Jingzi Ancient Canal Introduction
The Qingci River, located in the Shilin District of Taipei City, flows for approximately 2.1 kilometers with a watershed area of 450 hectares. The river is abundant in flow, has clear water, and boasts diverse ecosystems. It traverses four villages: Qingshan, Pingdeng, Gongguan, and Xishan, serving as the water source for the Shilin District. The scenic riverbanks along the stretch from Qingci Bridge to Zhugao Ridge Bridge make it a popular destination for stream enthusiasts. The steep and fast-flowing Qingci River often experienced erosion and debris flow during heavy rain. To balance watershed safety and ecological conservation, the Public Works Department of the Taipei City Government has implemented comprehensive planning and funding for its rehabilitation. According to Huang Tianjin, the head of the Landslide Prevention Section, the Qingci River employs a porous masonry method, installing hydrophilic facilities along the route to maintain ecological balance, currently attracting many stream hiking aficionados. The rehabilitation principles for the Qingci River follow the natural terrain, incorporating hydrophilic platforms, trails, and solid bed structures beneficial for wildlife habitats. At locations with significant elevation drops in the riverbed, large stones are placed to dissipate energy. Additionally, sedimentation ponds are established in flatter areas of the river to serve both flood control and hydrophilic purposes. The rehabilitation of the Qingci River is divided into four segments from upstream (near Happy Farm) to downstream tributaries. The creek near Happy Farm employs near-natural methods to install fish ladders, facilitating fish migration and rehabilitation, which adds vitality to the ecosystem. The Public Works Department mentions that the section of the Qingci River flowing beside Futian Garden Farm includes hydrophilic platforms and trails, complemented by near-natural solid bed structures and bank protection, creating a beautiful environment with clear water that has increasingly attracted stream hikers in recent years. Further downstream near Qingci Bridge, there are hydrophilic trails where visitors can sit on the ground, soak their feet in the cool stream, and listen to the soothing sounds of flowing water, offering a tranquil atmosphere. The Public Works Department emphasizes that the tributary of the Qingci River downstream, which is about 280 meters long, features cherry blossom trees planted along its banks, along with hydrophilic facilities creating recreational spaces. Every winter, the cherry blossoms bloom, providing a poetic experience for walkers along the blossoming creek. The Department recommends exploring the diverse landscapes of the Qingci River, which is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making it ideal for stream hiking on sunny days to stretch and relax. Ascending along the Qingci River not only allows visitors to enjoy the clear waters and beautiful riverside landscapes but also immerses them in an environment rich in birds and native plants, where dragonflies and damselflies dart about, and schools of fish such as guppy and bitterling can be seen swimming. The stretch between Qingci Bridge and Zhugao Ridge Bridge is known as a new secret location for group stream hikes. Source: Public Works Department, Taipei City Government.
