140 Highland Park Introduction
140 Highland Park covers an area of 5.6 hectares and is located in Wanmei Village, Wenshan District, Taipei City, north of Wanning Street. It lies between Wanning Street and the second section of Wanmei Street, on hilly terrain, with the highest elevation being Mount Baozijiao at 138 meters, adjacent to the park. Before the existence of the Wanfang Community, the park area was known as Baozijiao, which was a vast hilly region inhabited by only 45 households. Today, at the foot of Mount Baozijiao, which is 138 meters high, the peak offers an expansive view. In 2004, Wenshan (Mu Zha) No. 80 Park (approximately 2.2 hectares) was established, followed by Wenshan (Mu Zha) No. 30 Park (approximately 3.4 hectares) in 2007. Together, these two parks are referred to as "140 Highland Park." The park's trailheads are located near No. 125 and No. 225 Wanning Street. Visitors ascend via a winding wooden plank staircase and, after reaching the ridge, continue on a gravel step path, following the ridge line. The park features a rich variety of flora, with viewing platforms and pavilions along the way, offering excellent views of the surrounding landscape, including a distant view of Taipei 101 and city lights below. It is considered one of the best spots for stargazing and moon-viewing. To create a sustainable ecological environment, efforts were made to maintain the original landforms during the park's development, avoiding the destruction of plant and animal habitats. Only necessary facilities and pathways linking surrounding green spaces were established, providing residents with a natural space for exercise and leisure. Local residents built a concrete water pool at Alley 23 of Wanning Street at their own expense, utilizing the existing electrical system for a simple filtration system to filter the pool water. The pool is about 100 cm deep, and to enhance visitor safety and the overall landscape, the original pool walls were removed and replaced with stone walls surrounding the pool, completed in March 2007. This initiative has successfully attracted frogs, making their calls resonate beautifully in the tranquil environment. The park also features the only "Mountain Signage Guide Map" in Taipei City, allowing visitors to learn about the mountains, their names, and heights. Additionally, there are simple fitness facilities, exercise equipment, and stretching benches available, allowing visitors to enjoy stretching and physical activities amid the serene mountain landscape. (Source: Taipei City Government, Public Works Department Park Lighting Project Management Office)
