Taiwan Food Atlas

Da'an Forest Park

A 26-hectare green space and urban ecological habitat at the heart of the city
📍 Taipei · Da'an District🏞️ Nature🔖 Ecological lake · little egrets · outdoor amphitheater

Da'an Forest Park is Taipei's largest green space in the city center, covering about 26 hectares and officially opened in 1994. A large lawn, an ecological lake, and an outdoor amphitheater are the park's main spatial features. It provides habitat for little egrets, black-crowned night herons, and other birds, and serves as a place for city residents to do morning exercise, picnic, and observe urban nature.

Highlights of Da'an Forest Park

Da'an Forest Park's site was agricultural experimental land during the Japanese colonial period and was later used as a military dependents' village. It opened as an urban park after redevelopment was completed in 1994. The park is traversed by three main walkways, with an open lawn in the central area suitable for gatherings, kite-flying, or casual picnicking. The ecological lake in the southern part of the park has planted vegetation along its banks that supports waterbird habitat; black-crowned night herons, little egrets, and other wading birds can be seen there from time to time.

The outdoor amphitheater holds free or low-cost musical performances periodically; information can be found on the Taipei City Government events platform. The park has a diverse range of plants, with different flowers in bloom in different seasons — in spring, Taiwan golden rain trees and bald cypress have their respective viewing periods. Early morning and evening are when the park sees the heaviest foot traffic; morning tai chi and evening walks and jogs are part of the daily routine for nearby residents, and the overall atmosphere is easy and natural.

How to make the most of your visit

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Bird-watching at the ecological lakeBird activity is most frequent in the early morning and at dusk. Little egrets and night herons rest by the lake — move quietly and slowly to avoid disturbing them.
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Picnic on the lawnThe central lawn is open for entry; you can spread a picnic mat or sit on the ground. Families and groups of friends gather here more on weekends.
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Check the amphitheater eventsThe park amphitheater holds performances periodically. Check the Taipei City Government events webpage or park notices before visiting to confirm the current program.
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Jog a lap around the parkOne circuit of the main walkway is about 1.5 to 2 kilometers on a level surface, well suited to jogging. There are many early-morning runners.

Practical information

Getting there and time needed

  • Take the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi Line or Songshan–Xindian Line to Da'an Forest Park Station; the park entrance is directly at the exit.
  • The park is open all day and free to enter. Amphitheater performances require checking event announcements for times and entry details.
  • There are no vending machines or restaurants inside the park. Bring your own water; sun protection gear is also advisable in summer.

Nearby connections

  • Yongkang Street, near the MRT station, has many well-known street food spots and cafes and makes a natural stop for a meal after a walk in the park.
  • National Taiwan University campus is within walking distance; the Royal Palm Boulevard and the university farm are pleasant spaces to wander.

Source: Taipei City Government Park and Street Lights Office information and public data. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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