There’s always something about discovering a new place alone that gives me an indescribable sense of freedom. I love being able to enjoy my chosen destinations at my own pace. Thankfully, for my last day, I had the opportunity to roam around the city alone.
At Taipei, they bring the park experience to a whole new level. And so, I visited a couple of parks to wrap up my #LetsGoCrayAtTaipei weekend…
Daan Park
Xinsheng South Road, Daan District, Taipei, Taiwan
02-27003830
By MRT: Daan Park Station or Technology Building Station
Taipei is a highly urbanized city. Living in a concrete jungle can make one long for a view of some lush greenery. And I imagine, Daan Forest Park — the “Lungs of the City”, to be the answer to the nature loving needs of every city dweller. With 26 hectares to explore, one would find more than just the usual greenery but some wild life too.
Besides the usual jogging paths, ponds and benches, Daan Forest Park showcases a whole different range facilities and sights from your ordinary public park. It has an impressive playground, amphitheater, skating rink and even an underground parking garage. (First time I’ve ever heard of that!)
But for a public park noob like me, it was just enough to find a perfect spot to settle down and unwind after a tiring day, or in my case, a busy weekend of touring (and eating). Reminiscing about that afternoon still gives me the good vibes. Who can’t be in such a good mood with the perfect breeze, the shady trees and a good book?
228 Peace Park & Presidential Palace
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
+886 2 2303 2451
By MRT: Taiwan University Hospital Station
The 228 Peace Park redefines what public spaces are all about. Besides being a public park, it also serves as a memorial and a historic site. Here you’ll find memorials, pavillions, two museums, a pagoda, an exercise area, and an amphitheater.
The Taipei 228 Memorial, found in the center of the park, is a memorial to the victims of the 228 Incident of 1947.
In the southern end, you’ll find another memorial which is the Peace Bell. This bell symbolizes peace, with hopes that one of the most brutal events in Taiwan’s history will never be repeated.
The National Taiwan Museum is one of the museums in the park. Unfortunately, the museum happened to be closed on the day that I decided to visit. This museum would be the oldest one you’d find in Taiwan.
The amphitheater was amazing to look at. I could only imagine how great of a venue it would be on a cool summer night. They say that they usually hold free musical performances here.
Besides the park benches and the pavilions, one can take a rest in the Chinese pagoda set in the middle of the pond. #PagodaColdWave #PagodaTragedy
But if lulling around has become a bore, you can always opt to join in feeding the flocks of birds.
As for me, my feet were extremely tired from the weekend. Thank God for the stone walk where I spent most of my time sitting and massaging my aching feet.
And just like that, my #LetsGoCrayAtTaipei weekend was over. ❤
Check out our #LetsGoCrayAtTaipei adventures in the following posts…
- #LetsGoCrayAtTaipei
- New Taipei District: Tamsui
- Taipei 101 & Shilin Night Market
- Out of Town Trip: Keelung City
- Exploring Ximending: Tian Wai Tian Hotpot & Night Market
- Temple Series: Longshan Temple, Tin Hau Temple and Xia Hai City God Temple
- Park Series: Daan Park & 228 Peace Memorial Park
- Memorial Series: Liberty Square & Sun Yat Sen Memorial
>underground parking garage
They’re really cool. Here are some underground, automated, mechanical parking in Japan. They’re essentially giant vending machines:
Japan really is ahead of the technology game. Will definitely book a trip to Japan soon, hopefully on 2016. 🙂