Yanping Riverside Park Introduction
Taipei's Yanping Riverside Park is located between the Chongxiao Bridge and the pumping station at Section 9 of Yanping North Road, along the outer highland area. This area was once a recreational space for Taipei residents in the 1940s. Yanping Riverside Park is close to the area from Chongxiao Bridge to the end of Minsheng West Road, featuring a large expanse of land. Entering from the end of Nanjing West Road (No. 4), one can see dense forests, green grass, and shaded trees. This has historically been the backyard for residents of Datong District, where in the early morning, one might often see elderly people dancing the tarantella, as well as others walking or practicing tai chi. At the end of Nanjing West Road (No. 4), there is a "Yanping Temple," which remains a gathering place for local elders, with a plaque inscribed with the year "Yiji," estimated to be built around 1905. Under the large offering table in the temple courtyard, the statue of the Tiger God is ancient and lively, seemingly bearing witness to the local rise and fall. Outside the Minsheng West Road (No. 5) water gate is Dadaocheng Wharf. Upon entering the water gate, one can see colorful Tangshan sailboats and elegantly arched bridges, along with a blue public boat dock that currently provides routes to Guandu or Bali, allowing visitors to experience a different charm from land travel. Dadaocheng Wharf (No. 5 water gate) features a blue public boat dock, coffee plaza, and Tangshan sailboats, making it possible to ride bikes along the river northward, accompanied by views of Yangmingshan and the sunset over the Tamsui River; compared to the heavy traffic on several overhead bridges, the tranquility below feels especially rare. Cyclists can also visit adjacent cultural heritage sites, including Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, Xiahai City God Temple, Taipei Confucius Temple, Dalongdong Baoan Temple, and Yongle Market, offering a glimpse into the former prosperity of Dadaocheng.
