Wandering Taipei. April 2025. Xindian River walk.
A day near a river. Walking through the streams of life.
A summary of my Taiwan posts is here.
Xindian river walk.
Xindian River, at 82 km long, is one of the major rivers of Taipei City along with Keelung and Tamsui rivers. It is a source of drinking water for Taipei residents and also a main artery forming Tamsui River. I walked along both, Tamsui and Keelung last year, now time to check another one. Rivers are like life, short or long, calm or turbulent, clean or dirty…
Walking Xindian is probably more interesting around Xindian MRT station. On the map I can see a few designated hiking trails and parks. But I was trying to eat two cakes with one mouth because I had a business meeting in the south of Taipei, not far from Fuhe riverside park. Knowing that we will finish sometime during mid-day I packed my change of clothes beforehand. Work done and I am heading towards the riverside and spot a gate. To enter a different world without the revving noises of motorbikes and other wheelie creatures. Literally, although the highway was not that far, it felt liberating to leave behind the noise of the streets. Somehow, I never can get used to the ever-present vrooming of motorcycles in Taipei, sneaking behind and around you at every corner. Half of Taiwan adults own them, convenience rules!
There was a map designed for the cyclists, but still helpful, I got my bearings better looking at it.
Highway veered to the right after Yongfu Bridge, and from Guting Park the walk was green and peaceful.
Some rest stations on the way. Could be useful in the summer, as even in the beginning of April, the day I walked, it was 28°C. Occasional toilets and water stations were also helpful.
On the way plenty of outdoor gyms. I told myself each time I see one I do at least 5 chin ups. I regretted this commitment the next day, muscles paying back with a dull, but somehow pleasant aching.
A small temple, and a tiny piece of soap hanging inside a net bag near the water stand. Thoughtful.
I was already convinced that this road is entirely designed for the cyclists only, the map reinforcing this opinion, but finally after Zhongzheng Bridge I spotted a sign for the pedestrians too.
Fishermen near the sign prohibiting this very activity.
Two hours into the walk I am entering another river park called Zhongzheng. Seems the river is at its widest here showing off its broad shoulders.
“Shhh”, a man in front of me raising his hand and bending his palm imitating cobra, with the other hand pointing at the grass.
“??”
Finally, I see it. A snake taking a sun bath. I Google the name “cobra” in Chinese and show to the man, he nods. Not sure, if he is right, but I decided to avoid walking on the grass that day.
I pass The Memorial Park and enter Huazhong area, greener here.
If you need a short city escape within the city, and live nearby, I think this particular area is good.
Donglong Temple hovering over the river.
I finish my walk near Wanban Bridge and walk towards Longshan Temple MRT station. On the way I pass a former sugar factory, now turned into arts gallery. There are a few art galleries here which form Tangbu Cultural Park. Could be a destination by itself for the art lovers.
Wandering here is also fun, especially along Dali Street.
Below is my rough map of the walk.
Another river, another walk, another day… Life.
When I read your accounts of such walks, I have a feeling that I am walking alongside you. The attention to detail is amazing, just as your ability to spot and bring out the most interesting, unusual and uncommon.