Rest & Relaxation at Da’an Park

April 27, 2020 Taipei Expat

Safety tips for COVID-19: This park can be crowded on holidays when there will be free stage shows at the amphitheatre. The playground can be crowded too, especially on weekends. Other than this, the park is usually big enough for the throngs to disperse so everyone maintains a healthy distance from each other.

Da’an Park — sometimes known as Da’an Forest Park — is Taipei’s largest park, a colossal green area dominating a whopping 64 acres of prime downtown real estate. Known as the lungs of the city, it really is an oasis of tranquillity and calm in an otherwise built-up area. Da’an Park was established in 1994 by then-mayor Huang Ta-Chou, who knocked down unauthorized buildings and evicted the people living in them, who were deemed to be squatters. (For more information on the history of the park, we highly recommend taking this free walking tour.) There isn’t much to serve as a reminder of the park’s beginnings other than iffy drainage due to the hasty demolition, and Da’an Park has since proven itself to be an indispensable area for leisure activities and events run by the city government. Though we wouldn’t argue that Da’an Park is an essential part of your Taipei itinerary, if you have the luxury of being here for a long time, we see no reason why you shouldn’t stop by for a stroll through its impressively varied grounds.

One reason why Da’an Park is so appealing to many is that it makes a great spot for exercising: joggers and walkers love the system of well-maintained paths that wind through the park, while others make use of the green space for yoga and tai chi. Local youths play basketball on the courts, and the roller skate rink is popular with families. Cyclists can ride around the outside of the park but are not permitted in the park itself (though we wouldn’t be surprised if you spot a few on your visit).

Da’an Park is also a great place for lovers of nature, as it is home to over 6000 trees, with many different types including camphor, cajuput, ficus, maples, banyan trees and palm trees, to name but a few. This incredible diversity in plant life gives Da’an Park a lot of character, and at times it can feel like you’re wandering through a botanical garden.

Da’an Park also plays host to a wide range of birds species and is an excellent spot for bird-watchers. A man-made pond in the north-west of the park is the best place to see them, though you’ll probably see plenty in other areas of the park too. The Taipei City government has done a great job of protecting the birds, and their numbers have literally doubled in the last 15 years. The birds are most active during the breeding season between March to June, and you can also see some new additions during the migratory season, which is from October to November. Birds don’t like the heat, so your best chance to see them is during the colder times of the day like morning or late afternoon and evening. Feeding the birds or fishing in the pond is strictly forbidden.

If birds aren’t your thing, there are also chubby little squirrels that like to scamper up and around the trees, as well as turtles that like to sun themselves on the rocks by the pond.

Another reason people love the park is that it makes a great place to hang out and relax. Whether you’re by yourself or in a group, it’s common for people to nap, picnic, or even sunbathe (modestly) on the grass or on one of the numerous benches scattered throughout the park. Do note, however, that official park rules state that you may not litter, drink alcohol, make fires, make excessive noise, gamble, or go to the bathroom outside (there are plenty of public toilets in the park, so we doubt this will be a problem), amongst other things. You can read the full list of park rules here.

For a free foot massage, head to the reflexology path made out of concrete and smooth, rounded rocks. Walking barefoot on these paths is supposed to help relax muscles and break down toxins by hitting pressure points on the soles of your feet. A lot of people find this a deeply unpleasant and painful experience, but we quite enjoy it for the soporific effect it has later at night. At the very least, it’s fun to try once, and it’s even more fun when your friends try it first.

For families with kids, there is a large playground with climbing frames, tunnels, swings, slides, and a sandpit near the northeastern entrance of the park. There is also a skating rink next to it, which is a popular place for kids to rollerskate.

There are also some fun water features that kids can play on (we recommend with adult supervision) that recycle water from the pond and shoot it out. It’s nothing too exciting, but still quite refreshing on a hot day.

Da’an Park really is a lovely, peaceful green space, and is wonderful both for relaxing and exercising. There’s also plenty to do nearby, so it’s easy to spend the full day there. Be sure to check out Jianguo Weekend Flower Market if you’re there before 5pm on a Saturday or Sunday, or experience a traditional tea ceremony at a beautiful tea house set in an old Japanese-style house. There’s also plenty of great food to be found on nearby Yongkang Street, or at restaurants like Baxian Grill, Antico Forno, and Teotihuacan. Whatever your interests, we highly recommend taking a stroll through Da’an Park at least once during your time in Taipei!

What’s the vibe?

Huge park in downtown Taipei with diverse plant and animal life. It’s popular with all nationalities and ages.

Worth it?

Yes! It’s a beautiful space and a great area for exercise or relaxing in.

Would you go back?

Yes. We love taking a calming stroll or jog through the park, and it’s a nice place for a picnic on a sunny day.

Last updated April 2020

Da'an Park

Chinese Name: 大安森林公園

Hours: Open 24/7

Phone: 02 2700 3830

English Address: No. 1, Section 2, Xinsheng South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City