely and inseparably related to one another.

Creating a biological web on the white board~

Observation challenge! Where are the small creatures hiding?

Field teaching at the “Forest backpacker’s tavern”:

Aimed at 5th- to 6th-graders, this program taught students how forest creatures develop their survival skills in order to compete in their struggle for existence. Through hands-on observations and operations, students observed and recorded the park’s animals’ and plants’ secret weapons. Students were divided into groups, each investigating and exploring a designated topic. Afterwards, students came back to the classroom to show their findings and share their experiences with other groups. Students found that in order to adapt to the natural environment, creatures have evolved unique survival skills. Everything in nature is closely connected to a creature’s survival.

Students observed Littoral Spinegrass tumbling on the desk.

Students worked hard preparing for their demonstrations.

Promoting the “Diverse forest community” in schools:

Based on classes, the program designed half-day activities for school programs. Utilizing the campus’s natural environment as well as the hands-on indoor operations, students understood the close connection between the forest’s creatures and the importance of a balanced ecosystem to humans.

Students drew a huge biological web on the black board.

Students worked together to construct a forest community.

Professional workshop of “Watery Neishuangxi”:

This professional workshop invited teachers and those who were interested in promoting environmental education to participate in the observation of an aquatic environment, and to practice lesson plans on the Shuangxi’s riverbanks and at the teaching center. Through their survey of the river’s ecology, workshop members learned about the close connection between aquatic creatures and their habitats, as well as methods to investigate these creatures and promote nature education. Through the workshop, the members developed and broadened their imagination for promoting future environmental education, and were inspired to convey the importance of Taiwan’s water resources.

Using the observation box to observe animals in the water

What will a dream water homeland look like?

Parents and children’s theme activity: “A date with nighttime animals in midsummer”:

In the teaching center and on the Bixi nature trail, parents and children were shown how to observe the animals’ daytime and nocturnal behavior in their natural environment, especially insects and frogs. The participants were instructed to observe animals in a gentle way that was meant to convey the importance of accumulating biological information.

Field observation to search for a variety of insects	Night observations
Group picture of the second session’s members	Group picture of the first session’s members

Adult theme activity – “Forest in your palm – a little gardening trip”:

People were taught basic D.I.Y. and gardening skills. Participants used their hands to experience the pleasures of gardening, and as a way to improve their mental and physical health. Experienced lecturers taught them how different plants favor different seasons and require different care techniques. Participants were happy to get their hands dirty, and carry out daily maintenance jobs such as sowing, pot changing, cutting, etc.

The lecturer explained gardening skills and precautions.	Taking care of the Center’s colorful potted plants
Group picture of the first session’s members	Group picture of the second session’s members

Children and Parents’ theme activity – the “Secrets of tree seeds”:

Through games, observation and experimental operations, participants learned about the characteristics of various plant seeds and the secrets of forest ecology. Furthermore, this activity connected our daily lives with seeds through a simulation of agricultural production, to demonstrate the importance of crop diversity.

A beautiful sunny day to kick off our learning	An interactive small theater to tell more seed stories
Groups competed in barrier games to move various seeds.	Parent-child brain storming to experience a farmers’ pleasure in planting seeds

Special planning- “Forest health examination center – how healthy is the forest?”:

By hiking and playing barrier games, people were invited to perform various fun checks on the forest’s health. The games gave participants the opportunity to exercise and stretch. Both children and adults were instructed about a forest’s health indicators and to understand the various important services provided by a forest.

Embrace today’s mission in the best spirits!

These little helpers know a lot about how to recognize a healthy forest!

※ Neishuangxi Nature Center traffic information※
1. Location: No. 27, Ln. 150, Sec. 3, Zhishan Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei City.

2. Traffic information:
(1) By car: From downtown Taipei, drive in the direction of Waishuangxi to Sec. 3, Zhishan Road, and along the Bixi Industrial Road to the mountain area (a parking lot is available).
(2) By public transportation: Transfer at the MRT Jiantan station and:
a. Take city mini-bus No. 1 and get off at the Xishan Nursery stop, or
b. Take city mini-bus No. 18 and get off at the Bixi Bridge, then walk 30 minutes to the Neishuangxi Nature Center.

3. Given that parking spaces at the Nature Center are limited, public transportation is recommended for getting to the mountain. We appreciate your cooperation, thank you!

Two hearts beat as one for romantic love: hiking to enjoy the view

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Maokong nestles in Taipei City’s mountainous Wenshan District. Thanks to its location near downtown and the convenience of the “Maokong Gondola”, Maokong has become a perfect site for residents to participate in all kinds of fun activities during their holidays, such as tasting aromatic tea, gazing at the glistening city skyline after dark, or strolling through the woods. As a part of the collaborative efforts between Maokong residents and the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), land owners from the private sector gave GEO the permission to set up the “Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin Tea and Baozhong Tea” on their properties. Along with Mingde Temple, the two facilities will be converted into Maokong’s brand-new landmarks.

Huang Li-yuan, the Director of GEO, said the Mini Skywalk is a unique horseshoe-shaped elevated boardwalk made of steel wood. Leaning on the teapot-inspired railing of the skywalk, which extends 80 meters from the cliff, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Wenshan District as well as the elegance of the Maokong valley, without having to travel all the way to Xiaowulai. Equipped with a solar-powered nighttime lighting system, the Mini Skywalk incorporates features that support the goal of energy saving and carbon reduction, enabling visitors to take casual strolls in the mountains in an eco-friendly manner.

Lying across from the Mini Skywalk is the heart-shaped “Tong-xin Pond” , which was ingeniously reworked from an existing pool by GEO according to a romantic tale widely known among local residents.. A hallmark of superior craftsmanship, this small eco-pond is embellished with shrubs to provide a habitat for wildlife. The ancient “God-of-Marriage’s Tree” and Japanese-style “In Love Forever Pavilion” are two nearby must-see attractions for couples. The latter, as with the Tong-xin Pond, is symbolic of two “joined hearts”, signifying an everlasting, romantic love.

Climbing up the modest yet striking cherry blossom tree-lined trail opposite Mingde Temple (Ln. 45, Laoquan St.), hikers will be greeted by an expansive panoramic view, suggesting that the hilltop is less than a 5 minute walk away, said Xia Xian-tong, the Chief of GEO’s Industrial and Trail Section. Being on the simple but elegant hilltop observatory, visitors can immerse themselves in Maokong’s distinctive mountain town ambiance while gazing at the awe-inspiring bird’s eye view of the Taipei Basin. What’s more, they will be able to see the meandering ridgelines in a distance, which is an unparalleled view in Taipei.

According to Zhang Jia-nan and Gao Jin-lai, who head Zhinan Village and Laoquan Village, respectively, GEO’s all-out effort to build an excellent hiker-friendly environment in Maokong has not only been praised across the neighborhood, but it has also built a vivid “brand image” for this culturally sophisticated place. They invite people to spend their weekends on exploring the hiking trail in the geologically and ecologically diverse Maokong. The area is easily accessible by the Maokong Gondola and the city’s extensive bus network.

Mini Skywalk: the “In Love Forever Pavilion”

Mini Skywalk: the heart-shaped “Tong-Xin Pond”

A panoramic view of the Mini Skywalk

The Mini Skywalk observatory

The viewing platform of Mini Skywalk

The cherry tree-lined hiking trail

A trail-side observation deck

The hiking trail: specially designed railing and pedestrian path

The hiking trail: mosaic mural

Transportation information
1. Mini Skywalk ( “Tong-Xin Pond” and “In Love Forever Pavilion”)
a. Maokong Gondola: get off at Maokong Station and walk 30 minutes toward the Tea Promotion Center.
b. Mini-bus 10: get off at Maokong.
c. Brown 15 bus: get off at Sanxuan Temple and walk 30 minutes toward Taipei Tea Promotion Center to enjoy the Tieguanyin Tea and Baozhong Tea.”.
d. Maokong Route (left) (Taipei Zoo): get off at Maokong.
e. Maokong Route (left) (Zhinan Temple): get off at Maokong.
2. The hiking trail (observatory)
a. Maokong Gondola: get off at Maokong Station and walk along “Zhangshu- Zhanghu Hiking Trail” for 1 hour.
b. Mini-bus 10: get off at Zhangshan Temple and walk 5 minutes toward Mingde Temple.
c. Brown 15 bus: get off at Zhangshan Temple and walk 5 minutes toward Mingde Temple.
d. Brown 15 bus (shuttle): get off at Zhangshan Temple and walk 5 minutes toward Mingde Temple.
e. Maokong Route (right): get off at Zhangshan Temple and walk 5 minutes toward Mingde Temple.

Taipei City finally has its very first forest-based educational facility established in Shilin’s Neishuangxi!

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:00:00 GMT

“Neishaungxi Nature Center”, with its unique forest ecosystem and rich resources of animals, plants, geology and hydrology, passed the certification of Environment Education Facility by the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan on October 31, 2013, becoming the first forest-based educational facility in Taipei City.

Huang Li-Yuan, Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that Neishuangxi Nature Center has decided on the core spirit of environmental education promotion to be “Forest Lohas, sharing with the earth”, and will launch 40 promotional sessions of “Forest Life Courses”. The courses include field teaching and school sharing programs, which are popular among many teachers, inviting children to observe insects at night in the course “A date with nighttime animals in midsummer”; parents can learn about seeds of different colors and shapes in the course “The secrets of tree seeds”, and so on. In addition, some courses are designed for adults, including “Forest in the palm”, a popular gardening course for senior citizens, “Cool Neishuangxi”, a refreshing observation course of the water body on hot summer days, and so on. All courses are loaded with knowledge, fun and excitement.

He Ming-Yu, the Chief of the Forest Recreation Section, Geotechnical Engineering Office, said that since 2009, Neishuangxi Nature Center has been continuously providing promotional courses on environmental education, and during the 4 years of environmental education promotion from 2009 to 2012, has conducted 225 environmental education activities which were attended by 8,078 people. After compiling the site condition and the characteristic natural and cultural resources, the Center proposed 7 curriculum programs of environmental education to submit an application to the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, for the certification of the Environment Education Facility at the end of 2012. The certification was passed on October 31, 2013, after the site survey conducted by the review committee and 3 meetings of the review panel.

Cai Zheng-Fa, the Head in the Forest Recreation Division, said that the “Forest Life Courses” of Neishuangxi Nature Center offer diversified experiences and learning themes. For more information regarding the courses of Neishuangxi Nature Center, please visit “Neishuangxi Nature Center Blog” at http://neishuangxi.blogspot.tw/.(中文網) Neishuangxi Nature Center also provides guided tours of soil and water conservation in Neishuangxi conducted by the volunteers for groups of 15 people or more. Citizens who are interested must apply 2 weeks in advance, and the opening hours are from 9 to 12 in the morning and from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. Medicinal Botanical Garden is open to the public during the weekends; details can be found at Geotechnical Engineering Office’s website http://www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw.(中文網)

Transportation Information of Neishuangxi Nature Center
1. Address: No.27, Lane 150, Section 3, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
2. Transportation Information:
(1) By car: From Taipei downtown towards Waishuangxi; from Section 3, Zhishan Road along Bixi Industrial Road to Neishuangxi Nature Center (with parking lots).
(2) Public transportation: MRT Jiantan Station and transfer to
- Bus M1: alight at Xishan Nursery.
- Bus S18: alight at Bixi Bridge, and walk to Neishuangxi Nature Center (about 30 minutes).
3. The parking space is quite limited at Neishuangxi Nature Center. Citizens are advised to make use of the public transportation in order to reduce carbon emission and save energy. Thank you for your cooperation!

School education: colorful forest community	Theme Course: Professional Workshop for Teachers: Beautiful Water in Neishuangxi
Theme Course: A date with nighttime animals in midsummer	Theme Course: Forest in the palm
Theme Course: The secrets of tree seeds	Special activity: Forest health center: A healthy forest
Field course	Field course
Theme Course: The secrets of tree seeds	Stone house geology classroom
A glimpse of Neishuangxi Nature Center	A glimpse of Neishuangxi Nature Center
A glimpse of Neishuangxi Nature Center