Qingtang Ecological Park is a 6.34-hectare urban ecological park in the Qingpu HSR Special Zone, Zhongli District, Taoyuan, converted from an agricultural pond that once served both irrigation and flood-control functions; it was renovated and opened as a public waterside space in March 2015. The park’s white cable-stayed scenic bridge, suspended between the “Tower of Hope” and the “Tower of Eternity,” has become a landmark of the Qingpu new district, while the pond continues to function ecologically as a waterbird habitat and supports the conservation breeding of the Taiwan yellow waterlily.
Qingtang Park’s water body was originally an agricultural irrigation pond within Taoyuan Plateau’s pond system, also serving a flood-control function; its cable-stayed scenic bridge—supported by the “Tower of Hope” and “Tower of Eternity”—was completed in March 2015, and the park covers about 6.34 hectares. It was the first pilot site chosen by the former Taoyuan County Government for its pond-and-irrigation-canal regeneration program, and it also supports conservation breeding of the Taiwan yellow waterlily, a rare native aquatic plant.
What to See at Qingtang Ecological Park
Taoyuan Plateau's dense system of agricultural ponds has historically formed the foundation for local irrigation. As urbanization advanced, most ponds were filled in and developed; Qingtang Park is one of the few cases where the water body has been fully preserved within an urban area. The park's design centers on aquatic ecology: the shoreline retains a natural gentle slope to minimize hardened embankments and preserve as much space as possible for waterbirds to rest and forage.
A white arched scenic bridge spans the water surface. Its clean lines make it the park's most prominent man-made structure. From the bridge, visitors can view the full expanse of the pond and the surrounding HSR special zone buildings, creating a juxtaposed image of old and new landscape. The park is open year-round. In the early morning the water is calm, and egrets, black-crowned night herons, and other waterbirds are commonly seen active along the banks. At dusk the angle of reflected sunlight on the water is favorable — a good time to observe the interplay of light and shadow.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- About a 10-minute walk from HSR Taoyuan Station; also accessible by shuttle bus or YouBike.
- The park is open all day with no admission fee; a public car park is nearby.
Nearby Connections
- Xpark Aquarium is within walking distance and can be combined into a same-day Zhongli Qingpu itinerary.
- The Qingpu special zone has several restaurants and shopping centers that can serve as dining stops along the itinerary.
Sources: Taoyuan City Government Bureau of Construction, Qingtang Park materials. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Qingtang Park’s site before it became a park?
It was an agricultural pond within Taoyuan Plateau’s pond system, which also served a flood-control function.
What kind of structure is the park’s scenic bridge?
It is a cable-stayed bridge completed in March 2015, suspended between the “Tower of Hope” and the “Tower of Eternity,” and it serves as the park’s landmark.
What ecological conservation role does Qingtang Park play?
The pond still functions as a waterbird habitat and supports the conservation breeding of the rare Taiwan yellow waterlily.
Sources
- 青塘園 - 維基百科，自由的百科全書 — 面積6.34公頃、2015年景觀橋完工資訊
- 青塘園 - 桃園觀光導覽網 — 官方景點介紹